Monday, December 23, 2013

Medical Ordeal with My Second Pregnancy

My medical ordeal started on the second trimester of my second pregnancy, my OB Gyne told me that my blood test result had abnormalities to it. She sent me to a specialist for Maternal Serum Screening (Quad Screen). It is a test designed to identify women who have a higher than average chance to have a baby with chromosome problem such as Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18 or an open neural tube defect like spina bifida.

The test is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy and measures the levels of four substances that are made by the baby and the placenta and can be found in a mother's blood stream. 

When the result came, it showed that I do not have an increased risk to have a baby with an open neural tube defect or Trisomy 18.  The result however,  indicated that there is a chance to have a child with Down Syndrome.  The result of my tests had modified this chance to 1 in 118. Turning this numbers around  a 117 in 118 or greater 99% chance that my baby does not have a  Down Syndrome. 
The genetic Counselor asked us if we would be willing to have a  test called amniocentesis that is available to analyze the baby's chromosomes before birth. She said that amniocentesis carries a 1 in 200 or 0.5% risk for complications. Complications of the test can include bleeding, loss of amniotic fluid, infection and a 1 in 750 chance for miscarriage. She also discussed to us the last type of testing called Cystic Fibrosis

We said no to all of them. We stood firm that no matter what happen, he's still our baby and we want him born. Why risk of losing your baby if there still hope from up above? Me and my husband, our families and friends prayed together that our son will be alright. When he was born, he is perfectly fit. But then my son's pediatrician informed us that based from the result he made on him, our son might have a Thalassemia ( a group of genetic blood disorder)..
My OB Gyne told me that it is impossible that our son has that kind of disorder because in order to have it, one of us parents would have to have it. And neither of us has it. So we didn't even bother to have our son check . What for? Our son is healthy and hey sometimes this professionals can be wrong too.
So for the  pregnant mother's out there, try to incorporate organic liquid folic acide in your healthy routines.  It could help you reduce the risk of pregnancy with complications I have mentioned above.  

14 Smart Readers SAID::

Taty said...

Such a handsome little man
So glad you guys stuck to your guns

Teresa Martinez said...

This just proves that sometimes doctors can be wrong too so a second opinion may be necessary.

Jhady said...

I am so glad it was nothing serious sis and you son turns out he is healthy. Sometimes Doctors opinion can make us worried. Oh he is good looking man and with beautiful eyes.

Nova said...

because of the different genes both join, there are high risk about pregnancy, we sometimes don't have problem in certain ways but sometimes it was a challenge God gave to us. I'm glad that you continue the pregnancy and look what a fine boy you've got there.

Aisha Kristine Chong said...

It always pays off - to go organic and only few people will realized this.

Rebecca said...

happy to hear you went with your gut and not what others told you a mother always knows best and you have a handsome young man to prove it

Unknown said...

Wow what a lovely child. I think also eating mostly natural foods during pregnancy can be helpful. The healthier the foods the better the chances are.

Franc said...

It's nice you were able to buck all those health scares and you are right he'll always be your child no matter what.

James, Davis, and Associates Test said...

Pre-natal screening is so important. It is good to know what to expect and to prepare for any special health needs.

Unknown said...

He’s a very cute kid. Thanks for the tips. It’s great to know that your son was born healthy despite the risk.

Nova said...

there are people who will experience such inconvenient pregnancy but I am sure things happen for a reason, if we only have Hope and Faith, and pray to God things will be possible to happen.

Unknown said...

You are blessed with a perfectly healthy and brilliant son.:) God bless him.

Unknown said...

How scary to hear all of that while you where pregnant but so glad to see that your son is healthy and happy.

MzBaker said...

So glad everything turned out fine and to see you have such a handsome young man there! :) he's adorable! I love his chubby cheeks in his baby photo! :)

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