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Fetal ekg and Braxton Hicks

Last Thursday, I went to the doctor to have a fetal echocardiogram. During my last two ultrasounds, the baby was positioned in such a way that they couldn’t see his full heart. They weren’t concerned about that, but because we have a family history of heart problems, they wanted to check him further to be sure.

The cardiologist saw a perfectly healthy heart. Yay! That’s what I expected to see.

The exam was conducted exactly as a regular ultrasound is (goo on your stomach, wand on top of it, looking at images on a monitor) but on the screen, they were able to have different, more detailed views of the heart compared to what a standard ultrasound could offer.

I don’t know if the wand on my belly was bothering my baby, or if he was just trying to say hi. He kept kicking it. Heh.

During the exam, I noticed I felt his kicks up much higher than before. They were at least one inch above my belly button. For the most part, he likes to hang out a bit lower though.

I’ve been noticing some Braxton Hicks contractions lately. I’ve had them for at least a few weeks now, but it was only recently that I figured out that’s what they are.

They don’t hurt me at all. My stomach just gets hard for a minute or so. you can see and feel the change. They’re the body’s way of preparing for real labor. Sort of like exercising my muscles, perhaps. Works for me! I wanna be ready.

If the Braxton Hicks contractions come too often, though, that can be a problem. Sometimes they can be brought on by dehydration, a full bladder, or rubbing your belly too much. When I notice one, I go to the bathroom and get a big drink. No biggie.