If you’re on Instagram then you know we were tossing back and forth the idea of doing an amnio. I asked the question : “Have you had one or are you considering one?” Most responses were that people had not done them and further they would not do one.  A few people who have done PGD said they would do one if earlier tests suggested something was wrong but that they wouldn’t “risk it” if everything had been okay up to this point. Mike and my OB both felt that we should do one to double check our PGD results. I however, was scared of miscarriage.

Crazy? Maybe, but let’s first talk about what an amnio is.

What is an amnio?

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that allows your healthcare practitioner to gather information about your baby’s health from a sample of your amniotic fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds your baby in the uterus.

The most common reason to have an “amnio” is to determine whether a baby has certain genetic disorders or a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome.”

What is the risk of miscarriage from Amnio?

The risk of miscarriage due to amniocentesis is low. Because a certain percentage of women will end up miscarrying in the second trimester anyway, there’s no way of knowing for sure whether a miscarriage following an amnio was actually caused by the procedure.

Estimates vary, but according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the loss rate from the procedure is as low as 1 in 300 to 500 — and perhaps even lower if the doctor or center has a lot of experience performing amnios. – from Baby Center

I have been a little bit of a crazy person when it comes to getting this amnio. At our last OB appointment I asked how long after the amnio would I know if I miscarried? My OB smiled and said usually 24 hours. I worried day and night about if doing this procedure would cause harm to my baby. After I posted the question on Instagram I started crying and got really upset with worry. Mike (bless his heart…and his amazing patience) said “You worrying about this is enough reason not to do it.” What a gem. He made me feel so much better and I have to admit a part of me was only doing it because he had said we should.

I called and called the amnio the next day. I realize that the baby probably would have been fine and I may have overreacted but the bottom line is, we would use these results to prepare. I do not want the next few months to be worrisome and stressful. If we are meant to have a baby with a genetic or chromosomal issue then we will find out after she is born.

17 Week Re-cap (this is re-capping the last week, I’m actually 17 weeks 6 days now)

How far along? 17 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 8 lbs but I haven’t weighed myself for two weeks. I like the Dr. to do it, it’s a fun surprise at each visit.  Next appointment tomorrow!
Maternity clothes? Everyday all day.
Stretch marks? No, but I can feel my skin/muscles stretching.
Sleep: Some nights better than others, but overall good.
Best moment this week: I think I felt my first little flutter!
Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything?  D.E.L.I  M.E.A.T.
Movement:i think so!
Food cravings: Mmmm…deli meat.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Strong smells…
Have you started to show yet: Yes… a tiny bump. 

Labor Signs: No

Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.
Looking forward to: Seeing our little lady at our appointment.

xo