20-3-2009 - Amnio

My mood while writing this blog: a little tired

I had my amnio appointment this morning. My appointment was at 07:40. It took a little over 2 hours for the whole thing. First was to fill out a ton of paperwork. Second, was blood pressure, urine sample and weight. Then you have to meet with a genetic counselor. You are required to speak to a genetic counselor! (which I was not aware of) The counselor went over mine and my husband's family genetic history and abnormalities. It's from that that they determine your baby's chances of having serious illnesses. They also give you the odds of your baby having downs syndrome. It is based on the woman's age. They explained that for downs they are looking at the 21st choromosome. If you have an extra 21st chromosome then your child will have Downs Syndrome.

They also wanted to know if we wanted to be tested for spina biffida. (they test the mother's and father's blood to see if we are carriers for spina biffida.) However, we chose not to have the blood test because our odds of the baby having it were so high. So... after the genetic counselor scares you by telling you the odds of miscarriage with the amnio; they ask you if you want to go a head with the amnio.

We decided to have the amnio. They took us to a room. We had a sonogram and we discovered for sure, that we are having a BOY! The baby was breach and was in a fetal position. So, it was not difficult for the tech to discover our baby's little package. lol.....

Then the doctor came in and performed the amnio. I don't wasnt to scare you, but it is a long needle. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was like a really bad bee sting. Then it was a little uncomfortable . They took 6 ounces of fluid. I saw the whole procedure. They had a monitor in front of me. So, we were able to see the needle pierce the sac. It also shows the position of the baby when they insert the needle. The baby cooperated and stayed in one corner away from the needle.

I did have a little cramping and am a little sore. But, otherwise I am just fine. My hubby and stepsons have been wonderful. They won't let me lift anything today. They are taking good care of me.

We'll I just wanted to let you know about my amnio. Keep in touch ladies! Have a great weekend.