help...first baby, need advice!!

[lalalaurz]

Hi everyone, I'm 11 weeks pregnant with my first child and I'm very excited (!!) However,I finished 9 months of chemo in January and I'm really concerned it will affect the baby. I've heard a few people say that the 12 week scan only tells you how far gone you are and how many babies you're carrying, rather than if there's anything significantly wrong. Is this true? If so does that mean I have to wait til my 20 week scan?

I'm not sure about chemo affects, but congrats on your baby, they can tell some abnormalities at your 12week scan and the others at 20wks. Is there anything you are specifiacly worried about?

I'm sorry I dont know the answer to your question but I wanted to bump this for you. And say congratulations!

I don't know to b honest, there are just so many things I'm concerened about, like the fact I cant take my medication anymore for instance. I'll put up with the pain for the sake of my baby but its hard.
Thanks eenywifemum xx

I think even at 12 weeks they can see some problems such as those growth related and can do a test called the Nuchal fold where they measure the fluid behind the neck and give a statistical probability of a condition such as Downs. They do routinely check the heart and other organs in detail at a 20 week scan but in the meantime blood tests can rule out many other potential conditions and there are further investigations and scans available where relevant. I don't know enough about the effects of chemo to know what you may need to be concerned about or at what stage they could show up, but the midwife or your consultant should be able to guide you and offer reassurance.

Good luck

First of all, congratulations!

If I were you, I would get in touch with whoever supervised your chemo in the winter, or at least give his details to your midwife so she can contact him - they will either be able to put your mind at rest, or they'll be able to talk to your midwife and/or consultant if they decide you need any extra attention, scans etc.

Thanks so much. I suppose its normal to be worried, I just cant wait to get the scan done so I can see whats happening!

I found this on the net for you

If, however, a man or a woman remains fertile after having chemotherapy there is no evidence that their future offspring have any increased risk of birth defects. A number of studies have looked at the risk of abnormalities in the children of men and women who have had chemotherapy in the past and the risk is no greater than the general population. So the fact that you had chemotherapy in the past does not mean that there will be any ill effects on any children you may have in the future.

mia84 that is a great thing!! I hope that helps comfort you lala.

also I agree about contacting your doctor who did the chemo. And also you may be able to get an early scan to put your mind at rest considering your circumstances.

Yeah i thought it may help. Sounds good to me anyway!
I searched on the bbc website. theres a lot there. i can find the website for you if you like.

congratulations, very happy for you