Absolutely terrified.

This is our 4th pregnancy. Last pregnancy we had the NIPT, which didn’t show any chromosome abnormalities. When we went into our 12 week scan, completely oblivious, our baby was measuring a couple of weeks behind. We had, had an early scan, so knew a confirmed date from that. We were reassured and told to come back in a fortnight to check growth. When we went back in a fortnight, her growth had dropped a further two weeks, although her head was still measuring the original gestation.

It was at this point we were told that such severe IUGR so early on was usually indicative of a chromosome abnormality. We were referred to the states top maternity hospital for genetic testing. We never got to the genetic testing as 24 hours after our follow up scan she was born. A post mortem exam showed she had XXX dygynic Triploid Syndrome. Even if we carried to term, her life span would have been a few hours. Dygynic triploidy is caused when the mother’s egg contains two lots of chromosomes, so when the sperm meets up, instead of inheriting a set of chromosomes from each parent they end up with three complete sets (there are also types which are caused by the sperm having an extra set, or two sperm meeting the egg at precisely the same time).

Tomorrow is our 12 week scan for this pregnancy. I am an absolute mess of stress. This was the point last time our whole world was thrown upside down. I wish the scan was today and over with. I’m terrified.