Saturday, September 10, 2011

Happy Viability Day Riggs!

Fetal viability is described as... "The point at which a fetus becomes potentially able to live outside the mother's womb, albeit with artificial aid..."

Yay Riggs!  I think the survival rate for birth at this time is still pretty low, like 50%, but it's considered the earliest that the hospital will try to save his little life if he were born now.  Every day his chances of survival will go up, so everyday is a great day from now on!  I am so thankful I haven't had any health issues during this pregnancy that have threatened his little life, and pray that it continues to be that way!  We want a healthy full term baby over here! :)

My heart seems to be doing about the same, or maybe better, I can't really tell.  But I'll found out after my next echocardiogram on the 23rd.

Here is a picture of me and Riggs at 24 weeks, he is growing fast and loves to kick, roll and rattle around in my uterus.


We love him so much already and with all the other babies getting born, I have to admit I'm a little (okay a LOT) impatient for December.  Plus it will be snowy and Christmas and family will be here and...it's just going to be the best holiday season ever!

And now for some interesting tidbits about 24 week old Riggs:

"Your baby weighs just under a pound-and-a-half...and by the end of the week he will weigh in at a whopping 2 lbs and 14 inches long." 

"Sounds that are heard daily by your baby include the beating of your heart, the sound of your voice resonating as you speak, the sound of air filling your lungs and being exhaled, and the growling noises made by your stomach and intestines." - Riggs also gets to hear a lot of music.  I "make" him listen to classical every day, and I play guitar and sing to him every day.  I think the guitar must be pretty interesting for him, as it sits right against my belly.  I assume he can feel the vibrations from the guitar - I hope he likes it!  Steve plays him electric guitar on Sundays when he's home (I want him to be used to all the loud stuff we do so it's not startling to him once he's actually here).


"Between now and the baby's expected date of delivery his feel will almost double in size, from 1.8 inches to 3.3 inches."


*excerpts in quotations taken from The Pregnacy Journal:  A day-to-day Guide to a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy. 2005.

3 comments:

  1. You are such a good mama already! I can't believe he will gain that much weight in one week! Babies are AMAZING. I, too, pray for your and Rigg's continued health. Thanks for keeping us all updated :)

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  2. I love reading your blog! And this time Aaron actually sat next to me and read the whole thing :).

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  3. Yay for viability! I cannot wait to see how big he's grown at thanksgiving :) I love that you play him guitar, he'll probably grow up like his dad and stare at you while he plucks away lol. Love you!

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