What we were thinking after Ultrasounds 1, 2 and 3

Between ultrasounds 2 and 3 were were extremely concerned. We did, however, remain positive. With our first child we didn't have an ultrasound until week 20, so we were of the opinion that we should try not to worry until we were told to worry. Nonetheless, we knew there was the possibility that a chromosomal abnormality may exist, and we privately began to consider the chance that we may have a child with Down syndrome.

While we were given the option of an amnio after ultrasound #3, we turned it down. We figured there was little to be gained: we weren't going to terminate the pregnancy, we were somewhat reassured by the most recent results, and we thought that risk of complicating the pregnancy was actually greater with an amnio. We were also told that the Level II ultrasound would likely pick up on any anatomical markers of Downs, and that the echo would identify heart defects.

In the first few days following ultrasound #3 we considered all of these options. After those few days passed, we moved ahead assuming all was well. In fact, right up until the point where we entered the room for the Level II, the thought taking up the most energy in our minds was Do we want to know the sex of the baby?