Genetics

 Yesterdays appointment with the geneticists brings both good news and bad. The bad news is, there is no definitive blood work that can be done to determine chances of a neural tube defect. There is a test called Micro-array we can do on Naysa but the doctor spoke honestly and told us it would most likely bring more confusion than any legitimate results. It can test for deleted or abnormal chromosomes and if something is off with her, both Ben and I can be tested but as far as neural tube (which is really what we are concerned about) the information we seek just wouldn't be there. There is no reason to stick the bug if we won't get what we want out of the test, they have a hard enough time getting blood from her anyway. Now for the good news! After going through our family history and other factors geneticists use to determine hereditary diseases, defects, etc. Dr. Willis said she does not believe it is genetic and the chances of this happening again are between 2-5% since we already have one child with NTD. With a daily intake of 4mg Folate three months prior to TTC the numbers are decreased by 50%!! Since I have been taking the recommeneded amount of Folate plus a prenatal the past few months our chances are now 1-2.5%  :)

 She advised us to talk it over and really think about the "what ifs." With the numbers so low and the healthy choices we've made in our lives since Naysa, we are confident enough to continue on with TTC. The earliest screening for a NTD is between 17-20 weeks gestation and the military does not pay for termination. I feel like that is a sign in itself. Tricare covers 100% of our medical care (Thank you GOD!) but will not cover to end a pregnancy. If that doesn't get you rethinking abortion, I don't know what will. I will automatically be high risk and followed closely. I will have a c-section at 36 weeks as I cannot chance going into labor. I had what they call a "classic" c-section with Naysa where my uterus was cut vertically. If I go past 36 weeks and go into labor it is life threatening to my and the baby. Anyway, the doctor was truly happy to see Naysa doing so well and told us we were wonderful parents and if/when Nay gets a little brother or sister she would love to meet them :) It always tugs at my heart strings when people tell us were good parents or Naysa is lucky we were chosen for her. Is it because she is such a happy girl (most of the time) or is there something in our eyes, on our faces when we look at her? We are just doing what, I assume, any parent would do for their child...nothing special. You fight for them, advocate, want the best and GET the best. Isn't that being a parent is all about?