August 05, 2011

We Celebrated Reason #...

1!

There's one "perfectly shaped" (as the ultrasound tech described it) gestational sac, and about half a second after she got the wand in place, we heard one of the best phrases ever: "There's a flicker!"

She started by doing an abdominal ultrasound. She pointed out the sac at that point, but she said my uterus was retroverted, so it was hard to see anything very well. From that angle, the sac looked like a weird, non-round shape to me.

And since we've heard "abnormally shaped gestational sac, this doesn't look viable" at the first ultrasound for several of the past pregnancies, the weird shape made me nervous. She switched pretty quickly to the transvaginal approach, and I couldn't bring myself to look - I just stared at the ceiling until she mentioned the flicker, at which point I popped up like a jack-in-the-box. (There was a screen mounted on the wall in front of me.)

The embryo measured 6w0d, which is exactly what today is. She said they want the heartbeat to be at least 100 bpm at this point, and it was 102 bpm. I would have rather it be a little higher, but I know it speeds up each week for the next several weeks, so we'll just wait and see what Thursday's appointment brings.

We're relieved to be over this hurdle. And I'm grateful that we get to experience seeing a flicker again. But at the same time, we're still being very, very cautious. One day at a time, though each day seems to feel like a week right now...

Anyway, thank you for encouraging me to get the ultrasound early and cheering us on. It's a great way to start a weekend.

11 comments:

Reese said...

Hi! I just came upon your blog a few days ago and I've been reading past posts. You are such a warrior. That first flicker on the ultrasound screen is so terrifying and amazing all at once. At least for this moment you can hold that picture in your mind instead of the worrisome past few days. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Nico said...

yes, yes, YES!!!!!!!!! I know that it's just one baby step on a long long road.... but so much better than the alternatives for today. SO STOKED for you!

Lorraine said...

Just so happy for you! Every little reassurance helps, doesn't it? So glad things are looking good so far. Lots of wonderful wishes to you for every appointment to go so smoothly!

Silver said...

Wonderful, wonderful! You realise I'm now stalking your blog for daily news - if you go a day without a post I'm going to get twitchy!! I am so, SO pleased you got good news. I know (all too well) that you won't relax but getting to enjoy these moments is something :-).

Rachie Pachie said...

Oh, yes! So happy to have woken up to this!

MyTwoLines said...

This is fantastic news....and MUCH deserved!!!

Libby said...

Woo hoo! Now that cranky uterus of yours just needs to settle down for good!

Unknown said...

I am so very relieved to hear that, because the symptoms you were describing somewhat fit those for an ectopic pregnancy. But a huge YAY for everything being completely normal!

SLES75 said...

I was on vaca and I'm just getting caught up on all my reading....I've been holding my breath waiting for this post....Keeping you as always in my prayers but a sigh of relief is there too....Keep growing little flicker!!! Keep on beating little one!!

Riya Joshi said...

The blog are the best that is extremely useful to keep.
I can share the ideas of the future as this is really what I was looking for,
I am very comfortable and pleased to come here. Thank you very much!
green carpet Dubai

Penelope said...

The blog are the best that is extremely useful to keep.
I can share the ideas of the future as this is really what I was looking for,
I am very comfortable and pleased to come here. Thank you very much!
Carpet Supplier Dubai