The First Scare

On December 8, 2005, we got the results of a blood test we had taken. The Alpha-Fetal-Protein test (AFP) is generally known for being inaccurate. It gives many false positive results but can still be used as an indicator for certain genetic conditions.

Our results came back positive. We had a 1 in 19 chance of having a baby with a genetic condition called Trisomy 18.

We struggled with the results. The doctor told us that the condition is always fatal.

After hearing the news, we tried to maintain some optimism knowing that the results are usually inaccurate. While our baby had a 1 in 19 chance of having Trisomy 18, he also had an 18 in 19 chance of being alright.

The next day we had a level two ultrasound test scheduled. We were hoping the results of the ultrasound would confirm our belief that our child was healthy.

On December 9 we drove an hour to Chico for the ultrasound. The ultrasound showed no signs of Trisomy 18. We were relieved. We were offered an amniocentesis to double check the results. We were told that the amnio was probably not necessary because the birth defects associated with Trisomy 18 are so obvious and horrible that they would have appeared on the ultrasound.

Just to be sure, we went ahead with the amniocentesis.

We also found out that we were having a baby boy.

That night, with the prospect of a less-than-healthy baby on our minds, we went shopping for Jordan’s first boy clothing.

Next -> The Test Results

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