1st Trimester Testing

Monday, we had an appointment with a different doctor to screen for Down Syndrome and other birth defects.  The risk for Down syndrome increases as the age of the mother increases.  I am 28 and am not at high risk for this birth defect, but as a new parent, I’d like to do everything I can to better prepare for my baby.  A new test that examines features of the early fetus using diagnostic ultrasound, combined with the analysis of a blood sample, determines my individual risks.  *Fingers crossed* that the blood work comes back normal…the doctor did say that he didn’t “see” anything off or wrong with the baby. And I’d like to add, for the record and on a more personal note, that had the results shown that baby has Downs Syndrome, I would not have terminated the pregnancy. I’m the mother of my baby from the day of conception and it’s my responsibility to love and protect him/her. That’s exactly what I intend to do.

Now for the super cool part that I was SO anxiously awaiting…the most recent baby pics!  I know, it’s a little creepy to see your baby look like it’s been molded out of clay, but watching my child up on the flat screen in the doctor’s office (super fancy, btw) was just AMAZING.  It looks like the Tater-Tot is sitting “Indian style,” or like my fellow teachers and I like to say “criss-cross-applesauce.”  It’s nuts to think that this little baby is only about 7cm long (almost 3 inches).

I was told that I have “bilateral notching” which I guess translates to possible high blood pressure in me.  To avoid any complications down the road, I am to take children aspirin, or a low dose adult aspirin everyday until week 20, when I’m supposed to see this doctor again for another full fetal examination.

Dominic and I also got a DVD to take home, with the entire exam burned on it…everything we saw on the screen at the appointment, we can share with friends/family.  Oh, and we won’t know the sex of the baby for another 4 weeks.  Eek!