So here's the thing right? Now that Sonia is past 32 weeks, we have been ordered by the OBGYN to go for these so-called non-stress tests 2 times a week. "what is this?",I wondered among the many voices in my head. As much as I can understand it, it seems that the purpose of this non-stress test is to wake the baby out of his precious well justified slumber so that the overworked underpaid nurses can measure his heart rate when he is awake. Why? To see if baby boy is under any pressure or stress as this could tip us off to problems we might need to know about. I THINK I got that right. Sounds good. The thing that has surprisingly awakened the parental rage in me (and Sonia)is that if they don't get the target heart rate they are looking for, THEY TASER MY SON, MAN!!! Alright, alright, they don't exactly taser him, but they do pull out this...this... pitch fork of a vibrating apparatus that they press into Sonias belly. The nurse says it's harmless, but it sounds like the same thing Sonia used on me on our first date when I got too close. They do this to "wake him up". They want his heart rate over 160. He tends to be a mellowed out 145-150. Normal I believe? Anyway, after being prodded, Lil' Xavey (pronounced "Zay-vee")gave nurse Cruella what she wanted, a pist off 165 or so, and Sonia and I left the hospital apologetically rubbing her tum. I guess I get why this has to be done, it's just not easy to witness. All of a sudden, I kind of understand what those psycho fathers must be thinking in those "caught on camera" moments when they run out on the field in the middle of a little league game and start choking out whoever hurt their kid. I know Xavier is fine, and thats the point, but I've also learned something about me. Sonias got about a month, and a half to go, but the father/protector instinct was born today.
Oh yes, we also had our latest ultrasound done today. Little one is about 4 pounds at this point, and he is doing great. Unfortunately, it's hard to get a really good picture of our handsome angels profile at this stage of the pregnancy due to the fact that he's so big now and his head is facing downward into Sonias lower regions. (like that phrasing eh?) At least thats what I THINK the ultrasound technician told us. We could barely understand her because she had an accent like a german interrogator. "Und now, ve vill do yar ulturasownd! STRAP HER DOWN!" Maybe Sonia will agree to let me post the picture they took of his face. The picture looks like a movie poster of a really good japanese horror movie. Xavier is throwing his arms up like he's trying to cover his face and it's just too shadowy to make out his real features. Nurse Helga is a lousy photographer. Oh well, we'll be seeing you in person soon, son.
Fun way to spend the morning. Of course we went out to lunch today.
3 comments:
Yes, Marc and Sonia - We will all make Little Xavey's acquaintance soon. I know he will be as cute as can be! Time is going by quickly now.
Since Nurse Helga is a lousy photographer, will all make up for that when we take our own pictures when Xavey is here! (I like Sweet-pea's nickname.)
Hello, I know that non stress test is hard and all but better that Sonia and the little one have it.
This test can be done in the later stages of pregnancy. It is more frequently used in cases where the mother is going past her assigned due date to ensure fetal well-being. In some cases it is done as a precaution after problems in a previous pregnancy OR because of high risk factors such as diabetes, intrauterine growth, (IUGR), etc.
I know it's a pain but better to know things now and know they are both safe. So much can happen and everyone is different.
I just like knowing all is ok and everything was and has been done instead of something happening and then thinking why didnt the doc do these types of test.
Oh well.
Soon you will see him and all will be good for now just continue to stay healthy.
Love,
Michele
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