It has been a crazy week. Last Tuesday I had my prenatal appointment and the doctor did blood tests to check for defects. On Friday I received a call telling me that they didn't think there were any birth defects but I might be further along or having twins and they wanted to do an ultrasound. On Monday afternoon I got to see my beautiful baby boy for the first time (just one) and he was the right size and I was still estimated for the same due date. I thought everything was okay. However yesterday morning my doctor called and the radiology report for the ultrasound indicated that my baby's brain looks like it isn't developing right. I am scheduled for an appointment and a 3D ultrasound with a high-risk ob/gyn tomorrow morning. I'm really scared! I don't want to lose this baby. Even if there are problems I will continue to love my son, but I would give anything for him to be healthy! I'm just really stressed out and feel like crying.

Good luck, I hope all goes well for you. I'm pleased to hear that you will love your child no matter what. That's the best attitude to go into this with.

Kit,
I'm sorry to hear that there could be a complication. Just remember that God never gives you more than you can handle. I know it is not easy see that when you are under the stress you are under. I am glad to hear you will love your child no matter what. That say's a lot for your character. Pray about it. You never know God my give you a special child because he know's that child needs a Mommy as special as you are.
HG

Well, I had my appointment with the high risk ob/gyn today for more ultrasounds. I thought they were going to do a 3d ultrasound but it was just a regular ultrasound. I was hoping that the first scan would be only a scare...unfortunately that is not the case. The doctor said that there is definite hydrocephalus (sp?), meaning that there is water building up on the baby's brain due to a blockage preventing draining. Also measurement for the brain ventricles was 12 mm (8 is average, over 10 is considered problematic). The doctor said that the risks of miscarriage or premature delivery could be high. He said that if the fluid continues to build up that I would probably need to deliver by cesarean section at a hospital in Omaha where they could do emergency surgery shortly following birth to put in a drainage shunt into the baby's skull to drain fluid. He said that the risks of infection and miscarriage from fetal surgery outweigh any prognosis for improvement and there is not much that can be done to correct the problem until the baby is born. It is too early to know the extent of damage we are looking at. If the problem corrects itself the damage already done could be minimal. If the fluid build up gets worse or if the brain doesn't grow into the space there could be serious mental and physical defects and the child may not have a good prognosis on survival. When the doctor asked about what we wanted to do and asked if we were considering termination I just broke down sobbing. I said I don't want to do that. He said he was glad to hear that, but he was legally required to mention it as an option. The doctor did an amniocentecis to test for genetic abnormalities, but we won't know the results for another 7-10 days. (it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be but having a big needle through your abdomen/uterus is not fun! Then I had to have a shot in the rear because I am Rh negative!) The doctor wants me to come in for ultrasounds every two weeks to monitor the pregnancy. I feel so helpless not able to do anything to help my son! It was one of the hardest phone calls I have ever had to make to call my parents and let them know that their little grandson is facing some pretty tough obstacles. I love my son and want everything to be OK. I'm pretty much a nervous wreckI don't know how many of you out there believe in God, but I would appreciate all the prayers for my son as possible. Also if anyone has gone through a similar experience please let me know. Peace.

Kate

Kit,
Our family will pray for you and your family. Hang in there. I don't know of anyone that has gone through this. I know this is making you a wreck. Eighteen years ago I gave birth to a little girl born two and half months early. She was in the hospital for two and half months and had a lot of problems. The doctors did not think that she would make it. She had heart problems and had to have surgery. She was placed on a tube to help her breathe. She lost weight down to 1 lb. 12 oz. It broke my heart everytime I went to the I.C.U. I prayed and prayed about it. I didn't know what to do. One day the doctor came in and told me there has been a change in your daughter. I expected the worst. She told me that Ashley had pulled the breathing tube out. I was in a panic. She pulled the tube out and went to breathing on her own. The doctors told me she would be slow and behind the other kids. She's not she just graduated third in her class and is now in her first year of college. She wants to be a doctor. She had a rough road starting out and her dad left when she was two months old. Just remember God will never give you more than you can handle. If God takes you to it. He will take you through it.
I know it is hard to beleive that when you are going through a hard time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
HG/Denise

Sweet heart- just remember, its not your fault- and God will never challange you with something you cant handle.