Wonderful Wednesday!

We (Russell went with me!) went the the OB today for my follow-up ultrasound. The baby is just fine which is of course, excellent. The OB said based on the size I am actually more like
8 weeks. Unfortunately they got a new ultrasound machine that broke right before my visit so they had to use their old one. I mention this because she said the 8 weeks was based on the fetus size but she didn't have a clear picture so she could have been counting some of the yolk sack in its size. The ultrasound image had changed significantly since last time, there is definitely a baby in my belly! We also got to see the heart beat. It just confirmed the whole experience and put all my worries to rest.

Results

I heard back from my OB today on the blood tests they took last week to check the HCG levels in my blood. According to my OB the levels of HCG are supposed to double every 48 hours. My results showed a significant increase but not double. She is going to have me in next week for another ultrasound just to make sure things are still looking ok.

Now, I don't want to sound like I know more than the doctor but she is making me rather paranoid so my mother and I did some additional research on the subject. Some things we found out:

• In about 85% of normal pregnancies, the hCG level will double every 48 - 72 hours (they only tested me for a 48 hour period).
• Caution must be used in making too much of hCG numbers. A normal pregnancy may have low hCG levels and result in a perfectly healthy baby. The results from an ultrasound after 5 - 6 weeks gestation are much more accurate than using hCG numbers.
• As long as the numbers are going up, the pregnancy is still in 'good standing'
• The hCG levels should not be used to date a pregnancy since these numbers can vary so widely.

• Guideline to hCG levels during pregnancy:

  • hCG levels in weeks from LMP (gestational age)* :
  • 3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mIU/ml
  • 4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mIU/ml
  • 5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mIU/ml - My level was in the 7000s
    
  • 6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mIU/ml
  • 7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7, 650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
  • 9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mIU/ml
  • 13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mIU/ml
  • 17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mIU/ml
  • 25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mIU/ml
  • Non-pregnant females: <5.0>
  • Postmenopausal females: <9.5>

On those notes and just keeping in mind that my mom told me nothing was 'normal' about her pregnancy with me brings me a bit of relief. I feel better but will definitely be anxious for my next ultrasound. All of this makes since if I am indeed just starting my 5th week. The appointment I have is on next Wednesday so hopefully I will know more then.

a later note: Wow, I am a reasearch freak! I apologize... just nervous.

How exciting!

A former co-worker of mine bought one of those Intelligender gender tests for her sister the night before she went for an ultrasound and found out the sex of her baby. The test had been opened only to read the instructions but other than that is in perfect shape. I ran into her at the Post Office just a moment ago and she had it in her car. Lucky me, she gave it to me. I just saved $34.99, what a great friend.

I can't take the test until the first week in October so again, I must wait. I looked up the accuracy rate online and it is over 80% this will be a fun experiment. I will definitely post results when I am able to take the test.

Hello Everyone!

As most of you already know, Russell and I are expecting a baby. We had our first positive pregnancy test Sept. 4th and haven't quit smiling since. I started a blog to keep a historical record as well as to inform everyone on what is going on in between phone calls etc. I would hope for Russell to update it too but you know how guys are with feelings. lol

I went to my first OB appointment on Wednesday. We found out that I am actually more towards 4 weeks pregnant rather than six. This isn't good for my impatience! :) Oh well, this is going to be a long 9 months. So far I haven't had it too rough; there has been some extreme fatigue and just the last week I have started getting the 'flu like' symptoms I've read about (just hot and cold spells), nothing to worry about. I think I am too early for the morning sickness to set in but I can't say I'm looking forward to it either.

For those of you who don't know me well I love to research. I have already devoured What to Expect When You're Expecting as well as all of the pamphlets my OB gave me and of course internet articles. In a way all of this prepares me but it also makes it harder to wait. I guess I'm just silly and excited.