Fetal Echo Update

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(When things are getting a little crowded in there!)

Giant sigh of relief from yesterdayโ€™s appointment. Thank you again for all of your heartfelt comments, thoughts and prayers leading up the echo. We appreciate it so much, and I wanted to share an update with ya:

Babyโ€™s VSD is โ€œvery small.โ€ 

Our fetal echocardiogram was yesterday morning. Leading up to it, I tried to focus on what was in my power, instead of the what-ifs and everything that was out of my control. I researched like crazy, so Iโ€™d be familiar with possible scenarios and the terminology, tried as hard as I could to โ€œrelax,โ€ and during my meditations each night, I spent some time praying and picturing the tiny hold closing. Despite my best efforts, I was still a bit nervous/anxious this past weekend leading up to the appointment. The Pilot had to work, so my friend Betsy offered to go with me. Not only did she go to the early appointment, but she drove. She didnโ€™t want me to worry about driving if we got unsettling news, and didnโ€™t want me to be alone. Sheโ€™s amazing.

We got there nice and early, and the ultrasound tech lead us back to the room. She was the kindest and most gentle of the techs (who have all been wonderful), with all of the ultrasounds and testing weโ€™ve had. We got to see the baby, she commented on how active she is, and she moved onto the standard measurements, gently pressing on my belly as the ultrasound wand moved around. Every wand movement was melt with a โ€œbelly waveโ€ from little miss, who makes my stomach look like dancing lava. 

Baby is measuring TWO AND A HALF WEEKS ahead! Either little lady is going to make an early debut, or I just cook big babies. ๐Ÿ˜‰ (Liv was 8 lbs 6 oz, and Iโ€™ve heard babies get progressively bigger. My nana on my dadโ€™s side had a 9-lb baby and a 10-pounder, so it could certainly run in the family.) They estimated that she weighs 5 lbs 6 oz already.

After the standard measurements (head, stomach, length), and watching baby move around (which I could do all day), she zoomed into the heart, and I had to remind myself to breathe.

She spent some time exploring the chambers and measuring velocity, and alternated between black-and-white and colored images (red and blue, which indicate blood flow between the chambers). Next, the pediatric cardiologist joined us and started to look at the images with the tech. They whispered back and forth for a while -which is a little awkward when youโ€™re lying there on the table, desperately wanting to know whatโ€™s going on- and finally, the cardiologist told me that the VSD is โ€œvery small.โ€ She said, โ€œNot even small. Very small. Also, itโ€™s in the ideal spot, which is between the muscle. In 95% of cases it repairs itself in this location, so Iโ€™m confident that it will. If for some reason it doesnโ€™t, we wouldnโ€™t need to repair this one.”

My eyes are stinging as I type this, because it was such a relief to hear and we are so thankful. Even if it did need to be repaired eventually, weโ€™re also thankful that in the grand scheme of things, this is small, and sheโ€™s otherwise completely healthy from what we can tell. As much as I wish I could say the worrying would end when sheโ€™s in my arms, sheโ€™s taken her first breath, and weโ€™ve counted tiny fingers and toes, I know now from our experience with Livi that itโ€™s where the worrying can truly begin. Youโ€™re always worried about your baby and making sure theyโ€™re healthy, happy, safe, warm, fed, and giving them as much love as you possibly can. We already love this little lady so much, and itโ€™s exciting to think that sheโ€™ll be here soon. 

xoxo

Gina and the Familia

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121 Comments

  1. Alicia on August 25, 2015 at 7:19 am

    I’ve commented before as a VSD mama (well, former :D) and wanted to cheer you on. Going through the heart stuff with my daughter made me infinitely grateful for all the little things. I hope you had a little celebration, and I hope that her delivery goes smoothly. xo

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      thank you, alicia!! so true that it makes you grateful for the little things

  2. Sara on August 25, 2015 at 7:22 am

    Ah, great news!! So happy for your family!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      <3!

  3. Cindy on August 25, 2015 at 7:31 am

    Great news! So happy for you!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      thank you, cindy!

  4. Niki on August 25, 2015 at 7:31 am

    Amazing, this news makes me so happy! So glad to hear that you’ve received this reassuring news – sending lots of love to your little fam!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      thank you- we appreciate it!

  5. Rachel on August 25, 2015 at 7:31 am

    That is such fantastic news! I’m so happy for you and the family and will keep my fingers crossed! <3

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      thank you, rachel!

  6. Charlsie N on August 25, 2015 at 7:32 am

    This post made me so happy!!!!! I’m so happy for you and the little miss!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:29 pm

      thank you!!

  7. Ali @ Peaches and Football on August 25, 2015 at 7:34 am

    Phew – WONDERFUL news! Now you can take a few deep breaths and relax, which isn’t always easy when you’re pregnant ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      amen to that!

  8. Cassie on August 25, 2015 at 7:35 am

    Hurray!!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      !!!

  9. Katy Widrick on August 25, 2015 at 7:36 am

    SUCH great news. So happy for all of you!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      thank you, friend!!

  10. Kim on August 25, 2015 at 7:38 am

    Wonderful news! Very relieved for you.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      thank you, kim <3

  11. Mara on August 25, 2015 at 7:42 am

    This makes me so happy! Love you guys!!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      love you!!

  12. Brandy H. on August 25, 2015 at 7:43 am

    Oh, thank goodness! That is wonderful news!!! You and baby girl have been in my thoughts and prayers!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      thank you, brandy! we appreciate it so much

  13. Shayne on August 25, 2015 at 7:43 am

    Gina, we had a brief exchange when you first announced your pregnancy here. I’m about a month behind you, with my second child as well. We also had a fetal echo, only as a precautionary measure since I have a mild heart murmur. Ours went very well and everything appears normal.

    First off, I am so, so glad and relieved to hear your results! But, I just wanted to comment on how cool it is. I know you must have been wracked with nerves, but wasn’t the ultrasound itself pretty amazing?! We thought it was so cool to see our baby girl’s organs in such detail…to see her little heart and arteries and the blood flowing back and forth. It was kind of an amazing bonding experience for me, and made us even more excited to meet her. I really took the experience as a tiny blessing, because it allowed me to focus on feeling and seeing my baby without any distractions for that hour. Anyway, we’re both so close now! Following your post has been tons of fun throughout my pregnancy. Thanks for sharing.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      that is so true. you feel so connected with the little one while watching the screen! and you’re right, the detail is truly incredible. so excited for you <3

  14. Maria on August 25, 2015 at 7:46 am

    Awesome news!!!! When our daughter was born, she had a little heart murmur that cleared itself up before we left the hospital. The worrying never stops. I finally get that now that I’m a parent. I always used to tell my mom “I don’t worry about me I’ll be fine!” Her response was “I’ll stop worrying about you when I’m dead.” haha! I get it now.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      hahah! so true, though!

  15. Erin Hack on August 25, 2015 at 8:00 am

    Wonderful news! I’m so happy to hear that you had good news yesterday. Now let’s see if the little stinker decides to come early so momma doesn’t have to birth a 10-pounder! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      thank you!!
      right?!? AHHHHH

  16. kristin | W [H] A T C H on August 25, 2015 at 8:00 am

    so relieved for you. thanks for sharing your experience. your approach and perspective matter.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      <3

  17. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on August 25, 2015 at 8:02 am

    Ahhh, what a praise! I can only imagine how relieved you must feel. Continuing to pray for a healthy little lady! xo

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      thank you friend! hope you are doing well and feeling well! <3

  18. Christine T on August 25, 2015 at 8:12 am

    That’s some great news. Wishing you all the very best! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      thank you!! <3

  19. Alexandra on August 25, 2015 at 8:15 am

    Such amazing news!! I can only imagine how relieved you must be… prayer and meditation are powerful! I will have a glass of wine tonight to celebrate in your honor ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      thank you so much, friend. i appreciate it <3 and enjoy the vino! (<-- i can't wait for my first post-preg glass)

  20. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on August 25, 2015 at 8:17 am

    I’m so glad everything turned out well for you! I’m sure it must be a huge sigh of relief.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      YES. thank you, friend

  21. EB on August 25, 2015 at 8:21 am

    Hi Gina,
    Thanks for sharing your lovely family and great workout motivation with us. I NEVER leave comments on blogs, even those like yours that I’ve read and enjoyed for years, but I wanted to share a little bit of encouragement with you. I’m 34 and I run, I lift weights, I love barre and boot camp classes, I do absolutely everything I want to do… and I was also born with a congenital heart issue. I have no doubt that your “Little Miss” will be healthy, happy and thriving. I will keep her in my thoughts!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      aww thank you so much for reading for so long and for commenting! ๐Ÿ™‚ so reassuring to hear that you’ve continued to be so active despite the heart issue. that is amazing! thank you for thinking of us <3

  22. hayley on August 25, 2015 at 8:23 am

    This post made me so happy ! great news for you and the familia xx

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      thank you, hayley!

  23. Julie on August 25, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Such great news!! What a relief! So happy for you all. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      thanks, julie! <3

  24. Amy S on August 25, 2015 at 9:00 am

    Amazing news! Wonderful to hear!!!!! So happy for you, baby and the family ๐Ÿ˜€

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      thank you, amy!

  25. Melissa on August 25, 2015 at 9:03 am

    Great news Gina! My daughter who is now 18 was born with a very small VSD, they described as a pinhole. They said it will grow shut on its own by the time she’s 6. We saw a cardiologist every year to check it, by the age of 5 it was completely closed. The only thing we had to do until it closed is to make sure she took an antibiotic before any dental work was performed. She is completely healthy otherwise. I am so happy for your family.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      thank you so much, melissa! i’m so happy to hear your little girl’s closed!! good to know about the antibiotic. i’ll ask and see what they say about that in our situation

  26. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on August 25, 2015 at 9:04 am

    Yay!!! Hooray for that truly amazing news! <3 <3 <3

  27. Becky on August 25, 2015 at 9:14 am

    This post gave me happy tears .Such great news!! I can’t wait to virtually meet this little (or big!) lady!

    so much love to you <3

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:23 pm

      haha! thank you so much, friend <3

  28. Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut on August 25, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Great news! My little lady was measuring about the same size this time during my pregnancy, too. I’m going in for a 38-week growth scan on Thursday and while I’m so happy she’s healthy and active so far, I hope she isn’t totally massive. LOL.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:23 pm

      haha! let me know how it goes!!

  29. Tabatha on August 25, 2015 at 10:14 am

    Such wonderful news – so happy for you guys!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:22 pm

      thank you, tabatha!

  30. Tiffany on August 25, 2015 at 10:24 am

    I am so so happy for you on this news! I’m sending positive vibes that it will all resolve itself. That would be amazing!

    As for large babies, my first was 7lb 11oz and my second was 9lb 9 oz! Both were had without any drugs…though we didn’t realize until she was weighed that my second was that big! I just thought I forgot how hard pushing was since it had been 2.5 yrs! Good luck, mama!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:22 pm

      thank you so much!!
      ahhhhhh! i’ve heard a lot of stories like that. we’ll see how it goes haha

  31. Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy on August 25, 2015 at 10:25 am

    So happy! You got a big strong girl on your hands ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      thank you! amen to that ๐Ÿ™‚

  32. Jessie on August 25, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Amazing news!! So happy for you and your family!:)

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      thank you, jessie!

  33. Lori on August 25, 2015 at 10:53 am

    That is such great news! I am so happy that everything is okay. I think that every one of your readers were praying or sending positive vibes your way.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      we definitely felt them! thank you, lori <3

  34. Jen on August 25, 2015 at 11:06 am

    Great to hear! Thanks for sharing!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      <3!

  35. Melissa on August 25, 2015 at 11:33 am

    So glad to hear everything is OK. xoxoxo

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      xoxo! thank you!

  36. Tracy on August 25, 2015 at 11:44 am

    YAY!!!!!!!!!! So happy to hear the great news!!! And so so happy for you! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:20 pm

      thank you, friend! how is YTT going?!

      • Tracy on August 25, 2015 at 5:34 pm

        Going so great ๐Ÿ™‚ Halfway finished as of this last weekend. We just finished Ashtanga and moving on to Vinyasa so that will be fun as well as more yoga philosophy and ayurveda. Thanks for asking, Gina!

        Again, so happy to hear your great news. I know you and your family have such a huge sense of relief!

  37. Lara on August 25, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    What great news!!! I’ve been thinking about your little miss a lot recently and I’m so glad to hear that her VSD is small and likely to heal on it’s own. I’m so impressed by your mindset and intentions to stay calm. I struggle with worry myself and I’m just really impressed by how you are handling yourself.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:20 pm

      as the queen of overreacting, it’s taken me a long time to change that haha. meditation has helped a LOT

  38. Jessie R on August 25, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    YAY for good news ๐Ÿ™‚ She is one lucky little lady to have such a great family ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      <3! thank you, jessie!

  39. Catherine @ foodiecology on August 25, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Awesome news! All the best to you all and your new little (big?) one. Hoping the rest of your pregnancy & delivery goes smoothly. <3

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      thank you, catherine!!

  40. Liz on August 25, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    Ahh! Such good news! All your meditation and positive thinking worked! ๐Ÿ™‚ So happy for you guys. And um, good luck with that big baby in there :).

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      thank you!! such relief. i have to admit, i’m a little afraid about that haha

  41. Karla on August 25, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    So happy for the good news! Praying for a full recovery with your little one.

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      thank you so much, karla

  42. Catherine on August 25, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    The BEST news!! So happy for your family !

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      thank you <3!

  43. Kate on August 25, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    Such great news Gina! So happy for you guys. Now to meet the little lady!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      thank you, kate! yes- the countdown is on

  44. Nikki on August 25, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    Wonderful news! Congrats! Have a happy and healthy and stress free rest of your pregnancy!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      thank you, nikki!

  45. Erin M. on August 25, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    Yay!!!So happy for you!!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 3:17 pm

      thank you!!

  46. Wendy Heath on August 25, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Woohoo!! Been thinking about you guys and sending good energy. Glad it was good news!

  47. Alycia on August 25, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Yay, I’m so happy it healed itself! Such a relief for all of you!

  48. Jennifer @ Tri Stuff I Like on August 25, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    What great news! I’m so happy all the good vibes and positive thoughts worked! ๐Ÿ™‚

  49. Jennifer on August 25, 2015 at 5:50 pm

    So happy to hear this! Our son had the same thing but they only found it when he was born (which is of course not what you want to hear after you finally have the baby and you think everything is perfect ) but it ended up closing by 6 months and was no big deal at all. He was 9 lb 9 oz…praying your sweetie arrives safe and sound (and not too big for your sake! )

  50. Jess on August 25, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    Yay yay yay! Only love for this post! Now you can relax and enjoy even more!

    • Fitnessista on August 25, 2015 at 10:09 pm

      thank you, jess!

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