Half-Way Point

Half-way through the pregnancy!

A couple of weeks ago, Jesse was able to feel Beta moving for the first time. He is quick to say that for all he can feel, it could be gas and I'm just saying it is Beta movement. :-)

We went in for the 20-week ultrasound this morning. Beta was quite active during the scan, making it a bit of a challenge for the technician, especially as she was trying to monitor the blood flow through the heart.

That was something that impressed me that I didn't remember from previous scans--tracking the blood flow through the heart. At one point in the ultrasound the technician turned on a feature that made blue and red splotches appear on the ultrasound image. She explained that the color ultrasound was tracking the flow of the blood and aided in identifying any holes or valves in the heart that were allowing improper blood flow.

Also, a pleasant change with this ultrasound, they viewed and measured the cervix transabdominally, rather than requiring an undressing to do that single measurement transvaginally.

Overall, we received a very positive report. Beta is around the 53rd percentile with a weight of 12 oz. and a heart rate this morning of 147. The doctor reading the ultrasound did note that there was an echogenic focus in the left ventricle of the heart. She reassured us that this echogenic focus is most likely nothing to be concerned about. When observed with other abnormalities, it can be a sign of a genetic disorder, such as down syndrome, but when observed on its own, it is not considered to increase the risk. Internet research (as accurate as it is) suggested that an echogenic focus will be seen in 3-5% of normal pregnancies and generally resolves itself in the 3rd trimester.

An echogenic focus is believed to be a small point of calcification in the muscle, but does not seem to affect the function of the heart or generally require any follow-up after birth.

Also, we found out the gender. TGM is thrilled to be expecting a baby sister!

We did get to bring home a few printed pictures. I'll try to get one scanned and posted later this week.