Snips and snails and puppy dog tails

We have chosen to take a non-interventionist approach to this pregnancy and birth.  Meaning, choosing a midwife and birth center over a hospital, which means that no pain medication will be offered to me because is there is no pain medication, no diagnostic tests, no continuous fetal heart monitoring, eating and drinking allowed during pregnancy, several options for pain control, etc.

So when I researched ultrasounds and found that research on whether they are harmful to the baby is inconclusive, I stopped to really ask myself whether I wanted to get an ultrasound.  Ultimately I decided that the inconclusive research is less important than making sure my baby is healthy and everything is functioning properly.

And I am so thankful we had the ultrasound on Friday.  Seeing him move his hands and fingers, yawn and wiggle leaves us breathless.  Knowing that he is a little boy is incredible and helpful.  However, the most amazing part of the ultrasound is the sense of relief and relaxation that settled on me knowing that all is well. I was filled with peace. He has two legs and two arms. Two hands, two feet, ten fingers and ten toes.  His brain is developing normally and the heart and stomach are in the right place.  The curvature of the spine is normal.  He is a normal, healthy, perfect little boy growing inside of me and moving around.

I am brought to my knees with gratitude.

(About 22 weeks)