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Hi everyone. I am so glad I found this sight. At my 16 week ultrasound the technician found 4 soft markers( echogenic foci in the heart, echogenic bowel, 2 vessel cord and hydrocephaly on both kidneys). As you can imagine I was terrified. My docotr did my AFP right away which was negative and sent me to a specialist where I decided to have the amnio as well which came back negative. It is some relief but there is still a spot in hid heart, the bowel i still somewhat bright and they have yet to determine how many vessels are in the cord. I go back on Monday for the specialist to check the cord and they are also going to do an echo on my baby to check his heart. I just want to know if there is anyone out there with more than just a spot on the heart who is either pregnant or has delivered. It's all I think about. I know the blood work and amnio were negative but I am still terrified. Thanks for listening.

Hi all, sometime in February when I was aout 20 wks I found out that my son has a foci spot on his heart. He was born in July, perfecty healthy, 10lbs and he is doing great. So heads up and be positive.

Thanks Mirka for letting us know about your baby boy. 10 pounds!!!! Incredible!!!I'm very happy for you.

I would still like to know if there is anyone out there who had more than one soft marker found in their ultrasound. No one else seems to have anything other than a foci in the heart. Thanks.

Hi everyone.I am new to this forum and wish to thank everyone for spending the time to tell their stories.My baby has also the EIF on heart.Found out at 20 week u/s.I reacted the same I think as everyone here but since researching all info on EIF I am confident of a perfect baby.Reading this forum has rea__sured me more than anything.I see the OBGYN Tuesday to find out anything more.I had the nuccal translucency test at 14 weeks and everything came back clear.I also have blood tests done on same day and that too tested negative.The EIF on heart is the only marker.I am 30 yrs and will be that when baby is born.I felt incredible happiness for all who is in this forum who had healthy and perfect babies.Thanks again and know that this thread has been my only comfort.All the best to all of you and all expecting mums.

To AJSMOMMY.There have been a number of people with 2 or 3 marks.You may need to read all responses in this thread to search them out though.I read a few and a couple had posted and said they're babies were born perfect.

TO AJSMOMMY, I posted my story on Sept. 26. My 20 week US showed two soft markers. I was a mess for awhile, mostly due to the fact that I had little to no information on these soft markers. I wasn't prepared to hear this news. As time pa__sed, I started to put my mind at ease by reading other parents' stories, reading medical journals and turning to my family for support. At the time I still had at least 4 months to go, and I knew that stressing would do more harm than good for me and the baby. I've heard nothing but positive outcomes when it comes to these soft markers and my OBGYN keeps rea__suring us that there's nothing to worry about. Of course the health of my baby is something that I think about everyday, but I'm starting to see things in a more positive light. I'm now 28 weeks and the baby is moving like crazy, and my doctor says everything looks excellent in terms of the heartbeat, my growth, as well as the baby's progress. I'm feeling more optimistic and I hope that all the mothers out there can find some peace of mind. Of course that's easier said than done but we still need to take care of ourselves as well as our "precious little ones". In order to do that we need to put our minds somewhat at ease, and seek support when it's needed :) I thank all those who have shared their stories because they have been one of my support networks throughout this difficult time.

WHAT EVER HAPPEND TO PATTY??

I am 19 1/2 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby boy!! The Dr. called earlier this week and said that they noticed some eco. focus on his heart. I go Dec. 7 for a more indepth ultra sound to find out if it might be a genetic disorder. My husband and I are very upset and worried SICK!!!

jenrig81-Hi!EIF are very common now in u/s.My Gyn/Obs specialised in pediatrics and would see an average on 4 EIF on heart u/s daily.She has never delivered a Down's baby and the very few she did deliver did not have the EIF on heart.From what I have researched and been told by other Gyn/Obs, a Dr in 1990 decided to do a study by comparing EIF u/s and Down's babies.20% of Downs babies had EIF on heart (with other various markers) and 80% of Down's babies didn't have EIF on heart.So that says alot against the link between EIF on heart and it's relation to Down's.Because this study was posted,all Dr are obligated to inform you of this and usually it's a "worst case scenario".Many Dr's, Gyn and Obs get frustrated with having to inform patients of this because of this "worst case scenario" and parents reaction to this information.The best thing you can do is research the Echogenic Intracardio Foci so you are informed and to read all the postings in this forum for comfort.You are not alone and we have all felt the way you do.Did you have any other markers and have you done blood tests yet?Enjoy your pregnancy and know whatever your child will be, you are the sun, the moon the stars and universe to him/her.All babies need love.

Tamali is right. Many doctors do not believe EIF is indicative of downs. But legally they must tell you of its presence if they see it. It is easier said then done but please try not to worry to much. My baby also had EIF show up on the 18 week scan. He is currently a very healthy 4 month old. My doctor also said that she has been in practice 13 years and has not once seen a baby with EIF as the only symptom result in Downs

I´ve been reading this site since my babys heart showed an echogenic focus on her heart during my 26 week. Amelia was born on October 20th. and she is a beautiful healthy baby. She still has it in her heart. I was told by the best pediatrics cardiologist in my country (who checked her last week) that not only is absolutly nothing to be worried about, but that doctors should not tell pregnant women about it because it means nothing and make them worry sick. He personally have seen many foci but never on a Down baby. I hope this brings some confort to you. Maria

From what I have read, the EIF may be a calcium deposit on pappillion muscle on heart. This does not harm baby in anyway. Most EIF are found in left ventricle of heart and the pappillion muscle is the largest in heart. This may fade away or in some cases may stay on heart untill child is around 5yr old.

Hey Ladies! I posted back in July due to my US showing the markers on the heart. I am proud to say that I had a beautiful healthy girl on November 25, 2006. Please ladies continue to stay positive and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. Its a beautiful time and enjoy it while you can. Im sure you all will have success stories to share in the future. God Bless!!!

Congratulations! Thank you very much for letting us know your wonderful news. You have a very merry Christmas xxoo.

I decided not to have the blood testing with this pregnancy and my last one. I have heard too many stories of false "positives". I didn't want to risk the chance of being worried for nothing. But now I wish I would have done it. Thank you for your positive messages and I will let you know how my u/s goes on Thurs.