First Trimester Screening

Today I blew $525 to determine whether my babe had predisposing traits suggesting Downs Syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. We went to the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine for the first trimester screening. I say we because it was myself, the Boy and my best friend who had just flown in from Toronto. On first impression we likely appeared to either be a dysfunctional threesome or similarly to "Friends", my best friend appeared to be my girl friend and the Boy the generous sperm donor. We didn't introduce ourselves to the Doctor or genetic counselor to clarify who was who. Instead it was a good judge of their professionalism, and we were quite impressed. Equally impressive was the relaxed yet absolutely perfect atmosphere they had created. In each of the immaculate white patient rooms there was a clear window with willows pressed between two pains, simple yet pleasing. In the bathroom there was a candle glowing and a fresh clean scent, like a spa. Nothing like any other medical facility I have visited. In the waiting room there were other women waiting. They were all beautifully dressed with stunning jewelery, clothes and flawless make up, I somehow doubted that they were here for first trimester screening. Most were solo, suggesting other ideas, the recipients of generous sperm donors perhaps?

The actual testing was brief. It actually made me feel like I was getting ripped off. For $525 I nearly felt like they could at least tell me the gender or something at all. Instead we left with the news that the odds of us having a problem were very very low, as measured against medians from a large database in Europe. This is a good thing, it is just the money factor. Since there was nothing wrong it was a quick $525. Believe me, I am happy, just wish I had skipped the test. But isn't that how it always is. Apparently this test is available to women in many other countries free of charge, in North America, however it is still an elective and costly test. The care and treatment we received was impeccable, better than I have received anywhere else. They drew blood and told me exactly what they were looking for. Two hormones that were present in pregnancy, but these two hormones if their numbers varied from the number one in certain patterns, it implied an increased risk of chromosome issues. The results for the blood work will take a few more days, but the genetic counselor said that there is little to worry about based on the other data. The other data being the presence of a nasal bone, the rump to crown length, the thickness of skin behind the skull, the presence of a stomach, the minimal back flow of blood through the liver, and the presence of four limbs. These were visualized by a very gentle and very well spoken Obstetrician/Gynecologist/Radiologist, who was using 2D ultrasound. The heart rate of the babe was also at a normal 155 bpm, reassuring. And the babe was rotating smoothly in my uterus. Nothing like the last ultrasound where the babe was spinning continuously and moving about wildly. That was the first and last day I drank coffee during my pregnancy thus far.

The boy was emotional during and post ultrasound. I, however, am now in my second trimester and my hormones are stabilizing and I feel that I am returning to my same unemotional self. It may have been the one and a half litres of water in my bladder that were bulging on the ultrasound as proof. I was focusing on not leaking or releasing completely, and simply being ridiculously uncomfortable. What I wasn't focusing on were my feelings. I wasn't teary or emotional at all. In fact I was a bit horrified. You see, the image that the Doctor continued to capture was one that I wish to never see again. He would zoom in and show us the skull and as he did, the babe, I kid you not, stuck it's tongue out and gave a big thumbs up. I asked if he/she was about to suck their thumb and the Doctor looked equally confused as he tried to joke that the babe was giving a thumbs up. I saw nothing cute and adorable, the image actually freaked me out completely. My boy and best friend were staring at the screen from my left side and I looked towards them trying to avoid the image of the freaky baby sticking its tongue out and giving a thumbs up, thats not right. This babe, just 7cm or so now, appeared to have a disturbing side that had nothing at all to do with chromosomal abnormalities. So now, I have come home with the relief of knowing that my babe has less than a 4% chance of having a chromosomal abnormality but a very large chance of being a freaky Bart Simpson wannabe. I can't wait for the dreams tonight will bring.

I can't help but mention the telemarketing call I received just yesterday. I called in sick, so I wasn't even supposed to be home, and I must say I have never ever received a telemarketing call on this home phone. Nevertheless, I was greeted by "Greg from the Down Syndrome Society of Canada" who aggressively and poorly read out the plea word for word from a paper before him. I told him "I am not interested at this moment" and he continued by grilling me on when I would be able to, why I couldn't and how much I could give. I don't donate to telemarketers, I don't trust people enough especially without eye contact. But a unbeknownst to me superstitious side emerged and made me fear the coincidental timing of the call. I thought that perhaps if I donated I would not have a Downs baby, if I didn't donate I would soon be the mom receiving donations and I would forever remember my refusal to give. I quickly hung up and spent the rest of the day fretting the result of my tests today. I still have a 4% chance of bring forever reminded of my greed. But a suspicious side of me can't help but wonder if the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine might have possibly released my data to telemarketers on particular dates when I would be vulnerable? Do you think?