i need you. i am devistated.

[boosty]

my world came tumbling down today. my doctor called me and told me that although my blood test for the down syndrome came back negative, the ultrasound showed that my baby at 17weeks have shorter arms and legs and so i have a higher chance of down sundrome and i have to go in on monday for a Amniocentesis . i am broken, in tears and down on life. i cant stop crying.  i dont know what to do.i am thinking so much. they also said the baby is a bit short too.
1. the Amniocentesis can also cause birth defects or miscarriage
2. if they say that my baby has no down syndrome, then why are the arms and legs shorter.
i have a daughter that is waiting anctiously for this baby. i need support, help, and advice. i am broken in a million pieces. its 1:30am and i am sitting here crying myself to death.

[HeathJo]

When my Mom was pg with my little half-sister 27 years ago they did an amnio (she was 33) because downs runs in my step-father's family (his sister had downs). That was almost 30 years ago, when dr's had less experience and technology, and she was fine, as was my sister.

I was born in 1971, and this was before they had u/s, and based on my heartbeat I was supposed to be a boy. I weighed 6 lbs, 12 oz. and was 23 inchesl long at full term!! I had flaps of skin under my arms: I looked like Rocky the Flting Squirrel! Well, I am now a fully-grown FEMALE adult at a whopping 5'3''! My point is this: even though we are in an era of profound medical and technological progress, there is margin for error and misinterpretation. Just as the doctors were off about me 36 years ago, and with the more recent stories posted here, please take into account the CYA factor. You have had one healthy child, and you are young. I will pretty much have to have an amnio (if I ever get a BFP) because of my age. They have been doing those for a while now. The hardest part will be the wait, but you are most likely used to that from TTC.

Hang in there honey, for your daughter, your unborn baby, and yourself. Sending you love and prayers!!!!!!

[shayla1]

I'm sure that your baby is fine.....there is probably only a small chance of Down's..but I know how much you want this baby..and I know that if in the small chance your baby does have downs that you will love him/her just as much either way.  God only gives you as much as you can handle.

[boosty]

thank you ladies so much. after crying all day, night and day again, i feel a bit better. so many things go through my head. youre right. i will start to think more positive. my test said negative for down syndrome, but the ultrasound showed shorter arms and legs. thats why they say it could be ds and raises my chances to 1 in 38. my appointment for a amnio is on monday . then i have to wait a long two weeks. . my question is lets say God i pray, that the baby has no ds , then why are the arms and legs shorter. how much shorter could they be if theyre one week behind the bodys growth. and could it catch up?

[Jen7900]

I know it is tough, but try to imagine a positive outcome. Literally. Imagine that the doctor is calling you with GOOD news...nothing wrong. So many people believe in the power of positive thinking. I know it is easier said than done, but you have nothing to lose! The best thing you can do for you, your daughter and your family is stay calm. Remember, severe stress can cause problems too.

I am praying for you and the baby...

jen

[Helen72]

I am really sorry you have to go through this.  But you should remember that genetic u/s has a high false positive rate.  Given your other tests came back negative for down syndrome chances are your baby is OK.  Amnio is 99.99% correct.  It does NOT cause birth defects and probability of a miscarriage following the test is around 1%.  I think that you should do the test just to get some info and hopefully put your mind at peace.

[empty]

Hi boosty

How are you feeling?