Jessica's Story

Pregnancy with T18

The next four months were extremely difficult. We had no idea the emotions that could be generated by riding the Trisomy Rollercoaster. Doctor appointments became the "dreaded time of the month" We had chosen to find out as much as we could so that we would be prepared.

The baby had to have a name! We did not know how long we would have her and if it she didn't survive the pregnancy and birth, she at least deserved to have a name. I had a dream in November, before the nightmare began that I had a healthy baby named Jessica - not a name I would pick, but after the news I decided to look up what it meant - Gift of God - it was a sign - she would be named Jessica. Riley is a lake in Wisconsin that Mike goes to annually and finds tremendous "peace" there. Thus, she would be called Jessica Riley.

I searched the internet for as much information as I could find. I joined a message board and email listserv that helped tremendously. Today, I am still a member of the listserv. This is an email based message board. The people on the list have had children or grandchildren that have been affected by a trisomy. It is a wonderful source of information and everyone is very supportive. Through the message board I met someone from my area that had just lost a baby to T18. We have since started our own local support group that now consists of five women. It is amazing how therapeutic it is to talk with someone that knows the emotions.

In February we had another ultrasound done. They told us that she could possibly have Dandy Walker Syndrome, which is a condition where the brain has not fully developed. Also, she could possibly have spinal bifida and a diaphragmatic hernia. All of this was non-conclusive but it seemed her outcome would be pretty grim.

I then developed polyhydramnios, which is an excess of amniotic fluid. This made the end of the pregnancy very uncomfortable. On April 25, I had some of the fluid drained via amniocentesis. At the same time a sample was sent to the lab to check the maturity of her lungs. The doctor was disappointed that they were not more developed, but said that alot could change in the next couple of weeks. I felt so good after having the fluid drained, I figured I could be pregnant forever. I could sleep again and tie my shoes. I just wanted to dance!!!! (Click on "Jessie's Story-The BIG Day" to read about the big event!)