Editing Pregnancy (section)

== Third Consultation ==

About a month later, we were onto our third consultation. The gestational age was 20 w which puts us well into the second trimester. By now we should have had our MSAFP results, but as noted above we did not. Nonetheless, off we went to the second trimester ultrasound.

By this time, we're close to the viability lifeline: 24 w. A baby born at this age would be highly unlikely to survive normally, but under the most advanced [[wikipedia:Neonatal intensive care unit|Neonatal intensive care unit]] facilities available here in the US, it is possible to keep them alive until they can take care of themselves. The CPMC facility we are using has a NICU Level 3 and the UCSF hospital nearby is a NICU Level 4.

=== MSAFP Test ===

This was a quick one at the Sutter Health Lab. They draw blood and you're off. We don't have the results yet.

We were told the results may be useful but that it's possible that they're not since we were so close to the 21w cutoff and that the ultrasound is what matters anyway.

=== Second Trimester Ultrasound ===

This one tests for anatomical regularities in most of the body: all the way from the brain down. Pay attention to the previous note about ultrasounds. In our case, this is where it hit us. Our baby was lying curled up and facing her mother's spine. This makes it hard to image her heart, and look at her face.

Julie had eaten about 30 minutes before and we were advised that babies move about a lot more right after eating. If I'm being honest, I have to confess to a moment of terror that she might not be moving but it turns out she was waggling her legs and just liked lying curled up against her mum's spine.

Fortunately, the [[Pregnancy#Foetal Echo Ultrasound|foetal echocardiogram]] covered the heart.

We scheduled a follow-up for later.

=== Pregnancy Registration ===

By this time, you're usually quite well-informed as to whether your child is likely to be healthy and so it's time to register for delivery at the hospital. [https://feedback.sutterhealth.org/f/138976/1b55/?facility=cpmc We registered at the CPMC Van Ness Facility]. [https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pregnancy-childbirth/preparing-for-your-delivery-cpmc Most facilities here seem to offer hospital tours] to familiarize oneself with where one will be going on the crucial day.