NOTE: Today I added posts for 12 Weeks through 15 Weeks. Sorry for getting so behind, but our internet was out for 2 weeks!
Good news! I received a call from the doctor's office today, and the results of my finger-prick blood test all came back normal! I really didn't expect any bad news, but hearing the good results provided an unexpected feeling of great relief. I guess you don't always realize how much you worry about things!
I'm still feeling well (no nausea), but now my lower back is giving me trouble. I've got a lot more energy, and the "nesting" instinct is starting to kick in, so I stay busy all day long. But if I overdo it in a day, my back lets me know it! Unfortunately, I normally sleep on my back, and since I'm not supposed to be sleeping on my back anymore (not recommended after 14 weeks), I'm also not sleeping well. But I've read that you get used to sleeping on your side after awhile, so I'm looking forward to that.
At 15 weeks, the baby measures about 4-1/2 inches and weighs around 2 to 3 ounces. BW is about the size of a navel orange. The ears are now positioned properly on the sizes of the head (they used to be in the neck), and the eyes are moving from the side of the head to the front of the face. By now BW has the coordination, strength, and smarts to wiggle his or her fingers and toes and even suck a thumb. He or she can also breathe (or at least make breathing movements), suck, and swallow - all in preparation for life outside the womb. It's unlikely that I'll be able to feel any movement this week, but the baby is getting a workout - kicking, flexing, and moving those arms and legs.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
14 Weeks
Picking up where I left off on my 13-week post, I am really eating like a pregnant lady now!!! Having said that, I am still within the healthy range of weight gain for this point in my pregnancy. I am starting to show now, though! I've been looking for that baby belly for awhile now, and it seems to have just "popped out" overnight!
At 14 weeks, BW is about the size of a (lady's) clenched fist. The neck is getting longer and the head more erect. The baby might actually be sprouting some hair on top of his/her head, and eyebrow hair is filling in as well.
At 14 weeks, BW is about the size of a (lady's) clenched fist. The neck is getting longer and the head more erect. The baby might actually be sprouting some hair on top of his/her head, and eyebrow hair is filling in as well.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Hormone Level Results
I called the doctor's office today to find out the results of my blood test to check my progesterone level. It was normal. HOORAY! No more hormone supplements! : )
Thursday, May 7, 2009
13 Weeks
Chris arrived home yesterday, and today we went to the doctor for combined screening tests. This involves both an ultrasound and a blood test.
First, the ultrasound measures a thin layer of fluid that accumulates in the back of the baby's neck, called nuchal translucency (NT). Increased fluid may indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, congenital heart defects, and other genetic disorders. More specifically, if it measures more than 3, the doctors will order further testing. Our baby's NT measured around 1.5, which was good news.
Second, they do a finger-prick to take blood samples to test for high levels of PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) and hCG, two hormones produced by the fetus and passed into the mother's bloodstream. These levels, combined with the the NT measurement and the mother's age, can provide a risk assessment for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. Unfortunately, we won't receive the results of the blood tests for 1-2 weeks.
This combined screening doesn't diagnose specific conditions, but provides you with a statistical likelihood of your baby having a problem. However, the screening can detect approximately 80 percent of Down syndrome and and 80 percent of trisomy 18 problems.
The ultrasound today was so neat, because the baby REALLY looks like a baby now!!! Also, we took a blank DVD with us and the ultrasound technician recorded the ultrasound for us. Unfortunately, it's not in a format supported by this blog, so I can't post it here. If I'm able to save it in a different format, I'll post it later.
At 13 weeks, BW is the size ofa peach, about 3 inches long. The baby's head is now about half the size of his or her crown to rump length, but the body is picking up steam and will contine growing overtime. Meanwhile, the intestines, which have been growing inside the umbilical cord, are now starting their trek to their permanent position in the baby's abdomen. BW's vocal cords are also developing this week (uh-oh!). The heartbeat was 167 today.
Oh, and now that the morning sickness is gone, my appetite has REALLY picked up!
First, the ultrasound measures a thin layer of fluid that accumulates in the back of the baby's neck, called nuchal translucency (NT). Increased fluid may indicate an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, congenital heart defects, and other genetic disorders. More specifically, if it measures more than 3, the doctors will order further testing. Our baby's NT measured around 1.5, which was good news.
Second, they do a finger-prick to take blood samples to test for high levels of PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) and hCG, two hormones produced by the fetus and passed into the mother's bloodstream. These levels, combined with the the NT measurement and the mother's age, can provide a risk assessment for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. Unfortunately, we won't receive the results of the blood tests for 1-2 weeks.
This combined screening doesn't diagnose specific conditions, but provides you with a statistical likelihood of your baby having a problem. However, the screening can detect approximately 80 percent of Down syndrome and and 80 percent of trisomy 18 problems.
The ultrasound today was so neat, because the baby REALLY looks like a baby now!!! Also, we took a blank DVD with us and the ultrasound technician recorded the ultrasound for us. Unfortunately, it's not in a format supported by this blog, so I can't post it here. If I'm able to save it in a different format, I'll post it later.
At 13 weeks, BW is the size ofa peach, about 3 inches long. The baby's head is now about half the size of his or her crown to rump length, but the body is picking up steam and will contine growing overtime. Meanwhile, the intestines, which have been growing inside the umbilical cord, are now starting their trek to their permanent position in the baby's abdomen. BW's vocal cords are also developing this week (uh-oh!). The heartbeat was 167 today.
Oh, and now that the morning sickness is gone, my appetite has REALLY picked up!
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