DOWN SYNDROME PREGNANCY

Assalamu'alaikum.

As promised, I wanted to rant about something that happened last few months. 

Ok, I have seriously contemplated if I should write this post. I kinda regretted not penning down my pregnancy journey with Adam. Now, for the second one, I want to remember as much as I can.

So, I got to know I was pregnant in October(I'm about 17 weeks along now, Alhamdulillah). Since it's the second pregnancy, I thought that visiting the gynae could wait. You know, also because it's err pricey. So we waited till I was about 7 weeks along before seeing the gynae. Upon the first visit (I was happy because gynae said that I lost so much weight and I look -thumbs up-. Ok, fine, it could mean that he was comparing me with my 9 month old pregnant self; which was of course when he cut my stomach open. *shudders*), gyane said that baby's heartbeat was slow and it's dangerous if it doesn't pick up. 

Naturally, I was so worried I thought about it all the time. Upon the next visit, the baby's heartbeat picked up, Alhamdulillah. But gynae mentioned that there was a concern. The baby's neck was thicker than normal. It should be around 2.5mm but mine was around 4.9mm. 

That, my friends, is a big sign for down syndrome babies. So he urged us to go the for Oscar scan. We did not go during Adam's time as I felt that it was unnecessary but this time, we went. The Oscar scan was alot like the detailed scan that will be done at 20weeks. I asked the gynae soooooooo many questions, I actually felt sorry for her(it was done by a different gynae). Everything about the baby was fine; nose bridge, legs, hands, just the thickness of the neck that was an issue. They took 4 tubes of my blood on top of that. As usual I was scared crazy but surprisingly, it was bearable.

Results came in and the blood test showed things that I already knew from my first pregnancy; low hemoglobin, thalassemia and whatnot. In laymen's term,  I have nausea and feel light headed alot. The down syndrome test stated that my chance of having a down syndrome baby is 1:138, which the gynae said was pretty dangerous. He told me to go for further down syndrome scans but it will cost alot. He talked to us about the option of abortion for the sake of our betterment. 

Religiously, we are not allowed to do such things and even if in any case, I decide to abort the baby because of the possibility of it having down syndrome, I don't know if I can sleep at night. So we did not go for further testings and prayed for the best. 

The last check up went quite smoothly I would say. Gynae said that baby's neck thickness is not getting any worse. It was great news for us and we really hope that all is well. I'm going for my detailed scan soon at 20 weeks and I'm praying that everything will be just fine. 

So ya, you can imagine all that happening to me, to us, with Adam's health not doing so well(he had nosebleed again two days ago, argh) at that point of time. I was so stressed and I couldn't sleep at night. I was really affected by everything that was happening; Adam's health, coping with new job and news about my baby. I couldn't take it. Thank god for Wan and all our family members who were there to support us every step of the way. 

Don't get me wrong. All children are special. I've gotten the opportunity to work with several special needs and down syndrome children and they were really precious. I love them to bits. I'm just afraid that I'm not strong enough physically and emotionally to help support him or her if anything happens. Do you get me? I don't know. Wan says I'm thinking too much but hey, I'm carrying the baby and I kinda have no choice but to notice that it's there.   -_-''

I'm still praying that everything will turn out fine, InshaaAllah.

Btw, I took this at Marina Barrage when Adam was conveniently pointing to our kite. 

The sky was gorgeous.

Ok, all that aside, can we just talk about hygiene here for a sec. Can we please OMG, HOW CAN YOU GO TO THE TOILET AND NOT WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER?! Especially public toilets! Ok, it's bad enough that people underutilize the soap provided but not even stepping near the sink?! I see soooooo many ladies just checking themselves out in the mirror right after they step out of the cubicles and then head right out. I cannot. I just cannot. GERMS PEOPLE! There are germs having parties and dancing like crazy on both of your hands. Oh wait, you just invited more of their friends from the flush button. Wait, don't start the party just yet! There's more germs from the doors of the cubicles coming to get their grooves on.

Moral of the story, let the germs have foam parties in the sink. Oh wait. Soap will kill most them right? Right.

Eating chicken pau in the dark hoping that there are no ants on it,

Ja