Congenital Anomaly Scan experience

On November 4, 2008, I had my check-up with my OB-gyne. By that time, I was on my 18th-week and 3 days of pregnancy. And this is not the normal pregnancy most pregnant women experience, because mine is a high-risk one.

On that specific date, I was told to have a CAS or Congenital Anomaly Scan within the week and that I'd bring the result on November 10, 2008.

Honestly, I was not aware of what CAS is, nor what I should expect from it. Until some officemates told me that this is a kind of screening where detailed attention is given to fetus' body parts.

I didn't think much of it, until it was time when I would finally have CAS, on November 7.

I was waiting for my turn to be called, when I was able to talk to 3 patients who were scanned earlier.

The first patient I talked with was a 7th-month pregnant mom. Though her tummy was much like that of a ninth-month old's, we just believed her but couldn't keep our amazement to her.She told us that CAS showed that her tummy was filled with water, and the baby's brain didn't develop into brain because like her tummy, her baby's (supposed) brain was also filled with water. She also added that her baby's body was also filled with it and it would only be during her pregnancy that her baby would be okay, but should she finally deliver it, the baby would eventually die.

The second mom I was able to talk to was also a 7th-month pregnant mom. The sonologist told her to wait further (after the CAS) because the sonologist was still waiting for the recommendations/orders of the patient's OB-gyne, with what medicines to give (if there is any) and what the patient must do, since the patient was seen to have experiences of contractions.

The third was a 4th-month pregnant mom (like me) who was obviously so excited after the CAS because the sonologist confirmed that she was having a healthy baby. Though the CAS didn't show her baby's lips and genitalia, she was very positive to have a repeat scan and later, to see that her baby is really fine. The repeat scan's one purpose is for the lips, whether it is normal or if there is any abnormality (cleft palate, cleft lip, etc.).

After hearing these stories, and still waiting for my turn, much as I wanted not to entertain any negative thought, I still found myself praying...and later, talking with my baby (in my womb).

I knew in my heart that i became nervous upon hearing those stories. I prayed wholeheartedly for my baby (Bulilit, as my husband and I fondly call our baby), that our baby is normal, healthy and strong.

I also asked for Divine's guidance that our baby would not inherit from me illnesses (asthma, scoliosis, goiter) I have. Further, I also prayed that our baby would not be affected from problems I am experiencing during this pregnancy (internal blood clot, hyperthyroidism, hypertension).

After a while, my name was called. And when I was already in the room and was kept alone for about 2 minutes, I again prayed and talked with our baby. I told Bulilit that everything would be fine and that nothing's to worry about.

And the CAS began.

I was just listening to what the sonologist was telling her assistant regarding my baby's details. I was also thankful that the sonologist kept on telling me important details about my baby (that nose and lips were intact, that there are five fingers each in hands and in toes, that the blood flow was okay, etc.) and was just so glad that when the CAS was finished, the sonologist told me "your baby is generally fine, normal!!".

Upon hearing these words, you could just imagine how my heart was filled with so much joy!! I uttered "thank you PAPA JESUS for these wonderful remarks!!". I also congratulated Bulilit for a job well done and eventually treated Bulilit for a nice lunch!!