Fetal Kidney Dilation and Drug Use: Understanding the Risks & Options

Question
I'm 26 this will be my 3rd son. I'm struggling very much with a crystal meth addiction. I used during the first and 3rd mths of pregnancy. I slipped twice since then(only using one time both times)..and used once recently. In jan. I had an ultrasound..the doctor told me there was a dialation in the kidneys of the fetus. He also said it could be a sign of downs syndrome(but he said it was a low percent chance)..i refused an amnio...I asked him if this problem was due to my drug use and he said no..and that this was a fairly common condition. I'm scared to death now..could you please shine some light on this for me..thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Celesta,
you really must do an amnio to be sure if it is downs or from the abuse. Amnios these days do not hurt the baby at all even if they give you the risks, you must know them incase something does happen, but the test can detect problems so the ob will know what to expect and then transfer the information to your pediatrician or a specialist if need be. Consider doing it and then send me the results here and we can go over them if you don't understand what your ob says. In the meantime, seek some help on the meth addiction and get off it or the baby will suffer extreme withdrawal after it is born and if by chance it does have downs or something else it will put unnecessary stress on it. Let me know.