Charlotte is growing! Let me step back and catch you up on our past month. If it's any indication of what we can expect after she's born, we're going to have one very stubborn, independent little girl.
Last month at our 21 wk appt, we had the anatomy ultrasound. For this, it's important for them to have accurate measurements of all parts of her to track growth. They told us that her head was measuring about 2 weeks behind, but that it likely was nothing to be concerned about - the doctor just wanted to get a better look. So, they sent us to a specialist for a more in depth ultrasound. The specialist was able to give us more information and put our minds at ease a little bit. She's in a breech position, so her head is up towards my ribs. Her position prevented them from being able to get a clear picture of her spine, but he was able to see clear enough to determine that there were no major areas of concern in terms of her development. He closely examined her brain and upper part of the spinal cord, and everything looked normal. Her brain and other parts were all measuring right on track - but the diameter of her head was showing about 19-20 weeks. It could very well be because she's sitting opposite of how she should be - but who knows! He told us he didn't see any reasons for concern, and that he'd like to see us back in a month just to check on her.
One month later, well - not much changed! She gained about one pound. Still moves ALL the time. Her favorite position seems to be having her feet/legs extended straight above her head. That's been her position just about every time we've had an ultrasound. She kicks some, but mostly she likes moving her legs above her head and back down, and her arms in front of her, above her, and behind her back. She's still breech, still on the same side (my left). She also likes moving her arms around when it's time to measure her heartbeat, so she makes the nurses work a little harder to get a long enough measurement to record her heart rate. At the specialist ultrasound, things were pretty much the same as the visit prior. Everything is measuring on track, except for the diameter of her head. Her movement is great, growth is great - so they don't seem very concerned. I have to say, I don't know that I mind her head being a little smaller than normal...
The other really fun thing that happened at this month's doctor appointment was the glucose test. They have you drink a very sugary sweet orange drink, and then exactly one hour later draw your blood to test your body's reaction to the glucose. Well, I found out yesterday that I failed that test! I go back tomorrow for a three hour glucose tolerance test. I basically have to fast (no food/drink after midnight the night before) then go into their office very first thing for my first blood test. Then, they'll give me more sugary drinks and test my blood 3 more times! I'm also anemic, so I'll be adding on another pill daily. We're just grateful that she's healthy - even if she is a little uncooperative so far. :) We'll go back next month to see the specialist again and then have our last monthly check up. After that, we jump to twice a month, and then every week until she's born!
So, that's been our past month. Chris finally felt (and saw!) her kick a few weeks ago - so that was pretty exciting. Crew is pretty cute too - he'll say hi to her when I prompt him by either licking or nuzzling my tummy. He's also laying his head on my tummy a lot, and will put his paw over me.
He's just so darn cute, I can't NOT include him. :)
