“When I was 18, my birth control failed, and I found out I was pregnant. I didn’t know I was that far along — I thought I was only about 6–8 weeks. I got a positive test at 13 weeks, and by 17 weeks, I had my ultrasound. When I saw the ultrasound, something felt off.
The ultrasound and test results said everything was fine, but I just had a feeling that something wasn’t right.
When I gave birth, my baby’s apgar score was 8 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes, which is really good. No one suspected anything was wrong. But later, the pediatrician came in and said there was a 50/50 chance my baby could have Down syndrome. His slanted eyes and low-set ears were the only signs. They did a blood test to confirm it.
At 8 days old, the test confirmed that my baby did have Down syndrome. I tried to stay calm while the pediatrician explained everything to me, but as soon as I got to the car, I broke down. My heart hurt. The doctor said my age could have been a factor, but only genetic testing could tell. I didn’t smoke, drink, or party. I ate healthy and focused on school and work.
I kept thinking I had done something wrong by getting pregnant so young. I cried because I was scared for my baby. I worried about how he would make friends, how healthy he would be, and if his family would accept him. All I did was worry. But now, at 3 months old, I fall in love with him more every day. His father looks at him like he’s the best thing ever. Our families love him too. Nothing could change how much I love him.
I remember bleeding heavily at what would have been 7 or 8 weeks of pregnancy, thinking it was just my period. The doctor later told me I should have miscarried, but here he is — a healthy baby boy born on 10/23/16, weighing 6 pounds 14 ounces and 21 inches long. He is my biggest blessing.” – J. Scodela