Ultrasound and the Unexpected

Sorry for the radio silence on this end. We had our official ultrasound a little over 2 weeks ago (just under 19 weeks). During the ultrasound the technician noticed fluid in the chest cavity, between the chest wall and the lungs on one side. This is called pleural effusion and is not common. We were sent to see the perinatal specialist that afternoon. They repeated the ultrasound and found the same fluid accumulation. There was some slight compression of the lung on that side, but the heart looked perfectly healthy. We were told this could be due to chromosomal and genetic anomalies, a virus, or incomplete formation of some structure. Both ultrasounds at the regular doctor and the perinatal specialist showed no other abnormalities or malformations, and measurements were all accurate for the gestational age. After speaking with the genetic counselor we decided to proceed with an amniocentesis. The amnio was done to see if we could determine what was causing the fluid accumulation - chromosomal and genetic problems as well as viruses can be detected with an amnio. (We had the routine chromosomal and neural tube defect screening done at week 15 and the results were negative. My gramma had spina bifida so I was very anxious to get that cleared up as early as possible)

The amnio was not fun. At all. Not that I thought it would be. I almost vomited at the end. And that is the last thing you want to do when you have a needle stuck into your uterus. So we went home with instructions to take it easy for the night and watch for signs of miscarriage from the amnio procedure. Needless to say, I was completely hysterical. The reason so few people even knew about this is because I couldn't physically speak about it without getting hysterical all over again. Ryan was my knight in shining armor though. He was steady as a rock and kept grounded throughout this very hard time!

Early the following week we got the results of the FISH test - negative for Down Syndrome, Trisome 13 and 18. At the end of that week we got the full chromosomal and virus results. All results were negative and/or normal. With a lack of genetic, chromosomal or viral causes the diagnosis was chylothorax (which just means an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the chest cavity). They often don't know what causes it. We were scheduled to go back in 2 weeks for another ultrasound to determine if the fluid accumulation had gotten worse and see if it was further impacting that lung and the heart. If the fluid was still present it would have to be drained and possibly have a shunt put into place to keep it draining. Our so far perfect pregnancy was officially declared high risk.

I did feel much better after we heard all the testing was negative or normal. But I was still very anxious for the ultrasound. My appetite certainly declined for a few days. But it did bounce back. Now I'm just hungry all the time.

It was the Sunday following the disastrous ultrasound that I felt the first real kick. It was very bittersweet because I didn't know if I would ever meet this little guy or girl in person. The kicks got stronger and more regular. The baby is SUPER active now!

We went back for our follow up ultrasound last Thursday. I was anxiously watching the screen while the technician repeated all the measurements. Apparently ultrasound software can determine gestational age to THE DAY. According to the calendar we were 20 weeks 6 days pregnant that day, and the software determined the same - 20w6d. Pretty amazing. I'd hate to be the poor grad student that had to crank all that SAS data!!

Again, the ultrasound showed no abnormalities or malformations. And the fluid was gone. Just, POOF, gone. 2 weeks of extreme panic and hysterics for nothing. We were both extremely relieved!! The doctor said the lungs and heart looks perfect and there is no sign of the previous fluid accumulation.

So after much to do, I present to you little Baby K at 20 weeks 6 days of gestation. 

Thumb sucking Baby K at 20 weeks 6 days

The one upside to this scare is that we will continue to see the perinatal specialist for the rest of the pregnancy for ultrasounds to make sure the fluid does not come back. So we will have at least a few more pictures of Baby K before he/she arrives. Our next ultrasound is scheduled for just before we head up to NY for our baby shower.

And I am now convinced that little Baby K is a girl. Only girls put their parents through this kind of turmoil and stress. Really it's just karma coming back to get me for being a teenage girl. Even though I was an angel compared to other female teens! Ryan is unconvinced.

On a lighter note, we finally registered yesterday!