We are very happy to report that our appointment could not have gone any better today. The big thing we were looking for was a "normal" nuchal translucency via ultrasound. (Nuchal translucency is the size of the skin at the back of the baby's neck. A higher than normal measurement can indicate a number of things. In our case, it would be an indication of a cystic hygroma and an undeniable sign that this baby is sick with what afflicted Gracie and Matthew.) Anything under 3-3.5 mm is considered normal. This baby's result was a very pleasant 1.5 mm! For comparison, when we did this ultrasound with Gracie over a year ago at this time in our pregnancy, the measurement was 7.5-9 mm!
Also, we saw the baby move during the ultrasound, which was very exciting and a relief. With Lethal Multiple Pterygium Syndrome (LMPS), doctors theorize that the baby doesn't move at all during development, and that is how the joint contractures form. so, any movement this early in pregnancy is a good sign.
We aren't 100% out of the woods just yet, but we are pretty darn close. We go back in 4 weeks for another ultrasound to confirm that a cystic hygroma hasn't developed. Though the genetic counselor estimates our risk of that happening is around 5%. And that 5% covers the risk of a hygroma for any reason, not specifically related to LMPS. If everything looks good in 4 weeks, we are pretty close to being considered normal. And then we go back 4 weeks later for our level II ultrasound/anatomy scan. If all goes well at that appointment, we will be in the clear!
We can't thank you all enough for the prayers, positive thoughts and support you have offered over these last 12 weeks. We are so very grateful to all of you. And we truly believe you have made a difference! Thank you so much!!!