4D Growth Scan

Yesterday we decided to do something particularly special and we had a 4D scan at This Is My London Screening Centre in Harley Street. We were a bit sceptical regarding whether to have one done as some clinics don't have trained professionals but my other half being a radiographer, his protective daddy instincts and his connections- we knew they were experts here and we were in good hands. The past six weeks have been pretty up and down so yesterday was, for lack of a better word, AMAZING! Seeing the little nugget did make me feel like the crazy hormonal pregnant lady who will cry at anything but I can honestly say nothing really compares to seeing him and having these videos and pictures. It was also very reassuring that they estimate he now weighs approximately 2lbs (916g) with super long legs (which he definitely didn't get from his daddy).

Looking at his little face, all I can see is a mini version of my other half. I am completely in love. The little nugget was in quite a mood and kept refusing to move his hands away from his face. It was almost like he knew that everyone was watching him. We did manage to get some really adorable pictures though. He had decided to bury his head in the most awkward position but we had the most lovely lady scanning us who was really determined to get us some pictures of his face.

The scan didn't just include getting to see the little nugget being grumpy just like his daddy when he gets woken up. They did a little MOT, checked his growth and the blood supply within the placenta and his estimated weight. They really put us at ease and it has lifted my mood immensely knowing he's okay and getting to see him. Seems like his head circumference and long legs are coming from my side of the family. His abdominal circumference was the only measurement that was below average, which is surprising considering how much I eat and how little fat I've actually put on, saying that I can't really turn to see if my bottom has gotten much bigger in the mirror. So I am sure it is all going to nugget and I just finished a slice of toast with nuttella after having granola for breakfast.

The one thing that did concern me a little was the umbilical artery pulsatility index reading was a little on the low side showing 0.94 where the average is 1.08 (Radiology Key). I think Radiology Key explains it in the best way I have seen so far online. As far as my research has taken me, it is only when reading is above average that this is a sign of possible pre-eclampsia and other possible problems regarding the placenta. 'A low pulsatility waveform is indicative of low distal resistance and high pulsatility waveforms occur in high resistance vascular beds' - Fetal Medicine. So this doesn't seem to be a problem with nugget but I might be picking my consultants brain at the next antenatal appointment!

In the mean time I just can't stop looking at him...

26 weeks today!!!

We have made it to the 26 week mark! That means it's time to reset the countdown and aim for 28 weeks. I was pretty happy today that I also managed to get a sneaky peak at our little nugget again as I had to have a kidney scan following another UTI. He's looking pretty squished in there, he's definitely getting bigger. I did pop into the hospital gift shop, they have really sweet knitted cardigans and jumpers in there. So nugget did get another present today... a little cardigan so he can look stylish next to his daddy.

Nugget did have me a little worried yesterday as he was pretty quiet but it turns out that feeling a bit plugged up, thanks to all the progesterone, didn't make him particularly happy. He was back to his cheeky self today trying to punch through my cervix on numerous occasions after I had several trips to the ladies. I am on the verge of buying a doppler so I can keep track of him. He has been a little jumping bean today though.

To celebrate reaching this far I have decided to treat myself to a little outing with the two special men in my life. I'll be taking nugget and his daddy to the Real Greek this weekend to get some seriously yummy food! The Real Greek is one of my favourite restaurants and just happens to have the most comfortable chairs. It is going to be the first time I'll be going out that isn't a trip to the hospital or twice weekly short walk to the end of the road, so I am pretty excited to be spending some quality time with my boys!