4th Ultrasound – First Trimester Screening January 27, 2012

Today, we had our first trimester (nuchal translucency) screening.  This test is used to help determine the probability of downs syndrom and other issues.  We chose to have it really just for the ultrasound.  I’m at 12 weeks, day 6 today.  It is crazy how much this baby has grown in just the last few weeks since our last ultrasound.  We could actually see fingers and toes and facial features.  The baby was being a little stinker and wouldn’t quite get into position for the tech to get the measurements she needed, so we got to watch the baby for probably about 45 minutes, which was awesome.  My mom came with us.  I thought that would be really special for her.  Unfortunately, the tech wouldn’t allow us to make a video, but we did get some pretty cool pictures.  Baby waved at us several times.  That was probably my most favorite memory.  In profile view, every now and then a hand would just pop into view and baby would move its fingers up and down to wave at us.  I wish the tech had grabbed a shot of that.  Here’s one picture.  The rest are in the album.

12 1/2 week ultrasound picture

First Midwife Appointment and Followup January 23, 2012

I had my first midwife appointment on the 20th.  My mom went with me.  I thought it would be nice to have her there since Ben had to work.  We got to hear the baby’s heartbeat on the doppler.  First, it took her a little while to find it & then we only heard it for a brief second.  The baby must have moved because she had to spend some time chasing it down again.  But then we got to hear it for a little while.  I think that was a really special moment for my mom, so I was glad she was there.

There’s a first trimester screening (also called the nuchal translucency screening).  It’s a non-invasive (no-risk) check for risk of downs syndrome, other chromosomal issues, and heart problems.  It involves an ultrasound (before 13 weeks & 6 days) and a blood test.  I’m at 12 weeks now, but I wanted to make sure it would be covered by my insurance before scheduling it.  For us, having a special needs baby would not been aborting the pregnancy.  It would mean more time to prepare.  But ultimately, the nice thing is we get another ultrasound.  Otherwise, the next one isn’t until the 20-week mark.  I called today and we are covered for the 1^st trimester screening, so I’m working on getting an ultrasound scheduled for this week… just waiting to hear back from them.  I’m trying to get a time when Ben can be there.

Susan (the midwife) called me this morning.  My test results from Friday are in.  My blood type is O+ (I never knew that).  Apparently, I have a UTI right now (doesn’t surprise me because although I don’t really have symptoms of it now, I seem to have them all the time).  They’re prescribing antibiotics for 7 days (should be safe for the baby).  I also tested positive for Group B Step.  It’s not something to worry about.  I’ve heard about it before, probably on the pregtastic podcasts.  I think it’s probably actually the cause of my UTIs & I don’t think it’s something I can really get rid of.  Basically, what it means though is that I will need to have antibiotics in my IV drip during labor, to prevent the baby from getting it (reduces the chance from 1/200 to 1/4000).  Here’s a little more info if you want to learn about it:

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/groupbstrepinfection.html

Woohoo, another ultrasound!  We are so spoiled!