Fluid Around Bowel & Testicles in Fetus: Causes, Risks & Statistics

Question
I am 29 weeks pregnant and my doctor has terrified me about some fluid that is around my Twin A's bowell and testicles.  I am being told this could be evidence for downs syndrome, cystic fibrosis or infection.  I am wondering how common this fluid is collection is, and what the statistics may be of it being nothing at all. Any experience with this matter? Twin B is not affected.

Answer
Fluid around the bowel or testicles, or nuchal transcency are "soft" signs of Down's syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. They are, more often, incorrect and must be seen in conjunction with other signs to be valid. If you have any doubts, an amniocentesis can be done which will definitively show whether there is a problem. I usually do not put too much stock in "soft" signs found on sonography.