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!