Phooey!!!

17 Weeks and 1 Day...

I had an appointment today for a level II ultrasound. It is a more sophisticated ultrasound that allows the technician to really see the anatomy, checking for any abnormalities, such as Down's, spina bifida, cleft palate/lip, and several other chromosomal abnormalities.

I requested this ultrasound, and Dr. D.'s office set it up for me at Baptist East. This is allowed by my insurance because I am AMA (Advanced Maternal Age). Hahaha!! So, there is some benefit to being 37 and having kid #2. I also had this ultrasound done with Ellie. (Click here for that post.)

From the little bit that the technician was able to see, the baby appears to be fine. He/she was curled up in a fetal position and displaying the back for most of the time. I got to see and hear the heartbeat. I saw the brain, the abdomen, the kidneys, and an occasional arm or leg. HOWEVER, the baby was bashful and would not be deterred from sleeping! The technician was unable to get a shot of THE area. Soooo...we still don't know the gender :(

Because the technician was unable to see all of the anatomy, specifically the facial features, the bowel region, and the umbilical cord insertion, the doctor has rescheduled another ultrasound in 3 weeks!!!

The doctor consulted with me for about 30 minutes regarding chromosomes and risk ratios involved with having a baby at age 37/38. He reviewed the results from the AFP bloodwork done last week at Dr. D.'s office. Combined with today's ultrasound, the chances of a healthy baby are very good. NOW...we just need to know whether we are on Team Pink or Team Blue!

The face shot...when the baby flipped over for brief minute.
This was the only quality picture from the appointment.