6th Sept 2010 - Another trip to the hospital for Amniocentesis

September 6, 2010

Another day has come for me to see Mr. Shah, Fetal medicine consultant from city hospital. For the fourth time, Baby Luke will be scanned again. It is a different feeling this time since I have recognized the real problem. I have accepted baby Luke’s diagnosis, but again hoping that there will be no new problem that may arise. I just hope that Baby luke’s heart is ok. At least I know that his heart can beat as good as mine.

Mr. Shah started the scan again. Once he started, I also started to recite the rosary while staring the monitor. Marlon is closely watching Mr Shah rather than the monitor. I am sure he’s looking for positive reactions. Findings remain the same, although there’s no positive progress, at least, it hasn’t worsened from the last time. I am glad to hear that, He suggested us about having Amniocentesis procedure. Before we came in his clinic, we have already decided that I am not going through this test because I don’t plan to terminate the baby anyway. But Mr Shah explained to me that this test may help with the planning of management once Baby Luke is born. It may delay the management in case another problem in not seen prior to delivery. It is like seeing the clear picture once baby Luke is out from my tummy. We did understand what he meant so I gave him the consent to carry out the procedure.

“No local anaesthetics”, I was told. I was then prepared for the procedure and I saw this very long needle pierced in my tummy as guided by the ultrasound. It was more painful than I thought. I can feel marlon’s hands squeezing on mine. I remember watching my own patient having paracentesis and lumbar tap crying in pain. They took 20mls of clear fluid from my belly and after few minutes, needle was removed. Amniotic fluid was collected and procedure is finally done.

I was told to wait for 2-3 days for the initial result to come back. And Alison, the midwife, promised to give me a ring at home. I told myself that this is one phone call that I hate to receive myself. I had the initial result and it all came back fine. I was told that there are no signs of Trisomy problems (like Down’s syndrome & Edward’s syndrome) but the complete result will come back in 2 weeks’ time.