Today we headed to the Foothills Calgary Hospital to have another ultrasound and to get more answers about our little one. We were hoping for the best. Our ultrasound appointment took a whole hour. After the ultrasound they took us into a room where you wait to talk to the radiologist doctor and paediatric doctor about the results of the ultrasound. Both doctors came in together to discuss the results. Our son was diagnosed with a serious birth defect called myelomeningocele, also known as Spina Bifida.
I had heard of Spina Bifida, but never really knew what it was. Josh on the other hand knew what myelomeningocele, from his two years of medical schooling. For those that don't know, Spina Bifida is where the spinal cord does not completely close up during the first month of the pregnancy. The amniotic fluid damages the nerves, causing paralysis, club feet, loss of bladder and bowel control. It also can cause learning disabilities to mental retardation, and sometimes a enlarged or abnormal head size. The doctors gave us as much info as he could at the time.
With the ultrasound results the doctors also had concern that the baby wasn't opening it's hands open all the way which shows a increased risk for Trisomy 18. They have a test they can do called Amniocentesis which will give you the results back in 3 working day to know if our little one had it. So Josh and I both agree to have the procedure done.
During the procedure an ultrasound is used to determine the size of the baby, position of the placenta and the amniotic fluid volume around our baby. The doctor then inserts a needle though your abdomen. A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed and sent for chromosome tests and open neural tube defects.
We then left the hospital with a whole bunch of mixed emotions of what we been told. Wondering: How can I raise a little boy that I may not ever be able to walk? Why would an innocent unborn child have to enter the world with physical or mental obstacles? Should I sell our house since all of the bedrooms are on the second floor?
I had heard of Spina Bifida, but never really knew what it was. Josh on the other hand knew what myelomeningocele, from his two years of medical schooling. For those that don't know, Spina Bifida is where the spinal cord does not completely close up during the first month of the pregnancy. The amniotic fluid damages the nerves, causing paralysis, club feet, loss of bladder and bowel control. It also can cause learning disabilities to mental retardation, and sometimes a enlarged or abnormal head size. The doctors gave us as much info as he could at the time.
With the ultrasound results the doctors also had concern that the baby wasn't opening it's hands open all the way which shows a increased risk for Trisomy 18. They have a test they can do called Amniocentesis which will give you the results back in 3 working day to know if our little one had it. So Josh and I both agree to have the procedure done.
During the procedure an ultrasound is used to determine the size of the baby, position of the placenta and the amniotic fluid volume around our baby. The doctor then inserts a needle though your abdomen. A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed and sent for chromosome tests and open neural tube defects.
We then left the hospital with a whole bunch of mixed emotions of what we been told. Wondering: How can I raise a little boy that I may not ever be able to walk? Why would an innocent unborn child have to enter the world with physical or mental obstacles? Should I sell our house since all of the bedrooms are on the second floor?
