6.4 weeks: The First Ultrasound Scan and Heartbeat

I did not have a good experience at this clinic.  From the moment that the nurse had ascertained that this is my first visit to the clinic, she had gone all out to sell the gynae care package, she didn’t even stop when I had firmly responded that I would like to consult with the doctor first.  She stopped only after being told that “I’m experiencing bleeding, I want to make sure that this is a normal pregnancy first.”

The bill for this first visit was a total of $176.  $80 for consultation, $80 for ultrasound scan, and the remaining for the gynae-prescribed vitamins.

Another nurse did a weight and height measurement as well as a blood pressure test.  She had also inquired on whether my bladder was full.  It seems like for the first trimester, in order to have a clear visual display of my baby, we need to go for ultrasound with a full bladder!  Argh, I’d just emptied my bladder in the morning.  She quickly gave me 2 cups of water which I hurriedly drain.

The doctor had come into the clinic late although the operation hours of the clinic starts from 9:30a.m.  The nurse had quickly explained that it was due to his visiting a patient at the hospital.  I was the first to consult with the doctor for the day although there was already a queue of patients, all of whom already have an appointment with him.  (I wonder whether the fact that I’m not yet hostage through the package had anything to do with my being first.)

After being told of my symptoms and inquiring on my medical history, he had also gone on to inquire on my employment history.  I find that a little discomfiting, but no matter, I have a goal in being there.

He quickly brought me to the ultrasound machine.  And there, right there on the screen, snuggled safely in my womb, is the gestation sac with the hint of my baby right there.  It’s not ectopic!  I was relieved.

First ultrasound Image - 5-7 weeks

But what really moved me and my dear husband (DH) was when the doctor brought the doppler device near to my tummy and suddenly, clear as day, we hear the strong, rhythmic heartbeat ringing clear, at 116bpm.  Unmistakably, my invisible baby hidden within me…. is alive… 

I felt awed that within me, is a life, God’s creation, being knitted meticulously.  How miraculous is life, and the mother’s body in supporting that life!  May God make him wonderfully and keep him healthy and strong.

I will go for a 2nd checkup (probably with a different gynae) in 2 weeks time, to confirm my probable estimated due date (EDD) since the ultrasound scan was not clear as my bladder was not full and the doctor was only able to estimate the pregnancy progress as either 5-7 weeks.  Hee, I’m a surprised mother, I’ve never really kept track of my period dates or monitored my basal body temperature.  So, I’m leaving it up to technology to estimate my due date!

In the meantime, this visit made me recall this song that I really enjoy.  May you enjoy it too. 

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