Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Perinatologist Appointment update

I finally had my appointment with the specialist today. The ultrasound was long and thorough. The genetics consult was....awkward. The lady kept skirting around the daddy issue. When she finally came out and asked if I knew who the father was, I provided her with the copy of the information I received from the cryogenics facility. Her reaction was "That's all you got?" uuuh yeah. I didn't know if I should be really worried that I didn't receive more information from the clinic or if I should somehow be ashamed that I used a donor. She was a very nice, professional lady but her demeanor when discussing the donor clearly made her act differently which just made me feel uncomfortable. Who knows, maybe its my hormones that made me feel that way and I can't expect everyone to be cool with my decision to use an anonymous donor.

The doctor came in and said he could completely throw the nuchal fold measurement out the window. At this point the baby's head circumference is out of the range that they would use as a comparison for the nuchal fold width (I hope I'm explaining this right). The dilated kidneys seem to have shown some signs that the issue was starting to correct itself (I did not get the measurements). He wants to continue to have it monitored but felt by the time the baby was born, this wouldn't be an issue. Then we discussed the EIF. On this ultrasound, the calcifications were not showing up as dark as bone but where definitely there. Again, it looked better on this ultrasound than it did two weeks ago. He said that could be because they used a higher resolution ultrasound today than what was used two weeks ago and it could also be attributed to the issue beginning to correct itself. He said that even if it didn't go away it should not affect the function of the heart and that it is the only Down's marker that he saw. He said the EIF, along with my age, left me with a 1 out of 200 chance of having a baby born with down's. I will gladly take those odds.

He gave me the option to go ahead and get an amnio to know for sure or do a growth scan in 4 weeks and another one 5 weeks later. I chose the growth scan after he again repeated that he felt that things would most likely rectify themselves. Overall, I feel really good about the appointment and am looking forward to sleeping through the night without waking up from worrying.

Interestingly, he told me that my circlage was considered "controversial". He told me the next time I get pregnant, he would recommend me NOT getting one because my cervix showed no signs of shortening. He also asked me to provide the names of the doctors who told me I needed it. I've been told by two doctors that I needed one due to my previous LEEP, and a third doctor that told me it wouldn't hurt to get one done. I asked if it would be better if I had it taken out but he thought we should just leave it for now. I dont know who to believe.

With all this good news this week, I can head back home to see the family without any worries. The baby shower is on Saturday and I made my sister promise to not do any belly measuring games. I already feel like a whale and I still have another 103 days to go!

7 comments:

wottadoll said...

Excellent news! I hope all the issues continue to resolve naturally and the baby is perfect and healthy.

Kristina said...

That's great news, I'm so happy for you. Yes, I'd take those odds too! Strange about the cerclage, but I guess better that you took the conservative route? Have fun at your shower!

Little One said...

All of these results sound promising. Sweet dreams!

bunintheovenplease! said...

This all sounds like very good news - and also its probably good to know that there are differing opinions about circlage!

Isis said...

Yay! I'm glad the results have given you some relief. I hope you have a great baby shower!

Gille said...

Great news! Hope you can relax and enjoy the holidays and your baby celebration on Saturday! (I hate those belly measuring games too!)

Tiara said...

I'm so glad you got good news & can ease hour mind & enjoy your time with your family...have fun at your shower! I can't wait to hear about all the great stuff!!