Musings of a Couch Potato (more like Watermelon!)

Here I sit/lay, with not much to do but think and worry, rinse and repeat.

I am feeling so many fewer contractions since my new regimen started. The Nifedipine, Advil and rest combination have certainly slowed my contractions to almost nothing, and yesterday at my appointment, we saw my cervix is now 3.3-3.9 cm! This is great news. Someone commented to me that they had not realized the cervix could go both ways; indeed it can, and it does. With more activity and less meds, it would probably lose some length and we hope it grows even more or stays the same for the rest of the pregnancy now. I have spoken with several friends who were on the same meds and rest combination who all carried their babies well past 28 weeks. Both of them have noted the marked decrease in contractions with the Nifedipine in particular.

Dr. K was extremely pleased and said this is what we want to see: the cervix responded to the relaxation of the uterus and lengthened as a result. Of course that means my bed rest will continue until the boys come (hopefully around 14-16 weeks from now). She gave me more guidelines which really help me know how much is too much activity, and what I can still do. Dr. K reminded me that she is more liberal with bed rest than many at our practice, so enjoy it while I can. :) I trust these doctors so much, and will follow their instructions to the letter.

For now, I need to remain mostly on the couch, sitting or laying on my side, with a little walking around my house. I am not supposed to pick up my daughter, take too many trips up or down the stairs or do any housework or carrying. I asked if I could go places (besides doctor's appointments) and she said she encouraged it for mental health, but I need to go somewhere and sit, not go somewhere and walk around. For example, I can be dropped off at the door of a friend's home or a restaurant, and sit the whole time, or even go to a movie. I cannot, however, walk through the parking lot of a store and shop. She is going to get me a handicapped parking sticker to use for appointments to minimize even that walking. She reminded me that I can ride in a wheelchair through the mall, or use a motorized scooter at Target. I laugh when I picture this, but in about a week, I am going to be ready to go ANYWHERE that isn't my house!

I have been a bit crampy this morning, and get worried so easily. I will call the doctors (who may think I am a little nutty, but oh well) if I don't feel better soon. I know things can change quickly, and I am afraid that despite my doctor's efforts and my compliance, my body will not hold on. Please, body, continue to carry these boys as you should... they need a while longer inside of me. Dr. K said yesterday she would be very surprised if I delivered before 28 weeks, and has much higher hopes for me. Music to my ears! You hear that, body, we are going to 34 weeks at least!

Here are some pretty cute boy pictures for your enjoyment. I really think A and B look so alike and C is his own little person. It will be interesting to see if the identical twins look noticeably different from their brother.


Baby A


Baby B


Baby C

Also, there is a rumor going around that I gained 4 pounds from Tuesday to Friday, but I cannot confirm or deny it. ;) YIKES!