Does my baby have DS?

Question

I went for my level 2 ultrasound when I was 20 weeks and my sons kidneys were dilated a little so they sent me to a specialist to look at them and they were still dilated at 25 weeks to 4.5 mm. He said 4mm or under is normal range but didn't tell me what was high range. The doctor was not too informing but said not always but this sometimes is a sign of down syndrome. They didn't mention that anything else looked different about him but I also didn't ask because I was so shocked to hear this news for the first time. He wants to see me back when I am 33 weeks to check them again but I am so worried now! Has anyone else ever experienced this? I know I love him no matter what but this is something I know nothing about and would not be prepared for!

Answer 1

Does your baby have hydronephrosis ? If this is what your baby he hasHe proablly doesn't have ds.My son had hydronephrosis .I had a ultra sound ever month almost. The doctor said it was very common.Specially in boys. It usually clears up by time they are a year old. With my son it cleared up with in a month after he was born.The urologist was very suprised it cleared up so quick. He is now 6 months old and is also a very smart and bright baby. I wish you luck. You should call the doctor and ask exactly whats wrong with your baby.I didn't understand at first and I stressed the crap out of myself.



Treating fetal urinary tract problems



Q. My daughter just had her prenatal ultrasound and the doctor said her baby has hydronephrosis. What is that? It sounds serious.

A. When expectant parents learn of an abnormality found during ultrasound examination of the fetus, they rightfully have concerns. The most common potential problem found during these tests is hydronephrosis, meaning that the urinary tract is abnormally dilated (expanded) with urine. Although hydronephrosis is defined as dilation of the kidney, the ureters (the tubes between the kidneys and the bladder) and the bladder may also be dilated. A dilated fetal kidney easily can be seen by ultrasound because sound waves pass through fluid readily and the difference between solid tissue and urine make the fluid-filled urinary tract stand out sharply.

Dilation of the fetal kidney may only be a temporary finding and may return to normal before birth or in the first few weeks after birth. All babies who have had a dilated urinary tract found during these ultrasounds should have a complete evaluation of the urinary tract carried out by a pediatric urologist soon after birth. In some cases when mild dilation during pregnancy becomes normal after birth, only an ultrasound examination may be needed. In other cases, X-rays or kidney scans may be necessary.

In general, there are two reasons for a dilated kidney: a blockage in the urinary tract or reflux. Reflux occurs when urine backs up from the bladder into the ureter and kidney.

Some babies with hydronephrosis will need surgery, some will get better on their own, and some will have only a mild case and will not need treatment. It is important to note, however, that all babies with hydronephrosis are at risk for becoming very sick if urinary tract infection occurs. Because of this, almost all babies should be placed on a low dose of antibiotic to lower the risk of such an infection at least until testing is performed.

Answer 2

There is a blood test they can do to check if your baby is at risk for Down's (triple screen test). However, I think they will only do it between certain weeks so it may be too late for that. Even when they do the test, there is a high rate of false positives and also a lot of false negatives. My husband's aunt was told that her triple screen was fine and there was nothing to worry about and surprise! Their daughter has Down's syndrome. The only way for them to tell you for sure is to have an amniocentesis. If that is something you are comfortable with (it in invasive and there are risks), then I would do it so that you can either A. stop worrying or B. be able to prepare yourself to raise a child with special needs. If you do find out that he has Down's, ask you doctor how to get in touch with the state Early Intervention program, they can help you prepare and also get him a lot of therapy and help when he is very young that can help him in the long run. My husband's aunt said she never would've survived without their help! Congratulations and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy. I hope everything turns out ok with your baby.

Answer 3

If you are worried and can't get a satisfactory explanation, diagnosis, and/or opinion from this specialist, by all means seek a second opinion. However, if it is more a matter of being shocked or worried by what this doctor told you, then perhaps you will be able to please just try to take a deep breath and relax a little in the meantime while you wait for the next test, and then take it from there. Whatever happens, I wish and hope for the best for you and God bless!

Answer 4

I have a couple of friends that are OB's and they have told me that you can not diagnose DS with an ultrasound only by amnio or waiting for birth. I have an in depth ultrasound with my son because of a fear of Spina Bifida, when that came up negative I was told by the geneticist that they could be a risk of Downs! Really it seems that if there is even the smallest abnormality they say that it could be DS. Try not to worry.

Answer 5

Darn near everything is a symptom of DS. I'm not trying to be funny, but it's true. They told me that they saw something odd too. They wanted to do an amnio, and I told them absolutely not. They had little info, at best, and I refused to allow them to do that invasive procedure with that limited info. Everyone's choice is different. My child had another issue, which ultimately required surgery after he was born. However, it was not Downs, it was physical, and it was repaired via surgery. From a mom that's been there, relax and enjoy your pregnancy. Continue seeing your doctors. Get whatever tests they recommend AND you agree with. And love your baby no matter what the outcome. That's the decision I made when I was 26wks and I haven't regretted it one day. God Bless!

Answer 6

When I had my ultra sounds they checked the fingers and face closely.They said sometimes they can tell by the face structure and can tell most of the time of the baby has ds by the fingers because a baby with ds will have short fat fingers.Ask the doctor about what I just told you and see what he says.

Answer 7

ask your doctor to explain everthing to you in detail...down syndrome babies are at risk of having cardiac malformations so ask the doctor if he has noticed some other signs of down syndrome that made him think of this condition...there is a blood test ...called the maternal alfa feto protein test which can indicate if your baby is at risk however it is done at 25 weeks of gestation.
also an amniocentesisi could be carried out in the 2 trimester.
presently your baby could be having a transient period of hydro nephrosis...but talk to your doctor befor getting all worried

Answer 8

there is a ds test an d other test to see if baby is normal so just ask but don't stress try getting water and milk and lay off the caffine cause can be part of problem ask dr

Answer 9

No