Down syndrome Question here?!
Question:
Down syndrome Question here?
Hi, is there anyone out there that has VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect ) and pregnant and had a Down Snydrome test run for the Baby? if there is can you plz tell me the procedures the Doctor took in testing for Complications in your Pregnancy especially your first visit. Thanks alot i'm sooo scared i have my appointment this week
Answers:
Hi....from what you have said in your question it sounds like they did a high intensity or level 2 ultra-sound and they found the VSD? did you have the amnio done to confirm DS? I will assume that you did, for the rest of your pregnancy, you will be going to see the perinatologist quite often for ultra-sounds, there will be stress tests if warranted, and you will more than likely see a genetic counselor. and you will also see a pediatric cardiologist and she/he will do another ultra-sound of the babies heart and monitor it.
Sweetie...I know you are scared right now...I went through it too...though my son only had a slight VSD but he had av-canal which is a hole in the chambers of the heart and it was very large. when you go to all the doctor visits and there is something you do not understand...ask them? don't ever be afraid to ask and I would recommend getting the book:
Babies with down syndrome: a new parents guide by karen stray-gundersen
it is a wonderful book that helped me in the begining and answered a lot of my questions about DS.
More than likely you baby will have to have surgery to correct the VSD. I am not sure of the proceedures for that or when it would have to be done.. or if it has to be done. but with my son he had open heart surgery at 4 months old, the surgery lasted 7 hours and he was in the hospital 19 days though this is not the norm, he had problems with his chest tubes draining so he was in longer than most, usually it is around a week.
my son is now is 3 1/2 yrs old and running all over the place and getting into mischief... lol and he is such a joy in my life. if you have any questions or just need to talk to someone who has been there..please email me anytime!!!!