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.

More Scans

31st Aug entry:

I am two heartbeats now. There is another tiny heart beating along with mine, stronger and harder. 

Sometimes that knowledge is so humbling and gratifying. Another life within me! A heart that is pumping furiously! 

And sometimes, the thought is plain bothersome, especially when you have to constantly go to the loo to pee.

Got a call from Rohini (HUL) asking if I would like to work for them - this time directly and not through Training Bench? (It has been more than 5 months. March was the last session I had conducted).  

That’s some good news! Always nice to work on a flexible basis and have a source of income.

5th September entry:

We had been to the doc for the 4th month check-up. The report of the Quadruple test was negative. Everything was normal, no defects. The chances of me having a DS baby were down to 1:384. 

But then the doc suggested yet another scan; to check chances of DS. AGAIN!!! In three visits, three scans recommended. First it was the blood test and the first trimester scan, then it was double-market test (which we couldn't do as we went two weeks late) and so did Quadruple test and now one more - Anamoly scan this time, to be done next month. 

I don’t know what hit me but I broke down and started crying!!! I told the doc that every time I come for check-up, I am asked for some defects detection test, just because I am 40. The doc said it is only to ensure the baby is healthy and that I have come only for three check-ups. I asked her what if one of the tests came out positive. What then? She said then we will have to abort the baby. I knew the answer but I guess I wanted to hear it out loud. My heart sank. She then asked me not to worry. All these scans are precautionary measures only. Everything is in the hands of God. She herself was the 12^th child and her mother delivered her at the age of 45! So cheer up. “Plus”, she continued, “You have a God-fearing husband. Believe in God. Everything will be fine.” When we came out of the clinic, I had resigned myself to my fate. I am 40, my chances of having a DS baby are high, so I must accept and go through all the scans, without tears or worries.

Sathya was asking me why the hell did I cry in front of the doc? He couldn’t believe I had broken down emotionally, so easily. And then he joked that I had embarrassed him and brought bad name to his illustrious name! The doc had guessed that he was God-fearing from the kumkum mark on his forehead. He was, of course, mighty pleased with the certification!