Post anonymously because my husband and I aren’t wanting to share this news with everyone right now. But I really really need support you guys.

I’m 21 weeks pregnant basically and we just had our anatomy scan done. We were on the lookout for a genetic condition she could have that would have shown on the scan but we got cleared of that condition by the doctor after the scan, yay! However, we were absolutely not ready to hear that she has fluid around her heart. Pericardial effusion is what they called it. Right now hers measures 2.3mm and they want to see 2mm or less around the heart. We are being referred to maternal fetal medicine.

This is my 4th baby and I’ve never had any of my babies have fluid around the heart. Are there mamas on here with experience with this? What does it mean for labor and delivery? We’ve been planing for a home birth and I’m now devastated that she’s going to need special care and a hospital birth. I know some babies can be just fine, but I’m so worried about her now. I was prepared for her to have the genetic condition and not worried at all, but this was completely unseen.