At the 12 week scan the sonographer was unable to complete the nuchal fold test (for Downs' Syndrome) due to little bean being awkward and refusing to get in the right position. Before going in for the scan I explained the purpose of the test to DH and then started wondering if I really wanted to know the results of such a test. To be faced with having to make a decision about your unborn baby's future must be horrendous. The sheer thought of it made me cry. I was given an additional scan at 16 weeks, just for reassurance because of what I had been through. At this appointment I was also given a blood test to test for Down's. The result would be posted within 10 days. When the letter arrived I was scared of opening it, but knew I had to do it. The result of the test showed a 1 in 1775 chance of Down's, so no further investigations. Another relief. DH was unable to make this appointment, so when the sonographer asked if I wanted to know what I was having I was caught off guard. I was surprised that she could tell the gender this early on, but she said it was clear as day. Obviously there was no way I could find out without DH there, but just the fact that it was clear brought a tear my eye. I want to give DH some control over what is happening, so he is going to decide whether we find out or not. I've always thought that I'd want a surprise, but I now seem to be leaning towards finding out. I know DH is more scared of having a baby girl, so part of me thinks that he would benefit from finding out so that he can better prepare himself mentally, if that is even possible! Perhaps he can also start connecting with the baby if he knows whether he is having a son or daughter.
21 weeks
Finally at 18 weeks, 8 weeks after my surgery I was allowed to start exercising again. I'm not stupid enough to try anything that I was doing before, but light CV and weights will be fine. I joined DH for our regular PT session, which was basically a light weights session for me and a heavy weights session for him. It felt so good to feel my muscles working properly again. At 19 weeks we spent 10 days touring in our camper around Scotland and the Lakes, the sort of holiday that will be quite difficult with a baby, so possibly our last chance to do it for a while. I was pleased that I managed the hike to the top of Ben Lomond (974m!), I needed more rests than I usually would, but I still felt fairly fit.
We had our '20 week' scan this morning, although I am actually 21 weeks. After much consideration, DH decided that we would ask the sonographer to write the gender down on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope, that we way we can decide at a later date if we wish. However, little bean was choosing to be very awkward again. With it's head tucked down and lying face down the sonogrpaher found it difficult to get all the readings she needed. It was impossible to tell the gender. Lots of prodding and tilting the bed up did not succeed in getting the stubborn bean to move. Everything the sonographer did see was fine and she has no concerns about anything, but we will need another scan in the next 2 weeks to complete all the readings and measurements. We didn't get any scan pictures as you couldn't really see all that much. Although I feel slightly disappointed not to see more or get the choice about finding out the gender, I am so grateful that little bean appears to be growing well and looking healthy. What more could I want at this stage.
http://www.twinmummyanddaddy.com/p/binky-linky.html
http://www.twinmummyanddaddy.com/p/binky-linky.html
