February 25th Ultrasound Update

Summary:
• Heartbeat: 153 bpm, weight = 12 oz
• Organs: All look good/normal
• Appointment: Much different than we expected – took us 2 hours

Well, the pictures aren't as good as we hoped to share with others... but the little one wouldn't cooperate to get a good profile picture! It was definitely very active today, moving all over. The technician spent a lot of time measuring all the body parts and viewing all the critical areas… She took a ton of pictures, but most of them were just up-close shots of organs and bones (not all that interesting to most of you probably!) But we enjoyed seeing everything and that there continues to be a strong heartbeat (153 today.)

She had us cover our eyes when we got close to the genital area; so that we wouldn’t be able to see the organs… so tonight we have a piece of paper in an envelope that we will open at dinner (while on a real date!)

The appointment took an interesting turn though… The doctor (at the center) reviewed the ultrasound results and came in and chatted with us about next steps. She said nothing looked abnormal or concerning… however signs of Downs would only typically be “caught” 40% of the time using this methodology. She shared with us some statistics and also other factors about being prepared, etc… that people who “know” ahead of time typically have a much better birth experience (even if the baby has Downs) when they know what to expect. I immediately pictured giving birth to the baby and in that very moment of extreme joy – being told it has Downs. Please keep in mind that we are prepared for this – we will cherish whatever baby God has in store for us… and there will be no disappointment (we just pray it is healthy.) But we talked about it and after talking with the genetics counselor (after the regular doctor) that maybe doing an amniocentesis was the right thing to do (though we still were – and still are - pretty hesitant and stressed about the whole thing.) We are just thinking that maybe we are at a point where preparing mentally would be good.  We also factored in the other test result benefits - things like being able to do surgery in the womb for heart issues, etc…

So… right then and there – I had the procedure done.

Things went fine and they said it was textbook with no issues. I am not sure how long “after” it will take to know about infections or cramping, etc… so we are PRAYING that we made the right choice. We should have the Down Syndrome results on Monday or Tuesday. The rest of the chromosome results won’t be for 10 days or so.

So, we are both internalizing everything… going back and forth wondering what the outcome will be. Praying no damage was done… also praying that whatever news we get – our hearts will be prepared.

And tonight? We are going to the Chart House (our special restaurant for special occasions) and we will open up the envelope and find out the sex of the little one. So I will share that news very soon!

FACE

 LITTLE FOOT