Hi ladies! I am 11w7d as of today, and I suppose I'm actually 12 weeks now, eh?? This is my first “real” pregnancy (had an early D&C in 2006) so forgive me, I am new to all of this. Last week my regular OB/GYN referred me to another office for fetal genetic testing and a possible amnio. I had the initial consultation appointment yesterday, and wanted to share my experience.
I have been terrified of needing/getting an amnio, and I had actually completely decided against it due to the miscarriage risk (plus I do not like needles), so I was a little hesitant going into this appointment, not sure what to expect. They took my vitals and weighed me, then went straight into a 2D ultrasound, and eventually switched to 3D/4D toward the end. They performed an NT scan (Nuchal translucency screening) and the measurement was in the normal range. What a relief!
Even though I had just seen the baby with a 171BPM heart rate during a transvaginal dating ultrasound when I was 10w5d, I was very glad to see the baby’s heart flicker again. This time the baby was sleeping and allowed the tech to take the crown-to-rump length easily (5.3cm - up from 3.6cm) and the heartbeat was 162BPM. The tech kept trying to get a good angle on baby’s face, but the little sucker rolled over and faced the opposite direction! And when baby did turn back around, its arms were crossed over its face! Haha, it was too cute. Camera shy.
After the ultrasound, the doctor came in and talked to me. She wasn’t even sure why anyone had suggested an amnio to me, because I am under 35 (I’m 31, will be 32 at delivery) with no history to suggest these issues. She said everything looked good but she wants to see me back in 6 weeks, just to confirm the baby is still growing at a normal rate. This is because of some medication I take for some psychiatric issues which are category C. I already consulted with my psychiatrist once I found out I was pregnant, he switched one of my meds to a safer alternative, and said he believes the benefits of these medications for me very much out weight the risks of birth defects. And I believe him, I have known my psychiatrist for many years and I trust him.
Anyway, the doctor went on to say I was within the correct time range to perform a screening for Downs, etc, just with a finger-prick and five drops of my blood, so I went along with that. I am just relieved there isn’t any reason for me to have an amnio. My results from the screening should be back by the end of the week, hopefully.
Just thought I’d share a happy story on these boards. Congrats to all in the November 2015 Birth Month Club! My due date is Nov. 18th. Anyone else have the same due date?
Re: 11w6d ultrasound - POSITIVE post :)
We're having twins
Our angel baby boy is looking over his twin sister - due November 21