Baby's First Picture!
Yesterday we had our first prenatal visit with Dr. Smith at Texas Women's Hospital. Going into the appointment, we were both so nervous and yet so excited to hear what she had to say. We met Dr. Smith in her office and got to know each other a little bit before we went into the exam room. After taking my vitals, there was some concern over my blood pressure. It was high, but it could have been just my nerves. They told me they would check again at our 12 week appointment because having high blood pressure could lead to potential problems for myself and the baby. Liz, being the great nurse friend that she is, told me to go once a week or so to Walgreens or HEB and do the free blood pressure test. That way I can document how it is on a normal, "non stressful" day. Anyway, after that we had our first ultrasound! I had read online that we should be able to see the heartbeat if everything was good. Not only we were able to see it, but we also HEARD the heartbeat!! It was truly amazing to see the little life we created on the screen and even more amazing to hear the heartbeat. Obviously the baby is still VERY small, but I of course had NO idea how to interpret the image, so Dr. Smith carefully went over everything. If you look at the image, the small round ball towards the top is the yolk sac. The dotted line is the length of the baby from crown to rump, and the head is at the bottom. The little objects coming out of the line are the arms and legs of our little one! Dr. Smith told me that I was spot on with my dates and the baby's estimated due date is March 4, 2012!!! She also said hearing the heart beat and the image clarity was a GREAT sign. Ryan and I go back to the doctor in four weeks for blood work, a check up, and the 12 week Nuchal Scan which tests for Down Syndrome. We are both so very excited about the journey we have began and where it will lead too.
After the doctor, we went out to lunch and just talked about everything we had learned that day. I think Ryan is getting more and more excited with each day. I think being able to see the baby and hear the heartbeat was a HUGE turning point for him. Of course, I IMMEDIATELY began telling more of my girlfriends once I knew for sure that everything was ok thus far. We, of course, are praying that everything continues to go well with the pregnancy. I still have been VERY lucky to not have experienced many of the ever-so-common pregnancy symptoms. I can only knock on wood that I continue to feel just fine every single day. :) Last night we celebrated with our friends Liz and Caleb at Sambuca in Houston. We had a fantastic dinner and listened to some great 80's music! We will continue to post important events on here as things progress. We ask that each of you continue to say prayers for us and Baby S!!
