Hi Louise,

Well, I can remember being in your shoes saying I will never have any more children, that’s it.!!!! It was easier for me to say that because I already had two other boys that were "healthy". However, at 2 months don’t make any drastic decisions.  You need time to deal with and accept the CAH part of your child. I say part because it will not define your daughter it will only be one part of who your daugther is.  As your daughter gets older you will find that it will be sooooo much easier. Believe me. I have a little boy who was diagnosed through newborn screening with SVCAH. He doesn’t waste salt but is considered a Classical. If I were to get pregnant again I would have to take the dex to  prevent any virilization if it were an affected girl. I am planning on trying again for a girl. I currently have 3 beautiful boys.

I plan on taking the dex and I have read quite a bit about the dex and talked to many women who have taken it 1,2 or even 3 times after having an affected child. I also talked to Ann Carlson who is the geneticist up at Cornell and got some of the studies done by Dr. New regarding all the dex pregnancies at Cornell. All of the kids that were treated in utero did not have any problems in height, weight etc. I have heard of some memory issues, from people on the board, but they are very slight.  I have talked with a woman who lives in my area that had two boys after their affected daugther and both of the boys were exposed to dex and they had no problems and still don’t. They are in their early teens. In my opinion, I give my child antibiotics that have been tested less  than the dex has been so I feel somewhat confident that the baby will be fine. I do worry sometimes about how it will affect me. I have 3 other kids to look after! Well, life isn’t perfect...in the end no one comes out alive....so be thankful for what you have...enjoy life and all the beautiful gifts from God, like your daughter.

If you want to talk to Ann Carlson, click on the people link Danny has at the top and look for Dr. New. Ann Carlson is the contact person. She is super nice and will answer  your questions for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

Sandra