14 Week Update - 11.16.10

Jesse and I had our 14 week appointment today with our regular OB. As always I was very nervous. I try not to let on to Jesse that I'm nervous because I'm sure he is just as nervous as I am and there is no need to worry him anymore. Luckily we had a great appointment! My weight is the same, but no worries there. Baby's heartbeat was 156 bpm. No ultrasound today, just a heartbeat check with the doppler and a general "are you ok, having an problems, etc.?" appointment.

We discussed buying an at home fetal doppler with my OB. After not feeling Luke's movements I've always wanted to get an at home fetal monitor to check when the pregnancy progressed. My OB and I had initially talked about this during pre-conception so I had researched and found the one I wanted. During our appointment yesterday she said she would approve the order if I wanted to spend the money, but if I'm ever having an "off" day or wondering if everything is alright for me to just come in and anyone in the office can do a quick doppler check for me. That gave me such a great feeling of reassurance so I'm going to wait on buying the at home fetal doppler for now (and Jesse approves since it costs $500).

We also discussed when I will start seeing the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist. Since this is our 4th pregnancy and after having a fetal demise in the 3rd trimester I am considered high-risk and will be seeing a MFM specialist in conjunction with my regular OB. The job of the MFM specialist is to provide consultation support to my OB on the baby. He will be performing diagnostic ultrasounds for growth assessments and detection of abnormalities, he will be performing doppler studies and biophysical profiles for the baby, he will also be performing non-stress testing. Lots of fun stuff! I'm so relieved that my regular OB is ok with me seeing the MFM of my choice, Dr. Kirshon. We will have to drive to the medical center for appointments, but Jesse and I feel very comfortable with him and his thorough work. I couldn't be happier! I meet with Dr. Kirshon in 4 weeks for my first appointment. He will do a complete anatomy scan ultrasound to view and get measurements from crown to rump, around the head, the four chambers of the heart, kidneys, bladder, stomach, brain, spine, umbilical cord, and sex organs. This scan is done to make sure the baby is growing appropriately and that the due date is still on target. A survey of the organs ensures that they are developing normally (or identifies any problems). He will also be looking at the amount of amniotic fluid, the location of the placenta, and the fetal heart rate. This scan will take appx 45 mins and is a very amazing experience. I can't wait!

I go back to my regular OB in 2 weeks for my AFP testing. The AFP test is where a blood sample is drawn from the mother to check the levels of AFP. AFP is a protein secreted by the fetal liver and excreted in the mother's blood. It is generally used for detecting neural tube defects, but it can also indicate abdominal wall defects esophageal and duodenal atresia, some renal and urinary tract anomalies turner syndrome, some low birth weight fetuses, and placental complications. A low level of AFP could also indicate Down Syndrome. The results are given as a risk ranking so you won't know for sure if the baby has any defects for sure, but you will know if you are at a low or high risk.

Lots coming up in the next few weeks ... can't wait! Keep the prayers coming everyone!

Love,
Meredith