12-week ultrasound: we made it!

by ILA

Hey ya'll! I don't know about you but there is so much anticipation for that 12-week ultrasound appointment. 12 weeks marks the date when your news can now become public (generally), your baby's health is determined and also defines the end of the first trimester. Great news to share... we made it!!

Our appointment was at Georgetown University Hospital and we had a wonderful, wonderful ultrasound technician named Ivory. She was quick and to the point in determining the health of baby, very soundly pointing our brain function, blood flow, nasal bone structure, spinal measurements, heartbeat and our little one's developing arms, legs and stomach. Phew!!!!!! Is all I can say. And, we are healthy - Amen!

Man oh man, the anticipation leading up to this appointment felt like a lot more than I can remember with Lincoln. One flag that had me thrown was at my 8-week appointment (a month ago) doctor took the first ultrasound and informed me that baby was measuring 5 days small, meaning that instead of my due date being March 9th it was now pushed back to March 14th!! Doctor said that it would be abnormal to measure that small if there was no heartbeat, but thank the Lord, there was a heartbeat - so everything was okay. After that comment and after going home, all I could think about was the fact that my baby was measuring small. It's amazing how 'news' - just unique, somewhat abnormal news - can make you worry like crazy.

I did a little research on the topic (meaning googling the heck out of things and reading countless threads) and found that many women measure small at their first appointment. I'll also note that I have what I think is called an anterior facing (or tilted) uterus. When you have something like this, it is often much harder to accurately measure baby, at least in the beginning.

It's safe to say that at today's ultrasound, Ivory corrected my due date back to the original date of March 9th - woo woo! For all of you mamas out there, I'm sure you can relate to the disappointing feeling of knowing you have to be pregnant for one week longer than you thought. Plus, I had already programmed my bump app for weekly updates!

Most importantly though, baby is healthy. The 12 week doctor's appointment that followed the ultrasound was easy breezy. I saw an amazing nurse practitioner (lady's never underestimate the amazing-ness of an NP!!), who asked me a few minor questions to update my charts, and then Lincoln and I were on our way.

Another thing I'd like to touch upon is the unwavering support from my husband, Ryan. He rearranged work flights and his work schedule to be at the ultrasound. I can't thank him enough for being at the appointment and remind myself constantly to appreciate his support and commitment to our babies and growing family.

​Ryan being there today is very indicative of the type of father he is. I never have to doubt if he will show up or not, he always makes it happen. Thank you to all of the husbands, partners and family out there for supporting us mamas-to-be. This pregnant journey would not be the same without you.

xx, ILA