The Graduate

Baby (still haven't come up with a good fetal name) has officially graduated to the perinatology clinic!  Q and I spent three hours there on Thursday.  First, the ultrasound.  At 10w0d, Baby is measuring 10w3d and moving around a lot!  We could even see the tiny fingers and toes.  I've already had more ultrasounds with this baby than I ever had with any other pregnancy.  Regrettably, I never got to see Jeremiah or Miles alive even on ultrasound.  We first saw David on ultrasound at 20 weeks, then a few more times after that because he was not growing well.  Tania we peeked at only once at 38 weeks to make sure she'd turned head down.  So it's quite amazing and new for me to be able to see this one grow week by week!

We also met with the genetic counselor and decided that genetic testing has no real benefit in our case.  Then we talked with the OB.  To Q's delight, I am no longer on "pelvic rest" and that V.S. leopard print finally saw some action.

The doctor asked how often I would like to come in to be checked - every week, every other week, once a month?  Once a week, please!  So I have appointments there each Thursday.  Although I get VERY anxious before each ultrasound, it's nice to know I can check up on Baby each week.

I'm thinking about getting a Doppler to use at home, too.   Of course there are benefits and risks to weigh.  No doubt the second trimester will be a time of terror for me and I'd like to be able to get reassurance at home anytime I need it.  The big risk - the ultimate nightmare - would be finding out myself, alone at home, that there's no heartbeat.  Or sometimes getting false alarms because I don't know what I'm doing, but the doctor said they'll show me how to use it properly if I bring it to the clinic.   I'm leaning towards getting one - and soon!