Cystic hygroma

[hollyhox]

I am 17 weeks pregnant with non-identical twin boys. At the 12 week scan one of them had a small cystic hygroma on its neck which was still present at 14 weeks. I was referred to a Fetal Medicine Unit where they confirmed baby had a small hygroma.

The three outcomes were presented to me; baby has a chromosome problem, baby has a problem with a major organ, it may resolve and be fine. I was told that having an amniocentesis now would carry a small risk to both babies so I have opted to wait until 32 weeks to have it as I don't want to put either baby at risk. However I don't know what is worse, not knowing now is really difficult. Me and my husband fight about stuff all the time as he is trying to plan for two babies and I am telling him I just don't know if we will be lucky enough to bring them both home. For example he wants to buy a new car and my head just isn't in that place at the moment

I am trying to be as positive as possible however sometimes it helps me to be prepared for the worst. I am finding it really hard to enjoy this pregnancy and feel I am constantly thinking about the twin with the hygroma. I already feel guilty for not relishing in the fact we have one healthy baby boy inside me.

Has anybody experienced anything similar?

My baby was born with something similar: basically a cystic hygroma but he’s one of the 5% who have them in a different place - his is on the side of his abdomen. It wasn’t picked up antenatally. He is 17 months now and completely well apart from the cyst: no developmental delays and no sign of any chromosomal abnormalities. Thought it might reassure you to know that you can have these without any other underlying problems, although I appreciate it is slightly more complex when they are on the neck due to pressure effects. I hope your twin has the best possible outcome.

Hi, I am going through something similar at the moment, I was told the same at 12 weeks, I am going back to the Consultant for review at 16 weeks and have the option of amnio then. Even just this few weeks of uncertainty is very tough so I can imagine the not knowing for all that time must be really hard.

I'm sorry to hear you are going through something similar, you have my sympathy at a time like this, especially when it's so weird going into hospitals and getting scanned. I've found the midwives and consultants to be even lovelier than usual and very caring.

I hope it works out positive for you. 🤞

Hi @hollyhox I am going through a similar situation on a single pregnancy. I hope everything went ok and was wondering what happened at the amniocentesis? Xx

Hi @Lola266 , sorry for the delay. In the end I didn't have an amniocentesis due to the risk it carried to the baby. I had a detailed heart scan at a FMU as well as a detailed scan on all organs.

Everything looked fine. Baby born at 37 weeks along with his twin brother with no visible signs of abnormality. We have declined further testings as he seems okay. The only thing is that he is very energetic 19 month old and lots of people have asked us if he is ADHD, although it's definitely too soon to tell. He also has a few ASD/sensory issues. However we are so lucky to have him.

Wishing you all the best with your little one. I hope you have someone to talk to about it and support you.