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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

24 weeks, baby has Downs Syndrome Soft markers please help!

9 replies

AlisonDB · 31/08/2012 08:41

Please can you help me?
Im 24 weeks pregnant and have been told my baby has Soft markers that indicate Downs Syndrome.

We will love our baby no matter,
but i am now worrying myself sick, not sleeping properly, which in turn affects my on going morning sickness, making me more sick!
Im trying not to worry but its not easy!

At our anomally scan at 21 weeks
They found 2 soft markers on our little boy.
Cif (calcium spots) in the heart Left Ventricle
Dilated kidneys L = 5.0mm R = 5.6mm

We where pushed and almost bullied into having a follow up scan and Amnio.
We agreed to the scan but refused the Amnio the risk of miscarrage we felt was too great.
We had lots of disapproving looks etc because of our decission, but we wouldnt change our minds.
(i understand the only way we know for sure is by having the Amnio, but i just cant)

At our follow up scan at 22 weeks the results where
Cif - still showing in the heart LV.
Kidney dilation - now No longer a concern. L = 4.6mm, R = 5.2mm

But now they found 2 extra soft markers
1 small cyst CPC in the brain measuring 3.mm
And a short Femur.
(they didnt measure any of his other Long bones)

Apart from that there where no other abnormalities,
they checked the nasal bone and it is present although she couldnt acuratly measure it, and the N. Fold was well within normal range.
his Bowl and Umbilical Cord where both normal and everything else was also marked as Normal.

Also they told us he is small for dates.

I have been feeling him move around since he was 15/16 weeks,
My hubby and oldest Son have been able to feel him kick from 20 weeks, he is a very active baby,
(just like my 1st)

I am 36 will be just 37 when he is born i am only 5ft,
and slim build, pre pregnancy size 8.
this is my 2nd pregnancy, i have had no miscarrages.
My Hubby is 34 and is 5ft 7" so again not really tall
Non of our Family are tall, heights ranging from 4ft 10" to 5ft 8"

My son who is 4, also had a dilated kidney (we think before his birth although not detected)
He had a serious UTI when he was a baby was in hospital on IV antibiotics for 5 days undergoing tests, including scan of his kidneys (1 lTarger than other)
He then was on Antibiotics for a further 5 months.
He is also just under average height for his age, but is very healthy now.

Sorry for including SO much information but i didnt want to miss anything out!

Thanks!

OP posts:
yoyomummy · 31/08/2012 08:55

Sorry I can't help as have no experience of this but thought I'd send you some support. I'm sure there'll be people on here who can offer advice.
Fwiw I think that you were right to stick to your instincts about the amnio ( sp) scan.

SunflowersSmile · 31/08/2012 08:58

As you are keeping your baby whatever the result I totally understand your decision for not having amnio. However, I can understand how hard it is not being sure if your baby has downs syndrome or not. No help really apart for find as many friends/ friendly understanding medical people as possible to support you in your choices.
Take care.

SunflowersSmile · 31/08/2012 09:00

MMaybe also contact ARC- anti natal results and choices. They are good to talk to and are non judgemental.

jenbird · 31/08/2012 09:08

I have no personal experience of this but a friend had several anomalies picked up at her 20 week scan. She went on to have follow up scans but like you refused the amnio based on risks. She was told to prepare for a baby with Down's and was worried sick. She had at least 4 strong markers (can't remember which ones sorry) but when her son was born he was perfectly healthy.
I hope that you have the same result but if you don't you will love your baby no matter what. I know it is easier said than done but please don't torture yourself x

AlisonDB · 31/08/2012 11:20

Thankyou all i am in such a shocked state right now.
I keep going over all my results and the markers they mention seem so small but now the seed of doubt has been planted, i know we wont fully settle till im actually holding our baby.
Do you know how i can contact ARC??

Thanks x

OP posts:
Taxicat · 31/08/2012 11:25

If you are talking about "Antenatal Results and Choices
" charity, I believe their website is www.arc-uk.org/

IWantToGoToThere · 31/08/2012 14:35

You might also find a lot of support on the MN Antenatal Tests/Choices board as a lot of the ladies have gone through similar. Wishing you and your little boy all the best

sammyleh · 31/08/2012 15:42

I second jenbirds comment, and also offer a little ray of light. I know a lady that was given a very high risk factor for Downs, she was told 50/50 chance and so spent the rest of her pregnancy worrying herself sick about how she'd cope in the future and she didn't have the amnio either due to risk of misscarriage. Baby was born perfectly healthy & without Downs. Its stories like this that made me decide not to go with any tests for it but I still worry - its the fear of the unknown but I'll deal with whatever happens. Good luck, try not to stress yourself out too much xx

AlisonDB · 31/08/2012 16:38

I have phoned the ARC they where lovely, very helpful and understanding.
I feel much more reasured now.
Thanks for all your advice! ;-)

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