Today we are scheduled to have an amniocentesis done to specifically see if Little Browne has Down Syndrome. This is something they worry more about in women that are 35 and older so we knew it going in, but it’s still slightly stressful. There is a slight chance Annie won’t have to have an amnio (which is where they stick a needle through the belly into the uterus to retrieve amniotic fluid) if the doctor explains that this other test, a normal blood test offers the same high accuracy.
This other blood test is relatively new I guess, you can’t get it everywhere…but we’re heading up to the beautiful oasis known as Salinas…which is Spanish for “Armpit” (just kidding, calm down everyone). Anyways…it may take up to a week to find out the results so I’m not sure just how much info we’ll actually come home with. Our first priority is to get through the amnio, although the chances are less than 5%, if the sack does not seal itself back up after the needle is pulled out…we could lose the baby.
The only reason I am sharing these things is because that’s what this blog is for…it’s the happenings (the good, the bad, and the slightly traumatic) that we want to share because some of you might have gone through these experiences so you can make us feel better and we can then help others after our experience. One thing we’ve discovered, as with the miscarriage we had in December 2011, is that people aren’t talking about these things enough. Life is hard sometimes, we go through things we classify as “personal”, and I say bullshit to all of it.
We’re all on this journey together and a lot of this stuff should be shared and discussed. Well, it appears I’m rambling again so I’m going to stop so I can go get ready to drive my lovely wife to the Armpit…uh…Salinas that is. We will report back via the blog when we have information and on Facebook. A selfish moment for myself…I’d love it if you would share this blog or the Little Browne Facebook page with anyone you know that would be interested in having these life/baby/parenting discussions over time.
Cheers, and Happy Friday (also International Ding Dong Day)!!
This is EXACTLY what blogging is about! We follow you guys because we’re along for the ride with you. I’ve never heard of the blood test replacing the amnio, but that’s awesome since it’s less invasive to the baby!! Can’t wait to hear how it went.
@MimiBakerMN Thanks Mimi. It all depends on what the doctor says. Supposedly that blood test is not widely available but it is where we are going. The other difference is that the amnio is 99. something accurate where the blod test is supposedly 98. something accurate. We will see what the Doc advises us to do. Cheers!!
So glad another possible option has presented itself – and isn’t it miraculous what they can test for nowadays! Good luck today (can’t wait for new pix)! Love you three!
@HeatherBrowneDearborn Thanks, Heather! We’re glad there are multiple options, too and will take in all the info before making any decisions. We’ll keep you updated and be sure to post more pics soon! All us three love you, too!!
I had the amnio done, plus another test done about an hour or so away from our home. I am over 35 and when they told me I would have to go for additional testing I was very upset. My gestation dates were off because I actually could not tell the doctor the date of my last period. So we had to kind of guess. With the second test, an ultrasound was done, and they told us the baby would be fine. Pregnancy has its ups and downs. Good to see how you are sharing your journey with us.
@LucyMFel Thank you for sharing your story with us, Lucy. We appreciate hearing more about people’s experiences. The whole process can be pretty scary, but we’re very optimistic and calm…we can only control so much in life! Cheers to you and we look forward to having you along on the journey with us!
Salinas… Yukko! Now you know why ian and I don’t miss working there as cops! Okay, the amino… Scary stuff.. I agree.. I wasnt prepared for the recovery the first time. It hurts, and it cramps like heck.. She needs to go to bed for today and tommorow, and keep her hydrated and nourished. However, the peace of mind that the amnio brings is wonderful!!! It will be fine.. Just pamper her, climb into bed and watch movies, etc.. She won’t miscarry. I promise!!
@NancyTitus Nancy…I hear ya on Salinas…what a dump. So…based on the information given we decided against an amniocentesis and went with a new blood test they offer to detect Down Syndrome…we will have results in 8 to 10 days but after the counseling session and the ultrasound today, things are looking pretty damn good that we do not have Downs. Bone measurements, a look at the nose, forehead, and chin on the ultrasound all looked normal!! So far so good!!!
@MatthewLiberty If I could go back to do it all again, I would not have had it either.. However, I still think you guys deserve a movie day!!!
@NancyTitus We have a weekend media pass to a beer festival in San Luis Obispo, probably going there tonight and Sunday. We are soooooooooooooo glad the ultrasound came back looking normal. More confirmation will come with the blood results, but we feel pretty damn good now!!
@MatthewLiberty I’m so glad! You both deserve to relax and enjoy!
@MatthewLiberty Hey Matt! Apparently I missed this one! As you know, Samantha had a similar procedure done last week. Man, those doctors really had us scared but everything’s turning out okay! Just as it will for you and Annie 🙂 Exciting times my friend, exciting times!
@JohnFeskorn John, I appreciate you letting us know how it went for you. Pretty trippy experience…so glad that part is over and we’re now a few days away from his birth. Now we just hope for good health and happy baby!! Cheers my friend!
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