Sunday, December 6, 2009

22 weeks and an Ultrasound

On Tuesday Darren and I went into the doctor for the usual 20 week ultrasound, where we found out we are having a healthy baby. We still aren't going to find out what we are going to have (although I think its a girl) The lady doing the ultrasound made it super easy for us not to find out cause she didn't even go near that area or I may have been tempted to peek. Like I said, we have a healthy baby. There is one little thing that is going on in there which is not exactly normal. On the ultrasound they were able to see a cleft in the lip. Kind of a shock I must say. I was pretty much a wreck that day. Don't get me wrong, I am super grateful that it is something that can be fixed and that the baby is otherwise as healthy as can be, but it is still a shock to find out that anything is wrong with your own baby. So the next morning we went to meet with the high risk docs for further evaluation. That is where we found out that it is a bilateral cleft, which means there is a cleft on each side. The baby wouldn't open its mouth to have a look at the palate, but with a bilateral cleft, it is most likely that the palate is included on at least one side. Again , another shock. This time we were better prepared, so we were able to take it a little easier. We will be meeting with the cleft repair team at Primary Children's on Friday to go over the long process that will be fixing our little one's mouth. There we will pick our surgical team, look at before and after pics and deciding with the surgeon the best course of action. We are so blessed that this baby is healthy and everything is fixable. We have faith that the Lord knows what He is doing and that we will be able to get through this smoothly with His help. It will be a few months after the baby is born that the first surgery will take place, but there will probably be more to follow in the first year. We won't know exactly what is going to take place until the baby is born and we can see how extensive this cleft is. We will keep everyone updated on status as we find out information. We will be going back in for another ultrasound the beginning of January and hopefully baby will open its mouth for a better look. Like, I said, we have faith that everything is going to work out fine and are grateful to live in a time of modern medicine and to be so close to Primary Children's, where they have the means to give the best treatment possible. We are thankful for our Savior and for another healthy baby on the way!

5 comments:

Amanda said...

that is little scary knowing that something is wrong with your baby. i'm so glad that it's not life threatening and can be fixed! while i pregnant with zoey they found a calcium deposit on her heart which is a sign of downs syndrom. they tell you not to worry but once they say something it can't be taken back and your pregnant and going to worry! she turned out fine obviously. congrats on the healthy baby! i don't think i could not find out what i'm having. that's fun and exciting

Holly said...

Wow, it seems like I just realized you were pregnant again, and now an ultrasound? Time flies. (hopefully for you too =) I just wanted to let you know that I have a good friend whose little boy had a bilateral cleft and was treated up at primary's. He's almost 3 now and looks great! If you need someone to talk to who has been through it all, I could get you her contact info.

Trevor and Liz Covington said...

Hey Ash.. I found out from your grandparents yesterday what was going on and I wanted to write and just let you know how miraculous it is that the Lord gives you the strength to deal with whatever comes your way!! Before Bennett was born I hated hospitals and thought I could never deal with a sick kid! But, somehow, when Bennett was in the hospital it was just totaly manageable and doable and I just couldn't believe how well I handled everything. It really was a miracle and I know it will be the same for you guys too! Just remember when you're dealing w/Dr.'s and stuff that you're the boss.. you're the client so don't be afraid to ask them to clarify things they explain that you don't understand and don't be afraid to ask for more info or more time to think about things or different accomodations if you need them. If you're like me you get overwhelmed in the medical surroundings and just do what you're told but I learned that you can have what you want, usually, if you just ask! SO.. you guys are in our prayers, I know you're baby will be beautiful and sweet just like his or her's parents and life will be good and good things come from hard things!! Love you, liz

Liz & Zac said...

What a shocking discovery, luckily you will have the best care possible! I work for an Orthodontist who specializes in working with kids who have cleft palates. They go through treatment with braces just like all the other kids and have a beautiful outcome! Im happy that he/she is healthy and I wish you a great rest of your pregnancy! BTW, I didn't even know you were prego again so Congtats!!

The Powells said...

I'm so glad that the baby is healthy! It's good to know that cleft lips are fixable and that you're in good hands that close to the hospital. Good luck and stay strong.