Still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor
The second ultrasound managed to be relieving, a little disappointing, and astounding slash shocking all at once.
I was relieved because the baby was head down. I wasn’t keen on the idea of having to be put on an IV drip while someone manhandles my belly in an attempt to force the baby to turn around to the tune of a 50% success rate and the chance of tearing the cord so that the baby would have to be born immediately. Oh, and she’s still a girl! No last minute penile shocker.
There was some disappointment because it turned out this ultrasound was just to see if the baby was head down and so I did not get lots of pictures and a DVD like last time. The baby was also upside down with her fist on her forehead so we couldn’t get a clear look at her face. And no 4-D stuff at all. Who puts her fist on her forehead? My baby, that’s who. I did ask if they could see how much she weighed. I was just curious.
So the tech guy did some measurements and then he disappeared for a while and then the doctor came in. “Well,” he said “she’s above average.” Are you ready for this? I’m still trying to absorb this myself. They estimated her weight to be EIGHT AND A HALF POUNDS. Eight…and…a…half. And week 36 starts tomorrow. Just to give you an idea, the average weight at 36 weeks is 5.78 pounds.
I asked about what could be contributing to something insane like that. I’ve gained a normal amount of weight and I don’t have gestational diabetes. Essentially we’re talking genetics. Then the doctor and I turned to Steve and tossed him out the nearest window. No, just kidding… The doc was also clear that ultrasound estimates are not always accurate with a large margin of error. When I researched online I found several accounts of ultrasounds overestimating the weight of babies by 2 pounds or so, but of course there were also accounts where it was accurate. I don’t feel like I’m carrying above average size or weight, still feeling comfortable.
I asked if there was anything I should do differently. Like LAY OFF THE ICE CREAM. But doc said no.
Who knows. I bet she will have long arms and legs though. Steve’s mom tells me he was a skinny ten pounder with long arms and legs. I was reading that the size of the baby at birth does not always ultimately determine size as a child or an adult. The scariest fact I came across is that one’s first baby tends to be the smallest. Ha!
No Comments »
Jul 22nd 2009Uncategorized & pregnancy