I am NEW and LOST to SB

[jessiesmom12202]

:signs116: i am 21 weeks prego, and was told at 20 weeks that my unborn child has SB... Please can anyone help my understand what is going on... :signs116:

[ollieholmes]

Welcome to this forum. Im sure the parents here will help you but i just whanted to say feel free to ask any questions you have, no one here bites. No question is to silly to ask either.

[smoop]

It wasn't that long ago that I was in the same boat as you. Three years ago when I was 18 weeks pregnant I was informed my daughter would have SB. I had heard of it but really had no idea what it was. I would recommend the book Living with Spina Bifida, A Guide for Families & Profs by Sandler. It's very informative.

I was told that my daughter's lesion was L1-2, that she had hydrocephalus, Chairi Malformation, and possibly clubbed feet. Analise is actually functioning around L3-4, has a shunt but did not have clubbed feet. She walks with long leg braces and a walker. She is one of the best things that has ever happened to me (even though I thought it was the worst trial of my life when I was pregnant). Spina Bifida is only a part of her-- it does not define her. Yes, there are hard days but you just deal with them and push forward. Analise is one of the happiest children around!

Hang in there.. I know how you're feeling.

[cutie patooties mom]

Hello there and Welcome!
I agree with Smoop. When my daughter was born, the doctors told me a lot of what to expect. They were very wrong. Every person with spina bifida has different circumstances and abilities, even if their lesion is at the same site. Just take a deep breath and relax. And find out about the specialist in your area who can best help your baby.
Best Wishes,
Bronwyn

[XoBLoNDiE85]

Hi there....i remember when my baby was diagnosed with sb and hydro mine and my husbands hearts dropped. They told us what to expect and everything she'd go thru shortly after birth etc. I had her July 10th....so i'm fresh out of it and totally can still feel what you feel but trust me the doctors know what they are doing and will take such good care of your baby. At times you'll wonder why me or how am i gonna get thru this but you do and that precious little baby is worth it all and will be such a joy in your life. Hannah my daughter is such a blessing and i'm so proud to be her mom. She is loved by many (her big sisters adore her) So hang in there and ask away!!!

[NEMOM]

I have 6 girls, the fifth one has spina bifida (myleomeningocele). What they told us was "bowel, bladder and legs will be affected most and it is all wait and see". It truly has been wait and see and still is. Each child is different and the Drs. cannot put them in a box, but they can give generalities. Whatever his/her abilities will be, encourage them. My daughter can walk with braces. She can w/o but her foot turns wrong. She is 3 3/4 years old. Sometimes she still wants to be carried but that is normal for any little kid. I allow her to play with the big kids and don't baby her. It is important for them to develop their muscles and independence like any other child.

What a blessing she is!!!! She is absolutely sweet and is so friendly to people-she makes everyone smile. All children are a blessing and I congratulate you on your upcoming blessing. You will survive and thrive!!

Cindy