Final Update on Emdrew's Umbilical Cord Issue?

A. and I went to get another ultrasound from the Perinatologist / Maternal-Fetal Health Specialist this afternoon to monitor the baby's growth and umbilical cord insertion. Incidentally, my OB was also at the hospital, and someone must have informed her that we were there because she wandered in during my ultrasound. It was comforting to me that both doctors were able to look at the same screen and talk about what they were seeing.

The consensus: it seems that this kid and I are making the best of our situation. Phew! Although the cord is pretty clearly velamentous (see my "Not Good News" post for an explanation), the placenta and cord have moved well away from the cervix. This means that the cord is not at increased risk of rupturing when my water breaks.

And most importantly, the cord has not yet failed to supply the baby with an adequate blood supply. The doctor estimated that she currently weighs a whopping 4 pounds and 4 ounces, which is very average for her age. My OB and I were somewhat concerned by the fact that I hadn't gained much weight in recent weeks, but it hasn't apparently slowed bambina down at all. The Perinatologist just chided A. for not taking me out often enough and sent us on our way.

We promptly feasted on Indian food and headed home to prepare for a full weekend of childbirth classes (to which A. is thoroughly looking forward). My sense is that I won't be having any extra ultrasounds, and that this pregnancy will be regarded as largely normal from here on. Hooray! Now to get the next six to nine weeks over with...

Oh yeah, the ultrasound technician also showed A. and I that QM is working on a nice little crop of head hair. I'm sure she'll rub it all off in no time, but hey, hair's nice. Bets on the color, anyone?