Thursday, October 22, 2009

Stillllllllll pregnant at 33 weeks and 4 days

87 hours and 14 minutes until my C-section. 12:15 on Monday. Are we really almost there?

A long and reflective post is working in my mind, but I have a feeling this body of mine will not allow me to post it until after the boys' birth. I could give a laundry list of the aches and pains accompanying these last few weeks, along with all the interesting things my body is doing, but mostly, I am grateful. I am so grateful to be here, and so hopeful that the boys will make it until Monday and thrive after they come into this world.

Their breathtaking movements are so encouraging, and their NST's have been wonderful. But. There is always the small chance that something could happen, and I need to hold them in my arms, hear their voices, touch their skin to know they are truly well and here to stay.

Several people have asked the excellent question of why the babies will be born at 34 weeks if I am not in labor. Why not wait until 35 or 36? GREAT QUESTION! And I have a great answer. :)

In every pregnancy, the placenta supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus(es) and eventually becomes less efficient at this job. Studies show that multiple babies' lungs and bodies mature faster, but their growth slows considerably after week 30-32 because the placenta(s) have done their job and cease delivering enough nutrients to the babies. In our case, we have seen the rate of growth on all of the boys slow because of both the space limitations and the placental deterioration.

Our doctor's office will NOT deliver triplets after 34-35 weeks. If the rate of growth stays good, they will go closer to 35 but not after. This book, called "Triplet Pregnancies and their Consequences" asserts that the fetal death rate for triplets is the LOWEST when they are born between weeks 35 and 35. While getting to 34 is great because of the increased lung development and eating abilities, going past 35 puts the babies at other risks, and they generally (according to my doctors, and what I've read) do better outside the womb.

In the case of our boys, their weight has gone from being in the 40th percentile to less than the 20th in two weeks. The Doppler studies which examine the quality of blood flow from the placenta into the babies' cords, bellies and hearts has become elevated- they are having to work harder to get as much nutrition. When Dr. P told me this on Tuesday, of course I asked if we should deliver NOW? Was this dangerous? She said, "No, not dangerous. It just gives us the information that they are going to be ready to come at 34, and that their placenta is aging." She said it is not a bad sign, it is just indicative of what is happening. Because their fluid, NST's and BPP's continue to be wonderful, she (and I) feel good about getting to 34 weeks, which is THREE DAYS AWAY!!

Again, this is only my understanding from our doctors and nurses, as well as the neonatologist we spoke with. I know some who have 6 pound, 36 week triplets, but it is not going to be us, and that is okay.

I seem to have "Come Monday" by Jimmy Buffet stuck in my head, once again.

"Come Monday, it'll be all right.
Come Monday, I'll be holding you tight..."


If you need to give it a listen, here you go.

35 comments:

  1. Hm,now Im going to have to ask my Dr. We are planning to deliver at 36 weeks, but now Im freaked out.

    So happy that you are ALMOST THERE!! Yay!

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  2. Oh Nicole, keep in mind that some trips keep going strong until 36! Just not our guys and that is why our doctors are watching us. :)

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  3. Okay hotshot carrying trips to 34 weeks AND stealing my serenade for this comment! Psssh! How did you know I was just thinking of that song while we texted tonight? (Yes, people, even though I sing her annoying songs, we are friends IRL)!

    I am so so happy for you that the boys are doing so well. But I will breathe a huge sigh of relief with you once they are born into the world and snuggled up close to their momma. I CANNOT WAIT!

    And I know you can't either since your Olive Oil frame is tired, oh so tired from all the hard work its been doing. Hang in there, friend. You are days, hours, minutes from the one of the most precious moments of your life!

    xoxo

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  4. You made it! You almost made it!! Incredible!!! I'm so happy for you and can't wait to hear of the boys' safe, easy delivery!!!! (And quick NICU stay!!)

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  5. Hi Carrie, Just delurking to say GOOD LUCK for Monday, I have been reading with baited breath throughout your pregnancy and I'm so so happy that you've made it to this point. Can't wait to hear that you are all safe and well and together after your quick and easy birth :P

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  6. Wow. Incredible. It seems like just yesterday you were announcing your BFP. Look how far you've come! Counting down!!

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  7. I am so proud of you! You've done a great job, Mama, and those boys are super lucky to have you (and your little princess, too!) :) I cant believe we are now dealing in double-digit HOURS until delivery. WOO HOO!!!! Saying prayers that your weekend goes by uneventfully. I cant wait to read Monday's post that the boys are here safely and soundly. Hugs to you and your big belly!

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  8. so awesome! my c/s was scheduled the day before i had it, and that day before was WONDERFUL! enjoy the last couple of days of having those boys in your belly. but i admit, having them on the outside is going to be pretty darn fun. :)

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  9. amazing. triplets. every time i read your blog i gasp - 3v babies nurtured and grown. keeping my fingers crossed and holding my breath till we get to hear about a very special birthday.
    eb

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  10. Congratulations!!!!! You have done so well for making it this far. I am in over my head with my 5 week old triplets right now but I always try to check once a week on your status and how you are doing. I know how much pain you are in right now. It is no fun at all. Hang in there. I hope these next couple of days go by quickly for you. Good luck and I can't wait to see pictures of them! :)

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  11. Just one weekend to go! Whoo-hoo. I hope it flies by, that you can somehow keep comfortable, that Wemberly keeps her distance from here on out, and that the boys have an uneventful NICU stay. I can't wait to read your announcement of the boys' safe arrival and your experience of the C-Section. This has been a long, stressful haul, but you've done it, Carrie! Congratulations on making it so far. You are one strong, amazing woman and the boys (and your little girl) are really lucky to have you as their mom.

    I still have another 24 days to go (trying for 36 weeks), but I wish there was only one weekend standing between my 3 girls and I.

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  12. Very interesting! Thanks for that! I didn't know why they did that but that makes perfect sense. Will be thinking of you on Monday!

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  13. Good Luck! The 26th is a great birthday (I shoudl know, it's mine!!)

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  14. The countdown is SO on!!! You'll have to, or make your husband, post photos. I can't wait!
    :-D Take care of yourself!!!

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  15. Wow, I can't believe you've come so far. You've definitely given me hope! I have every confidence your babies will do just great, having baked in there for so long.

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  16. You did it! Best of luck on Monday - it will be the most amazing thing. Enjoy those little pumpkins outside of you for a change!

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  17. Ah ha - thanks the the explanation! I thought it was something like that. I can't belive Monday is right around the corner. Wishing you heaps of good luck - I know you can't wait to meet all of your beautiful boys!

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  18. Thinking of you as you spend your last weekend with those babies in your tummy. I hope their entrance to the world is wonderful. :-D

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  19. You are SO close to meeting the boys!!!

    I'm SO excited for all of you! :)

    Interesting about the placenta in multiples...I'm glad you've been screened and watched as much as you have.

    Enjoy these last few days...

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  20. I am so happy and excited for you!!! Your pregnacy has been such an inspiration for me. I am feeling more confident that I can also reach 34 weeks with my twins!!!

    I can't wait to read about delivery and how wonderful each boy is doing!!!

    Enjoy your final weekend of pregnancy!!!

    Hugs!!!

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  21. I saw that your blog was updated and thought 'omg, she had the babies!' :) Great to hear you're doing well and boys are almost ready to come out, exciting times, those hours waiting will pass so quickly! Safe labour vibes going your way :)

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  22. Excellent post, as I was wondering the same thing on why you're delivering at 34. Makes perfect sense now!
    You and the boys are doing SOOOO well! You are an inspiration. Wishing you a safe and ultimately happy labor on Monday.
    (((hugs)))
    zarqa

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  23. I'm so excited for you Carrie!

    I hear you on the last minute worry thing. . .I woke up the morning of my induction and stressed because she wasn't moving right away. As soon as I was hooked up to those monitors I was golden. Gotta love techonology.

    I absolutely can't wait to hear about their birth. I'm also a little sad because we probably won't be hearing from you as often.

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  24. Holy cow! Only 3 days from 34 weeks! I can't believe it and I'm so excited for you and your family!!

    I was wondering about that question myself - thanks for the answer.

    Also, just curious, do all three boys have one placenta? I don't know much about pregnancy with multiples but I would assume that identical twins would have 1 placenta and fraternal would have 2...

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  25. You are so very almost there! I can't believe this! Good Luck with everything. May God bless your boys and the big Sis with all the love, luck and health! Take care... I will be waiting for your update! You will be one busy Mommy starting Monday... and we are probably not going to hear as often from you... and I am going to miss your messages on my blog... you have been such a great help and support. You really inspire me to keep going!

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  26. Iam so happy for you honey!! You made it! I can't wait to see pics of those beautiful boys!!((HUGS))

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  27. I'll be praying for you and your babies. You're almost there!

    Mama to identical twins

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  28. AWESOME!!! You are almost there!!! I am so excited for Monday... praying for you and your boys.

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  29. Best of luck on Monday!! I have a friend who just had her triplets at 32w5d (3 weeks ago). One was almost 5 lbs and the other two were just over 4. They are all doing awesome and are close to going home! So at 34 weeks your boys should be ready :)

    I hope that everything goes perfectly. Me and my little guy (37 weeks tomorrow- almost there!) will be thinking good thoughts for you!

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  30. Another one who is SO EXCITED for you! I'll be thinking of you and your boys this weekend, and CANNOT WAIT to hear about Monday's Big Event!!

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  31. Wow. You're almost there! I'll be thinking of you and your family. Can't wait to hear about Monday.

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  32. Great job!!! You've already made it 2 days longer than i did, and my trio are healthy as horses! 3 more days and you'll be holding those boys, and soon, bringing them all home :O)

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  33. I've been a lurker for quite awhile. Now, I find out I have the identical scenario you do. 2+1. Wishing you a happy c-section. I'll be stalking your blog a little more heavily and reading backward frequently.

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  34. Hip Hip Hooray for only 3 days away! :) And thanks for explaining the 34 week thing, I had been wondering, but didn't want to ask, because that might have sounded rude.

    Wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable final pregnant weekend and a smooth C on Monday. Can't wait to see little baby feet or whatever photos we are graced with! :)

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