This morning we were happy to view, ooh, and ahh over this image:

That there is the baby I am currently carrying and we are in love. The ultrasound was about 45 minutes of measurements and showing off. The baby waved to us, blew some bubbles, and did some acrobatics.

At the end of the fun I asked “So, where is the placenta? I’m just curious.” I have no idea what lead me to ask that question. Then the mood changed a little bit.

Apparently I have a total previa- where the placenta is covering my cervix completely. Since I am only 19 weeks, it is very possible this will correct itself as my uterus stretches and the placenta grows. I will have at least one more ultrasound, sometime after 28 weeks, to check on the status. I have strict instructions to leave the heavy lifting to other people and call the doctor immediately if I experience any bleeding. If it doesn’t correct itself we could be looking at a planned c-section (which, according to a book I own, only happens in about 10 percent of previas caught early).

I found it funny when the ultrasound technician told me not to look it up on the internet, because she said I could be scared. I didn’t tell her about a recent Law & Order episode where a kidnapped pregnant woman died because she had placenta previa.

Also, I’m feeling pretty good about this. It explains why I am constantly peeing, unlike anything I experienced first trimester. And it also explains why I always feel pressure and heaviness when I stand up. And since we caught it early, I’ll be appropriately monitored to ensure the best outcome.

A friend of mine, Amanda S. won the ebay auction and she is opting to keep the baby’s sex a secret for now. Congratulations Amanda!

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