ultrasound at 36wks

I am happy to see this same question on the internet since this is precisely what my case is.

My baby is already 8lbs and I'm only 36 weeks, will my doctor induce me?

Click on the question to see the answers to this.

Our doctor wants our baby out on the 38th week.

The ultrasound showed that there's a cord coil.

(would update this post next time...)

Pregnancy Week 36

By pregnancy week 36, the baby tends to weigh around 5.9 pounds and is around 18.6 inches in length or even longer in some cases. The baby continues to focus on adding to its body weight till the time of its actual delivery. There have been some theories that state that the baby may actually be able to trigger the onset of labor and one such theory claims that on account of the baby's brain having matured, it sends certain signals to the fetal adrenal glands which then begin to secrete a hormone that tends to alter the metabolism of progesterone and estrogen thereby resulting in labor. Another theory proposed by researchers is that the baby's lungs emit signals which indicate that they are mature and ready. Additionally they also release enzymes that in turn release prostaglandins that are known to aid the ripening of the cervix and uterus contraction.

In case your doctor recommends a check up, when you are in your 36th week of pregnancy, it is quite normal for him or her to conduct a 36 weeks pregnant ultrasound test too. An ultrasound is a great way to view the images of your baby, within the womb. This procedure is especially useful to a doctor, who can monitor your baby's growth and development. On average, the desirable weight for a baby, during the 36 weeks pregnancy ultrasound, should be 5.78 pounds, which is 2,622 grams and the ideal height should be 18.66 inches, which is 47.4 centimeters. The ultrasound will also let your doctor know if your baby has moved into the birthing position or not.

There are several ways in which a 36 weeks pregnant ultrasound could be beneficial for you too. Viewing images of your baby even before he is born will help forge an early, yet strong bond between you and your baby. You can see if your baby moving around or sleeping within the womb. In case your baby is below the normal recommended weight, you can try to change your diet and include more protein rich foods, so that you can increase your baby's weight. Some parents also find out the gender of the unborn baby, so that they are better prepared. There are some people, who question the safety and reliability of the ultrasound procedure and wonder if it could cause any harm to the mother or the baby. However, ultrasounds have been conducted for decades now and there is no evidence to prove that it can cause any harm to either the child or the mother. In fact, in some rare cases, doctors may even recommend that you go in for a 36 weeks pregnant 3D ultrasound test, especially if the doctor suspects any complications.

A 3D ultrasound is quite different from a regular ultrasound. The images of the baby that are captured by a 3D ultrasound procedure are from 3 angles. This allows both you, as well as the doctor to view images of the baby, that are much clearer. In fact, when a 3D ultrasound is conducted after 26 weeks, you may also be able to see the features of your baby quite clearly. Unfortunately, in spite of the fact that this procedure helps strengthen the bond between the parents and the child, there are several people that do not go in for it, mainly because of the cost factor. 

ultrasound: 21 weeks AOG

Posted as promised!

These are the clearest shots that our OB sonologist got.

His right forearm was over his face most of the time... he didn't move it away when our OB was taking still photos. So, that was the clearest one that we've got.

His nose is already projecting. Our OB even described it as "matangos" looking over Dennies and I to see if from whom he got it.

His chin is also prominent and I am really trying to think whose facial contour he got. He reminded me a lot of Jobbie, my little bro, though. (Maybe because he was the only baby that I had really cared for in a long period... or that I miss my not-so-baby brother a lot & he's birthday's upcoming.)

But his face's shape could easily be from Dennies too or mine. :)

biparietal diameter (head), right; femur, left
The other one is of the head (at right) and the femur (at left) which is the longest bone in our body (that is the one in our thighs). These two measurements would give the doctor an estimate on the expected date of delivery.

This is the photo of his heart when the OB sonologist was assessing his cardiac functions. The two hollow spaces are 2 of the 4 heart chambers since this is on the lateral side. And the other hollow space, beside the 2, is probably the stomach. All the measurements from the ultrasound got us close to July 30 with an allowance of 2 weeks prior or later, which correlates to our 1st trimester ultrasound as well as with my last menstrual period.

ultrasound: 2nd trimester

The second trimester starts at the end of 12 weeks AOG (age of gestation).

I had mine at 21 weeks AOG which is a common time to get one since the baby's gender can be readily determined. And yes, since the family has had enough time guessing if the baby's a girl or a boy. And also, there is the pressing need to start buying baby stuffs and accessories by the 6th month where in knowing the baby's gender would come in handy.

But could gender be determined at a much earlier time?

In order to be certain the sonologist  should reassure himself that he actually sees the penis and scrotum in the case of a boy and the labia in the case of a girl. The absence of the penis must not be taken as sufficient evidence of the fetus being a girl. The 3-lines sign which denotes the labia in the fetus is a very valid and accurate indication of the female gender (at right). Most of the time one should be able to tell the sex of the baby by about 20 weeks and very often even at sixteen. With modern equipment, the diagnosis can be made even as early as 11 to 12 weeks (at right). On the other hand, as the correct visualization of any fetal part depends of a host of factors such as fetal position, amount of fluid and thickness of the abdominal wall.

The pictures here are not from my own ultrasound but ones i got from the internet.

The one on top is at 21weeks AOG which shows the baby thumb sucking which one of their common activity as in these times, reflexes are already present to help them survive life outside the womb.

In my own ultrasound, the spine is also evident and in place and during the 20-24wks of gestation, the baby undergoes a fast growth which would require a lot of vitamins and minerals essential for it.
Our OB emphasized on Calcium and Iron and had prescribed supplements for me since it was not uncommon  for pregnant women to loose teeth during this period due to calcium deficiency nor develop iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

The OB also checked out the baby's cardiac activity. The normal heart rate at this time is at 120 to 160 beats per minute. His heart valves are already working in sync!

Also, the placenta is already in place. It is good that I don't have a low lying placenta or placenta previa which would cause common labor complications like bleeding and/or the need for a Ceasarean section.

ultrasound: IT'S A BOY!

we had an ultraound last saturday... IT'S A BOY! I'd post a better picture of this one soon. Anyway, my husband and I were so amazed that our baby waved to us during the procedure. It's priceless! It would have been better if it were recorded. but it was too late when i learnt that our OB sonologist could have had recorded the whole procedure. next time... I'd definitely remember to remind her to press the record button. I hope that Baby Joram would be awake on my 3rd trimester ultrasound... maybe he'll give us more than a wave next time. a somersault maybe? or a flying kiss would definitely do! His facial contour is also evident, and his chin appeared prominent during the ultrasound although it is not quite clear on this print. He had his hand over his face most of the time. He also had his foot crossed over the other... i need to see whose mannerism this is. And he likes rubbing his right hand to his left in such a cute way! We are indeed excited and waiting for you, baby Joram Anthony! Thanking God in the blessing of love and family! Thank you so much, Lord!