End of the First Trimester

This week celebrates the last week of my first trimester! It's amazing how quickly 3 months go by, now I can't imagine how quickly the next 6 will fly! Today I had my final tests and sonogram for the first trimester screening. The appointment is important to test for chromosome and genetic disorders. I knew in my heart that the baby is healthy, but as a precaution, Derek and I decided to get the screenings done just to make sure.

I was scheduled by Dr. Mercado to the Virginia Parinatology Center at Mary Washington Hospital. After completing the many pages of family health and history, I was taken back for the sonogram to begin. Two nurses took lots of measurements of the baby. I got to see the baby's profile, heart beating, spine and brain. Arms and legs were squirming around too. "Baby Newton is so active," said the nurse. The heartbeat today was measured at 153 beats per minute. Anything between 130 and 170 is healthy and normal. They also showed a heat monitor to see the blood flowing to and from the baby. Amazing!

Next, the doctor came in and performed the final part of the sonogram. He explained to me that what he looks for to check for any chromosome disorders is the fluid along the back of the baby's neck and the nasal bone. The baby was laying in a position that he couldn't get a clear view of the back of its neck, so he poked my belly a couple times and baby responded by moving around a little. Reflexes, check! He said the neck and nasal measurements are great. No concern for any abnormalities. Phew!

The nurse then pricked my finger for a blood sample to test for Down Syndrome. While the results finalized, I spoke to a genetic disorder specialist who explained the numbers for "at risk" for my age group. For Down Syndrome, baby has a 1 in 394 risk and for Trisomy 18/13 (a very uncommon chromosome disorder) chances are 1 in 743. He explained that the doctor's report shows a very good sonogram and that he didn't expect my blood results to be of any concern. The results were confirmed and my numbers are 1 in 7,861.

Nerves settled and I now relaxed. 12.5 weeks along, genetic and chromosome testing complete. Baby is moving and growing and has a great steady heart beat. Mommy and Daddy couldn't be happier and we welcome the Second Trimester!