"Do not Google this"

A few weeks ago (OK, seven weeks now!), at my 20 week ultrasound, we received some unsettling news from one of my doctors. While doing an extensive anatomy scan on the baby, the ultrasound technician had noted that his umbilical cord only has one artery and one vein instead of two arteries and one vein, which is what makes up a normal umbilical cord. Apparently, this condition is found in approximately 10 percent of pregnancies and is called Single Umbilical Artery (SUA).  While explaining this to us, my doctor did not seem highly concerned but did refer us to a specialist to have a higher level ultrasound done, in order to confirm the finding. I was not too concerned by what the doctor said, until he was about to leave the office and decided to leave me with these parting words, "Do not google this".

"Do not google this." Did he really tell me not to google? What can be so bad that my doctor gave me explicit instructions to not google? Of course, as soon as I was in the car I started to google.

I wish I had listened to the doctor's orders. Let's just say that the information found online regarding SUA is outdated and bleek. To be frank, it comes across as a death sentence for a baby. After reading through a few websites, I found myself scared out of my mind. I immediately began to feel that helpless feeling that creeps over you when there is something wrong with your children and you have absolutely no control over the situation. I was in full panic mode.

After a good cry and a few calming phone calls, I started my google search again, this time looking for anything with updated information. I came across a message board that was filled with women who had been given the same diagnosis as me and the information that they were sharing was much more encouraging. Apparently, SUA is much more common than my original google search lead me to believe and is not a death sentence. In fact, most babies diagnosed with this condition, under the watchful eye of a doctor are born with little to no effects from it whatsoever. Which is what my doctor was indicating to us before he dropped the "No Google" bomb.

If only I had had a momentary lapse in hearing, I would have saved myself a ton of grief.

Today, I am 26 weeks, 6 days pregnant and little baby Nate is as active as can be. A few days after our diagnosis we visited with the referred specialist who did a high level ultrasound and checked Nate top to bottom. The two main concerns with SUA are organ development and growth rate as well as higher chances for chromosomal problems. At that appointment we were told that Nate is growing on target, has perfect organ development and there were no indications of any chromosomal abnormalities. We were not referred for any further testing and will go back at 28 weeks for another scan to confirm that everything looks good.

I am a little nervous about our next scan, as it seems to be one of the final hurdles we need to get over. But, I can tell from those kicks (and the fact that my bump is now more of a ball) that Nate is strong and growing.

The worrying will never end, that's just a part of the job, but one thing I will try not to do is google!