Well we've just got back from our second 20 weeks scan and this one..., well
what a difference a 4D scan makes. From the moment we walked in we were put
at our ease, and as the scan progressed every single worry and fear that we'd
had from the 1st scan last week just disappeared.



First pass showed a 'textbook' developed heart, switching modes on the scan
even allowed us to see the blood flowing with each beat of the little heart
that is being played over the speakers.



Second pass showed perfectly developing kidneys, again switching between
modes showed the flow between the two to be exactly as you would want.



Third pass was the spine - after the 1st scan we'd had last week we were
worried - not a problem, a perfectly formed spine enclosed in the little
body.



Fourth pass was the brain, and it was spot on the money, a quick change of
scan mode and we could see the two lobes 'firing' together. The doc looks up
gives us a grin and say's he's 99.9% sure that this baby does not have Spina
Bifida.



Huge weight of worry lifts from our shoulders; gets its coat and heads for
the door!!!



Fifth pass, was the measurements, all well within normal development,
although there is a slightly enlarged tummy, but that's genetics for you!
Leg bones and extremities come next - thighs of a gazelle this child has, I'm
telling you this is Olympic material right here. *grin*



I of course am now seeing the scans through tear filled eyes, and when those
little toes appeared on the screen, I nearly lost it completely. Clare is
grinning like a cat that's been given a dairy farm and as the doctor turns
away, his hand moves and.., the gender is revealed.



We always said that we weren't going to ask but if it came up on the scan so
be it, we wouldn't be upset, if nothing else it does make shopping for
clothes colours easier. Now, I'm now doctor, but I unless I've been
grievously misinformed about early female anatomy, July 4th - the projected
birth day - will be my son's independence day!



By now I'm concerned that the grins on our faces are going to spread around
the back of heads and decapitate us.



The scan then goes to 3D.



Oh my god!



Chubby little cheeks, my nose, Clare's eyes and clasping his hands in front
of him, this baby is so perfect that I'm completely dumbfounded. He tries to
hide behind the placenta, but to no avail, the scan follows him until he
gives a grumpy little sneer and rolls his butt at us. We're being mooned by
our unborn child and we could not be happier!



Clare asks why at nearly 21 weeks she hasn't felt movement when the little
beggar is so lively in the scans. It turns out that Clare's pregnancy is
developing with the minimum of nerve endings in the uterus, but she'll feel
movement by the end of next month just because of the size of development.
He then went on to explain that not only is this nothing to worry about, it's
actually a good thing because with less nerve endings comes less labour pain
come the big day.



By now Clare wants to adopt the doctor and I'm feeling quite fond of him
myself.



All through the procedure every little detail was explained to us, every
feature every function every test, every measurement. The complete opposite
of what we'd experienced at the NHS hospital. We've come way walking on air
and with the doctor's advice ringing in our ears. "Relax, enjoy the
pregnancy and the growing life inside you, and prepare for the big day in
the knowledge that everything is exactly as it should be."



That my friends, is something we whole heartedly intend to do.



Thank you all for the posts and emails that supported us through this week,
particularly those who shared their experiences of Spina Bifida. This group
is invaluable and just knowing this world wide pool of support and care is
there is an amazing boon to this sometimes bewildered father to be.



My respect and thanks to you all



Bob