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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

report from the 20-week anatomy scan

Well, today was the anatomy scan.

It went well, but the ultrasound technician made the whole thing a not-so-enjoyable experience that it just wasn't as exciting as I think it could have been.

It was the same ultrasound technician we had the last time. No personality whatsoever, and kept making me feel like something was wrong. She would say what she was scanning, but I couldn't make out anything on the screen, so I would ask a question and she would either be completely unresponsive or answer in such a way that insinuated that something was wrong.

Like, she would very robotically say, "Now I am looking for the four chambers of the heart." And I would say, "Cool! Can you see all four chambers?" hoping that she would say, "1, 2, 3, 4, there they are."

But instead, she just said, "That is what we scan for. The doctor will come in and tell you what we find."

And yes, my baby has four chambers. In fact both of them do. And this lady has been doing this robotic scan for 27 years, I'm pretty sure that she could see all four chambers. And that it wouldn't have killed her to point them out.

And, honestly, lying on my back got to be very uncomfortable after a while. And I tried not to express any discomfort, but it was really really taking forever. When I finally said something very sweetly and apologetically, she acted like I was being extremely unreasonable. I just wanted a quick "bend my knees for two seconds" break!

Ok, I'm such a complainer! Sorry about that.

But, since we already knew the genders of our babies, it was a bit anti-climatic.

We did, however, find out our little girl is 10 ounces, and our little boy is 9 ounces. She is measuring a little bigger at 19 weeks, 5 days, and he at 18 weeks, 6 days. According to my transfer date, I'm actually 19 weeks, 2 days. I should have been using May 16th as due date, but I've been using May 14th, the date i calculated wtih my LMP. Very important details, I know.

oh! She also chastised me for not drinking enough water and was quite rude about that. I have been drinking a lot of water, but I went to the bathroom right before I went in the room. The sign int he bathroom clearly stated, "First trimester patients should have full bladder." But I did not think that applied to me.

She said, "Even if you went to the bathroom, if you had been drinking enough water, there would be something in your bladder. You don't have a single drop in your bladder. And then proceeded to tell me that I was going to go into pre-term labor if i dd int' start drinking more water.

I know I need to drink more water. I will definitely focus on that. but I did not appreciate her tone with me. It was not "serious, but encouraging." It was bitchy and rude.

After she admonished like twelve times, she said, "Because you haven't drank enough water, we are going to have to do an internal cervical exam."

I'm like, "Look lady, I did IVF. You don't scare me with your vaginal wand. That's nothing!" I just thought that, though. Didn't say it.

So, thank God the doctor comes in to be there when she checks my cervix. The doctor is a huge breath of fresh air, so nice, so helpful, so different from Ms. No Personality.

Anyway, my cervix is long and beautiful and closed. All her words. She measured it at 4.21. She said normal is around 4, so it's just fine.

I was very happy to hear that. Stay closed, cervix.

Ok, this post has gone on long enough. Now, to read more blogs!

18 comments:

djordan said...

So glad that it went well even with though the tech wasn't the nicest : )

Unknown said...

hello - I am visiting from ICWL December!
Sorry you tech was bitchy. I have bumped into a few like that in my time - seem all taciturn and then suddenly extremely vocal if they have a chance to shame you. Ack, ugh, like you need that crap.
In any case, glad your doctor is good & your babes are staying put and growing fine.

BB said...

Glad to know everything looked great! The tech I had for my 20 week scan was sooo non-verbose... all the other techs I have had were so lively and energetic about the whole PG deal - but finally what matters is that the scans showed everything is in great condition! And your cervix looks awesome at that measurement! :)

Callie said...

Wow - the tech sounds like a real treat! Nice that she won't give you the slightest hint about how things look but is more than willing to diagnose a risk for pre-term labor!

I must say though, I do think they're in a tough position (not that that excuses rudeness). At my 20 weeks, the tech was chatty and pointed out things along the way...until she didn't. That's when we knew something was wrong. Ultimately, a 2nd tech came in for a look and when I pressed her to tell us what they were looking at, she waffled, but eventually did tell us that there was a concern with the heart. Even though it may have gotten her in trouble, I was grateful she did, because I couldn't have taken being blown off in that moment.

Glad to hear all is well with the bambinos!

Anonymous said...

so sorry the tech was so awful. it could have been so much more exciting if she wouldn't have been so mean.
i'm so glad you're back to blogging and thanks so much for leaving a comment on my blog...so good to hear from you!
merry christmas, gabby!

Michele said...

Sorry you had such a bitchy tech! I was lucky enough to have good techs and I always feel bad when I read stories like yours. Sadness!

But glad the peanuts are doing well! That is wonderful!!! And great cervical measurement!!!

Unknown said...

my ultrasound tech must have moved to your neck of the woods, or maybe she has a twin sister, lol

i wish you a merry christmas !
ICLW hugs!

Kate said...

Ugh... a crappy tech just takes the fun out of everything! Glad you had a good scan overall though. Thanks for stopping by!!

~ICLW

TwinToddlersDad said...

Hello Gabby

Found your blog via ICLW
Sorry to hear about your bad experience at the ultrasound. If you are not already doing so, it might help to have your husband or a friend go with you. You will have someone for support and the Tech will know not to mess with you! Good luck next time.

Good luck in your pregnancy. We too have boy/girl twins, now about 3 1/2 years old.

Enjoy the Holidays

Flower said...

Glad your babies are doing well...I could slap that u/s tech.

Courtney said...

It sounds like a good report, minus Ms. Personality of course. It's funny how just a few people make such a big impression on your experience (like me and the new doctor). And after IVF, you're right, very few things phase me. I'm glad all is well with your little ones!

Megan said...

Sorry your scan was sullied by your technician. I think it is probably hard for them to match our level of enthusiasm doing scans all day every day, but it wouldn't hurt to just be nice.

I have twin boys that turned one in October, and I had a lot of contractions starting at around 24 weeks at which point my doctor discovered I was dilated and put me in the hospital. I can't tell you how many times nurses told me i needed to drink more water even though I was already drinking so much it made me gag, and I didn't appreciate the implications that the contractions were my fault. I feel your pain. By the way, even with all the contractions and early dilation, I ended up being induced at 37 weeks.

I hope the rest of your pregnancy is a breeze!

Anonymous said...

so glad your anatomy scan went well. I've got mine next Wednesday. I remember with the triplets, it was so agonizing to lay through the anatomy scan, because it took FOREVER. My doctor actually had told the sonographer to break it into two appointments so that I wouldn't be stuck on my back for so long and the sonographer was like, "she doesn't know what she's talking about, I can get all three in one session, and mothers want to see all of their babies at once!" She ignored me when I said I'd much prefer not to be in so much pain, so splitting the appointment would be preferable. She just did what she wanted to.

The sonographer technically can't give you diagnostic information (the four chambers are exactly the way they should be), but CAN point out what she's looking at. What she should NOT be doing is giving you medical advice, like, "You'll go into preterm labor if you don't drink enough water."

Dehydration *can* trigger contractions, though not necessarily labor (definition of preterm labor is contractions that result in cervical changes before 37 weeks - you've got to have both elements). But here's the thing - having too full a bladder, particularly with multiples, can *also* put stress on your uterus and trigger contractions. So she needs to shut up.

Plus, at 20 weeks, there's really no good reason to need a full bladder. Also? Transvaginal scan is a much more accurate way to measure your cervix anyway - so it makes sense to do it regardless.

Unknown said...

me wonder woman? ha! it's christmas eve and im still at home making a cake for my bros birthday and then have to go out and START my christmas shopping, lol

my wonder woman powers have depleted lol lol

you are wonder woman!! you are carrying twins!!!

merry christmas hun!!!!!

Half of a Duo, Raising a Duo said...

Forget that chick's personality.

All you should care about is the blessings within your womb and the fact that the babe is healthy and STRONG!

hugs and ICLW.

I am totally barren, would give anything to experience pregnancy, birth and the whole gamut, like you are... my sons are via traditional surrogacy and I waited 20 years to become a mom.

Count your blessings every single day

Lisa Marsh said...

I guess personality isn't one of the criteria the hospital uses for its scanning techs. It's a shame you had that experience. You have to wonder what it's all about; but it certainly isn't personal to you. That is that woman's way of handling emotional situations in a professional context; not allowing herself to get involved at all. It sounds like she takes it too far.

I bet you have never thought of your cervix being "long, beautiful and closed" before, but now you won't be able to get that image out of your head. Isn't it funny what we go through?

Good luck with your daughter and son. I wish you well with the next 20 weeks and beyond.

Lisa (Your Great Life - ICLW#51)

[cre] said...

She sounds like a real winner! But at least you got really good news :)

Congrats on the healthy pregnancy!!!!

ICLW

Pufferfish said...

Hi Gabby,

Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying such sweet things. I hope your twin pregnancy continues to go well and that my blog isn't scaring you.
Do drink up! Dehydration is very serious and can cause complications.
Good Luck and Happy New Year!