During our last visit to the specialist, we had an anatomy ultrasound performed. They check Baby Carmela's hands, feet, head, kidneys, eyes, bowels, ect. What they noticed was something that raised a bit of concern. According to Dr. Patel, there are "hard markers" and "soft markers" that are indications that there may be a birth defect or mental handicap. All of Baby Carmela's "hard markers" came back normal, but 1 of her soft markers didn't. Dr. Patel informed us that Baby Carmela had Hyperechoic Bowel on ultrasound. He told us that because I tested negative for being a carrier for Cystic Fibrosis that this could possibly be an indication of Down Syndrome.
He offered us an amniocentesis, which I declined due to risk of loss of pregnancy. We elected to have to blood test done that can predict the likelihood of Down Syndrome. Although, finding out would not change our mind on continuing to care for Baby Carmela the same, we needed to know what we were up against.
Today, Dr. Patel's office called and told me that all the testing for abnormalities and mental handicaps came back normal, including the test for Down Syndrome. So although we are very relieved that so far everything with Baby Carmela "appears" to be normal, we are just continuously thankful for the opportunity for a little peanut to join our family.
On a lighter note, the nursery is going to be the next big project. We are going to start to paint as soon as our visitors pass through.
19 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: 9lbs
Cravings: ICECREAMMMMMM!!!! Vinegar
I'm excited for: Our next ultrasound to see Baby Carmela
Baby Buys: Diaper Bag & Head Bands
Aches & Pains: BACK PAIN!! ( My boobs are ginormous)
