We met with the High Risk Team today in Evanston. The appointment lasted about three and half hours. First, we had a level II ultrasound to confirm the presence of a cystic hygroma. The ultrasound technician did so, and it measures from 7-9 mm. (A "normal" fetus will have some fluid at the back of the neck, but that measurement should be no more than 3.5 mm.)
After that, we met with a Genetic Counselor. She reviewed the paperwork from our first pregnancy (chromosome analysis, autopsy report, etc.), our medical histories, family medical histories, etc. Nothing seemed to indicate to her that there was any specific reason why we now have 2 pregnancies in a row with cystic hygromas.
We then met with the doctor, who performed the CVS test almost immediately. Due to the location of the placenta, he had to pass a needle through my abdomen to gather the placental tissue that needs to be evaluated. The test was pretty unpleasant (and Matt was a funny shade of green:-)), but it was over quickly and they showed us the baby's heartbeat as soon as it was over to assure us that everything was ok.
We should have the initial FISH results back on Monday, which will tell us the sex of the baby and if the baby has Trisomy 13, 18, 21, or any abnormality associated with the sex chromosomes (ie- a female with only one X chromosome). The full DNA analysis/karyotyping will take about 2 weeks.
We have an appointment in 2 weeks on August 13 to see if the cystic hygroma has grown, decreased in size, stayed the same, etc. and to confirm that the baby is still in decent health otherwise. At this time, there is no evidence of fluid in other areas of the body, and hydrops is not present. We are hoping that that continues to be the case.