Growth Study Results

Tillman was not much into being on camera yesterday.  The majority of the pictures were of him with his hands in his face.  The picture above certainly looks like he is tired of the "Paparazzi!"

The reason for the ultrasound was to check on his growth.  My belly growth has been consistently about two weeks behind, so the study was to see if he is growing as he should.  As Dr. Villers explains the growth study- "A growth study is just to see how much the baby weighs and how much it has grown since your last ultrasound. We have standards to compare the baby to which helps us determine if the baby is growing at an expected rate."

Master Tillman is in the 27th percentile for weight.  The majority of his "lag behind" comes from abdominal growth.  His femur length is also behind, but I have pretty short legs, and Nick doesn't have long legs either.  An average baby is in the 50th percentile.  Tillman at 29 weeks weighs 2 lbs 8 ozs.  All his little pieces and parts are in place, and fluid levels are good.  The blood flow in the umbilical cord is good, so they don't have any worry about him getting nutrition. 

While they were testing the flow through the umbilical cord, Tillman was doing "practice breathing."  This is normal and good!  The ultrasound tech let us listen to him while he "preformed!"

He had plenty of fetal movement during the study, so I think that indicates that he is "thriving."  His heart rate was 144 bpm, and that was completely normal.

Comments from the physician report-"A repeat ultrasound of this single intrauterine pregnancy was preformed. The anatomic survey was abbreviated today but reported as normal on previous exam.  The amniotic fluid volume was normal. Appropriate interval growth was noted. The AC (Abdominal Circumference) was < 5th percentile on today's scan. EFW (Estimated Fetal Wight) was 2lbs 8ozs, placing the fetus at the 27th percentile. Umbilical artery Dopplers and MAC Dopplers were preformed with normal S/D ratio.  BPP (Biophysical Profile) was 8/8."

(In this picture his hand was chopped off by a sound wave.

Notice the nub?  An ultrasound is made up of sound waves. 

I think he looks like Captain Hook!)

We will go back in one month for a follow up to check on the little guy's growth!  All and all, a good visit at MUSC's Prenatal Wellness Center!