sister baby was just diagnosed with downs

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Hello,

I am new here and I have lost of questions about downs.

My sister is 36 and is 5 months pregnant. Her screening test came back positive for downs. Since then she has had her amnio done and she just heard that the baby has downs. Could this be wrong? She is so confused with her feeling on how to deal with the news. She has totally withdrawn herself from everyone and wants to be left alone. Is this normal? I am her older sister but also her best friend. This is so hard on me as well. She said that she wants to hear something positive from someone. What can I tell her that will help her feel better? She said that she feels so selfish because of the way she is feeling. She told me that she didn't think that she could mentally care for this baby but as soon as she thinks that she needs to terminate the pregnancy she feels the baby kick her and then she beats up on herself. I am worried that this is going to make her depressed so bad that she wont be able to snap out of.

Please any help anything that a could give her to help her.

G

Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

It varies in each state, but in my state (CA), the school district doesn't kick in until age 3- and they are responsible only for educational services. There is a Regional Center system here, that coordinates state funded services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. They are the lead agency for our Early Intervention system as well- in this state, the criteria for EI is broader than for Regional Center (EI extends from birth- the third birthday), but at any rate, a child with Down Syndrome would become eligible for RC. The Down Syndrome Society link in my previous post will be able to connect your sister to a local chapter, and they'll have the skinny on how things work in her area.

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I am now really concered with my sister.

I spent most of my time with her yesterday.

She said that he water broke on Thursday (Thanksgiving) and she has had some bad cramping.. Shouldnt she go see the doctor? She said it was nothing to worry about because she has not spotted at all.

What should I do?

This is not like her, she usually worries about everything Now her attidute is that everything is fine and I feel it is not.

Please help me help her.

G

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I am now really concered with my sister.

I spent most of my time with her yesterday.

She said that he water broke on Thursday (Thanksgiving) and she has had some bad cramping.. Shouldnt she go see the doctor? She said it was nothing to worry about because she has not spotted at all.

What should I do?

This is not like her, she usually worries about everything Now her attidute is that everything is fine and I feel it is not.

Please help me help her.

G

Please have your sister call her dr. and go to L&D immediately right now! She absolutely needs to be checked. Her health and obviously the baby's health are in jeapordy.

Shannon

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Thank you after much coaching and crying she is now on the phone with her doctor.

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she is on her way to the hospital now

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Specializes in Surgical Services.

My prayers are with you, your sister, and that wonderful baby!!

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I just recently subbed during lunch period at my kids school. First I had the

1st graders. I was ready to pull my hair out by time lunch was over. Then the

2nd graders. They were ok. A lot better behaved.

Then I had the opportunity to take a class of 8 special ed children to lunch. I had so much FUN with them! All but 2 had downs syndrome. Like someone else said: They were a breath of fresh air. They required a little more help with things, but when they accomplish the smallest thing on their own, it's as though they have accomplished something huge! I had one little girl that was 8 years old. She was able to open her straw and carton of milk all by herself and she was so proud. They are also so caring.

I had such a wonderful time with them. :)

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she is on her way to the hospital now

Keep us updated on her. She is in my prayers. Let us know what the hospital says if you would like.

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My sister and baby ok. They told her to followup with her doctor today.

They did find a funny discharge and took a sample and they are going to test it and let her know.

Thank you all for your prayers.

I will try and keep you all posted on how they are doing.

ps I have spoke of all of you to hear and how supportive you all have been for me.

Thank you so much all of my new special friends.

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Thank goodness. How many weeks is she? Please encourage her to check out the websites I listed. Seeing pictures of beautiful children is really helpful when you first receive the diagnosis.

Shannon

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she is only at 5 months.

Yes, I will encourge her but she has to be ready for that kind of stuff. She is getting closer but not quite there yet.

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Yesterday in church Rusty sat by me. He is 36 and has Down's. At the end of the service, we all stood to sing our last hymn and Rusty put his arm around my shoulders and we bent our heads together and sang. He was reading the words from the screen behind the pulpit. Me from memory. It brought tears of joy to my face and my heart expanded, sorta like the Old Grinche's and I realized anew how much love there is in the world.

Our church has as members many adults with Down's. They live on a ranch called "The Mountain Jewel Ranch". They are a blessing to all of us.

Rusty attended school. He loves football. He rides horses. He raises pigs. He helps with housework. He helps with the haying. He loves to ski. He plays basketball. He is just a regular guy.

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