When the results from my sequential screening indicated that my PAPP-A results were abnormal, I didn’t know what to think. I’d never heard of this test before, and had no idea it was part of the series, or whether I’d been tested for it before with Emma. I immediately searched the interwebs, which is never a good idea. All sorts of terrifying information came up including higher risk of birth defects to stillborn babies.
Even though my doctors played it down, I was still so stressed about it this entire time. The general consensus was that it could possibly mean a smaller baby, nothing to be too concerned about. I would have to undergo another ultrasound in my third trimester to make sure that the baby is growing and thriving. If he wasn’t, they would take him early. It seemed like an eternity to have to wait another 15 weeks for the next ultrasound.
Yesterday, it was finally time to go in and check. I had prayed and asked friends and family to keep us in their thoughts. Unfortunately I had to go alone since my husband had to work which was even more nerve-wracking; I barely talked with the technician because I was nervously analyzing all of the images she took. She did tell me that the baby is head down, in position for blast-off. And we confirmed he is definitely still a boy.
Afterward, I waited for the doctor to come in and go over the results. She informed me that the baby is a week ahead in growth (yay!) and everything looks fine. What a relief, I am so thankful. The measurements also indicated that he is already over 5 pounds. Going by the half a pound weight gain per week theory, we could be looking at a 9 pound baby if he arrives at 40 weeks. Good Lord.
So as relieved as I am to hear this good news, now I’m just a tad nervous about what’s ahead. I really don’t want to have a c-section, but I had tearing issues with Emma who was just under 8 pounds. We’ll see how it goes, I guess.
I’d always wanted three children, but after the way this pregnancy has gone I’m not so sure anymore. I’ve been sick too many times to count, had the flu virus twice and the stomach once, along with every pregnancy issue you can dream of. It’s been rough.
If I ever have a change of heart, I will not submit to these additional screening tests again. There are a lot of false positives that come as a result which causes a lot of undue stress. But that’s just me.
So glad things sound well with your baby. Though all this technology is great, sometimes it makes us worry over too much too. With Jude, they saw a cyst on his brain, which they said was pretty common and that they go away (it did). But all those months I still worried over him, probably unnecessarily.
Thanks Kathleen! Wow that is scary. The worrying now is just practice for the rest of our lives :)
So glad everything is good. Can’t wait to see him!
Thank you – me too!
So glad everything is ok! With our first we did testing but not with the second. It all depends on what you would do with those results. I had to have a lot of testing with my second due to measuring small and finding an irregular heartbeat. I know how scary things can be and not having hubby around can be hard (mine was deployed for the majority of my pregnancy). I do have a happy healthy little girl now. Sometimes it seems medical screenings can just cause more worries! I hope you have a wonderful and stress free rest of your pregnancy. Oh and when I was pregnant I also said this was my last because of how sick…i’m not sure that is the case anymore ;)
Right. I would never abort no matter what, but with Emma I just wanted to prepare myself JIC. With this one, I just wanted that extra ultrasound! Probably won’t tie my tubes or anything but we prob won’t try anymore. :)
Holy geez, Woman. Don’t scare me like that!
SO glad to hear that baby boy is doing well… and, yeah. I won’t tell you about birthing my 10 lb 5 oz baby, because it wasn’t the most fun I’ve ever had. :)
Oh good God, Xenia! Craziness. I hope you had good drugs!
Glad to hear everything is going well! There are a LOT of false positives. My best friend who was due when I was due, had one, and ended up with an amnio – I was so nervous for her!
It is crazy! I have three close friends who went through this and were told their babies likely had downs syndrome, and all three were perfectly normal.
Although negative, m tri 21 test came back close…and I wasn’t willing to take any chances with an amnio.
Yeah for big babies! I am 33 weeks along and go in tomorrow for a check up. I like going in every 2 weeks instead of 4. Much more reassuring!
Wow we are due about the same time – Thursday will be my 33rd week mark. I agree, I like the extra checkups.
So glad to hear everything is on track and perfect! Try to relax and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy…. I know easier said than done right? =)
Exactly! I’m just trying to keep busy. Thanks mama :)