12 weeks [size of a lime]

We're 3 months pregnant today. Hard to believe how quickly that went by. By the end of this week we'll be entering the second trimester, which, usually means some of the pesky first trimester symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue begin to lighten up. Unfortunately, I think the fatigue is here to stay. I've been ridiculously tired.  Beyond the 3 week growth spurt my little bean is about to go through, I have a busy toddler loving this warmer weather. That alone will have me yearning for a nap!

We were fortunate to have an early glimpse at our growing babe this afternoon for an NT scan. This is usually performed between 11-13 weeks to detect early signs of Down's syndrome and other abnormalities.

Meet baby polkie #2:

So in love with his/her tiny profile.

The scan went wonderfully and our nuchal measurement was between 1.08-1.34; well within the normal value of less than 2.5. 

Baby #2 was 2.3 inches long from head to butt and had a heartbeat of 160. 

He/she was much more docile than my little Annalise was at this age. 

I also learned about the "nub theory" in relation to determining early gender. 

While not 100% accurate, it can be up to 95% accurate the closer to 14 weeks you are.

"The nub theory is about 'the angle of the dangle'. Between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation both genders have a penis-like protuberance between the legs. They look incredibly similar at this point, except for the angle at which they are pointing. Sometimes there are males and females at this stage which are in the 'grey area', but essentially a boy's 'dangle' is 30 degrees up relative to the backbone and a girl's is below 30 degrees.

In order to be able to have any chance of predicting the gender, the fetus must not be curled up- they need to be lying as flat as possible. Also, it must be side on and apparently, it is better if the fetus is right side up."

-Nub Theory

While not 100% accurate at this point the ultrasound tech did give us her best guess- BOY! While a girl's nub typically points more vertically our little babe's was "pointing pretty high." I'll be anxious to see if her guess is right come week 18-20 for the anatomy scan. 

We've discussed not finding out the gender but I'd really like Annalise to be involved in picking out things for her little brother or sister. Name references, etc. I'm hoping the transition to big sister will be a bit easier that way. Hopefully.

Until next time...

Happy Monday from my first snuggle bug and I! :)