SamanthaStein

As of our ultrasound last week, our visit frequency with that department was changed from semi-monthly to weekly. The reason for this at the time was that the technician noted an increased amount of amniotic fluid; and they decided that at 30 weeks it would be best to keep an eye on it. Simultaneously, they assured us that all findings were positive (including a lung head ratio of 1.8 and steady growth, with an approximate weight of 4lbs).
Today we went back for our first follow up scan and were told that the fluids had increased a significant amount and that a crescent shaped pocket of fluid could be seen in his chest. It was described as a small amount but along with the increased amniotic fluids the doctor seemed extremely concerned that this could be a sign of impending hydrops.
She explained to us that right now all we can do is monitor the fluids and "pray" that they do not accumulate too much more before the 36 week mark.

One thing I do not want to hear from my doctor is to pray. We do, everyday, but for her to have said this today after week after week of encouragement seemed wrong somehow.
She explained that right now his heart is nice and strong but that in these cases hydrops is often fatal. And that similarly to his diaphragmatic defect there is nothing we can do but wait.

Has anyone had a baby with hydrops preterm here with a positive outcome? We have been cautiously optimistic the passed few weeks and now it just seems like more odds are being stacked against little Jackson.

Waiting, as it turns out, has been the hardest part. We are well aware that this is just the tip of the iceberg but really hoped to continue to receive "good" news until delivery.

The risk of heart failure pre-delivery is just- I don't even know. We hoped to give our son a fighting chance- I pray he still gets that chance.