Anamoly Scan

11th October entry:

It was time for the dreaded Anamoly Scan and fifth month check-up. There was also blood and urine test. I was made to drink 2 glasses of glucose and after two hours , the blood and urine samples were taken. 

The scan this time was to check if all functions of the growing baby were normal. And it was. The doc showed the lips, nose, brain, heart and kidneys of the baby. The stomach area was filled with fluid which means the kidneys were working fine. The brain was surrounded by a fluid which is also a good sign. The baby had clenched its fist the first time the assistant scanned. The scan went on for 30 mins. Later, after an hour, when Dr Veena did the scan again, she pressed the abdomen slightly harder and the baby actually opened its fist ever so slightly. 

In the first trimester scan, the visuals were clearer. We could see the entire baby. This time, it was sort of blurred and we couldn’t see the complete body. They said, that is because the baby has grown and we can't show the full body. The focus was on examining each organ in detail. The backbone of the baby looked just like fish bone. She said there is no cleft lips, the lips looked fine. 

My risk for birth defects has come further down - from 1.38 to 1.76. That’s good news. Next month check-up would be a regular one – checking BP, my weight etc. No scan.  Thank God. 

Sathya was trying to see the genitals as we had read that by 5^th month, if it is a boy, the genitals would be formed and would have dropped down and would be discernible. We couldn’t see anything though. We both would like to have a boy this time just so that we have one of each gender!! And of course, I want to raise a son, the way a son should be raised - taught to do household chores and helping out in the kitchen like we expect our daughters to do. 

My blood pressure has been consistently low – averaging at 100/70. 

I have completed 23 weeks. Have gained 2 kilos in the past one month, out which half a kilo is the weight of the baby. I am at 60 kilos now and the back pain is pronounced. I have started feeling the 
jerks of the baby. Can't say they are 'kicks' or 'movements' really - not just yet. But I am conscious of slight jerks and twitches. I have made Tanvi feel it too.

Tossing and turning at night has been a real ordeal. The tummy is "all out" and there is not enough space for the three of us together on the bed. Beginning this month, I forced Tanvi to sleep on her bunk bed in her room. She kicks in her sleep and takes up half of the bed, leaving me clutching my stomach and waking up in the middle of the night wanting to twist her arm! I have had to show her how much space my stomach needs now and somehow have made her to sleep separately. Satty and I sleep alone now - finally but every 5th day of the week, our little lady comes crawling back, like a cockroach, stealthily slides between us, promises not to trouble me and again, takes up more than half the bed! 

Have been walking at least four times a week for half an hour and that’s been good.