It has been years since I have had insurance and years since I have had any annual exams done, so she started with that. It was a lot faster than the last time I had it done, thankfully. She then put the Doppler on my abdomen to search for the heartbeat. We couldn't find anything. She said that two weeks makes a whole world of difference when using the Doppler. She also said that if my uterus had happened to turn to the back, it would make finding the heartbeat even more difficult. She stood above me for at least five minutes listening, only to hear static. I could feel my breathing increase as I started to panic. I tried to hold my breath so I didn't miss hearing it. Julie (my midwife) didn't seem concerned and neither did Brandin. (He's always so calm and laid back about everything that it was beginning to frustrate me.) After giving up on the Doppler, she decided to send me down the hall to have an ultrasound to find the heartbeat. I was to come back for blood work once I was finished.
Timing managed to work out perfectly for me that day as she had an opening right then. I only had to wait five minutes for her to prep everything. I ended up having a transvaginal ultrasound. As I lay on my back in a cold room with an unbelievably friendly technician, I saw the baby on the large monitor they had secured to the wall. (It was at least 27".) So, it was finally real. It was official. Sure, I've been nearly constantly nauseated and experienced more exhaustion than I ever thought possible. Sure, I've had several positive tests and the pregnancy was confirmed by Julie, but it still didn't seem real to me, not until I saw it on the big screen. My fears weren't quelled just yet though as it was laying there, motionless, staring up at the screen. Then all of a sudden, Stephanie (my technician) pointed out the heartbeat and then s/he started moving around very actively. As soon as I saw the rapid little heartbeat, I couldn't hold back the tears. It was like an invisible wall had came crumbling down.
We were in there for what seemed like at least a half hour. She took over 250 images as she documented everything in my uterus, checked out the baby, and charted measurements. She was astonished at just how active s/he was. She and Brandin were making jokes that the baby was doing gymnastics. She had said she'd never had a baby be so active before, especially this early on. It was beyond heartwarming. Brandin kept commenting on just how detailed the scan was; we could see fingers and femurs and arms waving around. I didn't want to stop watching. I was awestruck.
We were in there for what seemed like at least a half hour. She took over 250 images as she documented everything in my uterus, checked out the baby, and charted measurements. She was astonished at just how active s/he was. She and Brandin were making jokes that the baby was doing gymnastics. She had said she'd never had a baby be so active before, especially this early on. It was beyond heartwarming. Brandin kept commenting on just how detailed the scan was; we could see fingers and femurs and arms waving around. I didn't want to stop watching. I was awestruck.
I ended up measuring at 13 weeks instead of 12w4d. I was a little surprised when my midwife's assistant told me. Hopefully the blood work comes back fine as well as my annual results.
My next appointment is at the end of the month and I can't wait. I'm hoping we'll have another ultrasound and we'll be able to hear the heartbeat on the Doppler next time. A couple years ago, one of my friends had ordered her own Doppler for her first child. I thought it was sweet, but now I'm considering doing the same! It's just a little more reassurance and another way of bonding - at any time of day, anywhere I want.
