20 Weeks Checkup

I had my twenty weeks checkup and ultrasound today. Triple_Phoenix and my mom went with me to see the ultrasound, since Carl wasn't able to take the time off work to make it. Much to my relief, the ultrasound technician didn't even look at the baby's genitals, so there's no need to worry about my mom finding out and accidentally letting it slip to someone; she's a little irritated, but she can just be surprised along with the rest of us.

The ultrasound technician took a moment to look at my ovaries at my request, which are slightly enlarged, but I don't have any large cysts. She looked at all the baby's organs and spinal cord, which all look like they're developing well, and the baby is measuring appropriately, as well. The tech printed out a couple photos to bring home, but it's difficult to distinguish much in them; the eye sockets can just barely made be made out in one and the other one has a distinct profile of the face and round tummy, but it looks almost the same upside down as it does right side up.

The ultrasound paddle felt very strange on my belly. Getting an ultrasound while pregnant feels extremely different from getting an ultrasound either very early in pregnancy or before pregnancy; it felt like the tech was sliding the paddle over a rubber ball resting over my other organs, which is essentially what the uterus is, but it was just a very strange, new sensation that I didn't anticipate from my previous ultrasounds.

My mom got to see Esther again and Triple_Phoenix was able to meet her for the first time; it's important to me that the important people in my life meet Esther, since she will be responsible for my well being and the well being of my baby when it comes time to deliver. We listened to the heartbeat and talked about what I've been eating and reading, and about different birthing philosophies. I also asked about all my blood work, which all came back perfectly fine.

Before dropping Triple_Phoenix off at her apartment she and I stopped at the library and I checked out a book by one of the authors Esther recommended.

I was happy I wasn't asked to allow a vaginal exam, but Esther knows how painful they are for me, so I know she won't do any unnecessary exams. I'm going in for another glucose tolerance test and a checkup the day before we leave for Denmark, so I can get some free samples of my pre-natal vitamin to bring on the trip; Medicaid won't let me refill my prescription until the day I am on the last pill, which is extremely inconvenient for any travel plans.

Off topic, but exciting nonetheless... Triple_Phoenix may be getting a job at Build a Bear! I want to make one of those bears.