During my first pregnancy my husband and I decided to do the two
routine ultrasounds offered in Canada, IPS (integrated prenatal screening) and
the anatomy scan. We were beyond excited to see our little baby and find out
the gender so that mommy could begin her shopping.
Our IPS can back with a low risk score; however, the anatomy
scan done at 19 weeks demonstrated an echogenic intracardiac focus. In other
words, a small bright spot seen in the baby’s heart. My midwife called me a few
days later to share the news with me. She mentioned that this finding could be
a sign of a chromosome abnormality (Down Syndrome). I was advised that another
ultrasound was recommended along with genetic counseling. After our
conversation I immediately called my husband and just balled hysterically. He
quickly calmed me down and reassured me that only a soft marker was shown and
the likelihood of Down Syndrome was still extremely low. I then spoke to my second midwife and she
backed up my husband. We decided to opt out of getting a 3rd ultrasound and
genetic counseling. We knew in our hearts that everything was fine with our son
and we were right!
Then came along our second pregnancy. Again we decided to do the
two standard ultrasounds. We contemplated this idea for a while. We did some
research into the safety of ultrasounds and weren't quite sure if the risks
outweighed the benefits. We did feel as though we knew a little bit more about
ultrasounds and felt like we knew what to expect. So we went ahead and decided
to go ahead with it. Again our IPS results came back with a low score and our
anatomy scan showed another echogenic intracardiac focus. However, that's not
all it showed. Our scan also demonstrated a cleft lip. I called my husband yet
again balling hysterically. He still stayed positive and tried to calm me down
but was a little scared himself. I immediately told him that I wanted another ultrasound
and the genetic counseling. He agreed with my decision. All that was left to do
was wait for our next test and pray. Two days later we were sent to a better-equipped
hospital. Here we find out that our baby did not have a cleft lip and that our
previous ultrasound tech had thankfully made an error.
Based on our experiences and research we have decided that we
are officially done with ultrasounds. All of this could have been avoided if we
choose to do the Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) instead. This is a new
way to screen your pregnancy to see if your baby has an increased chance of
having a few specific chromosome disorders. This test also determines your
baby's gender too. All this test requires is a simple blood sample done at 10
weeks of pregnancy. The test isn't covered by OHIP but you can apply for it to
be covered. I just think for my own peace of mind the money would be well spent
if it means no sleepless nights and anxiety.
I hope that my story can help other parents feel more at ease
about their ultrasound results.
