Amniocentesis

When I spoke with our genetic counselor last Thursday, she advised me she thinks we should still consider getting the amniocentesis as I only had a week left to "decide".  In other words, to terminate.  I cringe at the thought of that word.  Not only has she told/advised us to do this, but so has Boston and our Fetal Cardiologists from Children's.  The only doctor who hasn't suggested we do one is my OB/GYN. He feels we have less then a 1% chance of having a chromosonal defected child and if we don't plan on terminating, there is no point.   We were already told by our genetic counselor that not all syndromes are detected through the amnio.  If we don't plan on terminating, what is the point?  Mike believes (as I'm sure some of you do too) that the doctors are covering their bases, to help them determine what is potentially wrong with her so they can have the correct staff ready for Zoe's arrival.  But aren't they going to have the cardiologist team and NICU team all available when I'm in labor?  What difference does it make if she has Down Syndrome, Turners, DiGeorge, the list goes on.   And what if she just has an isolated heart issue?

This test has a 1:1,000 odds of me losing Zoe.  I would never forgive myself if I ended up losing her and in turn, she came out perfect.  These doctors keep putting more thoughts in my head.   Yes, would I love to know if she has some sort of syndrome out there?  Genetic Defect?  Absolulely.  The genetic counselor said at this point in my pregnancy, the baby would be fine with the amnio, it just depends on how my uterus reacts to the needle.  I could go into labor or have amniotic fluid leak, which in turn, Zoe would die.  She explained that the uterus is just a muscle so there is no way in knowing how the body would react.  So with that, unless they need to find out if her lungs are ok to deliver at 35-36 weeks, we will not be doing the amnio. 

On a side note, Zander has really grown to love my big belly.  He lifts my shirt up every day/night, rubs my belly, and gives my belly a kiss.  I'm trying to say "Zoe" instead of "Baby in Belly" so he knows he has a little sister on the way.   He's also grown to love other pregnant bellies out there by going up to them (or if he's sitting in a high chair) and rubbing their bellies....It'll be our luck that he'll offend someone someday who is not pregnant:)

Here's our growing cutie pie, who is approaching his "terrible 2s" at 15/16 months.  But he really is a sweet and lovable boy...

My next check up is next Friday, the 4th and then our 3rd Echo is the 16th.  Hopefully nothing changes or gets worse and she's growing along just pefectly...

P.S. I'm attaching a picture of me (23 weeks) and some of my close girlfriends at Lauren's baby shower this past weekend.  I'm lucky enough to experience my pregnancy along with my friends (again).   Most of my college friends all had their first kiddos who were all born within 8 months of Zander.  This time, Zoe will have a few friends her age as well.

(Left to Right...Jessie- Zoe's godmother is due in December with her 2nd), Me, Megan, Stephanie (Zoe's godmother), Amy (due in December with her 3rd), Lauren (due in January with her 1st), Tatiana (due in May with her 2nd).   I have a few other friends pregnant who aren't pictured as they haven't shared their news yet or couldn't make the shower)