Sequential Screening Tests

I decided to have some genetic testing done with this pregnancy simply due to my age. At 32, I'm not high-risk yet, but I still worry about the possibility of Down's Syndrome, so I decided to have some screening done, which involves an ultrasound and bloodwork. I'm the type of person that would rather know about a huge health issue, such as Down's; I would hate to be surprised with the news at the hospital!

A couple of weeks ago, I had the US and blood draw, and the good news is, I just have to go back for another draw. As it explains below, if I the tests showed there was a risk (above 4%), my Dr. would recommend a more high risk procedure or genetic counseling instead. Although there are no guarantees, this screening does recognize many cases, as shown by the stats below, so the fact that I just have to have the 2nd trimester blood draw is great. Another reassuring factor occurred during the US when the technician told me the nuchal space (the fluid at the back of the baby's neck) was 1.5 mm, and a good "average" range is between 1-2.4 mm. Anything over 2.4 means there's an elevated risk, and anything over 3 means there is DEFINITELY something wrong. He said 1.5 was a great number, and that he wouldn't worry about it.

Sequential Screening is a variation of integrated screening. With this test a preliminary result for Down syndrome is available about 1 week after the first blood draw and ultrasound. The preliminary result determines if the risk for Down syndrome is higher or lower than 4%. When the result is lower than 4%, the second blood draw is performed at 15-22 weeks and a final result is available approximately 1 week later. When the result is higher than 4%, a woman may choose skip the second blood draw and have a CVS or amniocentesis instead.

Do the screening tests find all babies with a chromosome abnormality or spina bifida?

Integrated and sequential screening finds about 90% of Down syndrome, 90% of open spine defects, and about 60% of trisomy 18 pregnancies.

Easter Dinner/Max's Party

Max will turn 2 in 2 days, so we decided to have a small family dinner/birthday party at our house this year. For his first party, we had many people over, and with my tiredness these days, I knew that would be too much, so this year's was perfect! Thankfully, the weather was beautiful so we could eat outside, the kids could play, and we held an Easter egg hunt outside.

Prior to the party, Max was very excited (he LOVES parties!), and he kept saying, "Party, cake, balloons, yeah!" I also had him saying, "Welcome to my party", and, "I'm 2!". Of course, once everyone arrived, he said none of these things. It was a perfect day though, one I hope we can do more often.

To start the day off, Charly decorated our family room with balloons, one of Max's favorite things, so he would have a nice surprise in the morning. Also, I had my first attempt at making a shaped cake, a cow, since that is Max's favorite animal. It may not have been the prettiest thing (people kept mistaking it for a dog), but it was made with love, and it tasted good! At first, we had Max dress in his "suit"-a gift that he was given for Christmas but hasn't yet a chance to wear. However, we quickly changed him into his "Birthday Boy" shirt before eating.

Baby at 14 Weeks

I'm happy to state that I have feeling much better this past week. I am still nauseous and tired, but both are manageable. I have gained 5 lbs. and have a bit of a belly, so I'm beginning to feel a bit more pregnant.  

Many still think I am having a girl due to the nauseau and heart rate-it has been in the 160's or 70's for every visit, although I won't have the gender ultrasound until around early June. Right now, the baby is about 3.5 inches long!

Some Days....

I get tired. Particularly now, with the pregnancy, I think back fondly to the days when I could come home, sit down and put my feet up, and eat hot food. Now, with an almost 2 year old, things are very different! There are moments when I miss being able to sit something down and expect it to be there upon my return...or when I had floors that stayed clean for longer than 20 minutes.

I still have those moments, but then Max will do something so cute, I just melt. The other day, I came home after a long, tiring day. I was carrying groceries and literally had to push the door open as Max's cozy coupe car was blocking it. Walking down the hallway, I stepped on a toy truck and looked in the living room to see yet another graham cracker ground into the carpet. But then I heard Max's laugh. He was sitting on daddy's lap, having a great time, and suddenly a blocked door and graham crackers didn't seem like that big of a deal.

Another good moment happened the other day while I was changing a horribly disgusting diaper. In the midst of this, he said, "Love you, Mama". Granted, he's said, "Love you" for months, but he had never strung that entire phrase together, and I, of course, melted. What a little pumpkin!

Baby at 13 Weeks

Yesterday, I had my first ultrasound, so I have baby's first pictures! Everything looked great; the heartbeat was 163, and the baby was moving and weighed in just as should. Actually, they moved my due date up one day, to October 21st, based on the length.

I am extremely happy to report that for the past few days, I have not felt nauseous the vast majority of the day. In addition, I actually feel like I have a small, tiny smidgen of energy! I almost feel like an actual person again! I still have a rough time every day, beginning around 5 p.m., and by 8, I am so nauseous all I can do is lay down, but I'm doing so much better throughout the day, it's almost okay. I really, truly hope this is the end of it!

The ultrasound tech said I have a very cute baby, but I'm sure she says that to all moms:) Here's a nice profile, and the second shot shows the feet:

Max's First Trip to a Fire Station

This was a hit! One of the moms in my mom's club organized this, and we had a big turnout. Max loves all things that move, especially ones that make a lot of noise, and at school, they had just learned about (and colored pictures of) fire trucks, so he was really excited for this trip. All morning he was running around the house with his colored picture of his fire truck saying, "Big, red fire truck!"

He loved looking at the trucks, particularly hitting the tires, but surprisingly, when it was time to actually go in it, he didn't want to make the trip without me. Here are a few pictures, and you can see his friend Drew in the last one:

Baby at 12 Weeks

This week, the baby is a little over 2 inches long and half an ounce, with the reflexes beginning to develop (he or she will be opening and closing his hands, etc.).

I have gained 2 lbs, and am still nauseous every day, although it has improved: rather than feeling sick 24 hours a day, it's only about 12 hours:) Many times, I will wake up in the night and be too nauseous to go back to sleep, but the vomiting has stopped, so things are improving. I'm still quite tired though!

Baby at 11 Weeks

He or she is starting to look like a real baby, although it is still considered an embryo and won't officially a fetus until 12 weeks. At around 2 inches long, all of the organs are formed, and the baby is swallowing and peeing! I hope he or she is healthy and strong in there, and I can't wait to find out the gender so I can stop saying "the baby"!