More Lab Results

In order to make sure Walter is OK, there are a series of tests that you can go through to see what your chances are that somethings is wrong. The first was the NT scan - which is the ultrasound where they look at the level of fluid behind baby's neck. It needs to be under 3mm. Our little one's was 1.3mm. (Just to give you perspective, with Peanut, they wouldn't even tell me the number - that's how scary hers was!). So - that one was PASSED!

Then you get a blood screen and they take those results, combine them with your age, and the NT measurement and come up with what your chances are that your baby has Down's or another Trisomy. All women, depending on their age, have a "number" that follows them until they get this blood test - although most don't know it. I think mine was originally 1:300 chance of Down's or another genetic disorder. After the blood test, they went to 1:10,000. PASSED!

Then, between 15 and 20 weeks, they do another blood test called the AFP. AFP is a substance that is made by the baby's liver and is in the mom's blood. They test the level - if too high, it could be an indicator of Turner's (what Peanut had), neural tube defects, abdominal wall defects, placental complications, anencephaly (where the baby has a partially formed brain or spinal cord), omphalocele (where the baby's intestines stick outside of the abdominal wall) - all scary things. If the number is too low, it could indicate Down's Syndrome. Just got our results and they were Normal! PASSED!!!

We never made it to the AFP test with Peanut. And we have never passed ANY of these tests until little Walter came into our lives.

Next test - the 20 week anatomy scan. Still waiting to be scheduling, but hoping it will be right after Labor day.

So, there is your lesson for the day kids. And this little mommy is going to go thank the Lord for all these good results, and pray for even more as we keep going through this pregnancy!