Pregnancy : 18th Week Check-Up

Had a check-up by my gynae today. Both my gynae and I were equally surprised on the 'change' in the baby's gender. Both of us saw the little dicky bird at 14 weeks. As for me, I was more worried than being disappointed that it's not a boy. I was worried that my Amnio result could have been switched!! My gynae did another thorough scan and this time, he was quite certain that he saw a female genital. I'm actually relieved that it's indeed a girl and not a boy. If the little dicky bird can still be seen, the Amnio result could have really been switched and I may have to do another Amnio. My gynae explained that at 14 weeks, it is often still too early to determine the gender as the baby's genital is still forming and changing; mistaken gender like my case is very common.

The right kidney still looked dilated but since the baby's chromosomes are normal, close monitoring is required. I'm scheduled to see the fetal specialist, Dr Patrick again and see what he has to advise. Meanwhile, I can only pray that all goes well with this baby and my pregnancy.

Post Amniocentesis - Day 1

After the Amnio procedure yesterday, I had expected some cramping, spotting or perhaps a leak in amniotic fluid but thank God, I have not experienced any of these yet and I hope I will never experience them. I am taking everything very slowly - walk slow, sit or lie down most of the time and I let my maid handle the kids. I have another appointment to see my gynae tomorrow and I hope everything inside looks fine. The hardest part now is waiting for the results, which will only be out in 2 weeks.

Amniocentesis Experience

Had my Amnio done today. It wasn't as painful as I had imagined but the fear and worry were definietly greater than anything else. The preparation before the Amnio took about 15-20 minutes. There were just so many sterile equipment used and I was covered by a sterile green cloth. I felt as if I was in the OT and it was also freezing cold in the room. I was trembling away, both in cold and in fear.

My gyane cleaned my belly with many layers of antiseptic wash. The needle used to poke my belly was as fine as a strand of hair and it was long too. When my gynae poked it in, I felt a sudden tingling and mild cramp inside my tummy, near the womb area. What was only about 3-5 minutes felt like an hour when he was aspirating the amniotic fluid from the sac. I saw my baby on the screen, moving about and I was terribly worried that it might get poked by the needle. I was really worried and felt really tensed. 2 syringes of yellow colored fluid was aspirated out. Throughout the procedure, my gynae kept asking his assistant to pour saline and sterile water on my belly.

After the Amnio, I had to lie on the bed for an hour. My gynae has advised me to lie down for the next 2 days to reduce the risk of a miscarriage. So, I have to put blogging on hold and take a good rest for the next 2 days. Sorry if I've not been visiting your blog.

Amniocentesis

As the days are drawing nearer to my Amnio test, I'm beginning to worry. My mind is flooded with so many negative thoughts - from an Amnio test that turns awry resulting in a miscarriage and pre-term labour to a bad report. I'm even imagining that if the test turns out negatively, going thru a termination of the pregnancy. I know it's really bad to have such negative thoughts but I have to get myself prepared just in case it really doesn't turn out well. I can only pray now that all will turn out well.

Amniocentesis

I have been pondering back and forth if I should do the Amnio test which is scheduled for in 2 weeks' time. I've had a sleepless night last night weighing the pros and cons and thinking about all the 'what ifs'. My gynae told me that the risk of a miscarriage resulting from the Amnio is the same as the risk of giving birth to a Down Syndrome baby. It's really a 'between the devil and the deep blue sea' decision for me and I just can't make this decision.

It would be good if I get to hear real life stories and experiences from mothers who had gone through an Amnio and I'd appreciate anyone sharing their stories with me.