What we learned from Ultrasounds 1, 2 and 3

Early on in our pregnancy we had an ultrasound to help estimate a due date. In that scan the doctors identified a blood clot on mom. A follow-up scan was scheduled to be done at the hospital two weeks later. In that scan the doctor determined the blood clot was still there noted an increase in the size of the fluid behind the baby's neck. The measurements were above the normal range, however, the pregnancy was only in its 10th week. We were asked to return 10 days later to get within the 11-14 week timeframe, when these measurements are normally taken. We were also told that we should meet with a genetics counselor following that scan as an increased nuchal translucency is a common "marker" for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

When we returned for the third scan, the clot had resolved and the measurement of the fluid behind the neck was within normal range. At this point we were somewhat reassured. We met with the counselor and she laid out all of the facts concerning chromosomal abnormalities, and explained what the results of all three scans could mean. While what we heard from the counselor was upsetting, the measurements from this most recent scan gave us hope.

We were asked to consider an amniocentesis within the next two weeks, and to schedule a Level II ultrasound (also known as an anatomical scan) at 20 weeks and a fetal echocardiogram at 22 weeks. We decided against the amnio (for a number of reasons, which you can read about in the next post) and made appointments for the other two tests.