I had a level 2 ultrasound and a fetal echocardiogram at 25 weeks. Modern technology is quite amazing. I thought I had been spoiled with the 4D stuff in past appointments, but the ultrasound with the specialist was like 4D in HD. I should have taken photos but didn't think to.
The best news is that choroid plexus cyst is completely gone. We had been prepared by my regular ob to not expect it to be gone but possibly smaller, and of the possibility of the specialist actually discovering several more cysts on her brain with better visual angle and higher technological equipment. Were not expecting such fortune and I cried with joy.
We also learned that even with the disappearance of the cysts, Trisomy 18 was still a possible concern (though less) because they had been present. To give us some peace of mind, the ultrasound tech took a close look at the baby's hands and I watched her tiny fingers open and close and open and close again and again and again. Trisomy 18 babies typically cannot open their hands and keep their fists clenched with the thumb tucked tightly under the 3rd and 4th digit. She waved and wiggled and extended her thumb beautifully for us.
The rest of her body is small, too small, but she is healthy, and has good blood flow, so the specialist couldn't find any real reason to be concerned about her size, other than that she is barely on the chart for growth at less than 10th percentile. I am confident she will catch up and fatten up a bit during my 3rd trimester, but will have another ultrasound at 30 weeks to measure and track her growth and check again for any reasons she isn't developing as quickly as she should be.
The fetal echo was incredible. Baby's heart is about the size of a small strawberry, but technology allowed us to zoom right in and look at each chamber in great detail. The specialist tracked the flow of blood from my body to the placenta, through the umbilical cord into her body and then actually measured how much blood is pumping between each valve in her heart per second. It's less than a millimeter of space and we watched the oxygenated blood travel through and out to her lungs and other organs. It. Was. Incredible. So far, there is no reason to expect any holes, like Soren had, as all of her parts are there and functioning properly. The whole appointment was a spiritual experience. The human body is a masterpiece. I've always known ultrasound technology was a cool thing, but this just blew me away. This is our fifth child. None of this should be new to me, but the details available from the high quality fetal specialist equipment turned the wow factor right up to eleven. I felt like a caveman seeing fire for the first time. I do not understand how anyone would refuse this kind of medicine if it is made available to them. A few people have told me recently that they believe ultrasounds are harmful to baby and prefer to avoid as much medical intervention as possible, for the health and safety of the baby. What I experienced was LIFE SAVING technology. A modern miracle that is available to heal and preserve and prevent. I know there is only so much that I can do to have a healthy baby and I'm so thankful to have the help of prenatal science professionals.
I saw the tiny wrinkles on the backs of her knuckles. I saw her stomach, her kidneys, her brain, and every bitty detail of her magnificent heart working just the way it should. I felt admiration for our divine creator and cannot doubt His hand in our existence after marveling at the work of art growing in my body. I am not alone in the creation of this little person. I am merely a physical contributor of blood, energy, and donuts to a much greater and masterful artist. I know my baby's health is in His hands, and will accept His plan for her and for my family.
I feel peace after the visit, and am spending more time off my feet (doctors orders, but also just kind of necessary as I can only do so much in a day) and hoping she will catch up in growth and development. I had an appointment yesterday and I've gained 20 lbs now, so that gives encouragment that she's catching up, too. She was 3 weeks delayed for size at the last ultrasound, and we'll know more in 2 weeks. She's definitely an active little baby.
Other tests: as predicted, glucose screening came back negative and iron was low, so I'm supplementing my diet and have increased my iron and cookie intake. :)
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