So Aug 21, yesterday, was my prenatal ultrascreen. This is an optional test to check the baby’s growth and to check for certain birth defect/syndrome markers. First, they look at how much fluid is at the base of the baby’s neck which can be an indicator for down syndrome. They measure it and send the info to labs. They also do a finger prick and take five drops of blood to test for hormone levels and other genetic markers.
At first, Nate and I really struggled with this. Originally, we had said we weren’t going to do this test because even if our child had down syndrome or one of the other syndromes, we would continue with the pregnancy. So what was the point of having the test done? Later, after finding out we wouldn’t have another ultrasound till week 20, we decided that we would have the screening done. It’s better to know earlier anyways so that we can read up as much as possible on any problems the baby may have. That way we would be better prepared.
To prepare for the test, you have to drink 32 ounces of water an hour before the test. That way your bladder is really full and pushes the uterus up, allowing the tech to get a better view of the baby. Needless to say, I had to pee like crazy and was doing the peepee dance =) But these are the pictures we got from the ultrascreen:
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| The profile of the baby. As you can see, we have a nasal bone with is a good sign that the baby is Down Syndrome free! |
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| This is a cool picture. The baby is jumping around in my uterus and you can see the umbilical cord! |
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| Look at that cute little face! |
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| Baby and it’s foot! |
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| Another foot shot! |
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| The baby’s profile and hand. |
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| Another picture of the full baby and it’s hand, close to the mouth. |
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| Baby is looking at you… and it looks like I have a baby venom/xenomorph/spawn in my uterus! |
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| A leg! |
The ultrasound tech said that the baby was measuring a week later than what we thought, which means I might be 13 weeks 5 days along instead of 12 weeks 5 days along. Something to keep in mind, but we are not going to change the due date or our weekly counting at this point. She also marveled at how perfect the baby looked: it’s face, little nose, it’s beautiful spine. I wish they had given me some of the spine pics. It was so cool seeing all the little bones.
I really struggled with not crying and I managed not to. I’ve had a sinus/stress headache for a couple days and crying always brings it on. The baby was beautiful. I got to see it jumping and squirming all around, kicking it’s legs, moving it’s hands. It was amazing.
They also gave us some 4D pictures. They are super creepy looking…
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| Rawr! I’m Bane! |
The heartbeat measured at 153bps which is great. Getting to see my baby was everything I needed and wanted. I suggest the ultrascreen to anyone, just for the experience and to see the baby. Some insurances don’t cover the ultrascreen though, so check with your insurance company! Also, be prepared for the bad news. You should already have a plan in place for worse case scenario. What will you do?
I did get one piece of bad news about my pregnancy, but it was more of an emotional piece of bad news. Nothing is wrong with the baby, but I do have an anterior placenta. Basically that means that my placenta is between my belly and the baby so I will most likely not feel the baby kicking around 16 to 20 weeks. I will probably not feel anything steady until 22 to 24 weeks. This is something I am really excited about, feeling the baby moving inside me, so I was saddened by this. This doesn’t effect the baby and is not dangerous in anyway to the baby, it just sucks for the experience. I want to feel the baby NOW! =)
