Thursday 12 February 2009

Adventures in Pregnancy - 11 Weeks, 5 Days

Well today was my appointment in Fredericton with Dr. Butt. This appointment for an ultrasound to screen for Down's Syndrome along with some other nasty defects. In our mind, it was our first chance to see the baby.

For the first time in my life, this was an ultrasound that was not dependant on a full bladder. THANK GOD! Nothing worse than someone pushing hard on a full bladder except if the bladder is too full and they ask you to "let a little out". Likely story.

Dr. Butt was testing a new ultrasound machine so she was checking out all the bells and whistles. Between that and a baby that was not willing to behave (That's MY kid), we had lots of opportunity to see the little one. The baby was bouncing and squiggling around like crazy. We saw a hand with a full set of fingers. So we know that he/she has at least one. We saw a nose and a mouth... those are useful after birth. We could see the heart beating (175 beats per minute).

In order to do Down Syndrome testing, they need to measure the spinal fluid. For this, the baby needs to be at least 45 mm from crown to rump. Our little one was only 43 mm. Tried as we might to stretch he/she out, no good. I even tried coughing. That had an effective, but didn't add 2 mm of length.

So, we have concentrate really hard at growing 2 mm in the next week cause we are going back for another ultrasound on Friday.

Cory really enjoyed watching the ultrasound. Our baby is very spunky and full of energy. I think I may be in trouble when I start feeling all that movement. However, at that point the accommodations may tighten up a little bit.

I have a picture that I will scan into the puter tomorrow and post.

2 comments:

Jackie S. Quire said...

Yay!
I've followed your blog for awhile now, and I can just imagine how happy you are to know the little 'un is jumpin' around just fine.
Now all it needs to do is GROW!
:) All the best

Shelagh said...

Thanks Jackie,

It was a great relief to see movement and a fantastic reality check.

Our goal this week... 2 mm of length.