Saturday, January 15, 2011

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!

11 comments:

Alex said...

I love your doctor - that they're giving you so much attention, allowing you to come in weekly, and even training you on a doppler! Amazing! So glad everything is looking so well.

And yay for so more pelvic rest!

Shandrea said...

Congrats on the move! I am so glad that everything is going well for you. Sending you lots of Hugs!

Amber said...

I used a doppler every single day (sometimes several times) of my pregnancy from about week 10 until week 25 when I was feeling her move all the time. It was such a reassurance to me to know she was okay. I'm so glad your baby is doing well!!!

Jana said...

congrats on moving on to the perinatologist.
that is great you can see the little one on the us every week.

Anonymous said...

I think the doppler is a good idea for mums like us. Especially if they are going to show you how to use it properly. And, if for any reason you have issues finding hte heartbeat, you can always call the doc and go in and get the ultrasound. Usually, with enough time, it can be found.

This is all great news for you - and your husband judging by the leopard outfit! lol.

I love that your doc asked how often you want to come in to be checked, sounds like they are really looking after you - kudos to them! x

Suzy said...

so glad to hear good news :)
I had a doppler and used it only every few days, or when the anxiety was peaking. It was worth it 100% for me.

Lizzy said...

GREAT news, I am enjoying knowing how happy you are!

Cherbear said...

wow, what an amazing dr to ask YOU how often you'd like to come in. Now that is TRUE CARE. Loving your doc!!! And wonderful to have graduated!!!

Nick and Kristi said...

Glad ur appt went so well:) and even though going weekly to the Dr. will get old not at first but trust me it will...I will say it really helped me feel more confident with my pregnancy:) Plus it is so amazing to see your baby grow and do new things each week...Not sure if you seen my most recent post but I am selling a fetal doppler...I ordered 2 of them thinking I could return one of them and well both were non returnable...the one Im selling is a SonoLine C...very nice one:) Let me know if your interested

heartincharge said...

hooray for the leopard print. i joke about my DH but really i cant wait to get off pelvic rest!

that is so awesome that the doc let YOU decide how often to come in.

Anonymous said...

Here from ICLW. Your doctor sounds really wonderful and attentive :)