my son has gastroschisis

[mummycooper]

hey everyone im coming up to 25 weeks pregnant and my baby boy has gastroschisis, were his bowels are on the outside of his body. i found out at my 20 week scan. Last week i went for another scan at the royal hospital belfast were im being referred, luckily everything else is grande, his development etc etc is perfect just his wee bowels arent in were theyre meant to be. Im trying to stay positive but i still feel swo down.Im having a great pregnancy and feeling his wee kics are amazing, but whats getting me down is the fact tht once hes born, i wont be able to hold him, he will br stuck in an incubator geeting fed via a tube for up to 4 days till his bowels heal and the peadrition said he could be in hospital up to 2 months or more depending how he recovers. That breaks my heart, once hes born (ive to have c section also) the natural things il be wanting to do, i wont be able to. Obviously i want him to get whatever treatment he needs i want him safe and well, theres nothing i can do. I just feel helpless, and anxious and as much as i want to remain enjouying my first pregnancy its upsetting also. I also may give birth early, babies with this tend to wanna be born around 36 plus weeks, so im gunna start maternity leave from 33 weeks plus think its for the best.

If anyone is in the same situation as me or has good info to share id appreciate it.

Catherine x

I know it isn't how anyone expects their pregnancy or start of their time with their new baby to be, but try to focus on the fact that it's known about, everything will be done to manage the situation and that there is no reason to think that he won't be anything but absolutely fine in the long run.

Ask if you'll be able to cuddle him in those first few hours/days. Perhaps visit the neonatal unit so that you've got an idea what to expect. If you are planning on breastfeeding ask them now how they will support you with expressing until you can start feeding him yourself.

I hope someone with more personal experience will be able to give you more reassurance soon

Hello congratulations Catherine, sorry to hear you're down. My 39yo DH sitting next to me was born with gastroschisis and is still thriving and soon to be a dad himself. I can't imagine how his mum felt when he came out and was whisked away but I wanted to reassure you that even all that time ago he was fine. He now dines out on not having a belly button: I think they even put one in now. It must be hard wanting to meet your baby and hold him - I am sure you will soon be bringing him home. D xx [hugs]

My ds was born with a cleft lip and palate that was diagnosed on scan at 32 weeks. I spent the rest of my pregnancy just wanting him born, and the problem sorted.

Surgery was dreadful from an emotional point of view, although it worked out well. Many operations later I have a 19 year old DS who I am so proud of, who is well adjusted, loved by many, wide circle of friends, first year at uni, general all round 'good guy' - infact, the best there could be.

I look at him now, and think of those nights (weeks/months!) of worry, and if only I could have seen into the future, I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Your DS will be fine, and so will you. But be kind to yourself - it's a really tough time you're going thru', but all will be well.

Hope this helps.

x