Hi everyone, I have had a few ultrasounds and our son had a very slight risk for downs but there were no major markers to indicate it just an abnormal AFP test. The only thing was an echogenic foci spot on his heart.(calcium deposit) They said it was minor and that this can appear on any fetus whether or not the baby has downs. Has anyone had this spot on their baby and find out that everything was fine? We opted out of the amnio, because I would not terminate anyway, and did not want to incurr a risk of miscarriage. Anyone else out there go through this or is going through it? I am 37 years old....Thanks! ↓
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Name: Tracy | Date: Jun 16th, 2005 9:33 AM
Patty; I had that with my son, and it scared me to death!! However, I have a healthy 3 1/2 year old now. The doctor had me come back in 9 weeks after the first u/s and they were gone. Just pray about it, and God will lift the burden of worry from you. ↑
Name: Patty | Date: Jun 16th, 2005 10:03 AM
Thank you Tracy....I really appreciate your reply. Prayer does sure help. Did you have similar results for Downs as well on your AFP, with no major markers on the US? Thanks! ↑
Name: Linda | Date: Jun 21st, 2005 2:50 PM
My doctor just told me the same today. Did you take the blood test they offer at around 14 to 18 weeks? I did not and we too did not go for the amnio. I am 28 weeks now and the baby is growing at the proper rate, which they say is a good sign. With this marker and no other "real" signs, they siad my chances are 1/300 of having a Down baby. They will do another sono at 34 weeks to check the growth again. My doctor doesn't seem concerned. I am 34 years old. ↑
Name: Patty | Date: Jun 21st, 2005 3:08 PM
Hi Linda, Yes I did the AFP blood test at 15.5 weeks. All my US's so far have been showing normal growth. I have a appmt on Tues. and another US when I am 28 weeks. Right now I am nearing 23 weeks. I appreciate your reply! Thanks for sharing! You will have to keep me posted! ↑
Name: allison | Date: Jun 26th, 2005 1:13 PM
I AM 20 WEEKS PREGANT. I HAD GONE TO THE DOCTOR ON JUNE 24TH TO HAVE A SONOGRAM AND WAS TOLD BY THE DOCTOR THAT MY BABY HAS CALCIUM DEPOSIT ON THE HEART STEM.BEFORE THE DOCTOR SAID ANYTHING TO ME HE SHOULD HAVE LOOKED AT MY FILE KNOWING I HAD JUST HAD THE DOWNS BLOODWORK DONE. THANK GOD MY BLOODWORK WAS PERFECT, AND THE RELIEF I HAD FELT KNOWING AT MY AGE OF 29 MY CANCES WERE 1/5000, WHICH IS AWESOME. IT HAS BEEN TOLD TO ME THAT CALCIUM DEPOSIT IN THE FETAL HEART IS VERY COMMON AND AS LONG AS BLOOD WORK IS DONE, AND THE RESULTS ARE GOOD YOUR CHANCES ARE EXTREMLY LOW AND EVENTUALLY THE CALCIUM GOES AWAY. I STILL WORRY AND PRAY TO GOD THAT I WILL HAVE A HEALTHY BABY BOY. ONCE SOMEONE TELLS YOU SOMETHING LIKE THAT IT STICKS IN YOUR MIND. I AM REASURRED THAT EVERYTHING IS PERFECT AND IM HAVING A HEALTHY BABY. ↑
Name: Ruthie | Date: Jul 15th, 2005 10:30 AM
Thanks for posting this question. I just got a call from the genetic counselor that they found a calcium deposit on my unborn daughter's heart and they want to meet with me on Monday because of the increased risk for Downs Syndrome. They said the results of the AFP test were within normal range so I pray (and I've been praying alot lately) that this means my baby will not have DS. However, in speaking with my family to get more information about the history of DS in our family I found out that an aunt by marriage aborted a child she was pregnant with when she found out the baby had Down Syndrome. Now I am really worried. Should I do the amminocentesis if they ask me to do one? What are the risks involved with an amnio? I don't want to lose my baby even if she does have DS. ↑
Name: Mrs B | Date: Jul 15th, 2005 10:39 AM
Ruthie an aunt by marriage is of no genetic link to yourself so downs syndrome in her family line does not affect yours it has to be a blood relative. The amnio carries a small risk of miscarriage. If you are wanting to keep your baby whatever the outcome I would personally not take the amnio because any risk is too much to me. I would just stick with the scans. If your AFP tests were in normal range then that is good. I pray the calcium deposit will go quickly. ↑
Name: Patty | Date: Jul 15th, 2005 11:19 AM
Ladies, thanks for the posts....I have another ultrasound 7/27 to check the heart again. I too am praying that it has gone by then. I am too far along to do an amnio, but am just leaving our boy in God's hands. However I think he is going to be just fine, we will love him to pieces either way... ↑
Name: Mallory | Date: Jul 16th, 2005 6:28 PM
I had a genetic scan yesterday on my twins and found out both were boys. They also told me that one of them has a calcium deposit in his heart and increase fluid in his kidney. They called it 2 soft markers for Downs. I am 18 weeks and going back next week for another scan. They offered me Amnio however I don't feel it is worth the risk. I don't need to know, it will not change anything, I will love my sons no matter what. I am 21 years old and these are my first babies. ↑
Name: Ruth | Date: Jul 25th, 2005 2:39 PM
Hi Patty, I had the reverse results... a normal AFP but an abnormal ultrasound where they found the calcium deposit on my daughter's heart. I am 20 weeks along and 31 years old. I met with the genetic counselor a week ago and they said that because of the negative AFP that the chances of the baby having Down Syndrom were 1/1100. I decided to opt out of the amnio because we would keep the baby even if, despite these odds, the baby did have DS. I will pray for you and your baby Patty and I pray that you will keep me and my baby and all of the other awaiting mothers in this forum in your prayers as well. All we can do now is wait and pray. ↑
Name: Patty | Date: Jul 25th, 2005 4:48 PM
Hi Ruth, Thanks for your reply and my prayers go out to you as well! I have my 28 week scan on Wed. and I hope the calcium deposit has disappeared by then. I have great fetal movement and have noticed my stomach really getting bigger, so I think all is well. I will let everyone know the results of the latest US on 7/27! Ruth it sounds like your little one should be just fine...and just because you have the calcium deposit does not make the scan abnormal by any means. (Were there any other markers to indicate an abnormal scan?) My Dr. told me that with the new high tech units they have now, they are seeing things on babies that they never saw years ago and realize some of these discoveries are very common and could have been there all along and no one knew. If your daughter had no other major markers on the scan, your chances sound extremely low on her having ds...Even hearing that one still gets concerned and worries some, but God has everything in control...It sure is great to get support from everyone out there going through this too! ↑
Name: Kelly | Date: Jul 25th, 2005 7:59 PM
I just said a prayer for you all...please say one for me as well. I went for a level 2 ultrasound today after having an abnormal AFP test (1/148 for downs, I'm 33, second child). We were feeling great during the U/S because our tech was great and he let us know all along what he was doing. The development of the baby looked great, everything in proportion. As he was going thru his checklist of markers we were feeling very incouraged...until he came to the heart where the dreaded "white spot" was found. My own heart sunk. He was very reassuring and told us that he has seen this kind of thing a lot and not to worry to much. Then the doctor came in and reevaluated what he'd found and she also tried to ease my worry, even saying she'd "bet money" that all was ok, however my risk went from 1/148 to 1/78!!! I am scheduled for another U/S in a month and I just pray for that spot to be gone and for all else to be well. We refused the amnio based on the risks and our convictions about abortion, but I am not sure I am made of strong enough stuff to "wait it out" I am a ball of anxiety right now. I am just hoping that the pessimist in me will take a break and allow some positivity in...anyone have any positivity to offer?? Thanks. ↑
Name: Patty | Date: Jul 26th, 2005 9:59 AM
Kelly, boy... do I know exactly what you are going through! My Dr. told me I had less than 1% of downs, 1/119 before the US. Then after the US, with the spot and because of my 'age' 37, I went to 1/80. Still, with no other markers, we opted out of Amnio and would not terminate either way. Your scenario sounds so much like mine! I am now 61/2 mos. I thought I was going to worry the enitire time, but I have not, thanks to God. I just left this in His hands, as there is nothing I can do anyway to change anything. I have been at peace with everything and with the way my stomach is growing, I honestly think our little guy is just fine. I bet your little one is too! So here are some thoughts for you....only get the Amnio if you want to know for sure and if the risks are worth it for you. If not, forgo it, and sit back and let your pregnancy take its course. The farther along you get, the stronger the peace. Especially when the baby starts to twist and turn and kick! Once you get that going, you will start to forget all the worries you had at this time, and will start looking forward to seeing your baby... I hope this helps you!! Gee, gals, I was the one who originally posted this darn topic. Strange huh?? :) ↑
Name: Kelly | Date: Jul 26th, 2005 12:28 PM
Thanks for your encouragement, Patty. It always makes it easier to hear from others who are dealing with what you are dealing with. I have felt movement, nothing really strong, but its still early on right now. I think I am feeling better about not getting the amnio. I couldnt do a thing with a bad result anyway. I am just going to continue to pray and hope. We go to a bible study/prayer group on Tuesdays, I know all my friends will get together and interceed in prayer on my baby's behalf. Please keep updating on this page, I'd love to get a chance to hear from someone going through the same thing. ↑
Name: Kelly | Date: Jul 26th, 2005 5:52 PM
Just for everyone who is worried here about echogenic foci, here's a great link.
http://bbs.babycenter.com/board/preg-nancy/prenatalhealth/6669/thread/95834- ↑
Name: Patty | Date: Jul 27th, 2005 1:16 PM
Well I just came back from the Dr. office and another US. The calicum deposit is still there, but everything else looks great. He is now 2 lbs in the womb, and I can feel it!! Just wanted to give you all an update. I probably will not have another US unless they feel it is neccessary...Hope everyone is doing well! ↑
Name: Kristi | Date: Jul 28th, 2005 9:44 PM
I was glad to find this site/forum. I had my US yesterday and they found the white spot on the heart. It was very small, but my doctor said he has to tell me about it. He said the same about how much better US are now, that they are finding this more now. Still quite a scare. How many of you are scheduled to have further test or US. My doctor said he could send me for an US from a specialist in reading them, but that he would tell me the same. Should I ask for another US at a later time. I am only 18 1/2 weeks. The baby appeared fine in all other ways and was very active during the entire US. Sorry this is so long, but I am concerned. ↑
Name: MICHELLE | Date: Jul 29th, 2005 8:07 AM
My doctor told me yesterday that he saw a spot on my daughters heart yesterday but not to worry because my blood tests indicated my risk for DS are 1 in 50,000. But how am I not going to worry? ↑
Name: Jennifer | Date: Aug 1st, 2005 3:27 PM
Wow I wish I would have found this site when I was pregnant. My Daughter had a calcium deposit in her heart as well. I FREAKED OUT. Even though my doctor (top ultrasound dr in the state) promised me everything would be ok. Everything else was normal in the ultrasound including the quad screening. My daughter is a healthy happy 4 month old now. I can relate to what you are all feeling I was a mess. Please feel free to email me with anything you all need. JTHOMAS76@OPTONLINE.NET ↑
Name: Patty | Date: Aug 1st, 2005 4:00 PM
Does anyone know what Quad Screeing is? I saw it on this forum and never heard of it. What is it and what do they do? Thanks! ↑
Name: Crystal | Date: Aug 5th, 2005 10:11 PM
Im really glad I found this web site I had a US on 8/3/05. They noticed a calcium spot on the heart as well. I am so freaked out! Im schuled to go back in 4 weeks. Every thing else was fine; heart rate, weight. Every thing! They told me that they find this allot and its nothing to worry about, because my blood test was normal.But I am worrying my self sick! Please pray for our little boy. My next DR appt is 8/24 and my next us is 9/7 I will keep you posted! ↑
Name: Shanna | Date: Aug 11th, 2005 10:43 PM
Hi ladies, 17 weeks along and just had an ultrasound today. Everything looked perfect except for the white spot. Had bloodwork done today too. The doctor that looked everything over said because I'm 25 that the chances are good that all is fine, but its impossible not to worry. There were no other makers to indicate Downs. Trying not to stress........ oh, and my baby kept its legs crossed the whole time so no idea as to the gender! ↑
Name: skapa | Date: Aug 15th, 2005 1:36 PM
Hi,
My wife is 9 months pregnant now, Her due is on Set' 20. We have the similar situation when we had U/S first time. But her regular blood test are good and her Dr. sent us to another specialist, They also told everything is normal, no problems on heart, baby was growing normal, except white spot. Dr. was it is very common, Hope it turns out nothing. ↑
Name: Paola | Date: Aug 17th, 2005 3:35 AM
It's not nice to know that I am not the only one going through these worries, I wish no-one was, but reading through the messages has given me some peace of mind. It's like having a support group. Like all of you, I also pray for a healthy baby and I wish we didn't have to worry...it just seems impossible!
All I want is a healthy happy boy and I will pray for him and for all our babies who deserve to be O.K.
There's not much more we can do...and that should be more than enough. ↑
Name: kari | Date: Aug 17th, 2005 9:55 AM
hi ... i just had an ultra sound and the dr told me that my baby had the same thing.. i am also 37 ↑
Name: kris A. | Date: Aug 18th, 2005 11:41 PM
My 26.5 ultrasound revealed a healthy baby girl with a foci spot on her heart. The tech said she sees these more and more because of the advances of the ultrasound equipment, and now she doesn't even consider them a risk factor, but they are obligated to point them out. I was also at a slight risk of down's, but my tech took her time, pointed out all the organs to me and that they all looked completely normal, and she was supremely confident there was no prob with our little girl... I almost cried as we had such a struggle in the beginning of this pregnancy and have been on pins and needles hoping she would make it through a subchorionic hemorraghe and placenta previa, then the risk of down's.... now i CAN RELAX and wait for my baby girl, who is now 1 lb 14 oz. Try not to worry, place your faith, and all will be well. Good luck to all. ↑
Name: paula | Date: Aug 22nd, 2005 2:52 PM
i just came home in tears because i was told about this calcium spot that was seen with the ultra sound but the afp test was normal so i can only thank you ladies who are making me feel better than the woman who gave me the ultrasound who probably was trying to get me back for genetic counsiling ↑
Name: Melanie | Date: Aug 24th, 2005 8:27 PM
Im 24 yrs old and this is my first pregnancy and it's been tough. I've been on a very big emotional roller coaster. My 1st U/S came back as two markers for DS. I went and got a level two U/S and the doctor advised that there was a white spot on the heart and that it was very common and not for me to worry. As for the second marker they thought there was a chance for spina bifida and the level two U/S showed no signs of it and that all the body parts and organs were all delveloping correctly and there was no sign of spina bifida. I was set free of any worrying. I then had to go to my monthly follow up and turns out my AFP test came back abnormal so again I had to go for another ultrasound and I opted to go through the Amnio procedure. We advised the doctors regardless of the results we were not going to term. the pregnancy but, wanted to prepare ourselves and educate ourselves if our baby turns out ot have DS. I felt safe and assured the procedure would go well and the risks were really low. I'm 24 weeks along and the baby is kicking like crazy! I can't wait for his arrival in Dec. I should be getting my Amnio results back in about a week or so..I just took the test last Wednesday. Wish me luck! ↑
Name: Steffi | Date: Aug 25th, 2005 11:55 AM
Wow. It is reassuring to read all these answers. We had our 2nd US yesterday and the Dr. said everything was perfect BUT . . . the echogenic foci / calcium deposit on the heart. She said that since everything else was perfect there was probably nothing to worry about but how can you not worry? I appreciated the comment from someone on this thread that said the US are so much stronger, babies probably have been having echogenic foci / calcium deposits for years but no one was ever able to see them! So I truly believe it is one of those things that if you don't have any other indicators of a genetic problem, that everything is probably ok. Even so, I have added everyone here to my prayer list just in case! Good luck to everyone (and me) on a healthy baby. Thanks for taking the time to write, I felt so much better after reading everyone's comments. ↑
Name: lyne | Date: Aug 26th, 2005 6:04 PM
My doctor called my wife and told us that there is a white spot in our baby's heart, she suggested us to do a level II US. We are wo worrying about... ↑
