Ultrasound Update

8 week babe

This picture above is from the first prenatal appointment at 8 weeks, where Matt was in attendance and we were both able to see the first image of Baby Roth together. It was such a powerful experience that we both will never forget, as we were amazed that this was a life that God helped us create as a couple. Our wonderful nurse practicioner found the heartbeat of the baby quickly and it was at 160 bpm, which is normal at this point in the pregnancy.

Cozy 12 week babe

During my 12 week appointment with my doctor, she use the doppler to take the heartbeat which again showed 160 bpm, just like the previous appointment, which signifies healthy baby! Although this was incredibly exciting to know, I was still curious as to what he/she was looking like at this point. Luckily, I had another appointment immediately after this one at the University of Pennsylvania where I am participating in a NuMom2B study which studies predictors and causes of adverse outcomes during pregnancy and the information will be used to catch problems sooner in the future with new mothers. I am excited to participate for many reasons. One, being that I will be able to help provide information that may save a baby's precious life one day. Two, being that I will receive extra information and ultrasounds of my baby through three appointments that are scheduled when it works for me. Lastly, three, being that I will receive financial compensation for each appointment that I go to and extra compensation for participating in a sleep study portion. So, as mentioned before, I had another appointment after my 12 week appointment with the U of P, which is where I received these incredible ultrasound photos that the research assistant so thoughtfully and carefully took the time to do. It truly is incredible that the first photo at 8 weeks shows our baby to look like a jelly bean and 4 weeks later it has visible arms, legs, hands, fingers, toes, feet, a brain with two hemispheres(!!!), facial features, and the list goes on and on. What is taking place in my body is nothing short of a miracle and for me to be entrusted to take care of this beautiful baby is undeserved. All this to say, I am thankful.

Hi everyone!