Friday, June 15, 2007

Third trimester update


Can you believe we're already well into the third trimester? 28 weeks and counting! Mom and baby are doing well, as are Dad and Big Sister. I just had the gestational diabetes screen this week and we're awaiting the results, but there doesn't appear to be any need for concern. However, this pregnancy has caused some inconveniences, but thankfully nothing else. So far, we have had four sonograms and are already scheduled for our fifth. Here's the run-down:

Sonogram #1--Establishing an exact due date of September 7th. (The first pregnancy test I took was negative, on New Year's Eve of all times. However, I most certainly was pregnant as my round belly indicated several weeks later. Lesson learned: always take two pregnancy tests to verify a result).

Sonogram #2--A routine 18-week scan. At this point, the OB (who consults with our midwives) noted that the placenta was slightly low, possibly indicating a chance for placenta previa. The idea of bed-rest or a C-section later on was not pleasing to any of us. How exactly would you handle bed-rest with a toddler to care for?

Sonogram #3--All is well with the placenta, however, the baby is smaller than expected, in the 27th percentile. This doesn't worry us (neither of us has been contacted recently by the Guinness Book of World Records for setting any record of height or weight), but the OB asks us to come back again in a few weeks "just to monitor".

Sonogram #4--Overall growth is okay, except now only the baby's head appears to be on the small side. The OB noted that although I also have small-sized head for my body frame, Jonathan, most certainly does not. (We found this HILARIOUS for an OB to observe!) So, we're scheduled to come back in a few weeks to make sure that his/her head is growing at a decent rate. Everything else looks beautiful.

So, other than paying for parking each time and constantly reminding the technicians not to dare spoil the surprise of the baby's gender for us, we're grateful that we've got to glimpse at our baby so often. Last time they even gave us a 4-D image of the baby's face and he/she looks strikingly like Mali. Chubby cheeks and a radiant smile. Less than three months until we can see that face up close! (The below picture doesn't do it justice)

4 comments:

the larsons said...

I hate you for being so cute. If you saw me right now, you might scream in horror. OK, so I've gained 34 pounds and I've still got 9 weeks to go. Bring on the cheeseburgers!

Hope all continues to go well. I can't wait to hear the news!

Karianne said...

Yep, I agree. It's not fair to certain other people that you look so good pregnant.

We continue to pray for your growing family! :)

Anonymous said...

HI ALLLLL ,
first Kaethe' you look so pretty!!! 2nd i think you both are very well proportioned HEADS an all! 3rd what "below" pic????? any big plans for lil Missy's 1st birthday??
Laurens went smashingly! what is it about birthdays that they wake up with a whole new set of ideas rules way of doing things? ...oh you dont know about that YET... you will...... lol not bad just their way of keeping us on our toes! talk to you soon. hope to see you soon!
love julie

Matthew D. Wilson said...

Going by so quickly, i've just lost all track of time this summer with my classes.

Funny thing is if the baby is born Sept 7th, it'll be really easy for me to remember because sept 7th 03' is when Erica and i started dating. :-D