R.C. Anderson
Update Update Update - half way there
December 31st 2006 00:05
Half way through!!
Yes, that's right, I've finally hit the half way mark in my pregnancy. Twenty weeks have passed and there's just twenty weeks to go (give or take).
It's getting exciting again, knowing that I'm now sliding downhill instead of climbing up the mountain the end is finally coming into sight. Admittedly, it's still a fair way off but, to me, it just feels closer.
Feels almost close enough to touch.
On Tuesday I have my twenty week ultrasound. They will check to make sure that everything looks okay with the baby and that it (he/she) is growing the way he/she should. It can be used to detect certain abnormalities in the foetus, such as congenital heart defects, gastrointestinal and kidney malfunctions or spina bifida. Ultrasound around this time is also used to determine a more reliable estimated date of delivery.
The placenta will also be examined to make sure it is lying in a position that will not hinder the latter stages of pregnancy and birth. At this early stage, the placenta can still move if it is at risk of blocking the baby's exit at birth, but the sonographer will check it, just in case. If the placenta is low lying, another ultrasound later in pregnancy will probably be arranged.
It can also detect whether you are expecting twins! Uh-oh no thanks!
I will finally get to see my baby for the first time, maybe even find out whether we can expect a boy or a girl. I told you it's all getting exciting now.
There is one aspect of the ultrasound that I'm dreading, and it's something that every woman who's had an obstetric ultrasound can probably relate to. To be able to get a good picture of my womb and Little Blog I need to have a full bladder.
Not just half full, or even two-thirds full, but the fuller the better.
So I have to lie there for the better part of half an hour with a full bladder and someone taking great pleasure in poking at my belly just around the area of my bladder probably.
Oh dear this is not sounding good. It's sounding like a "grin and bear it" situation, if ever I've heard of one.
I hope they don't keep me waiting.
Ultrasound works by using high frequency sound waves from an instrument called a transducer. These sound waves bounce off everything inside the maternal abdomen and are reflected back to the transducer, which sends the pictures to a monitor. A full bladder helps the sound waves to reflect by lifting the uterus and pushing the bowels out of the way, clearing the space of any other organs which could hinder the view of the uterus. Ultrasound doesn't work through air, which is in abundance in the bowels, but is excellent when transmitting through liquid, such as the urine in the full bladder or amniotic fluid in the uterus.
Many women are still concerned about the use of ultrasound scans while pregnant. Exposing a developing foetus to any kind of potential external hazards is something most expectant mothers will shy away from. It's been shown that x-rays, in particular, can be particularly harmful to an unborn baby, however no link has been found between ultrasound scans and any increased risk to the foetus.
In fact, it has been said that as long as the exposure to ultrasound scans are justified and not abused in pregnancy, the greatest risk comes from interpreting the image inaccurately. Many a woman has gone through the second half of her pregnancy believing that there is an abnormality with her foetus, only to find that the baby is as perfect as can be when born.
Like all obstetric tests, results should not be considered the "be all and end all".
Anyway, like I said, Tuesday is the day for me. I'll bore you by posting a picture of my unborn baby soon afterwards so stay tuned you might even be able to tell what the scan is showing.
Unlikely I know. Oh well, I'm sure I'll very proudly point out every detail to you.
If you're lucky.
Yes, that's right, I've finally hit the half way mark in my pregnancy. Twenty weeks have passed and there's just twenty weeks to go (give or take).
It's getting exciting again, knowing that I'm now sliding downhill instead of climbing up the mountain the end is finally coming into sight. Admittedly, it's still a fair way off but, to me, it just feels closer.
Feels almost close enough to touch.
On Tuesday I have my twenty week ultrasound. They will check to make sure that everything looks okay with the baby and that it (he/she) is growing the way he/she should. It can be used to detect certain abnormalities in the foetus, such as congenital heart defects, gastrointestinal and kidney malfunctions or spina bifida. Ultrasound around this time is also used to determine a more reliable estimated date of delivery.
The placenta will also be examined to make sure it is lying in a position that will not hinder the latter stages of pregnancy and birth. At this early stage, the placenta can still move if it is at risk of blocking the baby's exit at birth, but the sonographer will check it, just in case. If the placenta is low lying, another ultrasound later in pregnancy will probably be arranged.
It can also detect whether you are expecting twins! Uh-oh no thanks!
I will finally get to see my baby for the first time, maybe even find out whether we can expect a boy or a girl. I told you it's all getting exciting now.
There is one aspect of the ultrasound that I'm dreading, and it's something that every woman who's had an obstetric ultrasound can probably relate to. To be able to get a good picture of my womb and Little Blog I need to have a full bladder.
Not just half full, or even two-thirds full, but the fuller the better.
So I have to lie there for the better part of half an hour with a full bladder and someone taking great pleasure in poking at my belly just around the area of my bladder probably.
Oh dear this is not sounding good. It's sounding like a "grin and bear it" situation, if ever I've heard of one.
I hope they don't keep me waiting.
Ultrasound works by using high frequency sound waves from an instrument called a transducer. These sound waves bounce off everything inside the maternal abdomen and are reflected back to the transducer, which sends the pictures to a monitor. A full bladder helps the sound waves to reflect by lifting the uterus and pushing the bowels out of the way, clearing the space of any other organs which could hinder the view of the uterus. Ultrasound doesn't work through air, which is in abundance in the bowels, but is excellent when transmitting through liquid, such as the urine in the full bladder or amniotic fluid in the uterus.
Many women are still concerned about the use of ultrasound scans while pregnant. Exposing a developing foetus to any kind of potential external hazards is something most expectant mothers will shy away from. It's been shown that x-rays, in particular, can be particularly harmful to an unborn baby, however no link has been found between ultrasound scans and any increased risk to the foetus.
In fact, it has been said that as long as the exposure to ultrasound scans are justified and not abused in pregnancy, the greatest risk comes from interpreting the image inaccurately. Many a woman has gone through the second half of her pregnancy believing that there is an abnormality with her foetus, only to find that the baby is as perfect as can be when born.
Like all obstetric tests, results should not be considered the "be all and end all".
Anyway, like I said, Tuesday is the day for me. I'll bore you by posting a picture of my unborn baby soon afterwards so stay tuned you might even be able to tell what the scan is showing.
Unlikely I know. Oh well, I'm sure I'll very proudly point out every detail to you.
If you're lucky.
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Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
It's all down hill from here! ; )
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
All downhill ... slipping and sliding all the way ...
... and probably a few tumbles along the way too!
As long as I don't break anything I'll be happy.
Happy New Year.
A.H.
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Comment by DuskDevi
Rucks and Rolls
Rugby World Cup 2007
And no...it goes downhill between.
Much love my sweet sis...Happy New Year!
Dusk
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
And here was me thinking everything was an uphill struggle right now.
Much love to you too, my dearest Sis. Have a wonderful, wonderful new year...
...oh, and have a drink or two (or three) for Cherry and me.
Caramella. xxxx
Comment by Portsmouth
Love as always from Pompey
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Hope you're having a wonderful new year's celebration. Thanks for the support ... I'll look forward to showing off Little Blog in a couple of days.
Happy New Year to all.
A.H. xx