re: Fetal Hydrops, Please, Please answer

Quoting Will☮Creedence:" I'm so sorry   Just stick to your guts. Honestly it would make me feel bettter to keep the baby in as long as possible and let whatever happen, happen."

I can only echo this, im so sorry and i will be praying for you

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Quoting Brittanie Blokker-Brandt:" I am incredibly sorry for you! I cant imagine. Id be calling other doctors, researching, all over too ... [snip!] ... fluid can go down, its not common, but we're getting new advances in medical technology daily, who says this cant be the next?!"

I second this. I'd get a second opinion. Normally hydrops is secondary to some sort of heart defect/placenta problem/genetic issue/pre-e./blood disorder.etc. At the very least, you should have all of the information before deciding anything. Plus you'd want that information anyway for future pregnancies. I hope that they get to the bottom of what's going on and I hope that you and your baby have a good outcome. Thinking of you.

Thank you ladies.

My daughter was diagnosed with Hydrops at 18 weeks. We were told that our "best option" was termination of the pregnancy and trying again. When we asked what her odds of survival were, they said they were "absolutely zero" and we were told she would be stillborn in 4-6 weeks, that babies with hydrops do not survive. We began making arrangements for a funeral, but decided against terminating the pregnancy. We did, however, have an amniocentesis done since Hydrops usually indicates some kind of major problem...that and the heart problems that presented on ultrasound, we wanted to know what we were facing.

The 4-6 weeks came and passed and she was alive. They started discussing delivery at 28 weeks, on the basis that maybe if we could just get her out alive, we could intervene as her health declined. Maybe we could save her. But...she looked stable. So I, happily, stayed pregnant.

To make a long story short, Gabby was born Aug 21, 2007. She was 6 lbs 3 oz, and 17 inches long, and had been prenatally diagnosed with Turner Syndrome. She is 5 now, a kindergartener. She's little, and yeah, she's definitely got health problems...but right now, she's stable. She's had two heart surgeries, a kidney removed, a g-tube placed....but she's with us, and she's absolutely MISS PERSONALITY lol.

There were times when I was pregnant that I wondered if I was doing the right thing for her, or if I just couldn't let go because I was selfish. There were nights I laid in hospital recliners, next to her asleep with any number of medical supplies around her, and I wondered if, knowing this would be her life, if I did the right thing for her. But honestly...I know I did the right thing. Her life isn't "normal", but it's all she's ever known, so it seems pretty normal to her. And she's an incredibly happy child. It was all right.

Push your doctor for as many tests as possible. Hydrops accompanies a lot of heart problems and chromosomal problems. Ask for your doctor to make arrangements for a pediatric cardiologist to do a fetal echocardiogram (it's basically just an ultrasound that focuses on the baby's heart.). I, personally, would also ask about an amniocentesis, but I know some women aren't comfortable with that idea, however, the risks now have lowered extensively since the last studies were done (10-15 years ago.). They are ultrasound guided and since ultrasounds have improved so much in that time, the risks are much lower.

I am so so very sorry. I can't imagine being in your situation. I will keep you, your baby and your family in my thoughts. I hope that whatever the outcome is you find peace in knowing you did the best you could to give her a chance. *hugs*

Liz I'm glad you answered this I was about to link you. Gabby is an absolute miracle and proof that miracles happen everyday.

Emily, don't give up hope. I'm keeping you & Gracie in my prayers daily. And if you ever need to talk please don't hesitate to message me. Love you girl. <3

Quoting Elle With Three &1/2:" My daughter was diagnosed with Hydrops at 18 weeks. We were told that our "best option" was termination ... [snip!] ... years ago.). They are ultrasound guided and since ultrasounds have improved so much in that time, the risks are much lower."

This is probably the best thing Ive read all day! I hope this gives her so much hope and a more clear idea of not only what she is facing but what is possible!

Quoting Elle With Three &1/2:" My daughter was diagnosed with Hydrops at 18 weeks. We were told that our "best option" was termination ... [snip!] ... years ago.). They are ultrasound guided and since ultrasounds have improved so much in that time, the risks are much lower."

Thanks Liz. They did test my Amnio fluid yesterday. It was painful and scary but worth it. They originally thought she had a chromosome problem like down syndrom. But looking at her brain, skill and bone structure they said she is fine. They said she has a good heart as well. I listened to it for 5 1/2 hours new years day as I lay in L & D. I am not giving up hope. I might be selfish for wanting to keep her even though she will not make it. But I would not have wanted my mom to give up on me. I was given a chance, so I am giving Gracie a change. I asked about a stunt being placed in her and the doctor said, "No there is just too much fluid, it would not work". Well I am not giving up hope. I just pray to god a miracle happens and she somehow makes it.
Afterall she made it this long, through two hospital visits for bleeding, I can feel her moving right now as I type.
I just wish they would support me in my decision to keep this pregnanct going till god take her home or she is delivered. Its hard to keep it together for Kale as well. Him seeing me cry and be upset is not fair to him, so I am trying to be as normal as possible, to only cry why he is busy, where he won't see me. Life is not fair but I know god wouldn't have put her on this earth without a reason. After all Kale was born Christmas day at 32 weeks, my little Miracle baby. So maybe I am just suppose to be the mother of miracles.

Quoting ~ Emily & Kale ~:" Thanks Liz. They did test my Amnio fluid yesterday. It was painful and scary but worth it. They originally ... [snip!] ... all Kale was born Christmas day at 32 weeks, my little Miracle baby. So maybe I am just suppose to be the mother of miracles."

They weren't very supportive of me at first, either...They started doing ultrasounds weekly and than 3 times a week at the end, and as OFTEN as I was in there, it was about a month until they improved their attitudes. There was one time, I had an appt and my ob was at a delivery, so another doctor did the checkup, and he had the audacity to call my pregnancy "a timebomb". I was livid.

A pregnancy like this, is a long...long road. And there are a lot of people who aren't going to understand why you would go down it. But it is worth it...it is so, so very worth it, to know that as long as she's fighting, so are you.