Jessica's Pregnancy Journal, Entry 6: 18 Weeks

Dear Diary,

Odd day today. A lot is happening! Due to previous issues with Baby James we are seeing the perinatologist, Dr. Lorraine Stanco, at her office across from Sharp Memorial Hospital. We first found out about Baby James's complications at his 18-week "find out the sex" ultrasound. After that we saw Dr. Stanco every single month until he was born. Now we're back. It's an eerie feeling! This time it's just as a precaution even though Baby James's issues were not hereditary. I have to say, it feels good and odd at the same time. Seeing the waiting room again brought back so many memories. Luckily, everyone in her office is very charming and we always felt warmly welcomed — today is no exception.

If Dr. Gray is like a mentor/teacher then Dr. Stanco is like your coach. In the "team" that Sharp provides for us over the course of this pregnancy, that's how I see it. Dr. Stanco provided us with comforting knowledge and true optimism today. We have always liked her very much! 

And, IT'S A GIRL!!! Coupled with the joy and excitement of having a little girl to add to our growing family, we were blessed to know that she is healthy and physically everything is in the right place, all body parts accounted for, 10 fingers, 10 toes, healthy heart, good head size, etc.!!! This is something most people take for granted. And rightly so — one does not expect there to be anything less than perfection. It crosses your mind, but you don't actually think it's going to happen. 

"New baby" was shy and demure during her ultrasound, often covering up her face or rubbing her eye as if she was sleepy. What a joy!!! We saw an old doctor/friend today, had an ultrasound where we got to see the new baby, and found out that it is a girl! What a lot to take in!

I should confess that we've had a girl's name picked out for some time and so she will henceforth not be mentioned as "new baby" again but as Baby Alice. Now on to that extra bedroom she's going to need.

Because of the way this "special" ultrasound today falls I'll be seeing Lisa Clark again in a week or two. I can't wait to tell her!

To read more from Jessica's journey, visit Jessica's Pregnancy Journal.

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's pregnancy and childbirth services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego OBGYN or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about pregnancy and childbirth, visit Pregnancy and Childbirth in Adult Health or read the Pregnancy and Childbirth News archive.