Great news! Heartbeat!

Okay, so I attended the antenatal RMC clinic yesterday as planned. Wasn't expecting a scan then, so when I was told to report to the ultrasound scan reception, have my scan and come back to see the doctor, I was like, 'okay... I guess another scan won't hurt', plus at 6w 1d, I've heard people report to having seen a heartbeat. So, I waited for what seemed like forever and finally it was my turn. Immediately, bean was located and seconds later there was a little poppy sized heart pulsating away! I was shown this on a very grainy screen but it was unmistakeable. Blink, blink, blink... I was so, so happy at that point, I wanted the moment to last forever! Anyway, after all was done, I went off, joined the queue again for one of the only 2 doctors in clinic.

Must say the doctor's visit was a bit of a disappointment after my scan high. Nothing new was  discussed. The only good thing was the reassurance that I was on the right dose of aspirin and should continue on that as it's absolutely the right treatment for me. I had a blood test but it was nothing useful to me - just a sample for a research study on the link between recurrent miscarriage and thrombosis and the association with antiphospholipid studies. No hormone profile, no coagulation screen. We've agreed to this study anyway, so next time I'll take Al along and get him to give some of his blood too. Baby will be giving a bit of their cord as well when they get here in 30 weeks or so - I refuse to think that there will be tissue available from another miscarriage as I really, really am praying this does not happen again. Hopefully participation in this study helps with the development of RMC treatment in future.

Right, so, what now? Scan next week or not? I'm thinking of cancelling next week's UCH scan as I get another at St. Mary's the week after as I'm booked in for an extensive specialist midwife appointment and the blood tests useful to me. I really feel a reassurance scan next week can be missed.... I don't need weekly scans.... or do I? I've had one every week since week 4 and it's been going really well, I think another 2 weeks will give me more to see. Oh, I don't know, I guess I'll see how it goes... I would love to see my poppy's heartbeat again!

Symptoms this week: Boobs are killing me and I love it! Some mild waves of nausea - loving it! Lower abdomen and lower back happenings - me no like :-(. Too similar to period pain for my liking - I go into prayer mode when I get these as they scare me to death, and make me not want to go to the toilet for fear of the red stuff. This in turn makes it worse as a full bladder tends to be painful. Having said that, each week gets easier and this week is better than last, so I'll keep positive and enjoy this thoroughly.

Note to Poppy, formerly referred to as Bean:
You are doing so well baby, measured absolutely perfect for dates and honey, your little heart beating away yesterday was the most amazing thing I've seen in a while! Keep doing what you're doing, grow even stronger and bigger for me. I can't wait till I can see you again - could be next week, could be week after, but either way, having you growing within me is such a special feeling and I cherish every single moment. Lots of love and kisses, Mama x x x x x.