We've been seeing two different doctors for about two months now. It started out that my OB just wanted me to be seen by this perinatalogist for my 20 week ultrasound because they have better and more up-to-date machines. We went to this appointment and you were the most stubborn baby they've seen. I've gotten that a few times already, baby. You were curled in a tiny ball all the way down in my pelvis and they couldn't get a single measurement. By the end of the appointment, I was feeling pretty scared. The doctor and two other ultrasound techs were in there and whispering things I couldn't really understand. Nobody was really telling me anything. Then at the end, the doctor told me he'd like to see me every 4 weeks until the end of my pregnancy since 1) they couldn't get measurements and they'd need to see me again anyway and 2) because I have a thyroid disease. Great. 4 weeks didn't sound like he was worried though, so we went on our way.
We went back 4 weeks later and left feeling way worse than we did the first time- except this time you were pretty cooperative. Your daddy was pretty upset and told me we were never going back to that doctor. The ultrasound tech said everything was looking normal and all of your measurements were measuring right on target or a day ahead. You're on the curve to be 7.5 lbs full term which had me pretty relieved that you're not going to be your daddy's size! Then the doctor came in and told us that your head is more oval than normal and that he would like us to get the Maternity 21 test to play it safe. I'd already taken the quad screen test and everything came back normal, so I wasn't sure why we needed the bigger, more expensive one. He said that one checks for hormone imbalances and this bigger tests actually takes your DNA out and analyzes it. It's a blood test, so it's not invasive, but it's the best non invasive test there is. He gave us pamphlets, told us to call insurance, and come back for the labwork when we knew what insurance would cover. And we left. And went to Target to register. And I got really mad and upset over everything.
We didn't stress too much because my next OB appointment was a week away and we figured we'd just ask him what he thought. That did not go the way I thought it would. My OB "usually" will put my mind at ease and make me feel silly for even worrying. But this time, he seemed super rushed to get me to take the test before I could go back to the other doctor. He wanted me to take the test that day and wasn't a lot of help on the insurance front. It felt like they got commission off of referring us to take the test and he was ready to get it before the other could. It didn't feel good at all, but I was stressed and worried.... and got the blood test within 20 minutes. I felt cheated after and realized that neither doctor told us what your head shape could possibly mean. A simple "Ok, your baby's head is a little bit oval. This could mean one of 3 things: _____ or _____ or ______ or it could be totally normal" would have sufficed. But we got nothing of the sort.
So of course, I consulted Dr. Google, because we all know he's the best doctor there is. I suddenly was convinced we needed this test because 1) Dr. Google said you have Trisomy 10 and 2) I'd been having anxiety that you'd come out a boy since you hadn't been willing to uncross your legs in any of the most recent ultrasounds and this test would tell us with 100% certainty what you are. Trisomy 10 doesn't have a whole lot of information on it, but from the pictures I could see, the babies didn't have noses. They had nostrils, but not noses. I started having dreams of you being a boy without a nose and the week and a half between taking the test and getting our results was not a pretty time. Your poor daddy.
They told us it would take 1-2 weeks to get results, but I was also told that they might wait until my next appointment to tell me, so I decided to call at the 1.5 week mark. It was Friday and they would close at 2 that day. I called at 1 with no answer and still hadn't received a call by 2 so I figured we'd have to wait until Monday. That night, your daddy was so sweet and took me shopping. We walked into H&M when I pulled out my phone and realized the nurse had called back 30 minutes prior. I instantly called her right back and while the phone was ringing, I realized H&M was the worst possible place to be. I pictured her saying the words I didn't want to hear and myself melting into a puddle and daddy having to carry me to the car. So I quickly made him turn around and get out of there since carrying me through the mall would be SOOO much better than through H&M AND the mall. She didn't answer. So we started walking, and she called back! My heart was pounding! BUT.... she put my crazy nightmares to rest. Your results came back perfectly normal and 100% girl. I was so loud and basically shouted at your dad while still on the phone with the nurse "we're for sure having a girl!" I think I'll always remember that spot. It was a pretty funny moment. I couldn't wipe my grin off my face the rest of that night.
We're so excited for you to come baby girl. 3 and a half months feels like ages and yet it feels like it could come tomorrow. And we're so glad you're healthy and happy!
Love,
Mommy
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