Week 21 - Ultrasound, Take Two
Back again…
Two weeks ago, I had my 19-week anatomy scan. The Technician was unable to get all the images needed because my sweet little baby was sleeping and wouldn’t move into the requisite position. So I was back to the hospital today to complete the anatomy scan and to have a follow-up with my OB.
Things were already off to a good start! I checked in at the reception desk and waited less than 10 minutes before a Technician came and called my name. I followed her back to the imaging room, excited to see my sweet little baby again, and to get this anatomy scan completed.
An expert at this process now, I got up on the table, laid back, and rolled down the top of my pants to expose my growing belly. A squirt of the cold gel, swirling of the wand, and we were off to the races. The Technician worked methodically through an invisible checklist of images. She was silent and very focused on her work. I stared at the ceiling, counting the stained remains of some long dried up leak.
Her voice cut the silence and startled me. She asked me to roll onto my left side, towards the wall. Sure, “no problem” I said, and rolled to the left. The wand moved across the right side of my belly and I could hear the beep of the computer each time a new image was taken. And then I was rolling over onto my right side, facing the Technician. This position felt more awkward. My belly, big from pregnancy but also just big in general was spilling slightly over the edge of the narrow bed and there was no covering up. There is no such thing as modesty in OB’s office! She continued to move the wand and click away at the computer.
I mistakenly thought this appointment would be quick, since I’d had most of the images taken two weeks prior. But this woman was thorough! After 45 minutes she announced that she thought she had all the images she needed, but wanted to check in with the Head Radiologist before I left. She came back, repositioned me, snapped another batch of photos and FINALLY I was allowed to wipe the sticky gel off and get dressed. She kindly let me snap a photo of one of the cuter images of my baby. My heart swooned seeing that perfect little profile!
Results are in, and…
The images and Radiologist’s report were sent immediately to my OB, and were ready for review by the time I got to her office. Finally, FINALLY she confirmed that my baby is perfect! No anatomical concerns! Both me and the baby are growing as expected and within all normal ranges. What sweet relief! And I can’t stop staring at this picture of the tiny baby in my belly. My sweet little miracle!
