We ended up with some unexpected ultrasound pictures today, which was a treat. As you can see, the baby is cute as can be! :-) The baby was moving all around and waving its arms and legs. It measured right on track for where it should be. The reason for the ultrasound was not so happy, though. It seems about two weeks ago I contracted Fifths Disease. This virus is harmless to everyone except babies still in the womb. A baby that is infected can develop anemia, which can lead to heart failure. This is a small percentage of infected babies, though. My OB referred me to a Maternal/Fetal Medicine doctor right away and I saw him this morning. Basically, from the time I was infected there is a 12 week time frame that the baby could become infected. Chances are great that the baby won't be infected, but they will still monitor the baby closely through ultrasounds starting at week 19 until the 12 week time frame is done. If the baby contracts the infection before 19 weeks, there is no treatment option. After 19 weeks, they can do blood transfusions which help to heal the baby. The doctor reassured me today that most of the time, the baby does not become infected and even if infection occurs that most babies are just fine. Of course, we would love your prayers right now. First, that the baby will be protected from infection and second, that if infection does occur that no damage will be done. And most of all, that we will be able to trust God for the health and safety of our littlest one. Thank you for your prayers and enjoy these pictures!
