Amniocentesis

Absolutely hated having this done! Got to the doctors really early and had to pee really badly. Had to wait though. I finally got called after waiting 20 minutes. Had my weight checked (still didnt change since yesterday), blood pressure done, and temp taken, the usual normal check in procedures done. Finally walked over to one of the rooms to get started. Pull my shirt up, the warm jelly goes on my belly and the ultrasound began! Tony always gets to peek at the screen before i do but its okay because he always asks questions and it makes me happy. She printed out a photo for us and told me i was to go next door for the amniocentesis. Really? I thought it was all going to be done in there.

They finally let me go pee after the first ultrasound. I was relieved. Tony and i sat outside the door for the doctor to finish. 20 minutes later, it was our turn. The nurse tells me to take all my clothes off and put two gowns on, lay on the bed, and put the sheet over me. Okie dokie. No problemo. Did all that and the doctor came in. She started talking about how she was going to do everything. She had me lay back down and raised the bed. Pull the gown back up and the jelly back on my tummy. She wanted to see where the baby was laying first and to look for a good pocket to get fluid out of. Tony got to peek at the screen. She pushed a button on the screen that added different colors to and Tony got kind of excited about it and asked what that was for. Apparently it shows the blood flow through the baby and my stomach. Wish i could have peeked at the screen to see that one.

The doctor found a good spot to get the fluid out of and she told me she was going to prep me now. This weird yellow-brown gooey stuff started going on my belly and it felt like she used a sponge clean my entire tummy with. She did this a few times. i looked down and asked if it was the same stuff they use to clean before a cesarean and she giggled and said yes. I recognized it from watching different shows. She said we were almost ready and started putting the paper towels over my legs, over my chest, and another over the top part of my belly. From this point i was just staring at the ceiling getting so nervous. She put a little bit more jelly over my tummy and checked where she was going to insert the needle again. I REALLY did not want to see the needle at all. She gave the okay and put the ultrasound wand down and started prepping the needle. All i heard after was "you're going to feel a prick in 3-2-1".

OMG! The pain! The first few seconds with the needle werent too bad. But then, I could feel the fluid coming out. She explained to me earlier about a reversal pressure and oh boy thats what i was feeling. It almost feels like getting a lot of blood drawn. My body wanted to cringe and my eyes filled with tears. I had to breath through my mouth so i wouldnt hold my breath. I stayed really tense though. I tried to relax, but every time she would change the tube, i could feel the needle move. She kept reassuring me i was doing good and Tony kept rubbing my head and saying "almost done but it looks really cool." I had to keep reminding myself that i am doing it all for the baby.

Finally after 3 tubes of fluid were taken, we were done. Gave my deep breath and the needle came out. I was so glad it was finally over! They cleaned my belly off a little and put more jelly to check on the baby. This time, she turned the screen towards me and i got to see our little one! She showed me where the fluid came out from, and how far the baby was from it. Made me feel at ease about it. We asked if she could see the sex of the baby and she could!! We are having a baby GIRL!! So excited! I didnt care about the amniocentesis at all anymore. They cleaned my stomach off and i was all done. The doctor left the room and the nurse showed me all the tubes of fluid. She explained to me they were the perfect color and said its really all the baby's urine. She went over all the precautions and told me i had to take it easy for a few days and i wait to be called for the results. (We were checking for any other issues with the baby). We will find out the results within two weeks. I was finally done and ready to leave! I was excited to tell everyone the big news!!