Week 14~ the joy of parenthood... worry.

So before I get to the weekly update thingy I want to write about something else. I've debated if I was going to share this on here or really share it with anyone. I don't want to cause undo worry on family and friends. But we got some news last Wednesday from Dr. G that is a little bit concerns regarding the "bean". Eventhough our ultrasound looked good (which by the way is VERY positive), there was something amiss in my bloodwork that came back that "bean" has a 1:50 chance of having Down Syndrome. Now when you see those numbers it does look a little scary... but my normal age related risk is 1:120. The factors that take into account for the ratio is maternal age, ultrasound, bloodwork (specifically testing for HCG and PApp-a), if you are diabetic and your weight. Well with four of those five things against me it is not surprising I guess to see a greater risk. Now you also have to remember that a 1:50 chance also means that there is a 98% chance that everything is fine with "bean"... something that Dr. G related over and over to me that night :) So since we are not interested in terminating this pregnancy for any reason and the risk of having an amino are a 1% risk of miscarriage we have decided to go ahead with further noninvasive screening. This includes more blood work at 16 weeks (which by the way if you remember KK's pregancy gave us a higher probablity that she would have a neuro-tube defect for the same reasons as this "positive" downs screening... testing based on Age, weight, diabetes and bloodwork... she is perfect!) We will also have another advanced level 2 ultrasound between 20 and 22 weeks that will look for other "soft markers" for downs syndromes... things like problems with the heart, kidneys and different measurements of body parts. All these things really won't change the outcome... if "bean" has downs... we'll deal with it! We'll love him/her (I'm still thinking boy by the way) and will do what is necessary to make that birth the best for "bean". Now I have also spent a great deal of time thinking about if I even really want the rest of the testing... but if markers do show downs... it is best to deliver in a facility that can deal with potential problems with heart and kidneys. So that all being said and put out there for the world to read... Do I think "bean" has downs... No, the odds are with us for now. Do I think that we need to have further testing to prepare ourselves... Yes... it is the responsible worrying parent thing to do :) So... be with us in thought and prayer and we'll keep ya updated... but for now I'm going to enjoy my pregancy, stay off of google (which btw is evil) and think of the 98%! Much love, Jen :)

 

How far along? 14 weeks 5 days
EDD: 6/3/12

Weight gain/loss:  +7... lost 2.

Next Ultrasound: Probably not until we get to South Dakota in January at 20-22 weeks.

Size of baby:  Lemon

Gender: Maybe someday we'll know :)

Maternity clothes? Been asking for some for Christmas... fun present huh? :)

Stretch marks:  Just the old ones.

Sleep: Not as tired as previous weeks. But KK has been getting up early and this makes me a little more sleepy during the day. Maybe I need a pillow under my desk!

Best moment this week: Getting pics with KK for Christmas.

Food cravings: Nothing really... kinda back to eating normal.

Pregnancy Signs: The other night I woke up sleeping on my back. I ran my hand across my belly when I was about to roll over. I could totally feel my uterus up by my belly button and it was as hard as a rock. Then I rubbed my hand across it and felt another small bump to the left. I remember when I was pregnant with KK and she was much larger I would feel that. So I rubbed the little "lump" and it disappeared! It was totally "bean" laying there all up high... I said "good morning" :)

Movement: Maybe... but I'm going to wait a couple more weeks to say for sure.  
What I miss: The worry-free-ness of not being pregnant.

What I am looking forward to: Making our move and getting settled into a new home and Church. 

Weekly Wisdom:  Worrying doesn't make it any better :P