pregnancy

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Doctor's Visit - 22nd Week

It's time for our monthly Doctor's visit again!

Although we were told during our last visit that we will receive an ultra-sound today, we didn't receive one today. The good news is, we already know that "The 4th A" is going to be a girl. Therefore, we were okay with it. We asked Dr. Chen some questions about the Due-Date. At first, we were told that it could be any day during the week before the Due-Date. But when we called last week to inform the nurse of the due-dates, she told us that the date we selected was way too soon. So today, Dr. Chen clarified the requirements to us. 

Apparently, it is the hospital's policy that a c-section cannot be scheduled more than 7-days prior to the expected due-date, because of medical liability reasons. But of course, just as Dr. Chen mentioned, there are plenty of occasions where the Mom goes into labor way sooner than 1-week prior to the due-date, and resulting in a c-section that is way sooner than 1-week out. In that case, the hospital has no option but to allow the c-section. But for now, we must follow this rule and therefore, the window of opportunity for a "scheduled" c-section appears to be between July 13 and July 15. 

We picked July 15 for now.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Here Are the Evidences

Yes, I know it’s been a long while since I promised to post some Ultrasound scans and videos of our second Genetic Counseling visit.  Our DSL (internet) at home has been down for more than a week, and I have now finally switched over to cable (TV and Internet) as my primary Internet Service Provider (ISP).  Enough of all these domestic issues, let’s get started!  Here’s a re-cap of what had happened during our second genetic counseling visit.

We arrived at the office with anticipation on finding out the gender.  In fact, we’ve been telling all family members that if the 4th A cooperate, we might find out the gender during the visit.  So on the morning of Feb 23rd, we arrived at the doctor’s office with great excitement!

Soon after we arrived, we were called into the exam room.  Amy got herself ready on the bed, while I had Addison in my arms.  The nurse-technician asked us a few general questions about how the pregnancy has been going, and if Amy has experienced any unusual symptoms.  We told the nurse that everything is fine and that Dr. Albert Chen had asked us/her for a re-scan of the reported cyst.  And immediately after, the scan had started.

First thing first, the size of the cyst that appeared during the previous scan had now reduced (in size) tremendously.  According to the Nurse, had it not been requested by Dr. Chen for a re-scan, she wouldn’t even bring it up as an potential issue.  She told us not to worry about it and it’s a good sign that the cyst has reduced in size, and in such great proportion. 

She continued her scan, and here comes the next question..

“Do you want to find out the gender of the baby?”

Amy and I both immediately responded with a ‘Yes.’

Which brought us to the following scan…

UltraSound022309Scan4Girl

“Congratulations!  You’re having a girl.”  She said.

At that moment, I wish I had the camcorder on Amy’s face.  I don’t think I have ever seen such a smile on Amy’s face, ever, in my life.  That is including the day that I asked her to marry me, as well as the day of our wedding. 

From that point on, the remaining of the doctor’s visit was a bit blurry now because we were both so excited that we are going to have a girl in our family.  Amy was/is excited because of the obvious.  I’m excited because I don’t have to deal with the aftermath of Amy questioning me why it’s a boy again.

Here are the rest of the scans…

UltraSound022309Scan4

UltraSound022309Scan1

UltraSound022309Scan2

UltraSound022309Scan3

Here’s a video of the actual scan.  Based on some of the feedback that I received from the previous scan video/post, I want to state the following:
  1. I was the one holding the camcorder with one hand, while restraining Addison with my other arm/hand.  So if the video is a bit shaky, please cut me some slack!
  2. No, the screaming baby voice is NOT from the fetus!!  It came from Addison!!
 
 

With this visit and scan, the Doctor concluded that “the 4th A” does not have any visible birth defects based on the scans.  Although Dr. Kenneth Chan did mention that “the 4th A” is a bit under-weight.   Meanwhile, we are cleared from further genetic counseling (visit)… meaning that we don’t have to return to this office (ever again!?)