20 weeks - Update #2 - August 6, 2024
Baby update #2 - August 6th
Today the baby is 20 weeks, 2 days. The ultrasound was done today, and we had some very
wonderful things revealed to us about how the baby is doing.
Just for context, this is the same ultrasound tech who saw Lily at 14 weeks and identified
the spina bifida and omphalocele (hernia underneath the umbilical cord). This is the clinic
in Moosejaw, which is where Lily goes for routine ultrasounds, separate from the specialist
in Regina.
Today Lily mentioned to the tech what had been provided as a suspected diagnosis at the
specialist appointment – Trisomy 18. Lily noted that the tech was surprised, and had
received a statistic for Trisomy 13 when she entered the previous measurements into the
system at the clinic. We have begun to feel that there may be some guess work going into
which trisomy the baby has, because the spina bifida and omphalocele line up with
Trisomy 13, but the baby is developing too well for this to be the case (Trisomy 13 is more
severe than 18). Since these issues are present, but the baby is still not showing the most
serious issues indicating Trisomy 13, we wonder why we were told to suspect Trisomy 18.
We are wondering if maybe there is no trisomy at all, and perhaps some of the baby’s
issues were causing confusion about this.
Aside from that, there were some wonderful updates to inform you of. The baby has shown
regular development of the bladder – the tech pointed out that it has liquid in it, indicating
that the baby is swallowing the amniotic fluid – a huge indicator that the baby can swallow.
The baby was also handling both hands and sucking on its thumb! Previously we had been
told there might be issues with the cerebellum, a part of the brain that regulated fine motor
control. Things like swallowing and suckling would be a challenge if this were the case, and
with this concern, such things as breast feeding may not be possible. Therefore, we were
greatly excited to see these things! In addition to this, the kidneys are functioning well, and
this is a huge relief, as some Trisomy 18 babies may not have functioning kidneys, or
kidneys at all. We did note that the baby’s right hand seemed to be in an odd position, but
the tech agreed that it is difficult to tell what the baby’s hands are doing since the hands
tend to be folded up most of the time. We did count 5 fingers and 5 toes on each hand and
foot though!
Now for the most incredible thing you will want to hear! Praise the Lord, our baby’s spine is
developing just fine! We asked about the spina bifida, and the tech made sure to send us
home with a photo of it so we can show you! The baby’s vertebral column has developed
quite uniformly. There is a tiny bump at the bottom of the back, but she said normally the
spinal cord will leave the vertebral column and travel up to the surface of the body where
the bump is. She explained that here the spinal cord is not deviating from the spinal
column and the bump that is there is so small, it would be missed at this point if it had not
been previously detected. This is so amazing, because spina bifida was one of the baby’s
more serious issues.
We were not able to take a look at the heart today, as the baby was not in the right position.
We are praying that at the next appointment, we will see a heart with fully separate
chambers! Baby’s heart rate is healthy and strong. There is so much to be thankful for. We
will send an update once we receive more information about this.
Thank you all for you prayers. We believe we are witnessing God form this tiny baby in a
way He does for each and every person, but this time we are all watching and waiting
expectantly for incredible things we usually overlook. Remember to recognize the miracles
God is working in your life, even the tiny things you would normally take for granted.
As you pray for this baby, know he or she is a little bit smaller than what’s expected for the
20 week point. Baby is in the first percentile for the age, but measures as 18 weeks. Please
pray that baby will grow big and strong, and maybe stay a little longer inside the womb if he
or she needs some extra time.
We are just so thankful for our tiny but great miracle. We hope this has come as an
encouragement to you all.