I got a picture!

I did decide to have the nuchal translucency screen. It is a non-invasive test where they measure this space that shows up behind the baby's neck on the ultrasound. You can see it, it looks like a little pouch shaped like a banana. Apparently, this is a little sac behind the baby's neck that is filled with fluid. Babies with certain chromosomal abnormalities (including Down Syndrome) have more fluid than babies who do not. It is a screen, not a diagnostic test, which means that you can show more fluid, which means you are at higher risk, but they can't actually tell if your baby has a chromosomal abnormality without doing an invasive diagnostic test. We are both fortunate to not have any close family history of chromosomal abnormalities, so we are low risk. They combine the fluid measurement with a blood test to check for the levels of two hormones; together, the two test results can determine an elevated risk.

In addition to this, they take pictures of the baby and measure the baby's growth, which helps them pin down fetal age and due date. They also make a visual check for the heartbeat and listen to it to determine the heart rate. They do an internal and external ultrasound and take internal pictures of the ovaries and measure the cervix. I think all of this stuff is really cool, but then again, I have a degree in reproductive health, so I'm probably pretty abnormal.

We are not concerned about really knowing about chromosomal problems or other types of screens, just like we probably will ask to not be told the baby's sex. We are not people who feel the need to use all the technology just because it's there--nature will take it's course and there are some things we will just find out when the baby is born. But, that said, there were two reasons I decided to do this test. First, I wanted a picture, which is really stupid and an irresponsible use of healthcare dollars. But I wanted one. Secondly, I am hoping that seeing the baby on the screen, knowing she's in there, and knowing that her growth is progressing as it should will help the nightmares go away. Hearing the heartbeat worked for about three nights. I'm hoping to get a week out of this one!

The growth is fine, exactly 12 weeks which is exactly what the original dating said. Heart rate 167, which she said is normal. The baby was moving around so much it was incredible. I know I'm not supposed to feel her moving yet but I swear, every once in a while at night, when I'm just lying still in bed, I can feel things happening. This confirmed that for me-- she is dancing to her own music in there! The technician had trouble getting pictures because she was moving so much. The nuchal translucency looks good, she said, but we won't really know elevated risk until they get the blood test back. Overall, this was a great experience, completely non-invasive (although the internal exam was a little intimidating-- explaining why would be TMI but anyone who has had it knows what I am talking about) and low-risk (unlike amnioscentisis), and I have a picture!