Bamboozled! Led Astray!

So, amniocentesis. Prior to having it, I had talked to a couple of people who had, and one who hadn't, and had decided to go ahead and do it, as you know. But the ones who did have it done had told me it was no big deal, it didn't hurt at all.

I have a pretty high tolerance for pain except when my body is splitting apart giving birth, so I thought it would be no big deal. Well, that is not how it turned out, and so much for the power of positive expectations. I liked the doctor a lot - she was very thorough and counseled me and Sweet Dub before she performed the procedure, and she was very calm and reassuring throughout the entire happening. Howsomever, the needle going in? And the removal of the fluid? And then the needle coming out? UNPLEASANT. And my uterus contracting like a fist and my whole stomach tightening up like a drum and the cramps for the rest of the afternoon? I could have done without that.

However, we did get to see Fetal Blah, who actually looks more like a baby and less like a squishy crustacean. But we didn't get to see the goods, despite my doctor's best attempts, so no idea if Fetal Blah is Male Blah or Female Blah. Fetal Blah kept ankles crossed and umbilical cord modestly draped. Sneaky. Nonetheless, the results of the amnio will tell us definitively what the sex is (sorry, kid). And it was great to see Fetal Blah so (relatively) clearly, and get a picture in which we can make out nose, lips, ear, etc. Fetal Blah was pretty mellow that day and, with plenty of amniotic soup to lounge in, did not get in the way of the needle. We were pleased.

After the amnio, Sweet Dub drove me home and I passed out on the couch. Further details as events warrant.