So today we focus on my little peanut, because today has started off as a terrible day and I really just need to try and focus my energy on something else! Positive thoughts, positive thoughts...
This week, Baby is the size of: a Mango orange
How far along? 19 weeks
Due date: 12/09/2011
Total weight gain/loss: 9 lbs gained
Maternity clothes? Still lovin' my jeggings, but I haven't bought anything else
Sleep: Insomnia (I'm absolutely exhausted today)
Best moment this week: Was resolving the conflict that hubby and I had Movement: I feel some sort of movement almost everyday
Food cravings: Nanaimo bars, I've eaten them once and now don't want anymore
Food aversions: Not much anymore, thank goodness
Symptoms: Headaches, sore back, my hip keeps going out
Gender: Unknown... we'll probably keep it that way (I'm pretty sure it's a boy)
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? In
Feeling toward Pregnancy: After my first appointment with Dr. A yesterday I'm feeling terrified, worried and stressed (I'll fill you in below)
What I miss: Not worrying about the baby
What I am looking forward to: My quad screen results, my next ultrasound (July 25th) and hearing the results
Randoms: See below for my story
So yesterday started out as a pretty good day. Hubby and I worked through our issue from the previous day - I have to make a note that he approached me and wanted to talk it out. That would be a huge step for him because he doesn't normally initiate that type of communication. Also, he apologized to me for the hurtful things he said and we came to a great compromise! Everything was unicorns and rainbows after that!
I was very excited to go to my first maternity appointment with Dr. A, I would be missing quite a bit of work too (which is always good). So I arrived at my appointment and it was going well until we got to my ultrasound results. The first thing noted is that my due date is changing from Dec 16th to Dec 9th. Second thing noted is that I have a low lying placenta. I've read plenty about this and know that it is a common thing, as the baby grows my placenta should move up and away from the cervix opening. Chances are slim that it won't, but if it doesn't then that is something we call Placenta Previa. (I have included a link to some info about Placenta Previa)
The last thing, and probably the thing that I should not be stressed and worried about (but this is next to impossible for me), is that the baby's legs are measuring short for it's gestational age. The baby is measuring 17 weeks, but it's legs are measuring at 15 weeks 5 days. Dr. A started this conversation by telling me that she is not worried about this, and that I shouldn't worry either. I was informed that the ultrasound clinic that I was sent to doesn't have a great track record and she doesn't really like to send her patients to them. The only reason I was sent there was that they were the only clinic that would take me on such short notice and she wanted to date the pregnancy before my appointment. She also informed me that this same clinic failed to diagnose twins in one of her patients! So she isn't worried and expects a more accurate measurement at my next ultrasound.
Dr. A stated that if the baby were a little person, they would see that the arms AND legs are measuring short. This isn't the case at the moment. Now being the person I am, I put on my big girl face and finished the appointment very matter of fact!
When I got in the car and phoned Tom to give him the update, I broke down! Hysterical! How can you help but worry about the child growing in your belly! This little being that is kicking and moving around in there, this little being that you love already and have been carrying for 4 months and that you have hopes and dreams for! I seemed to calm down and when I returned to work I was in okay spirits...then I did the completely wrong thing. I googled "Short femoral length in fetus'", and was horrified with what appeared! The tears were rolling down my cheeks before I knew it!
Apparently, short femoral length can be an indicator of Down Syndrome. My thoughts have been racing ever since that first article I read... I cannot shut my brain off for more than 5 minutes! Please send your positive thoughts and prayers our way, all I can do is try and be positive right now. A monumental task at this time!
Moral of the story: DO NOT GOOGLE!
I just found your blog! I think we're due about the same time... Have fun at your ultrasound!! :)
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