3rd Ultrasound

Today Mason and I went to UCSF’s Mt. Zion center to witness the ultrasound of our baby. It was a disappointing experience since we had to wait 45 minutes before being seen and once in the small room, the ultrasound tech was not super friendly. I couldn’t see the screen most of the time and she was rather cold and clinical about it all, saying that it wasn’t her job to determine the sex, she was just looking to make sure the baby was healthy, etc. I understand that, but I expected a more warm-fuzzy experience like some of my friends have had. Oh well.

But it looks like all signs are pointing to GIRL!

The tech said she didn’t see any penis or scrotal sac and she thought she saw what looked like a labia, so she’s pretty sure it’s a girl, but she “is not one of those people who gives percentages,” so there is no telling for sure. But I saw the screen myself (at that point, she finally flipped it around so I could view it) and saw the legs apart and nothing in between, so I’m pretty sure it’s a girl. Still, the whole experience was rather anticlimactic. Maybe we’ll splurge and get one of those fancy 4-D ultrasounds with pictures and a DVD.

Anyway, here’s the breakdown of what people thought in our poll:

26 said: girl
15 said: boy
Chinese lunar calendar: girl
Two reported dreams: boy
Guessimated moon phase: boy
Magic 8 Ball: girl
Pendulum over the belly: results inconclusive
Mother-to-be’s hunch after conception: girl

It’s all very exciting and fun and I’m glad we got to see some pictures, even if fuzzy. It’s nice being able to picture her inside me. Ahhhh… Now to think of names!

Second Ultrasound

I got the NT ultrasound, which is part of the genetic screening test. I got to see the baby on the monitor, which was much bigger than a month ago–it actually looks like a fetus now, not just a blob. It was bouncing around and being very cute. It was amazing to see it so active at this stage even though I can’t feel it moving around. They said the neck skin is “very thin,” which is a good sign that there aren’t chromosomal problems. There are still more blood test results to get, but things are looking good so far!

Work has been going quite well and I am beginning to get a better feel for the job and what it entails. Everyone is so supportive and understanding, so I don’t forsee any major problems. Overall, I like being here and feel happy and good about the place. Yay!

First Ultrasound

Today I went for my first ultrasound and it’s good news–I saw the heart beating on the monitor! The estimation is that I’m about 7 weeks and 3 days, so the projected due date is May 23rd, but it’s always plus or minus two weeks, so that’s just a rough guide. I also got some blood work done and then will be seeing the OB/GYN on the 28th to go over everything. I still have another ultrasound genetic screening test to do between 10-13 weeks. It was a good thing I’d already read up on the process and talked with the midwife a little because otherwise I think I’d be feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused right now. They don’t explain much at all at the doc’s office, just do their thing, have you sign things, and push you along. So I feel good that we’re working with midwives who spend the extra time going over the whole process.