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This past Tuesday, Matt and I went to a Perinatal Specialist to get a sonogram and an NT scan for our baby-to-be. We were really excited about the appointment, but a little nervous too. The NT scan is comprised of measurements and blood tests to calculate risk factors for Downs Syndrome and a few other chromosome defects.
We started off the appointment with a quick consult from a genetic specialist, and then we were put in a room for the sonogram. I had to drink a TON of water beforehand, because a full bladder apparently helps with the baby's movement and measurements. I thought I was going to burst if the dang technician took any longer to come in!
When she finally started the scan, I forgot about my bladder for a little while and we were totally mesmerized by the little alien bouncing around on the screen. (Yes it really does look like an alien!) The baby was face-down most of the time (hence the upside down picture),it wiggled around a lot, and at one point it looked like it was doing a dolphin kick (another swimmer in the making!) It was hard to get a good side profile, but it finally turned and raised its arm, looking like it was waving right at us (so cute!)
We recorded a DVD of the scan, and I've already watched it like 5 times. It still hasn't fully hit me yet that I'm going to be a "mommy" - but I know one day soon it will sink in!
Everything went well with the scan, and our Estimated Due Date of July 6, 2011 is still a good target (fingers crossed for an early delivery on July 4th!!) I got a phone call today from the genetic counselor, letting us know that the bloodwork came back with odds of 1/10,000 for Downs and the other chromosome defects - which is really good!
As for the mommy-to-be, I've been feeling pretty sick daily and I get tired very easily. It's gotten somewhat better, but I still have "bad" days that sneak up on me just when I think I'm out of the woods. My tummy is starting to change, not totally obvious yet, but I think the little bump is beginning to form. I included a picture from last week at 12 weeks. I'm going to try to track it every 2-4 weeks to see progress.
On January 1, 2011 I will officially be considered in my 2nd Trimester. It wasn't easy keeping the news to ourselves for the first 3 months! I'm glad that everyone is starting to find out, and it is starting to feel more and more real!
That's all the exciting news we have to share for now, I have a check up in mid-January, and we should hopefully find out the baby's sex around Valentine's day!!
Happy New Year!
The Hodnicks
