Another ultrasound

Back when we had our first trimester screening, there were two issues 'of possible concern' that were brought up. The first I mentioned before, which was the ultrasound specialist suggesting we get baby's heart checked around 22 weeks. The reason for this was that sometimes a borderline NT measurement like we had combined with ok blood work can be an indicator of a possible rare heart problem. The other issue was that my placenta was very low lying, so much so that it was covering my cervix, which can sometimes result in a condition called placenta previa. Basically, this means the placenta attaches to the uterus in a spot where it ends up covering the cervix, so when mom starts to dilate there can be a lot of complications. The placenta can exit first, causing hommoraging from excessive bleeding as well as the potential for the placenta to be expelled before the baby, which can be very dangerous. The other less risky complication if the placenta does not block the opening but stay low-lying is that it wouldn't come out on its own after the baby is born. This last scenario is something my MW can deal with by giving me a shot of pitocin to help the uterus contract down after the baby is born. The other scenarios would mean no homebirth for me.

So, after discussing with my MW, I was given a referral to my old OB's office (lucky me, my current MW knows my old MW and OB, and works with them as back-up providers for testing and emergency transfers) for an ultrasound. I called yesterday, and they were able to get me in this afternoon. I was thrilled I wouldn't have to wait, but sad because Darrick wasn't likely to be able to make the 3 pm appointment since he works until almost 3. We talked last night and made a deal: if he made the appointment I'd leave it up to him to ask the sex if he wanted to know, and if he didn't make it, we were keeping it a surprise.

Well.....it's.......a....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................surprise!

Yup, Darrick was not able to make it on time, so I took Luca (who stayed home sick with me today after she spent most of last night puking) with me and we asked to have it kept a secret. But we did get all kinds of information about baby. Most important, baby's heart looks perfectly normal, and my placenta is nowhere near my cervix any longer, so we're in the clear with our two major concerns. Every other vital organ is normal, and all baby's important bone measurements (head, femur, etc) are on target. He/she is also exactly the size he/she should be for my dates. All in all, great news all around!!!

And, that's it for the 'will we or won't we' debate. No more ultrasounds for us unless there is some medical indication we need one later on, which I don't see happening. So we'll find out if we're having a boy or a girl when baby is born!