So not only are we dealing with a heart condition that has four underlying issues, we are also dealing with some possible pregnancy complications.
All of this was being thrown at us, the doctor also told us that the next step would have to be a genetic study of our son's chromosomes. We informed the Genetic counselor that we weren't concerned on the 'why' our son was part of the 1% that got heart disease but rather the 'how' we are to take care of him. We further explained that they are more than welcome to do the genetic testing at birth when they cut the umbilical cord - where they can take a small amount of blood using a fine need to then analyze for Di George Syndrome.
We were more concerned with the blow we just received about my ultrasound, than a possible syndrome. I mean the counselor was making it seem like the results would change my mind if I wanted to keep our baby or not, and I clearly stated to her that it would not. We plan to keep this baby at all possible, and no genetic test was going to change that.
We left the hospital, sick and in shock, feeling hopeless. It was not the news we were hoping for at all! I know my father called once on the way home asking for the results, but I just told him I would tell him in person when mom was there too, not wanting to repeat myself multiple times.
I rubbed my belly against the beat of the music in the car and just processed all we were told today;
occasionally bringing up a concern to my husband here and there. I felt so helpless to protect him, let alone me. The thought of him being born only to suffer just tore my heart out. Could I really do that to him? He didn't have a voice. He didn't have a say. Everything that would happen to him would be because of me and his father. Choices we made, or didn't make. However, I also thought of my current son, and how the choices we make could affect him, and at that moment my husband and I agreed on one thing - if pregnancy got to complicated and it came down to me and my unborn son, he'd pick me. I know that might sound terrible, but I want to be able to care for my son at home and watch him grow, not leaving him motherless because of a choice made on the operating table.
Later that evening, I received a call from my new OBGYN and they informed me that they would like to keep a closer eye on me and the baby, explaining that we would have weekly visits to make sure there are no more changes.
The Results:
Unborn son has Tetralogy of Fallot (4 combined issues)
I have an Incompetent Cervix
Doctors are concerned that I may have a uterine rupture before or during the pregnancy due to my last pregnancy