I get ultrasounds every 2 weeks. After suffering two miscarriages, each ultrasound makes me feel better about the baby growing stronger every day.
Except sometimes the ultrasounds show us scary stuff. Stuff that other people don’t see.
First, I had a subchorionic bleed. It finally went away.
Then the placenta was covering my cervix. It eventually moved.
But the 16-week ultrasound…that was the worst.
Specialist: Did you have some bleeding during this pregnancy?
Thoughtsy: Yes. Twice.
Specialist: There is blood in the baby’s intestines. It could mean the baby swallowed some of the blood. That’s pretty common, and it’s not a problem.
Or you and the baby have some type of infection. Or that the baby has cystic fibrosis. We’re going to run tests for all of that.
All of the infection tests came back clear, and my cystic fibrosis carrier test also came back clear.
As if that wasn’t enough, then he hit us with this….
Specialist: These cysts in the baby’s brain. It could mean the baby has Down Syndrome, but don’t worry about that because your baby’s nose is nice and pronounced, and your bloodwork came back great.
We suspect that this early in development, many babies have those cysts, but they clear up, so most people never see them. There is a very small chance that they won’t go away. Very small. Try not to worry about it. We’ll keep an eye on them.
At the 18-week appointment…the cysts were still there.
At the 20-week appointment…still there.
At the 22-week appointment…nearly gone. Phew!
Favorite Comment From Last Post: “I’m of the personal opinion that you should always stay away from gingerbread house. Of all of the bread houses that exist in the world, they’re the least likely to have a soul.”—AbsentElemental
Thoughts Appear 
October 24th, 2013 at 7:56 am
Good grief! I think the doctors are doing their best to try and spook you re. your baby prior to Halloween. Hopefully your baby is fine and all the bad news ends after October 31.
October 24th, 2013 at 8:10 am
My second son had those on the sonogram. Scared the crap out of us. Doc was all “doom and gloom, problems, downs-like syndrome, blah blah.” Then, they cleared up and he was perfect. She’ll be fine. She’s growing and developing, and just needs to get all this scary stuff out of her system is all! 🙂
October 28th, 2013 at 7:11 am
Apparently, they’re pretty common. But I love how the doctor tells me something is common, and then I read about it and the percentage is 5%. How is that common?
October 24th, 2013 at 8:37 am
Ah, so stressful! I’m glad to know that things are looking good and the issues are resolving! My SIL had a really scary (4th) pregnancy– she had blood transfusions during her last birth and ended up with some antigen in her blood that was attacking the baby and he had to have transfusions while still in utero. It was super scary… But it was also amazing because a lot of people donated blood for him. She also had some grapefruit sized cyst in her uterus that was bearing down on him like a solar eclipse. In the end– he is doing great 🙂 Just a dramatic entry into the world. Doesn’t it make you wonder sometimes if it’s worth knowing so much, when all it does is cause stress?
October 28th, 2013 at 7:10 am
Yikes!
October 24th, 2013 at 9:55 am
Yeah, but nothing to worry about, right? (<– sarcasm) I thing the doctors just want you to get into the habit of being terrified for the well-being of your kids.
(Hey Thoughtsy… Misty said you'd be interested in my last post about the Top 20 Horror movies… come see! I'd value the input of an expert!)
October 24th, 2013 at 10:33 am
Every day that passes I feel more relieved and happy for you! 🙂
October 24th, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Those dumb doctors! I wish they would just not say anything unless they are 100% sure the baby has something. I hate that they give you all these maybes! Will keep you and your pregnancy in my prayers!
October 24th, 2013 at 12:33 pm
Jacqueline said exactly (almost word-for-word, actually which should make her really scared ;)) what I was thinking!
October 24th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
I’ll be so happy when he/she is here! This is all going to be fine. You and your family will all be perfect!
October 24th, 2013 at 4:48 pm
Oh my! What a roller coaster ride. Sending you and the baby my blessings. Everything will be fine.
October 24th, 2013 at 6:52 pm
Glad to hear things are looking up.
Any plans for a Halloween costume?
October 28th, 2013 at 7:12 am
Maternity Halloween costumes are lacking, but I think I’ve got something in mind. We’ll see how it goes.
October 24th, 2013 at 11:28 pm
I felt stressed just reading your post what a scary feeling! Your doctor should have been much more tactful!
But then I suppose they have to tell you everything… Wow!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
October 25th, 2013 at 5:50 am
I think I would have to tell that doctor that due to the fact that you are seeing more than a normal mom would…you don’t feel the need to actually know what you are seeing. Stress is not healthy, and I got freaked just reading this. This is one of those times when I think it’s okay to tell your doctor to shut up.
October 25th, 2013 at 9:08 am
Bastards. Save the bad stuff for when it’s REAL.
October 26th, 2013 at 9:34 am
“Try not to worry about it”
Yeah, sure, like that’s gonna happen!
October 30th, 2013 at 10:37 am
How stressful! It seems like most things that would be wait and see could just be wait and see without much commentary but I suppose the flip side of that is you’re having so many ultrasounds to make sure everything is going ok. What a tough situation.
October 30th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
Sending you and baby thoughts of love and blessings. ❤
November 24th, 2013 at 4:35 pm
Ohhh dear.
I hope this brings a measure of comfort over the things you have been through, just to know someone understands:
http://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/07/04/bereft-poetry-reborn/
Best,
Diana