Not So Worrisome

I am sorry to have left you all hanging after the last post. The past week has been a whirlwind for me and I dare say I didn't know what to write until after our appointment today.

So, we saw the perinatologist. We first met with a genetic counselor and then we had the ultrasound and then we spoke with the perinatologist after he assessed the results. All in all, the news is good. Regarding the hydronephrosis, what they do is measure the accumulated fluid in the kidney. At the last ultrasound it was measuring 10 mm. At this ultrasound, it was still measuring 10 mm. This means it certainly hasn't gotten any worse. Furthermore, it turns out that 10 mm is not that bad in the grand scheme of things. It is right around the cutoff they use to distinguish normal vs. abnormal. The doctor said that with these circumstances 95% of the cases resolve themselves. He didn't think it was necessary to consult a pediatric urologist. He thought that from here on out, we just continue with normal prenatal care. We just need to make the pediatrition we choose aware of the findings and then after birth, Butterball will have his own ultrasound around 2 weeks of age to check up on the kidneys. I think things couldn't be better at this point.

As for the 2 vessel cord, all is looking well. The single artery has compensated for the lack of its counterpart and is looking large and healthy. One of the big concerns of the 2 vessel cord is that the baby could potentially have growth problems toward the end of pregnancy (which is why we got the last ultrasound in the first place). The doctor said that we absolutely, positively do not have an issue with growth. In fact, Butterball is still measuring 2-3 weeks ahead for growth. He has very long legs and is estimated at about 5 pounds. And that is with (hopefully) 2 more months of growing to do. The doctor said to expect a BIG baby! Of course this was a bit concerning to us even though we are thrilled Butterball (aptly named) is growing well. The doctor did specify we are not talking sumo wrestler and that he estimates Butterball will be in the 8-10 pound range at birth. I suppose only time will tell on that one.

The level II ultrasound did not seem any more exciting than any of the other ultrasounds we have had. They did focus in on the kidneys and heart pretty closely, so that was cool. The technician could not get any good pictures of Butterball's face though. His head is situated quite far down in my pelvis and he is facing my back. I guess he is shy. We did see his hand opening and closing at one point. He was also pretty active and kicked the probe a couple of times. He still has a full head of hair.

I have my 32 week prenatal check up tomorrow so I will get back into the swing of belly pictures and more updates. Thank you all for your good thoughts after my last post.