my mother in law and i went to see my OB yesterday. when he measured my belly he said, "i think you're pregnant!" ya think??? lol... i measured 42 weeks!!! ( if i was carrying one baby)
my blood pressure was great 117/76 and i'm weighing in at 190.8lbs!!!! (45 lbs gained so far) we also had a chance to hear the babies heartbeats and everyone sounded nice and healthy!!! i go back to the OB friday nov 13th.
my next appt with the high risk doc is thursday nov 5th. we'll get to see how much the babies weigh.... i can't wait to see how much they've grown in 4 weeks. he will also preform a BPP test. The biophysical profile combines an ultrasound evaluation with a nonstress test (NST) and is intended to determine fetal health during the third trimester. This test is performed if there is a question about fetal health and well being resulting from either an examination, maternal/fetal symptoms, or if the pregnancy is considered high risk.
How is a BPP Performed?
There are two parts to the BPP, a Non-stress Test (NST) and an ultrasound evaluation.
The NST involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate, and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement are measured for 20-30 minutes. If the baby does not move for a time during the test, it does not mean there is a problem; the baby may be asleep. A nurse may use a small “buzzer” to wake the baby for the remainder of the test.
The ultrasound portion of the test is like any other obstetrical ultrasound performed during pregnancy and is performed by a qualified ultrasound technician who is usually overseen by a perinatologist. The ultrasound may take up to an hour, and the technician will watch for a variety of signs that are important in measuring the health of your baby.
What does the BPP look for?
Usually, five specific fetal attributes are studied and “scored” during the BPP:
Biophysical Attribute
Normal
Abnormal
Breathing
1 breathing episode within 30 minutes
No breathing episodes within 30 minutes
Movement
2 or more movements within 30 minutes
less than 2 movements within 30 minutes
Muscle Tone
1 or more episodes of active extension/flexion of limbs, etc. (i.e. opening and closing a hand).
Slow extension/flexion of limbs, partially open fetal hand, etc
Heart Rate
2 or more episodes of reactive heart rate acceleration within 20 min
1 or more episodes of unreactive heart rate acceleration
Amniotic Fluid
1 or more adequate pockets of fluid
Either no pockets or inadequate pockets of fluid
The total score will help decide the overall health and well being of your baby and help your doctor or midwife determine if your baby should be born sooner than planned.
What are the risks and side effects to the mother or baby?
The BPP is a non-invasive test that poses no known risks or side effects to the mother or baby. Although it should be noted that some concern has been raised on ultrasounds that are done for lengthy periods of time.
the babies are sooooooo active these days!! i should see if i can get a video of them moving in my belly!!! you can see them from the outside..... it's sooooo crazy! best feeling in the world!
i will keep ya posted!!!
