There is a woman named CJane, you may know her as she is the sister of everyones favorite blogger NieNie. I think CJane is a fabulous writer and we happen to be due somewhere around the same week, meaning each time she writes about a pregnancy milestone I’m reaching the same one. One of her most recent posts, about ultrasounds, stirred up a storm of controversy. She’s at 20 weeks and she doesn’t think she’s going to get an ultrasound with this baby. Most of the commenters responded in shock, but I felt like I could have written the post myself (if I could write that well of course). If it wasn’t for That Husband I’m not sure I ever would have booked an appointment for my own. I’ve always thought sonogram photos were fun to see from other pregnancies, but I didn’t feel like I needed one emotionally.

After a few rounds back and forth with TH debating the necessity of an ultrasound to see our little one, the appointment was booked. The risks I could come up with from getting one include misdiagnosis (something I’m actually really worried about because it could classify my pregnancy as high-risk and deny me the home birth I so deeply desire) and the possibly unknown side effects from the procedure. When those are weighed against the risk of not getting one and missing a problem which could easily be addressed and solved before the birth logic won out and the appointment was scheduled.

Because I’m using a CPM getting an ultrasound is a bit different than what most experience when using a CNM or a doctor. My midwife doesn’t do them and so I had to contact a physician and set up an appointment. As with most midwives mine maintains a relationship with a doctor she trusts. She refers transfer patients to him (this would happen when complications arise and an out-of-hospital birth is no longer a safe option), and is able to provide her clients with medication, ultrasounds, and other medical options that wouldn’t be a possibility otherwise. I called the office of Dr. Clark, informed them that I was a patient at Gentle Beginnings, and asked to set up an appointment for a 20-week ultrasound.

That Husband was able to drive over with me and I filled out all the standard paperwork you see on a first time visit. I expected my appointment to be with an ultrasound tech, but the doctor walked in and introduced himself, sat down, squirted some warm lube on my belly (all doctors should invest in those warmers), and the baby’s brain popped right up on the screen.

It was…. anticlimatic. Neat, but not magical or incredibly emotional for either TH or myself as I expected it to be. I knew the baby was there. I knew s/he was teeny and tiny and mine and I just didn’t feel like I needed an ultrasound to help me feel more connected. How magnificent that the technology is available to those who need/want it but I won’t be seeking out anymore in the future.

I’ll tell you my favorite part though, watching the little legs kick and squirm. The arms waved, the mouth open and closed, the heart fluttered, but it was the sweet little legs that really won me over.

Baby looks as perfect as a wavy/blurry/virtually indistinguishable photo of a 20 week old being can possibly look, and TH and I can rest assured that all is well. And of course I don’t regret getting the ultrasound as it’s quite fun to have a photo to show to the grandparents. It’s the first grandchild on either side!

Look at that belly! It looks a lot like mine currently does actually.

Baby, you keep that thumb out of your mouth. We don’t want any crooked teeth and tears when we have to wean you off someday.

See those chompers? We’re also hoping for straight teeth. Mommy spends too much money on camera equipment to afford braces for you.

Isn’t this one freaky? It’s a straight on shot of the face and I don’t really like it. Luckily I know that baby will look a lot cuter when s/he makes their debut.

And no we don’t know the sex!

We’re keeping it a surprise because I want baby to be like a nice wrapped up birthday present. (The due date is the same week as my birthday, did you know?)

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