Week 16

Not much to report on me for now. The week was pretty uneventful. I only had one thing happen that really just made my blood boil. We had discussed whether or not to do any genetic testing, which Chris and I had told the doctor several times we didn't want to have any testing done.

So at my last appointment, on April 1st, the doctor was looking at my chart and she says, "I see you haven't had a TB test." No, I haven't. So she says, "Okay, I am going to order that..." She continues looking at my chart and says, "Why do I feel like your blood work has holes in it?" Which wouldn't have been the first time that was messed up. My first appointment, I was supposed to get a full work up called a prenatal blood panel. Apparently they didn't get everything they were supposed to and I have had to go back several times for multiple blood draws because of their mistakes.

Anyway my doctor tells me she is going to order another blood test. She leaves and the nurse comes in to give me the TB test and tells me to go wait in the waiting room until the lab calls me back. I go get my blood drawn, and Chris and I leave the office.

Come Saturday afternoon I check the mail and I get a letter from the California Department of Health. I open it and, lo and behold, I find that my doctor had ordered a genetic test!!! Without my permission!! Not only that, but for the second time she did not have my due date correct and the test was useless because it was not ordered during the right time frame of this pregnancy!! I was LIVID! How am I supposed to trust this doctor with my life and my baby's life? Needless to say I called the office as soon as I could and demanded to be switched to a new doctor. I did not want to see this one anymore. The staff was very sweet and understanding and got me switched to a new doctor without any problems. Arg! *sigh*

Anyway here is Baby G's update —

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Baby G is now about 5 in. and weighs about 3.5 oz (100 g). The size of a rubber ducky! The baby's circulatory system will be fully functioning this week. Baby can grasp, kick and even somersault and stick its feet in the mouth! Movement can be felt easily starting this week. Mommy and Daddy better watch what they say … as the ossicles (the bones that pass sound to the inner ear) have hardened and the portion of the brain that receives signals from the brain is under development. Your baby is getting used to the sound of your heartbeat and blood passing through the umbilical cord, but may be startled by loud noises. Your baby is aware of some things in the outside world, including sounds and light. If you let the sun shine on your belly, your baby may be able to perceive a warm red glow. From now on, baby may start to get the hiccups every once in a while, triggered by the involuntary movements of his diaphragm. Fat begins to form underneath skin, providing baby with insulation for the coming months. The ears and eyes have now moved to their final positions and are fully formed.