Advice.

I am currently 22 weeks and 3 days pregnant. My doctor told me yesterday that my baby may have down syndrome. She wanted to draw more blood to retest bc I am only 18. My husband and I are devastated. Our question is do we keep the baby or abort it? It sounds horrible, but we just want him or her to have a perfect life and I don't want it to ever feel like or wish death upon itself. Please give me some advice on the situation.

[Cornpones]

My son was born with down syndrome, and we didn't know before hand. I wouldn't change him for the world and would never abort him, bcuz I can't imagine my life without him. He is healthy in comparison to the average down syndrome child. What tests did they run to determine this diagnosis? There is a new T-21 blood level they can run. It just came out very recently, research before you decide. They told my friend the same thing and she almost aborted but decided to make them run more scans and bloodwork...boy were they wrong. Her daughter was born just fine. Here if you need anything.

[njhandjlh]

Im not for sure what the name of the test is. She just told me she was drawing blood to test for any complications. Its a very hard time for us. We have a two year that was born just as healthy as can be and that's what we was expecting with this one. Just a big shock. If you don't mind me asking, what is some of the struggles you face having a Down's child?

[Cornpones]

He is healthy in comparison, thank God. Ear tubes at 3 months, several tests to make sure heart was ok at birth, and it is. Saw a bunch of specialists for the first year, just to make sure the issues we thought were problems, were not. We thought he had reflux but he doesn't. If your child doesn't have heart issues, say a prayer, because that would be your biggest hurdle. Because his immunities system is compromised, he gets sick quickly with whatever virus goes around, and he is usually on antibiotics for 10-14 days to fight off infections. He has sinus/allergy issues, but we all do. His thyroid levels have been great, checked yearly by bloodwork, because that can be a problem with overweight or under, body temperature, etc. His eyes get checked every year, and ears every 4 months because of the tubes, to make sure they stay open. So far so good Thank God! :-)

[njhandjlh]

Aww, that is wonderful. I guess I just think and picture the worst when I hear it. The internet pictures and information isn't much help. Thank you so much for your time and sharing your personal life. I am going back to the doctor today to see if there's any more tests they can run.

[Cornpones]

Your welcome! I know how scary this must be. Ask your fox about the latest T-21 test they can run. Also, there are tons of local support groups, the one in Michigan, (don't know where you are) where I am is Families Exploring Down Syndrome. We have monthly meetings, that are extremely helpful, from sign language specialists to the Ent or gastroenterologist that comes to speak from time to time. Great resources, and you can start attending them now, to learn more the group. They should partner you with a parent who has had a similar experience re:medical issues. I think I cried on the phone to my parent support leader 5 times before meeting her or anyone else from the group....LOL.  

[Cali_Momma]

I am literally going through the same thing I personally would keep nd love my baby regardless but what I am looking up to is the fact that I didn't get a positive on my results. My down sydrome results were somewhat higher and since i am only 21 She said i have a risk. But all results came back negative...if that makes any sense.. I looked on line and it said there were risks for those over 35? And 90% of young moms that might have down syndrome have healthy babies! Idk if that is accurate or anything but it definitely made me feel a little better as to me and my hubby are devastated as well. I have an appt at the end of the month and the Dr will check during my ultra sound if they see any abnormalities with any organs... since I refused to take further tests because of the risks. I hope I helped you feel a little better! Im sure well be fine!!

[njhandjlh]

Thank y'all so much for the advice. I went in to the doctor today and the first blood test she done was the T21. Everything came back negative, also my screen for cystic fibrosis. We did another ultrasound because I had echogenic bowel show up on my last 2, & this one showed none. We are having a healthy baby. Thank God for this. Its a tough thing to go through, but I feel that you have nothing to worry about also. :)

[Cornpones]

Glad to hear all is well! Blessings to you on this great news!!! :-)