Another Satisfactory Ultrasound

Making it to 24 weeks means we made it to our next growth ultrasound.  Compared to the level two ultrasound we had at 19 weeks, these growth ultrasounds are super quick.  The take a couple measurements and you’re out the door.  I think our tech actually spent more time working on the 3D ultrasound photos than she did on measurements, but more on that later.

Or, maybe it’s just that quick when things go according to plan.  Since our pregnancy with Brady was so abnormal, I really have no gauge for how these things typically go.  The consensus at the end of the ultrasound was that this little guy measured at 24+1 and was in the exact 50th percentile for his gestational age.  A friend joked that this kid is on his best behavior after what we’ve been through and is trying to be as average as possible as to not cause any concern.  He’s doing a good job.

They also estimate that he weighs 1 lb. 7 oz., which means he’s already surpassed Brady John’s birth weight.  When the ultrasound technician told us this she commented that “they’re still so small at this point!”  Jeff and I exchanged glances, and later joked that this kid is a monster.  Jeff said he almost said something to her to that effect, but sometimes it’s just easier not to explain.

I’m hopeful that this totally average growth means that the baby aspirin is working its magic.  Thank science.

This ultrasound also marked the first time we received a 3D ultrasound photo.  We have zero 3D photos of Brady, but in all fairness, I don’t think they’re all that worried about getting you keepsake photos when you have a laundry list of concerns to deal with.  I’m not really sure I’m a big fan of the 3D ultrasound photo… they’re actually just a touch creepy, in a totally precious way, of course.  The best part of it is definitely getting a glimpse at the little guy’s features.  His nose is reminiscent of someone very special to us, and I’m hopeful that the 3D depiction is accurate in this sense.

Here’s a couple of photos from the ultrasound – in the 2D profile one, I’m pretty sure he’s throwing an elbow, which means he might take after her mom (at least when she’s in the midst of a competitive game of softball).

We also learned a bit more about what our delivery might look like if we make it to 37 weeks.  If all goes well, and me or the baby don’t need special attention, I’ll be able to do the 2 hour post-surgery recovery in my hospital room with the baby and Jeff.  Jeff and I were both pretty excited at the prospect of Jeff not having to choose between hanging out with his kid and hanging out with his wife post-delivery.  I think this might be one of those things that “normal” people take for granted.

I almost can’t believe it, but our next milestone is making it past 26+5 – the point when Brady made his surprise debut.  This one is a personal milestone, as it isn’t at all indicative of better odds of survival or better health of the baby.  I would just like to make it to a point where I’m more pregnant than I’ve ever been.

From here on out, our growth ultrasounds continue every 4 weeks, and I’m now seeing my OB every 2 weeks to keep a close eye on any preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome symptoms that have an increased tendency towards popping up in the coming weeks.