We went to have an ultrasound last Tuesday. My OB told me I was being sent for a "Level 2" ultrasound. I looked it up online, but couldn't really tell what it was. I asked several different people I spoke with as I made the appointment and they weren't sure what to tell me. So, we get into the office...finally...we waited FOREVER...and when I asked the tech she didn't even know what a "level 2" ultrasound was. Hahaha!
I am guessing that the purpose of the ultrasound, according to what the doctor said the last time I saw her, was to check to make sure amniotic fluid and such were at an appropriate level. Being over 35 they are taking a few extra precautions.
The tech did a lot of measuring and showing us the baby's cute profile and then when she was looking for the sex she struggled. 16 weeks is really rather hard to be sure of the sex. She said she didn't see anything that indicated a boy, but she would let the Doctor make that call. After waiting for another few minutes the Doctor arrived.
Though I had already stated, several times, that I do not want any genetic testing done, she proceeded to tell me the risks of down syndrome, and other disorders. I was thinking, "Lady...they tell us not to stress out when we're pregnant, so why are you bent on telling me things that are raising my blood pressure?" I'm so glad I had my wits about me enough to patiently listen and calmly refuse the testing, yet again.
We chatted about the possible sex of the baby and she told us that she never makes a call on the sex until at least 20 weeks. She took a peek; she printed more pictures, took more measurements, and checked on the sex. She said, "There is no way at all that this is a boy!" So much for "never" making the call at 16 weeks!!
Another girl? Could that even be possible??? Okay...I was mystified! Not shocked, like I was when they told me Alyssa was a girl, but it was kind of an "OH!" moment; pleasant surprise! Todd and I both had felt that it was another boy. We even had just a boy's name picked out because we were so sure that it was a boy. Boy...were we wrong! Haha! I had had a tiny inkling in the last couple of weeks that it might not be a boy, but hadn't said anything. I figured it was just me doubting. Hehehe! Now, with no girl's name picked out, we are doing a lot of thinking, asking for suggestions, and making lists. Yeesh! I like to be prepared and go to the hospital with a name. I don't like to wait. So, the fact that we don't already have a name has been a source of anxiety for me.
Before we left the Doctor's office I asked why I wasn't feeling the baby move yet. She showed me that the placenta is in the front of the baby acting sort of like a sponge. So, when the baby kicks, it's being absorbed by the placenta. She said I should be feeling movement by the time I come back for... yet another ultrasound... in four weeks. That was comforting.
Step back world...another little girl is coming to join the Cantwell Clan!
A level 2 ultrasound is also called an anatomy scan. Some docs order them as standard for all OB patients (so you might have already had one with previous babies), and some docs consider that level 2 ultrasounds are more thorough than regular ones. My OB just asked me if I wanted a level 2 ultrasound or a regular one. This is the second baby I'm having over the age of 35, and my doc is totally casual about it. I said that a regular ultrasound was fine with me, so that is what she ordered.
ReplyDeleteI think your doc is rather hung up on the whole age thing!
Congratulations on your coming girl!!!!! How fun for Alyssa to have a sister. :)
Our ultrasound is scheduled in 3 weeks.
I am so excited for you and another girl. You are an amazing mother and they are all so blessed to have you for their mom. What a wonderful example you are and what a beautiful family you have.
ReplyDeleteKathy Miller