I am new to this board, I have thus far only introduced myself in the DID board. My name is Jenni, I am a Marine wife who is expecting #1. My EDD is 12/2/08. Here is my story and why I am feeling so overwhelmed.

It took my husband nearly three years to get pregnant. With overseas deployments, switching from Dr. to Dr. trying to get any answers, and finally adding Clomid to the mix we FINALLY got pregnant. Once we got out BFP we were so excited, until my Dr. was telling me that my first ultrasound didn't look right and he thought I was going to lose the baby. Yes, he actually said that. He also made some other comments and remarks that made us so uncomfortable we switched doctors once again.

The doctors I am seeing now are great. They answer all questions I have had and do everything to keep me comfortable, but there have still been problems. During the first tri-mester I was spotting a bleeding quite a bit. I was put on pelvic rest (which DH hated- LOL), and told the bleeding was called a threatened miscarriage. The bleeding has since passed and I thought everything was fine. Until two days ago, right after I joined this group, I got a phone call stating my AFP tests came back abnormal. Now, I know there are a lot of false positives with AFP tests, but after doing the little research I have done I can't help but worry. I was on the high end indicating Spina Bifida, and also abdominal wall defects. Well, my cousin was born with an abdominal wall defect, and there was just one complication after another in the early stages of her life.

Sorry about crying to you all, I just needed to get this anxiety off my chest. The people I work with are not the type you really want to share with, and aside from DH my entire family is over 1000 miles away. No matter how old you get there will always be a time or two that you want your mommy, I could use her now.

Thanks for listening.

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Jenni
Expecting #1

I didn't see this post until now, so I'm sure that by now you know more about your baby and whether or not he or she has spina bifida. I know exactly what you have been through. My AFP test came back positive for SB, and everyone told me it was most likely false, but in my heart of hearts, I knew that something was amiss. To make a long story short, I had a high def u/s, genetic counseling, an amnio, a week later, all of which confirmed that our baby boy had SB. Although the first few days were extremely difficult, we got through them. We've had many medical ups and downs, but we also have the most beautiful, loving little boy. He has brought so much to our lives and the lives of those around us, and we are all better human beings because of him.

Anyway, this may or may not be relevant to you at this time, but just wanted to let you know that I've been there.

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A 10-01-01,K 05-05-03, and Z 6-28-07

Thanks for the reply. I am glad to hear that you have such a happy little boy.

The amnio came back stating he does not have SB or any chromosomal abnormalities. The doctors, haven't been able to figure out what exactly is wrong. I am already seeing a fetal specialist, plus my ergualar OB, and they are discussing sending me off to a hospital three hours from here that has better means to take care of high risk patients.

My last ultrasound at 22 weeks showed that Evan (the baby) was only measuring at 18 weeks. He is growing very slowly due to my abnormal placenta and lack of amniotic fluids. My doctors think I will have to eventually do an early c-section due to these problems. That is why they are discussing sending me away. I will get more news tomorrow.

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Jenni
Expecting #1

You will be in my thoughts. I hope you get some answers tomorrow. Not knowing something is so much more difficult than knowing and making peace with it. I'll check back for an update.

BTW - My Zach is in my siggy - he's the one born June 28th.

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A 10-01-01,K 05-05-03, and Z 6-28-07

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. It is so hard to hear that anything might be wrong with your little one, even if it's something that can be operated on. My little one is also growing very slowly. At 30 weeks she is only measuring 26 weeks, although there are no visible issues with my placenta. She has alot of markers for chromosomal abnormalities, but being high risk for preterm labor I have opted out of the amnio. Anyway, I can relate somewhat to your situation. I hope that Evan grows and that you bring home a healthy baby boy when the time comes. I can't stress enough that you should trust your instincts as much as possible. A mom can feel so much more than a doctor can see. Best of luck to you. Please PM me if you need to!!

-LL