This week we had another ultrasound. This time it was for genetic testing. We were screening for Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13 and Down Syndrome.

Trisomy 18 is called Edwards Syndrome and happens when there are 3 as opposed to 2 copies of chromosome 18. The syndrome has a very low rate of survival, resulting from heart abnormalities, kidney malformations, and other internal organ disorders.

Trisomy 13, also called Patau Syndrome. It is an extra or third copy of chromosome 13.  An extra chromosome here will interrupt the normal course of development, causing heart and kidney defects.

Before we took the tests, which include a blood draw and ultrasound, we had a statistical risk of 1 in 190 for both Trisomy 18 and 13. After the test we were reduced to 1 in 3,781. Both babies were considered within a safe range, no further screening is required or recommended.

Down Syndrome is an extra chromosome on chromosome 21. This impairs cognitive ability and physical growth. For this test they use the Nuchal Translucency Scan, measuring the fluid behind the babies necks. We were told that under 3mm is good.

Both ultrasound technicians were very positive about our twins Nuchal Translucency, which was under 2mm on our ultrasound this week and last week. Twin A was measuring 1.7 mm. Twin B was 1.8 mm.

I walked into the doctor’s visit after the screening very confident. So you can imagine our surprise (Adam was with me, and Jack & Ben) to find that Twin B was showing ‘increased risk’ for Down’s. I little millimeters difference between Twin A and Twin B put one in a safe range and one in an increased risk range!

Before we had the tests, both twins had a 1 in 106 chance of having Down’s Syndrome. After the test Twin A had a 1 in 309 chance and Twin B had a 1 in 252 chance. So taking the test dropped our odds of both kids having Down’s Syndrome, just not enough for the doctor to feel comfortable.

If we want to do more testing there are a few options.

We could have a Chorionic Villus Sample (CVS) done. It is similar to an Amniocentesis, but instead of drawing fluid from the amnio sac, they take a sample of the placenta. At this point, the chance of miscarriage from the CVS test are about the same as having a baby with Down’s Syndrome.

Or we can wait another month and have the United Screening Approach. It is simply a blood draw that combines your first and second trimester screenings. It detects at least 97% of cases of Down syndrome with an overall false positive rate of 5%.

We had planned to do the United Screening Approach even before the tests came back, as we have with all our other pregnancies. We decided to wait on the results of these tests before we decide anything further. The blood draw for this test can be performed anywhere from 15 – 22 weeks into the pregnancy. I’ll let you know how it turns out…

I’m happy to report that there is absolutely nothing to report right now. Yesterday we had our monthly check up which included an unexpected ultrasound. Normally our doctor just uses a little wand to listen to the heart beat but I guess it’s a bit confusing to find two heart beats.

The babies have grown quite a bit since the last time we saw them. Instead of just a little dot on the ultrasound we were able to see real babies. Heart rates were normal. Brains were developing equally on both sides. The nuchal fold, or fluid in the back of the neck which can screen for down syndrome, was normal. There were four arms and four feet. There were two placentas. There was a thick line between the two babies.

Since we do not want to find out the sex of the babies before they are born, our doctor says we will have no way of telling if they are identical or fraternal until birth.

Even though it’s our third time, it is still a miracle to see those tiny little babies up on the screen.

Since I’ve been pregnant, my skills as a human being, mother and wife have suffered. Before my hard working husband would come home to a nice, warm, healthy home cooked meal at night. Now he’s forced to forage in the fridge or freezer for whatever can fill him up. I’m too tired. And by the time I cook something myself I don’t want to eat it anymore. I think my cravings are on speed.

After seeing the ultrasound I’m pleased to know that at least somewhere, deep on a cellular level, I am still functioning well.

I’m not sure how many people believe in horoscopes. My husband feels they are written so general that anyone can fit into them. Perhaps, but I personally can’t help feeling there something more to them than just mumbo jumbo.

Take my signs for example. I’m a Rat/Sagittarius combo. Both signs say I’m full of energy, and besides this pregnancy I would have to say that’s true. I remember when I was still single getting a lot of “bulging eye-ball” looks when I used to routinely stay out until 2am on a Saturday night then wake up three hours later, at 5am for a long bike ride – sometimes as much as 90 miles. The Rat lives for the moment, and the Sagittarius is an adventurer. Everyone knows I love to travel and unlike my husband, have absolutely no idea where the future will lead us. And not knowing is the most fun part of it all.

My Rooster/Gemini husband, on the other hand, has an exact plan for us. When I met him he already had a retirement plan! The Rooster is confident, motivated, honest and organized. Geminis are highly cerebral and charming. When I first met Adam he told me I was coming to Chicago. I laughed at him openly. I was dating someone else and lived in Shanghai! Six months later I was here. True to his signs, he had vision, determination, and skill. Luckily I was also true to my signs and was adventurous and willing to live in the moment.

Our first born is a Pig/Pisces combo. Both signs have a compassionate, sensitive and submissive nature. He often can not decide what toy or dessert he wants, preferring that we decide for him. It also explains why our second born, a Ox/Cancer combo can often wrestle him to the ground even though he is 2 and 1/2 years younger. Oxen are strength, determination, and dependability. Cancer is home loving and nurturing. Our Cancer born son is a big snuggle bunny.

As I incubate this next set of kids, I couldn’t help checking out their horoscopes. Turns out I will most likely have a Dragon/Taurus combo. I remember living in China the last time it was year of the Dragon. Couples everywhere were scrambling to get pregnant for their one and only precious alloted baby. It is considered the mightiest of signs.

The Dragon is defined by dominance and ambition. They prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. They have tempers that can flare fast!

As a compliment (or perhaps complete nightmare) to the Dragon is the western sign, Taurus. Defined by solidity, practicality, extreme determination and strength of will. Generally dependable, steadfast, prudent, just, firm and unshaken in the face of difficulties.

If the signs are true, we are looking at not one, but two very determined, willful children. To be mothered by a flaky Rat/Sagittarius. How will that work? Well, I guess if we are believing in horoscopes, I can assume no matter how our signs match or clash, we’ll all have lots of energy, motivation and/or determination to keep up with each other…