On Friday, May 14 we had our First Trimester Screening. This is used to determine our risk for Down Syndrome and Trisomy, a more serious genetic defect. This test is done between week 11 and 13.6 weeks.
The risk of Down Syndrome based on my age (25) and their averages is 1 in 965. Per my blood work and my age, our risk of Down Syndrome decreased to 1 in 2,917. Using the same guidelines for Trisomy, our risk pre-test was 1 in 1,822 and dropped to 1 in greater than 10,000. Essentially dropping in both categories to that of a 20-year-old. The doctor at the ultrasound clinic essentially said we statistically do not need to worry about either condition.
From the ultrasound, they scanned for nuchal translucency. This is a visual scan for chance of genetic defects that looks at fluid at the back of baby’s neck. The ultrasound tech said Howeberry’s was “nice and thin,” which is a good thing. I’m starting to confuse where I read or heard information, if you’d like to learn more Wikipedia has a pretty nice summary about this screening.
The only potentional cause for concern is my low marker for PAPP-A. First, what the heck is this?! PAPP-A stands for Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A. This was determined from my blood work and the marker is showing low, in the 5th percentile. But what does this mean? Per the clinic doctor, this could mean increased chance of “Growth Disturbance” in the 3rd trimester. Again, what?! She explained this could mean for low birth-weight, potentially leading to bed-rest for me. But for now they’re suggesting 3 screenings in the 3rd trimester and, essentially, we’ll cross that bridge if we get there. But, she said, they usually find this issue resolves itself and moms with this low marker have healthy babies. So we’ll ask our doctor more about this at our next appointment.
At the time of the ultrasound, I was 13 weeks, 1 day. Howeberry’s heart rate was about 145 beats per minute.
Now for the fun stuff – PICTURES!!
Howeberry is 13 weeks 2 days based on length of 7.13 centimeters/2.8 inches head to rump.
Howeberry feet! Baby's sitting "indian style" so you see leg too.
Practicing tongue movements!
Looking like a baby!
