Today we had our follow-up ultrasound with the perinatologist. This was a fact-finding mission of sorts. Not just a search for soft-tissue markers for Down Syndrome, but a gender revelation as well! Sorry that I can’t share the big news just yet, but we need to share with some special grandmas before going public!
That being said, Baby Kueter looked great. The specialist looked at baby’s brain, stomach, spine, and long bones, paying special attention to the heart (as my sister had a baby with a congenital heart defect). Not only were all 4-chambers present, but there was no canal defect (common among babies with Down Syndrome and my nephew’s diagnosis). And although baby was in the breech position s/he flipped several times just during the ultrasound!
While, the doctor wouldn’t change my odds considerably, he did lower my risk for this little one having Down Syndrome a bit. Apparently close to 50% of babies with Down Syndrome do not have soft-tissue markers that appear on ultrasound so I think that he is erring on the side of caution. That being said, I really have come to feel a certain sense of peace about the whole situation.
This lovely gal, Kelle, has really helped me out…whether she even knows it or not. If you haven’t discovered her blog, Enjoying the Small Things, then you must check it out. Kelle was surprised with the gift of a baby daughter with Down Syndrome in January of this year. Her blog is honest, raw, and full of emotion as well as beautiful with pictures of both of her daughters and the “small things” that bring them pleasure each day. Her blog is pure eye candy!
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers…I know they must be working because I felt such a sense of calm and peace when I walked into that appointment with my family this morning. We are halfway to accepting whatever gift God has chosen to grace us with and we can’t wait until delivery day!!!
