The 3D/4D Scan (Part 2)

Here she is!

The scan went as well as can be. Our first try was not so successful. She was turned inward toward my pelvis and had her hands covering her face. So the doctor checked all the vital organs, like liver, heart, lungs while waiting for her to reposition herself. He also checked her spine. Everything was in perfect order (not that I had expected anything less). It is just common procedure to check all the important things.

The doctor asked that I come back 30 minutes later for another try. He suggested I walk around and have something sweet to drink. This would help to reposition her. We sat at Starbucks for those 30 minutes talking to her. I was rubbing my belly and asking her to cooperate with the doctor. I must have looked silly but I didn't care. Elijah also talked to her and asked that she show us her pretty face! So 30 minutes later we went back. And sure enough, she had repositioned and we got a better look at her face! Half of her face this time, but it is better than no face. Her hands were still near her face but not in the way, too much. Her estimated weight is 1100 grams or 2 lbs 7ozs.

It was a really awesome experience and we are happy with the visit. The doctor was gentle and very experienced. Enjoy the videos!

The 3D/4D Scan

Over the last few months, as I go for checkups, the doctor performs a 2D ultrasound scan of my growing uterus to monitor the baby's growth. This week, Elijah and I will go for a 3D/4D scan. A 3D scan is more than sending sound waves straight down and reflecting back. Instead the sound waves are sent at different angles which then returns echos that are fed into a sophisticated computer program which reconstructs a three dimensional image of the fetus. 3D scans allow us to see width, height, and depth of the image, but not movement.

This is where 4D plays a role. 4D is similar to 3D but adds the element of time. It brings still images to life and allows us to see movement as it is happening, rather than getting a delayed image.

There is some controversy surrounding this technology as it is fairly new (having been developed at Duke University in 1987). Some arguments claim it is harmful to the fetus because of the sound waves that intrude the uterus walls. However, there is no basis for this as neither the mother nor the fetus can hear or feel the ultrasounds produced. In addition, there has been no associated mental defects to the fetus or harm to the mother directly attributed to 2D or 3D ultrasounds. The intensity of the ultrasound waves is set into the machine so it does not exceed FDA standards. So contrary to common belief, 3D scans are not harmful in any way to the fetus or mother (unless thru excessive use, even then there is no conclusive evidence of harm).

To ensure we have the best doctor and equipment for 3D/4D scans, our obstetrician recommended Fetal Medicine & Gynaecology. This center specializes in fetal development and has the latest machines available for 3D/4D scans. They only entertain a client if they have been give a doctor's referral and will not accept walk-ins. Their office is in Jaya One and their website is www.fmgc.com.my.

The ideal time for a 3D scan is between 26 to 28 weeks, to get the best images. At this time the fetus is just the right size (without descending too far into the pelvis) and has the right amount of fluid surrounding it to provide the best image. Our appointment has been made for the end of week 26 (perfectly spaced between my regular doctor appointments).

As 'futuristic' parents, we believe it is important to use the latest technology that medical science has to offer. We believe this cutting edge technology will become common place in all pregnancies in the future and wanted to be one of the first to experience it. Stayed tuned for the update to follow the appointment!

The Pregnancy Brain

For those reading this that have had a partner who was pregnant at one time or other, you may relate to the strange behavior I will now write about.

Pregnancy brain. A simple concept but one that can be frustrating and annoying for both the pregnant woman and her spouse. Other words used to describe 'pregnancy brain' are ditzy, flaky, brain fog, clumsy, dippy and scatterbrained (just to name a few). If you still haven't figured it out by now, it refers to the forgetfulness and sometimes bizarre behavior that results from being pregnant. Some say it is hormones, other say they can't explain it but it is a very real 'symptom' of pregnancy. Let me give you some examples.

On one occasion I actually stepped into the shower with my bra still on! I can't explain it, but it is a very strange feeling to forget something so basic.

At another time I tried to turn on the air con with my phone… What's that about? No explanation.

Later that day I found the remote control in my makeup case... in the bathroom. Elijah saw it there and didn't say anything, he probably didn't want to ask!

Another good example of my ditzy brain, happened one morning while I was getting ready. After I finished getting ready, I told Elijah that we could leave anytime. He gave me a funny look and asked if I was sure that I wanted to dress that way. I looked down to figure out what could possibly be wrong with my chosen attire and found that I was still wearing my pajama bottoms. Apparently, I had done my makeup, combed my hair and changed my top. But I had forgotten to change my bottoms! I'm so glad Elijah was there to warn me. That could have been a very embarrassing situation had I gone out alone.

Now that you all have had a good laugh at my expense, I have nothing more to say, except that none of these events can be explained, so "It's the baby's fault!"

The Battle of the Bulge

It may sound strange but some days I feel smaller than others. Whats more is that I find the bump is smaller some days compared with others. I've finally figured it out and realize what is going on.

On days when the bump seems smaller, I find she is snuggled up closer to my back and spine and laying low in my pelvic region. This makes it hard to sit down for long periods of time and also results in more lower back pain. But overall, nothing too difficult that I can't handle.

On days when the bump is bigger and rounder, I find she is happily cozied right in the middle and tends to be more active those days. My belly button is slowly beginning to pop out. It may not fully push out but it is certainly changing.

And don't get my started on the days when my belly looks lopsided! Some days she favors one side over the other, usually my left! But more often than not I will wake up with a bulge on one side and as the day progresses it becomes more evened out.

As she grows, the little one will not have much space to move around and my belly will stop fluctuating in size! Until then, it is quite amusing to see how each day can be so different from the next.

The Double Digit Countdown

Baby Bump Application on the iPhone

99 days and counting...

The average length of pregnancy is 266 days from the time of conception or more commonly used by doctors, 280 days from the start of the last menstrual period.

Either way I'm in my double digit countdown already and can't believe how fast time flies! Of course I know that only 5% of women actually deliver on their due date and I also know that the first time pregnancy can take longer than the estimated due date. However, it is still 99 days till I'm in the zone! I wonder how the next 99 days will feel... fast, slow, blurry??? Any ideas?

The Bump @ 25weeks 6days

All Girl!

I can still see my feet...kinda!

It is nice to have a husband who not only loves taking photos but is good at it! We both had fun with this.

The Movements

Its amazing how fast things really move when pregnant. Of course waiting nine months to see the baby isn't all that fast. However, progressing from one stage and new development to the next takes place fairly quickly.

The most amazing change yet is feeling the baby kick, punch, squirm, and have the hiccups. I admit, sometimes its unpleasant, especially with a full bladder or when I really want to sleep, but most times it is enjoyable and fun to sit, relax and try to anticipate the baby's next move!

I first felt her move at 19 weeks and now i feel like a pro at recognizing movement. I know when she is having the hiccups or when she kicks. Punching is generally softer and not noticeable by looking at my tummy. She is fairly active after meals and in the evening.

I often wonder how Elijah feels not being able to experience the kicks firsthand. I want to feel bad for him and all dads-to-be, yet a small part of me is happy because it is something only I share with my little girl. After all, in 3 short months, I will have to share her with the rest of the world!

The 24 week scan and Pregnancy Highlights

The 24 week scan went very well. Managed to pass some baby cake to my doctor! For the doubting Thomas' out there, I asked my doctor to check again to make sure he did not make a mistake with the gender. So he scanned over to her back end and showed me her very tiny little butt and the "white lines" that indicate girl (as opposed to a boy that would show what looks like swelling between the legs). I admit, that I was beginning to second guess the doctor's assessment after hearing all the stories that people are so willing to share regarding someone they know having a boy when they thought it was a girl. Now, I have complete confidence in my doctor and I saw with my own eyes that she is all girl!

24 Weeks - Head on right (can clearly see eyes, nose and mouth)

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 24 weeks
Size of baby: Corn
Maternity Clothes: Finally got a pair of maternity jeans, that are a bit big for now and some new dresses that I love! Most of my tops ride up over my belly button, so they are in the storage bin for now :)
Gender: 100% GIRL
Name: We've selected the first name but can't seem to find the right middle name just yet.
Movement: She is an active little one… her punches are soft, but her kicks are strong! She settles down when I play the music from the baby snow globe Grandma and Grandpa Low gave her!
Heartbeat: 136 beats per minute!
What I miss: Bak Kut The, peanut butter and soft serve ice cream
Symptoms: Occasional heartburn and swollen ankles. There is certainly no shortage of backaches by the middle of the day.
Medications: Prenatal vitamins, Calcium and Omega 3 
Best Moment this week: The doctor appointments are always my favorite!
Funny Moment this week: My baby brain gets annoying at times, I tried turning on the air con with my phone!

24 week scan details:
Estimated Fetal Weight: 757 grams
Head: 60.3mm (equivalent to 24wks 4 days)
Abdominal Circumference: 196.3mm (equivalent to 24wks 2day)
Femur Length: 46.7mm (equivalent to 25wks 4day)

Translating these numbers: Basically the baby is right on schedule, development is normal and she is tall (hmmm, I wonder where she gets that from)!

The Trimester Breakdown

I'm getting really confused about how far a long I actually am. There are so many different breakdowns of week by week and what weeks start a new trimester. Some say the second trimester ends with the 26th week. Other calculations say it ends with the 28th week. So which is it? Over night I went from thinking i was in my 5th month to being in my 6th month!

I guess which month I'm in is less important than the week. After all, it is still a 40 week countdown despite which month the weeks fall in. Today, I'm 23 weeks and 7 days!

The First Letter

My mom was inspired to write the baby a letter, she read it to me and I nearly cried. So I thought I would share it all with you. Baby's first letter from Grandma Bristol!

Dear Little One,

How wonderful it is to know you will arrive in September and be the center of everyone’s admiration and love. You have already commanded everyone’s attention.

I have followed your growth and activity since we knew you were more than a desire.  It has been fun for me to experience your Mommy’s wonderment that you were growing inside her. She and Daddy have written Baby Journals and weekly blogs to keep everyone informed and entertained. We saw her bump grow and we even saw ultrasounds of you. So precious!

What fun we had at the G.A.P. celebration. Mom and Dad announced your gender at the party. Mom was shocked and so happy as they sliced and pulled out a pink  chunk of cake. I could see clearly on Dad’s beaming face the joy and happiness as I measured the width of his smile. I could easily see he was truly thrilled about having a little girl to spoil. Later Mom mentioned how much fun Dad had picking out your first clothes. Mostly ALL pink, of course.

Soon you will be born in Madison at the same hospital your Mommy was born in 24 years earlier. How special for her.

It may be difficult for me to fly to the states for your birth but I will not miss any of the excitement thanks to skype. I will for sure see you face to face and hold you at Christmas. I can hardly wait!

In the meantime, be good to Mom and Dad and Grandpa. See you in September.

Love you more than I can say,

GRAM