Posted in Pregnancy, Uncategorized

The Scan reports and Doctor Visit

Posted on by Mirchi

29th December 2018, Saturday

Today is the last the day of the year I can visit the doctor . Tomorrow, its going to be sunday and the next day we are planning for a very short trip to celebrate New Year’s Eve as a couple.

As I had mentioned in my previous post, I wanted to see the doctor and get a consent to travel by car for around a 100kms. Our travel bookings were done. Money was non-refundable and even I badly wanted to have this New Year Trip with Just 2 of us. At the same time, I didnt want my fulfill my fantasies at the cost of my baby’s well being. I kept checking my mails since morning, to see if I got the reports. Towards the afternoon I called up the Hospital to check for reports, but got no update. I again called around 5PM and reports had arrived, but yet not in my email inbox. So I requested them to send immediately. It took several follow ups to get the reports emailed to me.  Everything looked within range and normal except for just one marker in the report. I asked the hospital staff to show my reports to my Obstetrician and update me with the feedback.

I get a call around 7PM that doctor wants to meet me. Its better if I can see on Monday.

As per my plans,  Monday wasnt a possibility. We had to leave early morning and doctor’s OPD starts noon onwards. I asked to get connected to doctor over a call.

Doctor: Things are OK but, I want to meet you and discuss

Me: Is everything normal?

Doctor: I cant tell you over the call. Visit on Monday.

Me: I am planning to travel Monday. Can I come Tuesday or its urgent.

Doctor: No worries. Meet me on Tuesday.

I called my husband immediately after this. I wanted to see the doctor today. Even he got worried as to why doctor wants to meet.  I checked with him if can meet me at the Hospital by 8PM, which was difficult for him, but 7.45PM was the last appointment slot for the day. (15 mins grace ). We decided that I will go and wait for our turn in case there is any waiting and he will try to make it as soon as possible.

I went and was waiting until 8.15, next was my turn, but he hadnt come yet. I had to go inside the consultation room alone. As I entered the room, I get a call from Husband. ‘I am at the parking, coming in 2 mins” he informed. Doc asked if someone is coming she can wait for a minute.

NOW THE TIME FOR SERIOUS DISCUSSION

Everything was normal. Except one marker for Down’s Syndrome. Trisomy 21. As per my age group the risk marker is at 1:760 but my reports got it as 1:470. Although it was mentioned by the diagnostic center as low risk, doctor wanted to give us the clear picture and explain what does that mean. It meant baby might be at the risk of down’s syndrome at the ratio of 1:470 case. Its a genetic problem which cannot be cured. There were certain tests after which we can be more sure of the risk factor. There are 3-4 different methods to be more sure about the risk, but none is 100% result provider, except for one test. That one test puts the baby’s life at risk as there were chances miscarriage. It is an invasive test. We were recommended a fetal medicine specialist.

At the end doctor said, there’s nothing to worry, there are very less chances of the disorder. We can travel safely and consult Fetal medicine doctor next week. Its just that she wanted us to be clear of the options we had.

Huh!! A confusing visit. I was sure I want to give birth to the baby. These are just risk factors. I had already fallen in love with the LIFE INSIDE ME.

 

 

Posted in Pregnancy

NT SCAN and Double Marker Test

Posted on by Mirchi

27th Dec 2019, Thursday

Last scan of the year, last scan of the trimester. NT scan and double marker are very important test. This help in identifying possible abnormalities in baby, mostly chromosomal pairing defects.

My pregnancy was smooth till now. We were expecting and hoping things to be fine. We were excited to see the baby again. Aww..moment.

My husband was in hurry as he had to leave for office, and our appointment was in afternoon. We went to the scan room after some formalities. I lied on the bed and scan begun. My munchkin was not in the right position. She was hiding her face. Turning back upwards and cuddling within. After waiting for few minutes, she turned, showed her tiny hands. She then jumped a little or may be just moved the tiny legs to turn. we could spot her nose then. I really felt like talking and touching the baby. Kissing her infinitely and loving her. But doctor was not getting the right position of baby for NT scan, even after 20 mins. Doc asked me to take a walk while she attended other patients. I came out, walked  slow and fast. Sat down several times and got up, hoping baby will move and come to correct position as required.

After around half an hour, we were called again. This time it seemed baby had slept or was relaxing. She refused to move. Doc shook my tummy with scan machine in hand, so that baby feels the vibration and moves a bit. After several attempts she moved a little and probably she was sucking her fingers. Doc somehow managed to take the readings.

We asked if everything was fine. She confirmed.

Next was double marker, a blood test. This test needs NT scan reports to be evaluated. I always need lots of courage to get that needle inside my veins. While the blood sample is taken, I need my husband around so that I can grab his hand as tight as possible.  Once the test was done we were told that reports will take 4-5 days time to come.

We had a new year trip planned. I wanted to meet my Obstetrician before leaving on trip, for any suggestions or precautions to be taken.

Pointers

❗NT scan is Nuchal Translucency scan
❗For NT scan back of baby’s neck needs

to be seen
❗it’s done in 1st Trimester
❗Done to identify possibilities of chromosomal abnormalities
❗It doesn’t confirm anything. The test just predicts possibilities
❗For better accuracy up to 80-90% it’s done along with a blood test
❗Double marker is blood test for two markers 1. Beta HCG and 2. PAAP A
❗High level of beta HCG means high risk of Down Syndrome (chromosomal abnormality)
❗Low level of PAAP or plasma protein also indicate risk of down Syndrome to baby.
P.s. Do follow and read my next post on positive Risk of down Syndrome and tests to be done.

Posted in Pregnancy

My Cravings.

Posted on by Mirchi

My Dear Baby,

Before you came in my life, I used to like rice a lot. Means I would prefer rice anytime over rotis, chapatis, paranthas. I like white sauce pastas, creamy rice. Initially when I got to know about you, I still used to prepare spinach rice in creamy sauce. Me and your dad used to love it. But now, since last 1 month (6week onwards) I dont even feel like having rice. Not even white sauce pasta tempts me. If there’s no option then I just eat for you. TO keep you healthy and growing.

My cravings keep on changing everyday. I like to eat different foods. Like in 1st few weeks I used to like upma, poha, now I dont feel like eating that. I kind of hate tomato ketchup (except put within sandwiches or rolls, or inside any preparation). I tend to love more of spiced up food. (I know baby I shouldnt be eating spicy food much. So trust me I stick to max 1 tsp of chili or less than that in a day).

One day I was mostly on Brown bread. Having different variations of it through out the day. Curd sandwich, bread raita, masala aloo toast, chilli cheese toast. (Yum!!)

I like eating fruits they make me feel fresh, but not full.

Strangely ,Yesterday, I made masala pav for your dad, and I didnt even feel like tasting that. Otherwise we would fight for every other bite. (on a lighter note)

So, to summarize, I cant say that I had a craving for a particular food in my pregnancy. Its a very moody one. I just wonder, you might also turn out to be a moody foodie.

 

Sharing experiences !

With Love Your Mom

Posted in Pregnancy

When The Heart-Beat Echoed!

Posted on by Mirchi

14 November 2018. Wednesday

The most treasurable day of my life till date. Not a children’s day. Its my Baby’s day

I am eager for a USG scan. Hoping all is fine with the Baby. Last week scan showed no fetal pole (read here). So my next scan was scheduled on Friday 16 Nov. But, Then I also had little bit of spotting (read here) last sunday. I am just praying everything is fine. nothing else I want. Just I want my Baby you to fine.

I had an appointment book but the scan we had to wait for long time for the scan. After half an wait Its my turn. Dr asks is your bladder fulled. I say positive. I am highly tensed and nervous. While doctors assistant prepares for the scan, I am asked to lie down on the table.

The assistant lift my top and applies some cool gel. Then doctor takes the place. With the scan machine in hand. While she start moving it around my abdomen, I start shooting questions

ME: Dr can you see anything

Dr. yes

Me: What can your see,

Dr: There is sac and small dot.

Me: Is there a baby? Can you see baby?

Dr: Yes Yes! I can this small white dot is the baby

Me: Smiles (then i hear some noise) All normal ?

Dr: Yes. we can hear the heart beat. Did you hear.

Me: No, was that noise heartbeat?

Dr: Wait I will show you.

Then I hear my baby’s heartbeat. A sign of life. A heart beating inside me.

I cant stop myself from crying. I cant explain my feelings in words. I just cant stop the water rolling down from my eyes.

Dr asks me to get up and wait for reports. With wet eyes I rushed to the washroom to calm myself down. After nearly 10mins I am able to control myself and come out . I come out and wait to show the reports to the doctor.

But it was very tough to control the emotion. I want to shout. talk to everyone close to me and express what I just heard in the scan room. I heard my baby. I have another heart beating within me. Another soul in me. I am loving this. More than anything

This is most precious in my life. My baby you are 6week 3 days old today. I have to wait another 34 weeks to see you. Till then I have to nourish you and take care of you while you are within. Love you my baby!! ❤

Posted in Pregnancy

Some Bleeding

Posted on by Mirchi

11 Nov 2018, Sunday

We, Me and my Husband,go somewhere outside every Sunday.Our sunday goes like this:  a dinner, movie and some late night drive. Its kind of a ritual for out sunday dates. But, since we are pregnant, now I avoid eating outside food. Now we stick to the rule some basic shopping if required, movie, short drive and then dinner back home.

This Sunday was not a normal Sunday, when both of us wouldnt work. He had to go for some important dealings. He anticipated to be free by early evening. So, like every sunday, we decided we will go out for a movie in the evening once he is back from meeting.

All was good. I had to plan for a movie show now.

After he went for work I had my lunch and played with my 4 year old nephew for sometime. Then made him sleep with me. Later, for some reason, I wasnt feeling sleepy that time. So I started looking for movies shows available tonight. Then I called up my mom for a chit-chat. After a short discussion, I put her on hold  as I had an urge to pee.

As I went to the washroom and lowered on the pot, I was totally shocked.  I noticed some spots on underwear. I panicked. I had no idea why there is spotting. This kind of vaginal discharge only happens to me on 6-7th day of periods. I am pregnant. I was not supposed to have any blood coming out. I came back and informed this to mom who was still on hold, even she panicked. This shouldnt have happened. I hung up the call . I told mom that, I have to call up my gynecologist immediately to consult and then call her back.

Unfortunately, my doctor was on leave, as it was Sunday. Her assistant asked me to drop a message, saying that doctor shall reply when she notices it. I did as asked. I had no idea what to do. I didnt want to think anything negative about my baby’s existence. Moreover, my 5week’s scan had no fetal pole.

I didnt want to bother my husband by this mishap.  He was into something very important. Then I decided to call up my best friend, who is in another state. She is a mother of 3 year old and had a miscarriage earlier. I thought she might be able to support me. But even she disconnected. It was sunday, she would have been busy with family.

I texted my friend and , shocked by the message, she immediately called me back. She suggested me to consult doctor immediately, and to be on complete rest. She also asked me to lie down with legs raised, possibly with 2-3 pillows beneath the legs and none or just one below head and neck. I followed her. I tried to make minimal movement. I tried to calm myself down and sleep.

When I woke up there was no further blood.  I felt a bit relieved. I had read on internet that heavy bleeding is a sign of miscarriage. Some brown discharge may be some old blood coming out or a sign of egg implantation. I kept myself optimistic.

After sometime I got a message from Gynaec suggesting to take rest and go for  a USG.

By the time it was evening and my husband came home. We were not in mood to go out anywhere. He was tired and came little late than expected. I told him about spotting, even he panicked then I asserted that it was just mild and happened once in afternoon. It could be some old blood. We couldnt decide whether we should go a USG at this stage or not. Last time there was no fetal pole and next scan was due after 5 days. we decided to wait. But somehow, in my mind, I wasnt convinced, also I noticed some spotting next morning.

Next day onwards I was on full rest. I wasnt allowed to do any house chores until 3 months of pregnancy. We got a househelp to help us with chores. Although I was on rest, my entire day was restless. In the evening, I told my husband, we should go for the scan and not take any risk. We should do as suggested by the doctor.

We decided and I booked an appointment next day for Early pregnancy Scan.

 

Posted in Pregnancy

No Fetal Pole (My First Scan)

Posted on by Mirchi

6th November 2018, Tuesday

I was damn excited to see what’s happening inside my abdominal area. To assure the belief that there is a live human developing inside my womb. It was a festive season. A day prior to Diwali, Chhoti Diwali.

We had been for scan on previous day as well but a male doctor was available in hospital. I wasnt aware of the fact that there would be a male doctor, neither is was informed to come with full bladder. USG scan was supposed to be done by  a stick kind of a tool attached to a huge machine by rotating it over the lower abdomen. It is done on a full bladder (I was supposed to control my pee and store it in bladder before coming for scan) .

So, when the doctor started performing the test over the stomach, there was no clear image on screen. Then he suggested to get scan done internally. Internal scan is done by inserting something in the vagina. I was asked to change for that. But we were not comfortable with the male doctor, and decided to get scan done whenever we get a female doc.

Now I want to mention, further details of this jncident, so that everyone knows how some doctors nowadays want to steal money out of patient’s pocket and how rude mine was. Before the scan doctor asked “how do you know you are pregnant? ” ‘High level of BHCG can be an ectopic pregnancy some malignant tissue as well” He kept on saying that. He made us really scared. Moreover, when we refused for vaginal scan, male doctor said “if you are not ready, I will do the SCAN over the stomach only and give the as it is”(which was unclear). There was no point in getting unclear images, even he knew that. He just wanted us to get scan done by him and get his share of money.

I returned back hime and started aggressively searching for other diagnostic centres with female doctors. Unfortunately, all female doctors were on leave until Diwali was over. Suddenly I came across a centre where female doctor was available, but only in the evening time, next day. Next day we had Chhoti Diwali puja in the evening. The rituals take around an hour. Somehow I insisted at the centre to give us late appointment and they were nice to agree.

6th November, Tuesday Evening.

We performed Diwali puja. I was getting repeated calls from the diagnostic centre as we were getting late and doctor was waiting only to see me. We rushed as soon as the pooja was over. I was all excited, dressed up nicely in skirt and long Kurta, indo ethnic look.

After lots of paper formalities before USG, it was time for scan. Again Nothing was seen at over the stomach scan. I had to prepare myself for internal one. I thought it would pain, but once she started I was very comfortable and felt tickle inside.😂🙈

Finally the scan was clear. There was some black empty bag and inside which a white color cucumber shape (that’s how I explained 4yr old nephew) something. That one was Yolk sac. But no fetal pole. Radiologist said she cant see any baby. We got scared again. ‘Was the male doctor right? May I not be pregnant?’ I thought. I asked the same to doctor. To this Doctor asserted that high BHCG is 99% in pregnancy only. There are almost extremely rare chances ;close to nil for any disease or ectopic pregnancy. I was bit relieved. Doctor also mentioned that she could see some dot which might be the egg/ baby, but she cant affirm it.

I was worried but hoping for the best. It was an early scan only. Done at exactly 6 weeks of missed period. Sometimes baby is seen at 8 weeks also (as per information on internet.)

We showed the reports to doctor and even she said sometimes baby is seen later and suggested scan after 1 week.

I was bit relieved but desperate to see the LIFE INSIDE ME 🙂

Posted in Pregnancy

Breaking the News to Family

Posted on by Mirchi

So, yesterday when we got to know about us being pregnant we visited to see a gynecologist and obstetrician  to confirm and consult.

First she congratulated us and then wrote a blood test for BetaHCG and another TSH test for Thyroid. We took the test in Afternoon. I was damn scared for the blood test. I have some phobia with those needles. The idea of getting pricked knowingly scares the shit out of me. My husband was there to support me throughout. After lots of encouragement from him I gathered courage and gave blood samples. After the test we went to our respective offices.

That day after 5PM, I couldnt work again. Was waiting for the results eagerly and imagining family’s reactions. I was worried of having thyroid as I am bit overweight.

8PM I got reports in my email after follow ups at the diagnostic centre. All normal it seemed. TSH was lil high than the reference range mentioned. but Yeah! existence of a life inside me was confirmed.🤗😊

GOSH!

Now time to break the news next day. Daddy had decided not the celebrate his birthday this year as my mother in law passed away few months ago😢. So we thought to present him the gift in the morning itself. We wrapped the gift and put a card on top of it. My Hubby was very skeptical if Daddy would read the card or not, and if he reads will he decode the message.

the Card read: “Happy Birthday Dear Dadaji. See you in nine months”.

31st Oct 2018. Wednesday

Daddy usually doesnt read cards. We presented the gift to Daddy. I was doing my regular puja (prayers) and waiting for reaction at the same time. Daddy just flipped the card and went ahead to open the gift. Then, my partner prompted him to read the card.

When he read completely he had a silent yet a smile worth million dollars. We asked, did you get it. “He said yes.” Then Bhaiya and Bhabhi (brother in Law and sister in law) also read it.

I started getting all the pampering and mostly instructions of what not to do. No washing clothes, not bending, not heavy weight lifting (not even light), and many more. I was blushing all the time and couldnt take all the attention.

 

Now the big task for me was to hide it from my mom and dad till we give them the surprise on my DAD’s birthday 8th November.

Posted in Pregnancy

Announcing to the DADDY

Posted on by Mirchi

29th Oct, Monday

I got the positive result on pregnancy test strip. But this was an afternoon test. I wanted to be double sure before announcing to Daddy. I had the intuition. its THE NEWS this time. I prepared a small note and kept one strip and note in a box. I will give this in the morning when the test result is positive again.

The night was too long. I woke up at 4AM.

30th OCt 2018, Tuesday.

I cant sleep. Probably its the eagerness to do the test. Oh No, its just 4AM . I should sleep some more, else my day will be ruined- no energy, sleeping entire day. Nah! I cant sleep. Every 10 mins I am looking at the time. Hubby also wakes up by my constant changing of sides. Suddenly its 5AM. It’s enough now. My urine would be concentrated. I cant control. I took the strip from the cupboard and went to the washroom. Yes! the strip is pink. but light pink. Now what does that mean? My I pregnant or not. I was confused yet confident. I came out. He thought my periods must have started and I was looking for napkins. He asked me and went to the loo without an answer. Meanwhile, I was preparing his gift box for the announcement. Then Suddenly I notice the strip showed dark pink lines. YAY!!

I decided to sleep again and give the box when he wakes up properly. We were trying to sleep again but couldnt. Around 6.30 PM

Me: When will you start work out?

Him: yea soon (says casually)

Me: Please. I have a gift for you, that might motivate you to work out.

Him: What did you get. Earphones, Fitness watch.

Me: Keep guessing. You will see and know.

So you want it now or later.

Him: What is it give me. Anyways we aint sleeping.

I hand over the box to him. He was very casual. Obviously he didnt expect it to be so big.

He read the top note: “Only one of us should have pot belly, so start working out.”

He: What does that me. So you start. Even you have some tummy showing .

Me: look Inside.

He: what is it? speaker, earphone,

He opens

What!!! Really

We hugged and I started crying out of happiness.

We decided to see a doctor and confirm clinically and then announce the to be Grandpa on his birthday!!

 

Posted in Pregnancy

The Curiosity!

Posted on by Mirchi

29th Oct 2018, Monday

I wasnt feeling quite normal  since last Sunday. My periods were due for 25th October. Hmm, PMS started already- mood swings, uneasiness, nausea, abdominal pain. I was sure, in next 2-3 days the monthly monster is about to meet me. I was waiting, checking every hour since last sunday. Now, it was 25th October, nothing happened yet. Another 3 days and no sign. Nausea feeling continued. Sunday, 28th October, I decided enough of waiting and checking and regular intervals. I need to stop in now.

“Dear Monthly monster, If you dont see me by tomorrow, I will go ahead for the test. ” I decided on Sunday to take a test by tomorrow.

This was the time I started getting an intuitive feeling. There’s some news awaiting for everyone.

Today, 29th Oct, I went to office, with regular ab pain, sick feeling, with curiosity. While heading to office in Vashi, I decided to stop at nearby medical and get the Pregnancy test Strips. The store had “I-can” brand. I took two and went to office. After lots of google research i figured out process of test. Every post said its better to test in Morning. Gosh! I cant wait till that time. I went to the washroom around afternoon and decided to take a test. But I failed in figuring it out. I called up my friend to know the process and then tried again after an hour. Yes!! I saw two pink lines. dark enough. First I couldnt believe, and then wanted to announce to the would be PAPA, NANA NANI and everyone. But then I calmed myself down. “You should take another test. Morning test are more accurate. Lets go with that.”

It was a difficult day for me. Butterflies in my stomach. I couldnt do any work at office. Just wanted the day to get over soon and morning to arrive. !