Mar 16 2008
Are you calling me old?
Since I’m on the cusp of being of “advanced maternal age” (i.e., “old”), I was referred to a specialist for additional genetic testing to see if the Snowflake is at risk for birth defects such as Down Syndrome or other chromosomal disorders. I was hoping that didn’t mean that I would have to get an amniocentesis or CVS, since there is a risk to the baby. Besides that, the thought of a huge needle being inserted into my stomach doesn’t sound all that pleasant either.
We opted to do an integrated serum screening, which only requires me to give two blood samples four weeks apart. The doctor also did a measurement via ultrasound of the back of the baby’s neck, which is another test for possible Down Syndrome. Thankfully, the Snowflake’s neck looks good! If the serum results come back showing a high risk, they may have me do the amnio or CVS at that time. In the meantime, we’re praying for good results!
All of the ultrasound and fetal heartbeat tests were excellent and although the doc is known for his penchant for making early guesses about the gender of the fetus, he said that he would not “ruin his impeccable record” by guessing ours. The Snowflake was not cooperative and refused to get in proper position for the doc to make a determination. He said that we’d be able to tell (almost) for sure at my next visit on April 11.
It’s hard to believe that we’re already into the second trimester. I’ve lost a bit of weight due to morning sickness and my progesterone butt is finally starting to deflate. My pre-preggie pants fit me again, but the temptation to wear my maternity clothes is all too strong — after all, they’re so comfortable! And besides, I’ll only be able to justify wearing them for the next six to nine months or so, so I might as well get as much mileage out of them as possible, right?
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
Ooh, pictures! Such a lovely little Snowflake you’ve got growing.
Hopefully he or she will cooperate next time!
The baby looks lovely!
Absolutely beautiful pictures,… on so many levels!
That is so exciting….seeing the lil’ snowflake! I can’t wait to find out what you’ll be having - do you want to know?
So, now that you’ve done the two, which evoked more of an emotional response - hearing the heartbeat, or seeing the Snowflake? For me, it was seeing the baby - for friends, it was hearing.
so do you want to find out the sex?
did you get this done at fetal diagnostic with dr. hirata?
when we went and they told us girl, we had to make sure they were 100%. i so didn’t want any surprises. i hope the snowflake cooperates on your next visit so you can find out for sure =)
so exciting!! yay!
Awwww…little Snowflake isn’t so little anymore! I am totally convinced that your baby is a boy and have felt that way since the beginning. I am excited for you to find out but think you should keep us in suspense until your first Baby Vlog from the hospital!
You are doing a Vlog from the hospital, right? Like in between pushes and stuff? Hehe…seriously though, the pics are beautiful!
Those pics are awesome! I guess Snowflake was playing peek a boo with the ultrasound!
yay! their getting pretty fancy with those 3D images. At least you are able to see the baby. Hope you are doing well.
Happy Easter to you and your family, Donna! Hope you are having a marvelous day!
Hey Donna! I haven’t been here in awhile, but glad to see your baby is doing super! Can’t wait to see what the future holds!