Ultrasound Question

Updated on July 11, 2007
J.M. asks from Camarillo, CA
11 answers

I just had my 1st trimester ultrasound in 3D/4D. The high risk doctor (I'm 35) looked at the monitor and the said your baby is perfectly normal. Then the technician took over and took measurements and all the usual stuff. When it got to the point where she needed measurements of the nasal bone she said the baby wasn't cooperating but that this happened all the time. Then when I went back to my regular OB, the report from the high risk doctor/technician said the nasal bone wasn't visible. My OB started talking about Down Syndrome and I just got freaked out. He said all my blood work was normal and showed no signs that the baby would have down but now I have to wait until my 16 week ultrasound to know for sure. Has this happened to anyone else? I am so wierded out by this that I can't enjoy being pregnant at this point.

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A.S.

answers from Reno on

I wouldn't be freaked out at all. It's a huge honor to be able to carry a child inside of you, and so many other women would love to experience that feeling. You have a beautiful 14 month old son who needs a healthy and mentally healthy mommy. This is also an exciting time for your son to see his sis/bro growing inside of you. Enjoy all aspects of just being pregnant whether your child will have special needs or not, enjoy being sick, sleepless nights, sweating in the summer, swelling ankles, all this only lasts for so long. If you've made it through all those 14 months with your son now, then you can handle whatever is thrown at you now and later. I wouldn't be so concerned about anything yet until you get to that next ultrasound and even after that, God doesn't give us what we can't handle. You'll still love your child even with special needs and you'll still make that child a huge part of your life as well as your son's life regardless. That is human nature for a mom. Be patient and live in the moment of being pregnant. When you find out if your child will be special needs or not you will be able to embrace the challenge just as you did as a first time mom with your son. It's definiltly not a piece of cake to be a mom, but we all make things happen. good luck and keep us all posted!!!

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A.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Argh! That's the problem with modern medicine!!! It can show us so much and yet know very little at the same time. And doctors are trained to look for what's wrong, not what's normal. Sigh. All it does is freak us moms out.
With all the available testing, you are likely to get "false positives", or "we're not sure's" - they could think your baby has Down's but then it's born healthy and there have also been instances where babies have seemed perfectly healthy in utero and been born with Downs. There's no 100% guarantee of anything in pregnancy and in life. I refused to see a high-risk doctor even though I'm 35 (and almost 36 weeks pregnant) for those very reasons (a decision that felt right for my husband and I - not recommending it for you or anyone else).

My best advice would be to acknowledge your feelings and fears, then let them go and tune into your body and your baby. Just sit and breathe and connect with the little life inside. My guess is you'll sense that everything is okay. You also need to figure out if you'd terminate your pregnancy for Down's Syndrome. We knew we wouldn't, so we didn't want to find out.

It sounds like everything is fine. Allow yourself to worry when you need to (it's ridiculous to tell a pregnant woman to not worry at all!) but don't let it take over your life. Take care of yourself, eat healthy, exercise, take time to relax and trust that your body and your baby know exactly what to do. Women have been doing this a long, long time :)

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A.G.

answers from San Francisco on

I wouldn't be more worried about this than your high risk OB is. the baby was turned the wrong way to get a good vis of the nasal bone. no biggie if everything else looks normal. I'm sure you're carrying a healthy baby.

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J.C.

answers from San Francisco on

It's hard I know... but I would try not to worry about it.

The U/S probably came back with high risk, because of liability issues, etc. Even though they may PERSONALLY think everything is fine if they dont write it in their little report they are leaving an opening for a potential lawsuit...

I would recommend trying a 3D ultrasound place. I got a great weekday special for 100 bucks at 2 different places. Tell them up front if they can tell you whether or not they located the nasal bone. You dont want to have one done and then have them not tell you.

There are so many rules against them releasing information or "diagnosing" customers. Likely because of liability issues again. Everyone is scared of getting sued.

Hope this helps.

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A.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

All this means is that the baby's nasal bone wasnt visible,,, doesnt mean he/she doesnt have one honey. Even if your child has Down's its not horrible. Relax and enjoy the life growing inside. This is a little person who will need you and love you and look up to you whether or not they are special needs.

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M.S.

answers from Sacramento on

J.,
I was told that my baby might have downs at an ultrasound. He had extra fluid in his brain and a spot on his heart. I spent a lot of time worrying about it and in the end he was perfectly fine. And actually when it came down to it I would have loved him no matter how he was. I regret now staying so focussed on the downs issue because I don't think I ever really enjoyed my pregnancy. They will obviously do another ultrasound and until then be positive and enjoy your little one inside you.

M.

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L.D.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hi J.,
I had a simular experience. So I went to another ultrasound clinic. There is one in Tustin. I believe its a school. It only cost $30.00 and you can bring your own DVD or VHS to record the ultrasound. (Sorry, I cant find the number. Ive been looking all morning)
They will spend alot more time with you, so there is more of a chance to see more of your baby. This way you can be more certain that nothing is wrong with your baby.
Good luck!

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S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know exactly how you feel. My situation was a little on the opposite end. I found out in my 7th month that my son had hydrphelus ( water on the brain). I was told there was nothing I could do about it. I was told at that time that I should consider ending the pregnancy. At this point I was close to being 8 months along. I went to three doctors before I got some encouraging news. Here is my suggestion this help put my mind at ease. Try to see a geneticist ( I think that it how it is spelled) This doctor will go over ultrasounds a little differently than regular dotors do. They also go over your family history as well as the father. Don't give up and don't let the doctors get you down. They call it practicing medicine for a reason. Doctors aren't always right.Good luck and I hope everything turns out well!!!

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M.Z.

answers from Reno on

Don't get freaked out! Relax. Stress isn't good for you or the baby. 1st trimester is so hard to see very much on an ultrasound. The doctor was probably just making you aware of possibilities. Supposedly if a woman is 35 or older they are at higher risk for DS in their baby. Iwas 24 when I was pregnant with my last baby and my blood test said I was high risk for DS, but everything turned out fine. They have to be cautious. You should just enjoy your pregnancy. You can't know anything for sure until you are much farther along.

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C.N.

answers from San Luis Obispo on

Dear J.,

Now, let's think about this. The worse thing that could happen would be that the baby has Down's Syndrome, he or she is healthy otherwise? Down's Syndrome people are the nicest, sweetest, most loving people you will ever meet. They have no agenda. They always make the parents and family feel lucky to be with them. Yes, this is true.

Now, let's talk about waiting for the second shoe to fall - that is an old saying, maybe you have heard it. By being so upset you are taking away from yourself some very good days, hours and minutes to no avail. Nothing that you can do will make any changes. Except you could pray for health for the baby, and patience and health for yourself. Bring peace to your environment. No matter what happens, God will be with you and your baby and happy family.

14 Months old is such a lovely age. They are always so beautiful.

Yes, all that I have written is true, C. N.

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F.A.

answers from Las Vegas on

get an amnio that will ease every thing ....if you are really worried

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