[ara79]

Hi girls. I posted this in the "We're Pregnant" forum, where it belongs, but you ladies that have been through pregnancy are always so helpful as well. Quick little update:

Way back when, my quad-screen results came back positive for Downs. I saw a peri. all summer and she kept a close eye on Lily to rule out Downs. All is well w/ Lily-bug...Thank GOD! So, apparently the other reason for that quad screen result is possible placeta problems that will arise in the last 5-6 weeks. Starting last week I have appts EVERY Mon. and Thurs. for an u/s (AFI) and NST. Today my AFI level was 9.8. The tech said that most dr like to see it above 10, and that if it gets too low they will go ahead and take Lily. I am now worried that when I go back on Thursday my levels will be even lower. Does anyone have any experience w/ this or insight? Thanks!!

Ugh...goofed on the spelling! LEVELS not LEVLES!

[gracesmom]

I don't have any experience with this but I wanted to tell you that my SIL had a "positive" test for Down with her baby that was born last week. After the level 2 ultrasound they decided all was okay and that he didn't have any other markers. Interestingly though, they never ever mentioned what you are talking about and, in fact, she never had another u/s beyond her 18 week. I would try not to worry too much (ha ha). Keep us posted!

[Kellileanne]

If it is the same thing they were checking on me then they didn't induce till 37 weeks and they said my "score" was 8. Not sure if it is the same or not.

Ok, I googled AFI and yes, that is the issue I was having with her growth. The amniotic fluid levels were getting lower and my uterus stopped stretching so there was no way she could grow. But, she kept doing well at each u/s and nst (well 3 nst's ended up at l&d, 2 because of my bp and one because of her sleeping during the nst because I waited in the waiting room too long) so they let her stay till 37 weeks. Hope it alll turns out well, which, I am sure it will!!! Keep us posted!

[ara79]

kelli~ where they watching your amniotic fluid levels??

[Kellileanne]

Yes they were. That's why I ended up at the perinatologists office for an ultrasound. That and Caitlin's small size. She was 3 weeks behind in growth and I had a dramatic drop in expected amniotic fluid levels from the 20 week ultrasound. The peri thought that because of the low fluid it was keeping her from growing properly and he suggested induction at 37 weeks. Luckily she came out half a pound bigger than he expected and he said he was being generous with his measurments. It was scary when they told me my fluid level was down. I knew that could mean serious problems but it was not that bad, I was scared for nothing! Caitlin did well with the nsts, my bp was the problem at that point!

[ara79]

Well, up until this point Lily has always mearused pretty big for her age, so I at least feel good about that. She was in the 90th percentile about 10 weeks ago. I am thinking she would be a decent size if she had to come a few weeks early. Ugh, I guess the worry really never ends.

[Kellileanne]

The worry never ends but it does get easier to deal with. Even with her here and doing so well, I still worry horribly. I am always terrified something will happen to her. Maybe these anti-anxiety meds will help me.

[Just~A~]

Amy!!! Are getting PSYCHED for that baby girl?? I am SOOO happy for you. Time sure flies by. We're at the "no way we're taking her with us out to eat" phase. But it's so exciting to see her learning new things and figuring out language more and more. I'm getting less concerned about her eating, and more concerned about how to handle her tantrums.

that's what you have to look forward to! :-) It's so worth it.

Angie

[futuremom2b]

Amy, after being in the hospital for 3 months and having 3 scans a week I know alot about this, and what I can tell you is to DRINK LOTS OF WATER! I know it sounds silly but it will help with your levels!

Lily ~ you stay in that tummy and mommy will drink some water!

[hannah01]

i didn't have any experience with this, but i'd say based on how frequently they are going to be checking you, you've got nothing to worry about. if they do need to take her out a little early, she'll be fine. at this point she's just basically hanging out in there gaining weight and making her mommy tired. i can't believe how soon you are going to be holding your daughter ... isn't that crazy?! your daughter!