Spinal Cord Prob?

So our genetic testing results came back earlier this week, and all looks good with the things I was worried about relating to Samantha's problems. Yeah!

But.....I was informed that my AFP (alpha fetal protein) was positive which is a red flag that this baby could have a spinal cord abnormality called 'open NDT' (neural-tube defect) which means a hole in the spinal cord. This is not the most accurate test and 80% of the time it is a false positive, so it is only a 20% chance that this is even an issue. (Still, scary though.)

I went in to my OB yesterday and she scheduled me for another high-risk ultrasound (this morning) at Utah Vally where they will check the baby again but more specifically for spinal cord problems/holes. Unfortunately you cannot see this in an ultrasound every time, so even if it is there, we will not know for sure until he is born.

We can do another sure-fire test to see if he has it or not called an amniocentesis where they stick a needle in my belly and remove and test some of the babies fluid, but this is very risky (could cause miscarriage or labor) so they really don't recommend it.

If he does have this problem he will be paralyzed or have limited mobility from the point of the hole down. This is a very scary thing to hear and learn about, but hopefully we will go with the odds on this one and he will be fine.

Remembering back to the days of Samantha where we had no idea there was a problem with her until we almost lost her and were completely blindsided by it all. Comparing that to this where we have a chance of having another child with a serious problem and know about it ahead of time. I don't know that I like the knowing, worrying and wondering. I would almost rather assume that this one is perfect until we know otherwise. ??? Modern technology is wonderful most of the time, but at times can cause more worry than needed. :)

Like I said, this is only a 20% chance that the test was accurate, so all involved are very hopeful, but I am preparing and learning what I can about this as best I can just in case.