# A tiny beating heart **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 13, 2008, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222 "2008-03-13T05:36:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/1 "2008-03-13T05:36:15Z")
Today is Zero Day of Week 10, as the Japanese measure these things. Yesterday we went in for her routine ultrasound check and the doctor took [these pictures](http://www.flickr.com/photos/90901585@N00/2330726110/in/set-72157604105449138/). Beta-chan is 3 cm, which is just right and is looking definitely sticky. Little arms and legs and a beating heart. All good signs that things are on track. Our doctor said that once a baby gets to this stage, the chance of miscarriage goes down tremendously. I wasn’t aware of how worried I was until I had to wipe the tears from my cheeks. I’ve told my mother that she can share the good news with her family. Conventionally, the danger period was 12 weeks, but that seems to be from the pre-ultrasound days. My wife, the provider of nourishment, has had it rougher this time, with increased morning sickness and exhaustion. She’s lost some weight, which is typical and doesn’t concern her Ob. As I mentioned in another tread, we’ve hired help for the housework, although cooking and laundry are still all mine. I have a greater respect for single, working parents, as I’ve essentially become one. While my wife was able to work, that was about all. Conversations in the evening have declined, and she sleeps some nights from 8:30 to 8:30. She’s getting a little better now, just in time for the massive pollen storms of early spring, to be faced, once more, without medication. It’s amazing everything pregnant women have to give up. We agree thought, that these little sacrifices are well worth it, and we continue our hope for a healthy baby. ---
**Author:** ![Penchan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/74df32/32.png) [@Penchan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penchan)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/2 "2008-03-13T05:45:41Z")
Congratulations! And Beta-chan looks so cute! She looks like she’s praying. That or making the Mr. Burns hands because she’s plotting something eeeeevil 😉 I’m so happy for your and TokyoWife! May Beta-chan be delivered healthy and grow into a happy member of the Tokyohousehold! ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/3 "2008-03-13T05:46:03Z")
I’m so happy to hear that **TokyoPlayer**. I’ve been keeping up with what all has happened to you and your wife, sending useless well wishes your way and hoping things would turn completely around. So it’s wonderful to know that soon everything will be perfect in y’all’s world. Many, many blessings. I can’t wait to read more and soon, see pictures of the reach-out-and-touch littlest Player. _hugs_ ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/4 "2008-03-13T05:59:26Z")
:: bounces up and down with happiness :: May things continue to go well. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/5 "2008-03-13T06:03:31Z")
Good for little Beta-chan. Stay sticky! ---
**Author:** ![Lucky\_13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucky_13/32/13209_2.png) [@Lucky\_13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucky_13)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/6 "2008-03-13T06:16:53Z")
Yay, Beta-chan! Keep growing! (am literally jumping up and down in my chair with excitement) ---
**Author:** ![bbs2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e495f1/32.png) [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/7 "2008-03-13T07:35:27Z")
Considering she _is_ pregnant, is it appropriate to say “[Whoa momma](http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/348768171_7338826b9b.jpg)”? I promise I’m rather harmless. ---
**Author:** ![Maui\_Lion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ea666f/32.png) [@Maui\_Lion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maui_Lion)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/8 "2008-03-13T07:49:17Z")
Oh wonderful! I’m so happy for you. After all your patience and perseverance…from both of you… Beta-chan is so cute, I’ll keep hoping for the best for you and your family. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/9 "2008-03-13T08:29:41Z")
Beta-chan is a great name. d:) ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/10 "2008-03-13T08:36:14Z")
Hey look, arms! Ultrasounds are such a great invention, aren’t they? Beta-chan is about the same age as 2.nephew 🙂 I send you sticky-sticky thoughts every time 2.nephew gets mentioned around me (and you can bet that’s often) ---
**Author:** ![Hokkaido\_Brit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/d26b3c/32.png) [@Hokkaido\_Brit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hokkaido_Brit)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/11 "2008-03-13T08:53:47Z")
Whoo Hoo! What a sticky little thing that is - alien head and flippy floppy arms and all. I am so happy for you and will keep sending sticky, swell-y vibes your way. I bled in both pregnancies between 7 and 11 weeks, and both times went for an ultrasound at about 10 weeks, in floods of tears thinking the worst. And both times there was the little blob, flapping about and being perfectly healthy. One doctor told me the same as yours did - that if the heart is beating so strongly at this point, though nothing can be guaranteed, it’s a really good sign. The other one (asshole) said to my sigh of relief, “Well, there’s nothing to say there WON’T be something very wrong with it.” and walked out of the room. The nurse and I looked at each other in stunned silence, then she said the Japanese equivalent of “Asshole - ignore him!” I was so shocked to hear a nurse say it at work that I laughed, and instantly felt better. My two bloblets are now seven and eleven, sitting in the room with me watching kids TV and bugging me for dinner! ---
**Author:** ![brujaja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/12 "2008-03-13T08:56:34Z")
This is wonderful news! Turned my whole day around! I remember when I went to my first obstetrician’s appointment; and she handed me the stethoscope & let me hear my son’s heartbeat for the first time…it was so beautiful. I cried, too. The coolest little sound! Like a little hydraulic pump or something. Now, that formerly sequin-sized heart is in a strapping boy who is taller than me and can beat me arm wrestling. Hey, **TokyoPlayer** , don’t blink! It happens pretty fast. She is so very beautiful. Children are a great joy, and I wish you and your family every blessing. The amazing thing to me is the way that a child combines one’s own qualities with those of one’s partner in ways you just never expected. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/13 "2008-03-13T09:34:39Z")
Excellent news. Have you considered asking one of th prospective grandmamas to visit and help? My sister-in-law’s last pregnancy was very iffy and she was basically laid up much of the time - under strict instructions to do absolutely nothing - but her mother did wonders and my niece is now 15 months old. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/14 "2008-03-13T10:32:29Z")
Great news! Fingers are still crossed here, and sticky thoughts are still being sent. BTW I think Beta-chan has your eyes. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/15 "2008-03-13T10:43:02Z")
[QUOTE=Quartz] Excellent news. Have you considered asking one of th prospective grandmamas to visit and help? My sister-in-law’s last pregnancy was very iffy and she was basically laid up much of the time - under strict instructions to do absolutely nothing - but her mother did wonders and my niece is now 15 months old. [/QUOTE] One grandma is in Taiwan if I haven’t gotten lost lately, the other one is in Utah I think and has lots of other family-related problems. I know Taiwan-grandma and Taiwan-auntie went to help at the end of the previous pregnancy. Can your wife take morning-sickness pills, **TP**? SiL swears by them. ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/16 "2008-03-13T10:54:07Z")
So happy to hear the news! Continued sticky thoughts headed your way. GT ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/17 "2008-03-13T11:58:18Z")
Sososososo happy for you! You bring so many of us so much joy and happiness, you deserve it right back. You and **TokyoWife** will be in my thoughts, sending you the sweetest, stickiest wishes, and _do_ keep us posted! ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/18 "2008-03-13T13:26:21Z")
Excellent news! And what a great ultrasound picture! Usually at this point they just look kind of blobby, but you have actual recognizable body parts going on there! Please do keep us updated, I am so happy to hear this news. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/19 "2008-03-13T13:35:18Z")
[QUOTE=Nava] One grandma is in Taiwan if I haven’t gotten lost lately, the other one is in Utah I think and has lots of other family-related problems. I know Taiwan-grandma and Taiwan-auntie went to help at the end of the previous pregnancy. Can your wife take morning-sickness pills, **TP**? SiL swears by them. [/QUOTE] First, thanks to everyone who has sent sticky thoughts. Keep them coming for another while! **Nova** is correct. My mother is in Utah, taking care of my grandma and her mother is in Taiwan. Both of them, and my SiL came for Pough-chan’s birth. If things get worse, then we’ll bring in the troops, but we can handle for now. As suggested by someone in a previous thread, we’re getting better at letting our standards slide. Her doctors are the old-fashioned type who believe in enduring through everything. They wouldn’t give an epidural or any medication for the 7 hours of hard pushing during the delivery, so what’s a little morning sickness between friends? ---
**Author:** ![Slypork](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc29f/32.png) [@Slypork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slypork)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2008, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222/20 "2008-03-13T14:35:22Z")
**TokyoPlayer** I am so happy for the three of you. Take care of your wife, rub her feet, remind her how beautiful she is and how much you love her. Also talk to Beta-chan as much as you can. It may seem strange to be talking into your wife’s navel but I know that my son responded to my voice. Music is also great. My wife listened to Irish music all the time and whenever our son was fussy we would put on some Clancy Brothers or The Chieftains and he would immediately calm down. I am sending lots of super sticky thoughts your way. Good luck to all of you. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-tiny-beating-heart/441222.md?page=2)