Choroid Plexus Cysts---Our baby

So, now that I've had a chance to let my family know what's going on with the baby, I thought I might share with you guys. We had our 20 week ultrasound (Ryan knows the gender) and everything seemed to be normal at first, except I realized she was spending a LOT of time measuring, but thought that maybe this is just how NJ does it. Then I notcied her focusing on the baby's brain and measuring something INSIDE the brain. I didn't think anything of it, didn't panic, she never made any indication that there was anything to worry about so I didn't let my mind wander, but enjoyed watching my little one. She and Ryan stepped out to reveal the gender, and this was when I really started to put things together...they were gone a LONG time. But, there was a new tech working on her skills so I was still distracted. Ryan came back in and didn't make any indication to tell me anything, until I mentioned how this might be our last ultrasound unless something is wrong, and he simply stated that something was.

They found Choroid Plexus Cysts (here is the link) on the baby's brain. Multiple ones (3 on one side, 1-2 on the other) on both sides. This alone is nothing to raise real concern since the baby showed no other malformations at this point. Choroid Plexus Cysts are generally benign and disappear on their own. With that said, they can be a "soft marker" for Trisonomy 18 (another link), which is a genetic disorder in which the child has an extra chromosome on every 18th chromosome in it's body. T-18 is not compatible with life, in fact most baby's are still born, and those that are born alive pass within the first week of life. Less than 10% of those that remain make it to their first birthday.

The good news is that my early screening tests (Nuchal Fold Test, which I highly reccommend and is very new) indicate that I am at extremely LOW risks for genetic disorders, particularly T-18. However, Ryan and  I have discussed it, and we've decided that if the cyst remain at our next ultrasound (May 6), we will push for the amnio which is the ONLY way to diagnose and rule out a diagnosis of Trisinomy 18.


All this to say that I have a few prayer requests...
-For no Cysts come our May 6th Appointment
-For me to have the strength to make the demand for an Amnio since I will be going to that appointment    without my husband

Not to belittle the powers of our God, but rather to show that he is still in control, I have had an overwhelming since of peace with this whole situation, and it's not even a result of me being an optimist, it's more of me being a realist. I'm ready for either diagnosis, but praying for the cysts to dissapate on their own. I was already living this pregnancy and trying to enjoy every moment of it since it's our "last" baby and now I find myself with even more reason to find things to be joyful for...like tiny kicks, little flutters, and being allowed to wear pants with elastic waistbands like my toddler/preschooler.

Thank you for your prayers/