Nervous About Tomorrow's Echo for My 9-Week-Old
Hello, everyone! I’m feeling a wave of anxiety as I think about my 9-week-old son, who has an echo scheduled for tomorrow. Here are some details to consider: he’s a male infant weighing 11 pounds and is of Asian American descent. His congenital scan and NIPT results came back clear. Since he was about 6 weeks old, my baby has exhibited possible breath-holding episodes four times. The most recent incident occurred a week ago. It genuinely appears that he is holding his breath during these episodes. After consulting with a neurologist, it seems unlikely that these are seizures since blowing gently on his face brings him back to normal. As a precaution, the neurologist requested an EKG. I couldn’t get a clear image of the EKG results, but I do have the findings: sinus tachycardia with incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB) and left ventricular hypertrophy, which are normal for his age. They performed this assessment using a 15-lead EKG, and although I’m unsure if they typically use a specific pediatric version, the one utilized was intended for adults. I’ve set up an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist to request an echo to rule out any potential issues. I’ve come across information suggesting that EKG results can be misleading due to an infant's smaller torso and the readings may appear distorted. Although I’m trying to manage my worries, I can’t help but feel terrified. Aside from the breath-holding spells, he doesn’t exhibit any other concerning symptoms, and he is currently taking iron supplements. Are there any insights or thoughts you could share to help ease my mind? :( Thanks for any support!
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 3:10:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious about your baby's upcoming echocardiogram, especially given the context of your son's breath-holding episodes and the EKG findings. You're taking important steps in ensuring his health, which is commendable.
Main Points
- Incidents of Breath-Holding: These episodes can occur in infants and are often not serious, especially since there's a method to revive him.
- EKG Findings: The results may be typical for his age, and your pediatric cardiologist will provide clarity.
- Emotional Support: It's okay to feel anxious; seeking reassurance and gathering information can be comfort.
Explanation
Breath-holding spells in infants are not uncommon and can be a normal part of development. They often resolve on their own, and since your baby responds to gentle stimulation like blowing on his face, this suggests the episodes aren't due to serious conditions such as seizures.
The EKG findings you mentioned—sinus tachycardia and the potential for incomplete right bundle branch block—can sometimes occur in infants due to their developing hearts. Pediatric cardiologists are well-versed in interpreting these results, particularly in the context of a young child's anatomy. An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that will give the doctor a clearer picture of the heart's structure and function.
Next Steps
- Prepare for the Echocardiogram: Familiarize yourself with the procedure; knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves. The echocardiogram is painless and usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
- Keep a Record: Note any symptoms or patterns of the breath-holding episodes in a journal to share with the cardiologist. Details can help them in making an assessment.
- Talk it Out: Share your feelings with trusted family or friends. Sometimes, just voicing your concerns can alleviate some anxiety.
- Post-Test Follow-Up: Plan to discuss the results of the echocardiogram with your pediatric cardiologist to address any lingering questions or fears.
Remember, you're actively seeking the best care for your son, and you are not alone in your worries. Most importantly, trusting the professionals dedicated to your child's health can help you find peace of mind. If you need more reassurance or information, feel free to reach out.
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