We had our 16-week appointment this morning. Here are some highlights:
• We chose to do the AFP test, which is basically a genetic test that tests for possible birth defects. If it comes back high risk, that doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means they send you to Sioux Falls for a closer look. I should know the results in 5 to 7 days.
* I also chose to see if I’m a carrier of cystic fibrosis. My doctor said about 40 percent of couples choose to do the test. If my test comes back positive, they’ll test the husband. It’s really a personal decision on whether you chose to do the test or not. For me, I’d rather know. Will it change how we proceed with this pregnancy? Not at all.
* I got weighed. I’m 16 weeks in and I’ve gained a pound. Not bad.
* We got to listen to the heartbeat. I still find it strange that the baby isn’t even located where my belly has ballooned. The baby is really, really low in my abdomen. My new belly (trust me, I had plenty of belly there before) is much higher. Still, the doctor was able to locate the heartbeat within seconds. The rate: 156. Four weeks ago it was 179. The doctor was really happy with the numbers.
* We’ll (hopefully) find out what we’re having on Oct. 28. At that point, I’ll be 21 weeks in. I was hoping it would happen a week earlier. In this case, I’ll have to just learn to be patient.
Baby Richardt is due in early March. Follow the pregnancy from start to finish.
I'm sure your tests will be fine! James and I opted to not take them because it wouldn't change anything for us. We didn't care. Even if you do test positive, don't sweat it... it just means you're at an increased risk - not that something will be wrong with the little one. I tested positive for Group B Strep (which they'll test you for at the very end), but everything was fine with Zach.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reassurance!
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