Stubborn Already

Today Jellybean is 12 weeks and 5 days old and stubborn already! During our scan our little Jb was kind enough to show us "he/she" is actually human and no longer the alien I thought I may be carrying. The heartbeat was super strong at a whopping 159 beats/minute and the facial profile looked great with an adorable little button nose. Jb was very active and we could clearly see the legs, arms and even hands flying about. At one point we got a glimpse of legs extended with 1 foot over the other as if "he/she" is on dad's yacht!

However Jb was not the most co-operative when it was time to measure the "nuchal fold". This measurement is one of the indicators for chromosomal defects such Down Syndrome. It is very important to have baby lying in a specific position in order to get an acurate reading. So after much prodding and poking,which was not the most comfortable for me....., eventually the measurements were taken. There seem to be a variance between the measurements and sadly our Dr is not too happy with the nuchal fold measurements. Although she was extremely happy with the shape and size of the nose bone, she has decided to refer us to a Prof in Pretoria for a second opinion(the nose bone is also one of the indicators used to detect abnormalities) . You may ask why not a Dr in Joburg? Well the first refferal was for a JHB based Dr who unfortunately is currently out the country and his earliest appointment would be 28 May. The earliest we can see the Pretoria Prof is on Thursday at the Pretoria Academic Hospital on a 1st come 1st served basis. Unfortunately her private practice is over booked for tomorrow although we are on the list should there be a cancellation.

At the 12 week scan, in addition to the "Nuchal Translucency Thickness" measurement, the Dr will also do a triple screen blood test. The blood is tested for early indicators of any abnormalities such as Down Syndrome or Spina Bifida, these blood tests are merely indicators and are not conclusive. There may be false positives as well as false negatives.

As far as Thursday goes, we will have another scan and see what the second opinion measurements are. Being a government facility hence the 1st come 1st served rule, we plan to be there before they open, hopefully get registered early and then get to see her ASAP. We are truly hoping that this will all turn out to be fine and are very greatful to have modern technology so readily available.

Until then we will take each day as it comes and will make further decisions as we get more information.