Update from acm dad to be

[Guest guest]

Thanks to those who responded to my questions last week about considerations in

delivering a baby in a family with a history of chiari.

Today, at the suggestion of the obstetrician, my wife and I met with a genetic

counselor and a perinatal specialist at the hospital where our baby will be

delivered. We also had a level 2 sonogram done. Here is what we were told:

1. According to the genetic counselor, after reviewing our family histories,

there is about a 5% chance that the acm might be passed from me to my daughter.

2. According to the perinatal specialist, the mere increased possibility of acm

in a child is not a reason in and of itself to plan a c-section. If a related

condition, such as hydracephalus or spina bifida is present, or other risk

factors are present, this may be reason to have a c-section.

3. The perinatal specialist has seen ACM before on a level 2 sonogram. A level 2

sonogram shows significantly more detail than a regular sonogram.

4. We had a level 2 sonogram done today which showed NO ACM and NO

HYDRACEPHALUS!! No brain structure abnormalities or spinal abnormalities were

detected. We will take another look at 34 weeks. (she is presently 26 weeks

along).