Echogenic Foci

[nosinina]

I had an ultrasound at 20 weeks and it showed echogenic foci.  When I was in the doctors office I was under the impression that it was a heart defect.  I got home and did some research about it and found it could be an indication of Down's Syndrome.  Now I am worried sick.  Why didn't my doctor discuss this further with me?  All she said is that she will do another us at my 3rd trimester.  That is 2 months.  I cannot wait that long.  I am sure stress and worry are not good for the baby.  Do any of you know of any other test that I can take, besides an amnio.  I do not want to have that done.  I am going to call the dr. office on Monday to see but if any of you have had this please, I would love to hear your input.  TIA

[shesherm]

Iknow nothing about this but wanted to tell you to try to relax if Tanker is right and it is uncommon in the 2nd trimester.  Maybe call your DR and see if they can give you a little more insight...are there stats involved etc...good luck to you  ((Sheila)) 25w3d

[Tanker Chic]

http://www.medfriendly.com/echogeniccardiacfoci.html

Here is a pretty good link on the subject.  In summary it says that echogenic foci in the second trimester is not uncommon at all and most babies are born with no birth defects.  It says there was a study that did show a possible link to DS but other studies have found no link.  

I know you must be worried and scared to death but try to focus on fact that this doesn't mean your baby will automatically have problems.. it just means they need to do another u/s a little later on to make sure everything is okay..

I'm really sorry.. my heart goes out to you.. this must be so very difficult.