Saturday, December 31, 2005

16 weeks, 5 days

I had a quick visit with the OB today. My blood pressure was great and things are looking good. I am scheduled to see the perinatalogist in two weeks and will be getting an ultrasound at the visit. I had the lab work for the AFP-4 screening today. We’re not all that concerned with the AFP results and if something could be wrong. I had the test when pregnant with Ariana and it showed a false positive. I’ve since learned that there is a correlation between a false positive AFP and preeclampsia. That is why I want to have the test with this baby. If it’s negative, I feel like I could perhaps relax a bit more. If it’s positive, I know not to go insane with worry, but to keep on the lookout for placenta issues. Since the MTHFR blood disorder I have impacts how I metabolize folic acid, it is a slight concern for us.

17 week Baby Factoids --
At 4 to 5 inches long and about 7 ounces, your baby is roughly the size of a large pear. And she's ripening--the brain, muscles, nervous and circulatory systems, and urinary tract are all functioning. Amniotic fluid is pumping through her lungs. Her skeleton, composed of rubbery cartilage, will harden later.