Back to the couch with me. Do not pass the nursery, do not fold clothes. Bed rest is in effect again.
The boys looked fantastic today! They were all swimming in lots of fluid, wiggling around with strong heart beats and showing us their breathing. Go boys! I asked what the results of my fFN from last week were and they realized that instead of running the culture, they discarded it. Some doctors only run it if the cervical measurement is alarming, but my Dr. P always runs one per week. They repeated it today - more people seeing me without pants.
Then, the cervical ultrasound. Not. So. Good. It is measuring just about 1 cm. Still stable under pressure, though, so Dr. P was not too concerned. She told me to take it "easier" and stay off of my feet more, but that she wouldn't admit me until it was less than one centimeter this week. After 32 weeks, she would not. We made appointments for me to get steroid injections next week for the babies' lungs and scheduled my last (!) growth scan for next week.
I came home and waited for the "Your fFN was negative!" call that I usually get about 3 hours after arriving home. After not hearing from the nurses, I left them a message and had a feeling that they were not calling me back this time because it was positive and they had to Dr. P before calling me.
I hate being right all the time. Positive fFN.
You may recall that a negative fFN indicates a less than five percent chance of delivering in the next two weeks. A positive fFN is less clear. It means one is at an increased risk of delivering in the next two weeks due to cervical changes, but only 20-30% of women actually deliver in that window. I have heard doctors say they hate positive fFN's because they are compelled to be more aggressive with tocolytics like Terbutaline but the majority of women do not deliver within two weeks.
It does cause alarm when it is coupled with a shortened cervix (like mine) after several negative fFN's. Dr. P wants me to come in tomorrow to treat me with Betamethasone, a steroid which speeds fetal lung maturity. I was treated with this at 24 weeks, but it is not uncommon for docs to do it again around this time. Then I will inject myself again on Wednesday, and go back to their office on Thursday to have my cervix measured and Dopplers on the babies.
When I was talking to the nurse, she reminded me to go to L & D if my contractions are more than six per hour or are not controlled by Terbutaline and to report any leaking or change in discharge immediately. Because I am about 30 minutes from the hospital, she said just to leave for L & D and call on the way and they would page my MFM for me. Then she said, "But your cervix is okay right?" I said, "It was around 1 cm. To which she said, "Oooooooooh" in a not thrilled way.
If I had a shortening cervix, but negative a fFN, I am certain Dr. P would not admit me. That was always my argument if she threatened to admit me: "Shortening cervices are to be expected at this stage with triplets and I have a negative fFN!" - not anymore. Hopefully Thursday will show it has not changed, but if it is losing any length, into the hospital I will go and I have a feeling there will not be parole this time.
I am a little scared. I don't want to go back to the hospital, but even more than that, I don't want the babies to come too early. Hang in there boys! Mommy promises to put her feet up.
Showing posts with label ultrasound. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ultrasound. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Show and Tell: She's Baaaaack.
You know who she is. Wemberly is back.
For those of you unfamiliar, Wemberly is a little white mouse in an awesome children's book written by Kevin Henkes called "Wemberly Worried." I knew the book when I was in education but was reintroduced to it by my friend at Just Another Infertile. We are both Wemberlies. What do Wemberlies do? We worry. All the time. About all sorts of things, but in this case, pregnancy. Pregnancy, miscarriages, still birth, TTTS. You name it. If it can go wrong in a pregnancy, Wemberly reminds me of it.
Today I am 30 weeks and 5 days pregnant with our three boys. 23 days away from my scheduled C-section. We are in the home stretch, on the last leg, the finish line is in sight. (Choose your sports metaphor.) And although the likelihood of TTTS is teeny tiny now, and if the babies were born today, they would most likely be just fine, I am worried. What could I possibly be worried about? I am glad you asked! Today, I am worried about sudden and unforeseeable fetal death and Tetanus (I dropped a kitchen knife on my foot yesterday). Let me explain.
After crossing the threshold of Week 30, I began to relax. I pulled tags from clothes previously untouched and unwashed. I put art up in the nursery. I let myself get excited. Then suddenly, She was back. Wemberly is back, and has taken up residence in my subconscious. She keeps reminding me that anything can happen. People lose babies at the end of pregnancy. Abruptions are more common with multiples. She seems to implore me: "YOU CANNOT STOP WORRYING YET!" And while I admit to always having been a worrier in the extreme, even as a child, it has become worse. And I have a theory about that. Infertility conjured Wemberly.
My pregnancy with my daughter was a breeze: easily conceived, carried and born. Easy as pie! Pregnancy is so EASY! What I was meant to do! Then we started trying for number two. After a few months of wacky cycles, we managed to get pregnant again. At our ten week ultrasound, we found there was no heartbeat- and no baby at all- it had been a blighted ovum. Deeply painful, but we felt many couples had one miscarriage and it was not indicative of a bigger problem. Then we got pregnant again! The next month! Meant to be. We saw our daughter's heartbeat three times before the day when I laid on the table and was told the baby was "quiet." She had Trisomy 18, we later discovered. Then on to Clomid. No luck. Then IUI's with Clomid. On IUI #2, a BFP! Beta came back at 5, however. A chemical pregnancy. Then fallopian tubes removed. IVF is our only option.
It was during this time that the cute white mouse Wemberly began to chatter in my ear. The worries began to overtake the hope. Moving through IVF was a true test in my ability to work through each worry, one at a time. Then the discovery of triplets brought many new worries to life, each with their own statistics, likelihood and outcomes stamped on my brain. For me, knowing more is better, and I have become a master of navigating clinical studies and Perinatology journals. I know the survival rates for triplets born at each week of gestation.
Since the milestone of 30 weeks passed, and the survival rates went up, I am not so worried about them being born too early. Now I am worried that something will happen before they are born. When I don't feel each baby moving, I become nervous. I can tell who is moving accurately most of the time, so I will occasionally have to wake a baby up, just to calm myself down. As soon as an ultrasound begins, I hold my breath while the sonographer searches for heart tones on everyone. I am terrified to ever hear the words, "the baby is quiet" again. I have wanted to be pregnant for so very long, and love looking at my belly, full of babies. Although I know this will be my last pregnancy unless the unthinkable happens, I want it to speed up. I want to hold my sons, and watch them breathe, and know they are HERE. They are alive and ours.
Unfortunately, the statistics on "unforeseeable and sudden fetal death" are sparse. I am aware of how extremely rare it is, but know too well, in life and in the ALI community, that it does happen. I discussed this concern yesterday with Dr. P who said, "While it does happen, the risk is low for you. We see the babies twice a week and monitor them closely." I know this should be comforting. I should be comfortable with this answer. Babies are not always born to be brought home, though. I desperately want ours to come home with us, breathing in and out, crying and giggling and making our family complete.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I cannot wait to meet this little boy and his perfect brothers. (Nose, lips and eyes, with his arm over his face.)
Yesterday, all of the boys looked wonderful. Their little hearts were a-beating and they showed us they were breathing. Babies A and B (the twins) were both 3 pounds, 6 ounces, and Baby C was 3 pounds, 8 ounces! Big for triplets and growing at a wonderful rate. All passed their BPP's with flying colors! I know I "should" stop worrying, but until these boys are nestled in our arms, I will continue to be a Wemberly.
Go see what the rest of the class is showing today at Mel's Show and Tell!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Reckless tag-pulling-off
29 weeks and 5 days today. Only 30 days until our C-section unless things change dramatically and then it could be even sooner!
Something big is happening in my house today. Tags are being ripped off of clothing, baby blankets are being washed, diapers put away. I am getting ready for our boys, our sweet boys to come home. Until now, the fear of loss has been too strong. The memory of our miscarriages, of the promise of life and babies taken away has stolen from us the excitement and joy that comes with most pregnancies. I was terrified to purchase anything baby related this pregnancy until 28 weeks, with a few exceptions. I imagined the pain of putting something into a box and hiding it in the garage should the worst happen, and our boys don't survive. Hope seems to be popping up around here, as we near the big milestone of 30 weeks. The fear seems to be getting pushed over a little bit.
Today I had a great appointment. I half expected her to say, "Just kidding! Into the hospital with you!" but remarkably, Dr. P is thrilled with me and our trio. My cervix is the same. THE SAME! It has not changed since 24 weeks, which is remarkable. After the ultrasound, she remarked, "Your cervical length is actually normal now. It was not normal at 24 weeks, but it has not changed at all, and anyone carrying triplets at nearly 30 weeks should have a cervix like yours." If my husband was not there to witness, I might think I hallucinated the whole thing.
The boys are looking busy and active, all getting 8 out of 8 points on their Biophyscial Profiles. This means basically, that they are practicing breathing, showing movement and muscle tone, and have normal fluid levels. Our guys are only eligible for 8 instead of 10 because I do not have to have an NST to go with it, thank goodness. Still no signs of TTTS.
My husband, sweetie that he is, asked Dr. P if I would be allowed out to dinner for our four year anniversary this weekend. She said yes, and we discussed our favorite local restaurants. We talked about where would be a good place for me to be dropped off and picked up, but then she said, "You can increase your activity a little bit, to your comfort level and assuming your contractions don't pick up. Still rest most of the time, but you can get up a little more now." I told her that I didn't want to do much, since I contract a lot when I am up, and get tired easily, but her giving me a bit of freedom was AWESOME! I think it will make all the difference in my sanity and hopefully will make no difference in my cervix.
Don't worry, Readers: I am always very good and lay down most of the day, more so if contractions pick up. I am not heading out to run a marathon (or even walk to the mailbox) but I have been cleared for Target Scooter Rides. I have not been in any store in about 8 weeks, and this is exciting! I have not been able to peruse baby clothes or gear unless online (thank goodness for the Internet) so this tiny bit of freedom is thrilling. I am so thankful to still be pregnant, a fact I never take for granted. This just feels like a bonus.
Something about being almost 30 weeks (Oh, and did I mention the negative fFN today?) and likely getting to 32 or beyond makes me feel a bit reckless. Watch out for bouncy seat assembly and major laundering of clothing at our house. All the while, I hope that I will bring three boys home later this fall, that we will be some of the lucky ones. Fear is still so present in most of my actions and my thoughts about the boys, but slowly, excitement is creeping in. Excitement and hope.
(I did not just jinx myself, right?)
Something big is happening in my house today. Tags are being ripped off of clothing, baby blankets are being washed, diapers put away. I am getting ready for our boys, our sweet boys to come home. Until now, the fear of loss has been too strong. The memory of our miscarriages, of the promise of life and babies taken away has stolen from us the excitement and joy that comes with most pregnancies. I was terrified to purchase anything baby related this pregnancy until 28 weeks, with a few exceptions. I imagined the pain of putting something into a box and hiding it in the garage should the worst happen, and our boys don't survive. Hope seems to be popping up around here, as we near the big milestone of 30 weeks. The fear seems to be getting pushed over a little bit.
Today I had a great appointment. I half expected her to say, "Just kidding! Into the hospital with you!" but remarkably, Dr. P is thrilled with me and our trio. My cervix is the same. THE SAME! It has not changed since 24 weeks, which is remarkable. After the ultrasound, she remarked, "Your cervical length is actually normal now. It was not normal at 24 weeks, but it has not changed at all, and anyone carrying triplets at nearly 30 weeks should have a cervix like yours." If my husband was not there to witness, I might think I hallucinated the whole thing.
The boys are looking busy and active, all getting 8 out of 8 points on their Biophyscial Profiles. This means basically, that they are practicing breathing, showing movement and muscle tone, and have normal fluid levels. Our guys are only eligible for 8 instead of 10 because I do not have to have an NST to go with it, thank goodness. Still no signs of TTTS.
My husband, sweetie that he is, asked Dr. P if I would be allowed out to dinner for our four year anniversary this weekend. She said yes, and we discussed our favorite local restaurants. We talked about where would be a good place for me to be dropped off and picked up, but then she said, "You can increase your activity a little bit, to your comfort level and assuming your contractions don't pick up. Still rest most of the time, but you can get up a little more now." I told her that I didn't want to do much, since I contract a lot when I am up, and get tired easily, but her giving me a bit of freedom was AWESOME! I think it will make all the difference in my sanity and hopefully will make no difference in my cervix.
Don't worry, Readers: I am always very good and lay down most of the day, more so if contractions pick up. I am not heading out to run a marathon (or even walk to the mailbox) but I have been cleared for Target Scooter Rides. I have not been in any store in about 8 weeks, and this is exciting! I have not been able to peruse baby clothes or gear unless online (thank goodness for the Internet) so this tiny bit of freedom is thrilling. I am so thankful to still be pregnant, a fact I never take for granted. This just feels like a bonus.
Something about being almost 30 weeks (Oh, and did I mention the negative fFN today?) and likely getting to 32 or beyond makes me feel a bit reckless. Watch out for bouncy seat assembly and major laundering of clothing at our house. All the while, I hope that I will bring three boys home later this fall, that we will be some of the lucky ones. Fear is still so present in most of my actions and my thoughts about the boys, but slowly, excitement is creeping in. Excitement and hope.
(I did not just jinx myself, right?)
Friday, September 18, 2009
"Don't smoke crack."
That title drew you right in, did it not? I saw the wonderful Dr. W today, and his ability to soothe me and also mock me a little is a surprising combination. Picture a British forty-something in a dress shirt and slacks who would definitely rather be wearing shorts (what he usually sports).
After he declared that all was well with me, my cervix and the babies, I told him I was worried about placental abruption. Why am I worried about this relatively rare condition in which the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus, leading to bleeding, premature labor and possibly fetal death, you ask? Since the risk of major complications and death from prematurity is low as we are past 28 weeks (woo hoo!) and we have a less than 1% chance of developing TTTS at this stage, I need something to worry about! Don't I? C'mon! Worrying is for me what stamp collecting is to others: a comforting pastime.
Me: How common is placental abruption? I am very concerned about it since it is more common in multiples.
Dr. W: We rarely see it. It is usually associated with high blood pressure, and your blood pressure is low.
Me: Hmm. But it is more common with multiples, right?
Dr. W: About 1% of pregnancies have an abruption.
Me: Ohh. And it usually presents with bleeding?
Dr. W: Yes. Most are minor and do not result in fetal death, just an earlier delivery which should not concern us too much as you are nearly in the 30's.
Me: Okay. (Furrows brow.)
Dr. W: You can do something that reduces your risk tremendously, actually.
Me: (Practically jumps off the paper-covered table to grab his arm.) YES! What is it?
Dr. W: Don't smoke any crack cocaine this weekend. That is the biggest cause. Ha, ha!
Me: I was going to have some crack with my popcorn for movie night, but I shall refrain.
Dr. W: (Laughing his English ass off...) Great! See you next week!
I have to say, he is good at making me feel like everything is okay while reminding me not to worry about things not worth worrying about.
28 weeks and 5 days baby stats!
Baby A: 2 lbs, 13 oz
Baby B: 2 lbs, 12 oz
Baby C: 2 lbs, 12 oz
Their weights are all within the normal growth curve for a singleton- about the 40th percentile. The sonographer commented on how long the boys' arms and legs are, indicating they will be fairly tall. I was able to see their cutie pie faces and watched them breathing and swallowing. And kicking each other in the head. Since Baby C is breech, his little feet hover right around Baby A's nose. Occasionally he gives his unsuspecting brother a little poke with his heel just to remind the twins that he is in there too.
My cervix is still over 2 cm! I am very pleased knowing they consider it to be quite stable. Dr. P said she would only hospitalize me if it was hovering closer to 1 cm (which, unfortunately, can happen quickly) and I still might have a couple weeks of cervix left to keep me at home. I am hoping with all my might that I will be among the lucky few who manage to stay out of the hospital until right before their C-section, or even drive to the hospital on the boys' birthday which we hope is Monday, October 26th!
After he declared that all was well with me, my cervix and the babies, I told him I was worried about placental abruption. Why am I worried about this relatively rare condition in which the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus, leading to bleeding, premature labor and possibly fetal death, you ask? Since the risk of major complications and death from prematurity is low as we are past 28 weeks (woo hoo!) and we have a less than 1% chance of developing TTTS at this stage, I need something to worry about! Don't I? C'mon! Worrying is for me what stamp collecting is to others: a comforting pastime.
Me: How common is placental abruption? I am very concerned about it since it is more common in multiples.
Dr. W: We rarely see it. It is usually associated with high blood pressure, and your blood pressure is low.
Me: Hmm. But it is more common with multiples, right?
Dr. W: About 1% of pregnancies have an abruption.
Me: Ohh. And it usually presents with bleeding?
Dr. W: Yes. Most are minor and do not result in fetal death, just an earlier delivery which should not concern us too much as you are nearly in the 30's.
Me: Okay. (Furrows brow.)
Dr. W: You can do something that reduces your risk tremendously, actually.
Me: (Practically jumps off the paper-covered table to grab his arm.) YES! What is it?
Dr. W: Don't smoke any crack cocaine this weekend. That is the biggest cause. Ha, ha!
Me: I was going to have some crack with my popcorn for movie night, but I shall refrain.
Dr. W: (Laughing his English ass off...) Great! See you next week!
I have to say, he is good at making me feel like everything is okay while reminding me not to worry about things not worth worrying about.
28 weeks and 5 days baby stats!
Baby A: 2 lbs, 13 oz
Baby B: 2 lbs, 12 oz
Baby C: 2 lbs, 12 oz
Their weights are all within the normal growth curve for a singleton- about the 40th percentile. The sonographer commented on how long the boys' arms and legs are, indicating they will be fairly tall. I was able to see their cutie pie faces and watched them breathing and swallowing. And kicking each other in the head. Since Baby C is breech, his little feet hover right around Baby A's nose. Occasionally he gives his unsuspecting brother a little poke with his heel just to remind the twins that he is in there too.
My cervix is still over 2 cm! I am very pleased knowing they consider it to be quite stable. Dr. P said she would only hospitalize me if it was hovering closer to 1 cm (which, unfortunately, can happen quickly) and I still might have a couple weeks of cervix left to keep me at home. I am hoping with all my might that I will be among the lucky few who manage to stay out of the hospital until right before their C-section, or even drive to the hospital on the boys' birthday which we hope is Monday, October 26th!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Ask Carrie! (and cervical showing-off)
At the risk of sounding like a complete braggart, my cervix grew again. Today it measured at 2.8 cm - 3.2 cm. Again, the cervix is a dynamic muscle which changes over time and will likely shorten as time goes on, and we expect it to as the triplets' birth draws nearer. I can hardly believe it actually grew. (I was a bit afraid to blog about it but I knew there would be an email onslaught if I did not update.) Today showed stability which translates into more time at home with the family.
Today the babies (except B, who was being a bit lazy actually) showed off their breathing, even fluid, and good Doppler measurements. Dr. W insisted I get a flu shot and reminded me how bad it would be for me to get the flu while caring for three preemies or for them to get it at all. I did, and took comfort knowing that it grants the preemie babies some immunity from the flu after birth. I am sure I do not need to tell you how immature preemie babies' immune systems are, and how protection for them is critical.
Here is Cutie Pants Baby C:
As promised, I bring you the first ever edition of Ask Carrie! I get many questions in the comments section from anonymous readers and some of you who I know well. I thought I'd give you a chance to ask questions- really about anything. No need to make them fertility-related or about pregnancy unless you choose.
As a reminder, I will not reveal doctors' or hospital names, our fertility clinic or any other info like that on the blog. If I know you, I will be happy to talk with you on email, so leave me a way to contact you if you'd like.
Looking forward to reading and answering them! I am still writing my post about privacy, pictures and identifying information about our children. Cassandra, in her usual pesky, thought-provoking form gave me even more to consider so it will be delayed a bit.
Oh, did I mention: 2 DAYS UNTIL 28 WEEKS? No? Well it is less than 48 hours now!
Today the babies (except B, who was being a bit lazy actually) showed off their breathing, even fluid, and good Doppler measurements. Dr. W insisted I get a flu shot and reminded me how bad it would be for me to get the flu while caring for three preemies or for them to get it at all. I did, and took comfort knowing that it grants the preemie babies some immunity from the flu after birth. I am sure I do not need to tell you how immature preemie babies' immune systems are, and how protection for them is critical.
Here is Cutie Pants Baby C:
As promised, I bring you the first ever edition of Ask Carrie! I get many questions in the comments section from anonymous readers and some of you who I know well. I thought I'd give you a chance to ask questions- really about anything. No need to make them fertility-related or about pregnancy unless you choose.
As a reminder, I will not reveal doctors' or hospital names, our fertility clinic or any other info like that on the blog. If I know you, I will be happy to talk with you on email, so leave me a way to contact you if you'd like.
Looking forward to reading and answering them! I am still writing my post about privacy, pictures and identifying information about our children. Cassandra, in her usual pesky, thought-provoking form gave me even more to consider so it will be delayed a bit.
Oh, did I mention: 2 DAYS UNTIL 28 WEEKS? No? Well it is less than 48 hours now!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
We've got cervix, yes we do!
It is a miracle I didn't have a heart attack during this ultrasound. The sonographer who was doing my cervical measurements announced that with no pressure my cervix was 3.2 cm, a marked increase! Then she applied pressure and said, "Ohhhhh. Look at the funneling! Now I get about 1.5 cm." She measured more in the 2.0's while I watched. Heart racing, I asked if she was sure and she said, "Actually, no. I am having a hard time being able to tell what this is... let me go show the doctor." So I laid there, half naked and thinking of being hospitalized.
Back in she comes, thankfully after only a minute, to tell me he said that was just cervical mucus and a shadow- the measurements were 2.2 - 3.2 cm. So yeah, my cervix ... grew. I wanted to cheer and get really excited but I was a little afraid a piano might fall on my head, like in the cartoons when the cat is walking along the sidewalk on a sunny day and BAM! Piano on head. (But I cheered inside.)
The boys look beautiful, with no signs of TTTS, plenty of fluid and practicing their breathing for us. Baby B had a wicked case of the hiccups which made his Doppler measurements challenging, but I loved it. All the little boys are still head down, which causes a great deal of rib-kicking, which I also love. Everyone's heart rates were nice and even, and their boy parts apparent (for those who still wonder if there is a girl in there). Dr. W, who is the stand-in for Dr. P breezed in for about two minutes and said, "Your cervix is great, the babies look wonderful. Go home; you live to fight another day."
I am so grateful! Home again with my family, spared the hospital this week. We are 27w2d, just five days until the biggest hurdle is cleared: 28 weeks. It seems like we might all make it through this but I am scared to say it out loud. Will I get to bring my boys home, to have a baby survive a pregnancy inside my body, and grow into a child of mine? I hope, hope, hope so.
Me and the boys at 27 weeks
Forthcoming posts:
1. The baby showers
2. Will we or won't we: posting pictures of our children and privacy issues
3. Carrie answers your questions (I have nothing but time on my hands!)
Are you excited or what? ;)
Back in she comes, thankfully after only a minute, to tell me he said that was just cervical mucus and a shadow- the measurements were 2.2 - 3.2 cm. So yeah, my cervix ... grew. I wanted to cheer and get really excited but I was a little afraid a piano might fall on my head, like in the cartoons when the cat is walking along the sidewalk on a sunny day and BAM! Piano on head. (But I cheered inside.)
The boys look beautiful, with no signs of TTTS, plenty of fluid and practicing their breathing for us. Baby B had a wicked case of the hiccups which made his Doppler measurements challenging, but I loved it. All the little boys are still head down, which causes a great deal of rib-kicking, which I also love. Everyone's heart rates were nice and even, and their boy parts apparent (for those who still wonder if there is a girl in there). Dr. W, who is the stand-in for Dr. P breezed in for about two minutes and said, "Your cervix is great, the babies look wonderful. Go home; you live to fight another day."
I am so grateful! Home again with my family, spared the hospital this week. We are 27w2d, just five days until the biggest hurdle is cleared: 28 weeks. It seems like we might all make it through this but I am scared to say it out loud. Will I get to bring my boys home, to have a baby survive a pregnancy inside my body, and grow into a child of mine? I hope, hope, hope so.
Me and the boys at 27 weeks
Forthcoming posts:
1. The baby showers
2. Will we or won't we: posting pictures of our children and privacy issues
3. Carrie answers your questions (I have nothing but time on my hands!)
Are you excited or what? ;)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Reporting live from...
... my living room! I am a very grateful and happy woman, surrounded by gifts from shower number one, watching my daughter run around, with the boys safe and sound.
(Contented Sighhhhh.)
A longer post is forthcoming, but for now, here is the update after my ultrasound.
Cervix: 1.8-2.2. Still almost exactly the same as it was at the last check, and less funneling this time. Keep up the good work, Cervix!
Babies:
Baby A: 2 pounds, 4 ounces (!)
Baby B: 2 pounds, 1 ounce
Baby C: 2 pounds, 1 ounce
Yay babies! Their weights are all in the 30th - 50th percentiles for singletons, which is truly wonderful for triplets. I have not gained any weight in the last couple weeks, so it was very reassuring to see the boys are getting exactly what they need.
Dr. P was thrilled, which is not a word I would use to describe her very often, and said the boys look awesome, no signs of TTTS, and my cervix is stable. "Everything is in the green zone," she said. WOOT WOOT! Words I do not often hear that make me very happy. Dr. P is presenting at a Fetal Therapy conference out of the country next week, so I will be seeing two of her partners, Dr. W and Dr. K, both of whom I adore. Dr. K is quite the hugger/hand-holder which is obviously good for me. I told Dr. P I will not be in the hospital when she gets back and she said, "Maybe you'll walk right into your scheduled C-section." A girl can dream!
All of us know how quickly things can change, but for today, everything is good. I am at home, the boys are big and healthy, my contractions are not too intense and tomorrow marks 27 weeks, one week shy of our most important goal. Then onto 30 weeks (I still have a hard time imagining the "thirties") and then our scheduled C-section date of October 27th. Sounds like a great day to be born.
Your suggestions for stress-relief were all awesome! Thanks for the continued support and good thoughts. At the risk of tempting fate, I think they might be working. :)
(Contented Sighhhhh.)
A longer post is forthcoming, but for now, here is the update after my ultrasound.
Cervix: 1.8-2.2. Still almost exactly the same as it was at the last check, and less funneling this time. Keep up the good work, Cervix!
Babies:
Baby A: 2 pounds, 4 ounces (!)
Baby B: 2 pounds, 1 ounce
Baby C: 2 pounds, 1 ounce
Yay babies! Their weights are all in the 30th - 50th percentiles for singletons, which is truly wonderful for triplets. I have not gained any weight in the last couple weeks, so it was very reassuring to see the boys are getting exactly what they need.
Dr. P was thrilled, which is not a word I would use to describe her very often, and said the boys look awesome, no signs of TTTS, and my cervix is stable. "Everything is in the green zone," she said. WOOT WOOT! Words I do not often hear that make me very happy. Dr. P is presenting at a Fetal Therapy conference out of the country next week, so I will be seeing two of her partners, Dr. W and Dr. K, both of whom I adore. Dr. K is quite the hugger/hand-holder which is obviously good for me. I told Dr. P I will not be in the hospital when she gets back and she said, "Maybe you'll walk right into your scheduled C-section." A girl can dream!
All of us know how quickly things can change, but for today, everything is good. I am at home, the boys are big and healthy, my contractions are not too intense and tomorrow marks 27 weeks, one week shy of our most important goal. Then onto 30 weeks (I still have a hard time imagining the "thirties") and then our scheduled C-section date of October 27th. Sounds like a great day to be born.
Your suggestions for stress-relief were all awesome! Thanks for the continued support and good thoughts. At the risk of tempting fate, I think they might be working. :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Growing boys, Growing Cervix!!
Today was one of those remarkable appointments where there was good news all around! They usually measure my cervix last, after the growth scan of the boys, but I begged them to do it first today since it would determine whether or not I would be admitted to the hospital. So they did it first and it was measuring 2.6 - 2.9! It has grown a whole 2-3 mm since Friday. Hooray for another week (or more) at home!
Dr. P reminded me that it can change quickly, so bring my bag again on Friday. I will be seen twice a week from now on which is awesome for a Wemberly like me. I kept asking her, "Do you think they'll survive?" to which she said, "Well, they aren't going to be born this week probably." I have never been able to get her to say, "YES! They are going to make it!" which my husband and mom remind me she could get sued for saying, but STILL. I would love some kind of firm reassurance from her, but she seems to take it a week at a time. I said, "I did get a negative fFN (which gets us to 26 weeks) on Friday, and we know 26 weeks is better than 24..." waiting for her to say, "You'll get past 26!" but she just said, "That is true." She is such an amazing doctor, and I truly love her conservative approach, except when it comes to my constant need for reassurance.
The boys look great. Their fluid remains even and adequate and there are still no signs of TTTS! Their weights were all very close to each other and are all in the 50th - 60th percentiles.
Baby A: 1 lb, 9 oz
Baby B: 1 lb, 7 oz
Baby C: 1 lb, 8 oz
= 4.5 lbs of baby inside of my belly!
The sonographer was the most efficient one I've seen! She was not only quick at getting all the required measurements, but stopped whenever we saw something cute to print pictures. She also did 4D on A and C (B was hiding his face behind A) which was amazing. They are filling out already!
I know these can be hard to distinguish, but here they are:
A with his arm curled up and hand by his face- it looks like he is flexing!
Here is C's little nose and mouth (no hole in his head, it is just the way 4D looks):
Very grateful for our healthy boys and slightly more cooperative cervix!
Dr. P reminded me that it can change quickly, so bring my bag again on Friday. I will be seen twice a week from now on which is awesome for a Wemberly like me. I kept asking her, "Do you think they'll survive?" to which she said, "Well, they aren't going to be born this week probably." I have never been able to get her to say, "YES! They are going to make it!" which my husband and mom remind me she could get sued for saying, but STILL. I would love some kind of firm reassurance from her, but she seems to take it a week at a time. I said, "I did get a negative fFN (which gets us to 26 weeks) on Friday, and we know 26 weeks is better than 24..." waiting for her to say, "You'll get past 26!" but she just said, "That is true." She is such an amazing doctor, and I truly love her conservative approach, except when it comes to my constant need for reassurance.
The boys look great. Their fluid remains even and adequate and there are still no signs of TTTS! Their weights were all very close to each other and are all in the 50th - 60th percentiles.
Baby A: 1 lb, 9 oz
Baby B: 1 lb, 7 oz
Baby C: 1 lb, 8 oz
= 4.5 lbs of baby inside of my belly!
The sonographer was the most efficient one I've seen! She was not only quick at getting all the required measurements, but stopped whenever we saw something cute to print pictures. She also did 4D on A and C (B was hiding his face behind A) which was amazing. They are filling out already!
I know these can be hard to distinguish, but here they are:
A with his arm curled up and hand by his face- it looks like he is flexing!
Here is C's little nose and mouth (no hole in his head, it is just the way 4D looks):
Very grateful for our healthy boys and slightly more cooperative cervix!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Happy Viability!
Dear Boys,
Happy Viability Day, my sweet sons! Today, we have reached the much anticipated milestone of 24 weeks which means that if you were born today, you would have a chance at life outside Mommy. That said, please try to stay inside as long as you can, for another eight or ten weeks. Every day you stay inside, you grow stronger and more ready for the world, more ready to meet your family. If you can make it just another four weeks, we are almost guaranteed that you'll be healthy and here to stay. So listen to Mommy, since I know what is best in this case, and stay inside. I am doing everything I can to make sure my body keeps you safe.
Enjoy the days of swimming in a warm and safe place, of feeling your brothers right next to you and hearing our muffled voices. We can hardly wait to see your faces, kiss your heads and hold your little hands. We have been waiting so very long for you to make our family complete, and we can wait a little longer while your bodies grow bigger and stronger.
I love you!
Mommy
Here is a song for you, boys. Coldplay's "A Message". When I was trying to conceive your sister, and then you, I felt like this song sang to you, my future children whom I wanted so badly. Now sometimes I listen to it and imagine you singing it to me. Here are the lyrics. (Give it a listen, but don't watch the silly homemade Youtube video.)
The boys, in alphabetical order:
And the (ginormous) belly in which they reside:
Tomorrow I have a full growth ultrasound to see how big the boys are, and a cervical measurement. Hopefully it is unchanged or has grown, but it is not so likely. I will bring my hospital bag and be prepared for admittance (which as Miss MVK suggested may jinx me into getting to come home) for a while. Thank you again for all the cheers, support and celebration!
Happy Viability Day, my sweet sons! Today, we have reached the much anticipated milestone of 24 weeks which means that if you were born today, you would have a chance at life outside Mommy. That said, please try to stay inside as long as you can, for another eight or ten weeks. Every day you stay inside, you grow stronger and more ready for the world, more ready to meet your family. If you can make it just another four weeks, we are almost guaranteed that you'll be healthy and here to stay. So listen to Mommy, since I know what is best in this case, and stay inside. I am doing everything I can to make sure my body keeps you safe.
Enjoy the days of swimming in a warm and safe place, of feeling your brothers right next to you and hearing our muffled voices. We can hardly wait to see your faces, kiss your heads and hold your little hands. We have been waiting so very long for you to make our family complete, and we can wait a little longer while your bodies grow bigger and stronger.
I love you!
Mommy
Here is a song for you, boys. Coldplay's "A Message". When I was trying to conceive your sister, and then you, I felt like this song sang to you, my future children whom I wanted so badly. Now sometimes I listen to it and imagine you singing it to me. Here are the lyrics. (Give it a listen, but don't watch the silly homemade Youtube video.)
The boys, in alphabetical order:
And the (ginormous) belly in which they reside:
Tomorrow I have a full growth ultrasound to see how big the boys are, and a cervical measurement. Hopefully it is unchanged or has grown, but it is not so likely. I will bring my hospital bag and be prepared for admittance (which as Miss MVK suggested may jinx me into getting to come home) for a while. Thank you again for all the cheers, support and celebration!
Monday, August 10, 2009
100th post: Good News and Bad News
23 weeks and 1 day... 6 days until viability! Good news and bad news today. How about good news first?
Good news:
- This is my 100th post! I cannot believe how quickly it came! :)
- After an extra visit to the MFM last week due to intense contractions, my meds were changed to a different form of Nifedipine and we added Terbutaline as needed. The Terb has (as I was told) some very icky side effects: shaking hands and a jittery feeling but nothing too terrible. Until today, the contractions seem to be less. This afternoon I have had more and had to take extra meds.
- The fluid levels on the babies have normalized! No signs of TTTS whatsoever. The twins had very good Dopplers today as well as more even levels of fluid. YAY!
- Drum roll please... I had a negative fFN on Thursday! WOOT WOOT! That means I have less than 1% chance of going into serious labor in the next two weeks (that gets me to 24w4d). We will repeat it again on Monday, but big sigh of relief for now.
- Their movements are so strong! I love to feel little feet kicking and rolling around- I can even see little feet sometimes. The boys are getting so big and strong, and remind me of how much I love them already.
Bad news:
- Today my cervix was shorter again. On Monday of last week it was over 3.1, Thursday was more like 2.9 - 3.1 and today was about 2.6 - 2.8. I could tell as soon as the scan was on the screen that it was shorter and immediately felt disappointed. I was so sure the meds were working that I did not expect it to have shortened at all.
- Dr. P came in and her first words were, "You are going to get yourself admitted here soon!" I had a feeling it was coming after seeing the scan, but she confirmed it. She said her best estimate is that I will be in the hospital on bed rest in the next two weeks, or as soon as my cervix shortens further or I get a positive fFn (hopefully not for a long time).
- These could be my last days or weeks at home. I am going to have a cervical measurement on Friday and she told me she may admit me then. If admitted, they would start steroids for babies' lungs at 24 weeks and monitor me closely.
- Obviously, increased anxiety (read: uncontrollable terror) at the boys coming WAY too soon. I know it will be after 24 weeks and I hope with all hope it will be after 28. Will my body hang on?
I suppose I should feel lucky that I made it this far without hospitalization, but the thought of being without my daughter's little voice and face each day shred my heart. I know so many of you mommies have to be away from your older kids while on bed rest, and I think it must be the hardest part. I am already frustrated that I can't put her to bed, give her a bath or go for a walk with her; but spending a whole day away from morning until night without seeing her little face, feeling her hands or kissing her forehead seems terribly painful.
Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do aside from resting and taking my meds like a good patient. I went over my activity with her and she said it seemed fine, but to try to go up the stairs less. She said it probably won't make that much of a difference, so not to stress out about it too much.
So the best case scenario has changed: now we hope that my cervix stays the same and I get to be home with my family for as long as possible. I want to be here with them so much, but I may not get to be for long. We hope my body holds on past 28 weeks, and the boys grow bigger and stay healthy. This is the most amazing and hardest thing I think I have done yet.
I will post a darling little Baby B's face and profile later as well as the LARGE 23 week belly shot. Thanks for all the support and cheers. I cherish every one of your comments.
Good news:
- This is my 100th post! I cannot believe how quickly it came! :)
- After an extra visit to the MFM last week due to intense contractions, my meds were changed to a different form of Nifedipine and we added Terbutaline as needed. The Terb has (as I was told) some very icky side effects: shaking hands and a jittery feeling but nothing too terrible. Until today, the contractions seem to be less. This afternoon I have had more and had to take extra meds.
- The fluid levels on the babies have normalized! No signs of TTTS whatsoever. The twins had very good Dopplers today as well as more even levels of fluid. YAY!
- Drum roll please... I had a negative fFN on Thursday! WOOT WOOT! That means I have less than 1% chance of going into serious labor in the next two weeks (that gets me to 24w4d). We will repeat it again on Monday, but big sigh of relief for now.
- Their movements are so strong! I love to feel little feet kicking and rolling around- I can even see little feet sometimes. The boys are getting so big and strong, and remind me of how much I love them already.
Bad news:
- Today my cervix was shorter again. On Monday of last week it was over 3.1, Thursday was more like 2.9 - 3.1 and today was about 2.6 - 2.8. I could tell as soon as the scan was on the screen that it was shorter and immediately felt disappointed. I was so sure the meds were working that I did not expect it to have shortened at all.
- Dr. P came in and her first words were, "You are going to get yourself admitted here soon!" I had a feeling it was coming after seeing the scan, but she confirmed it. She said her best estimate is that I will be in the hospital on bed rest in the next two weeks, or as soon as my cervix shortens further or I get a positive fFn (hopefully not for a long time).
- These could be my last days or weeks at home. I am going to have a cervical measurement on Friday and she told me she may admit me then. If admitted, they would start steroids for babies' lungs at 24 weeks and monitor me closely.
- Obviously, increased anxiety (read: uncontrollable terror) at the boys coming WAY too soon. I know it will be after 24 weeks and I hope with all hope it will be after 28. Will my body hang on?
I suppose I should feel lucky that I made it this far without hospitalization, but the thought of being without my daughter's little voice and face each day shred my heart. I know so many of you mommies have to be away from your older kids while on bed rest, and I think it must be the hardest part. I am already frustrated that I can't put her to bed, give her a bath or go for a walk with her; but spending a whole day away from morning until night without seeing her little face, feeling her hands or kissing her forehead seems terribly painful.
Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do aside from resting and taking my meds like a good patient. I went over my activity with her and she said it seemed fine, but to try to go up the stairs less. She said it probably won't make that much of a difference, so not to stress out about it too much.
So the best case scenario has changed: now we hope that my cervix stays the same and I get to be home with my family for as long as possible. I want to be here with them so much, but I may not get to be for long. We hope my body holds on past 28 weeks, and the boys grow bigger and stay healthy. This is the most amazing and hardest thing I think I have done yet.
I will post a darling little Baby B's face and profile later as well as the LARGE 23 week belly shot. Thanks for all the support and cheers. I cherish every one of your comments.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Not what we wanted to hear.
Today I am 22w1d (13 days until viability) and my weekly appointment was... not great.
I am gaining weight well, my uterus measures at 32 weeks (!) and my blood pressure is nice and low. They did my glucose screening and CBC to check for anemia, and I will get results tomorrow.
The scan of the babies showed them healthy and active, but with some fluid issues. Baby A has plenty of fluid, but Baby B and Baby C are both low. While this is most likely caused by the fact that I have been taking Advil for contractions (hence the reason you should not take it without the doctor's approval) we are still a bit worried about TTTS. We don't ever want to see a difference in A's and B's fluid. Dr. P was confident that once I have been off of the Advil for a few days, their fluid should increase, but we will be watching closely to ensure no other signs of TTTS emerge.
I asked her what we'd do if they developed it this early and she said I'd have Selective Photocoagulation surgery (or Laser Ablation) to treat the condition. This is an amazing procedure only offered at a few hospitals around the country (one of the reasons I chose the practice we are in) but they literally shoot a laser through the abdomen and uterus into the placenta. SCARY, but very effective. If they develop it later, after 28 weeks, they would do serial amniocentesis to draw of excess fluid from the recipient twin. More info on TTTS here. Dr. P seems very confident that the discrepancy in fluid is due to the Advil, not TTTS, but we'll be paying more attention to their fluid.
As if that was not already enough to cause me to enter high-anxiety mode, my cervix shortened. Just a little, but STILL. It was about 3.5 last week and this week it was down to 3.1, 2.7 with pressure. Again, not an incompetent cervix but it is reacting to increased contractions. I have noticed and reported many more contractions this week, so my Niphedipine was doubled in an attempt to stop their effect on my cervix.
Also, my bed rest is now much stricter. Not yet "strict" which means bed pan and being horizontal all day, but much more limited. I am only allowed to stand up to use the bathroom, shower and get meals, but should remain reclined the rest of the day. No more outings, puttering around the house or walking much to the car. My activity has slowly increased lately, without me meaning to, and I need to stay down all day now. Hey, at least I got to scoot around Target a couple times.
I asked her:
1. When will we do an fFN (a test on the cervical mucus to determine if labor is imminent in the next two weeks)?
Starting at 24 weeks. If we ever get a positive test, then I will be admitted to the hospital for the rest of the pregnancy and given steroid shots.
2. Will we get to 28 weeks?
Yes! Prepare that you may be in the hospital and will certainly be resting much more.
3. Why else would you put me in the hospital?
If your cervix shortens again, if you have four contractions in an hour consistently or if the twins develop TTTS.
The good news is the Nifedipine has worked for me in the past, and we assume the higher dose will help. Also, the twins have NO OTHER signs of TTTS and we hope the fluid thing will normalize next week... yes, I have to wait a whole week! These are the positive things to which I am clinging.
Feeling pretty anxious on the couch over here, and wishing there was a way to know for certain that all will be well. I cannot imagine losing these boys now, and hope with my whole heart that the rest and medications will help my body hold on for another 10 weeks or so. Thanks for reading this extremely long post, and for all of your support. Hopefully next week will bring us news of normalized fluid levels and a longer cervix.
I am gaining weight well, my uterus measures at 32 weeks (!) and my blood pressure is nice and low. They did my glucose screening and CBC to check for anemia, and I will get results tomorrow.
The scan of the babies showed them healthy and active, but with some fluid issues. Baby A has plenty of fluid, but Baby B and Baby C are both low. While this is most likely caused by the fact that I have been taking Advil for contractions (hence the reason you should not take it without the doctor's approval) we are still a bit worried about TTTS. We don't ever want to see a difference in A's and B's fluid. Dr. P was confident that once I have been off of the Advil for a few days, their fluid should increase, but we will be watching closely to ensure no other signs of TTTS emerge.
I asked her what we'd do if they developed it this early and she said I'd have Selective Photocoagulation surgery (or Laser Ablation) to treat the condition. This is an amazing procedure only offered at a few hospitals around the country (one of the reasons I chose the practice we are in) but they literally shoot a laser through the abdomen and uterus into the placenta. SCARY, but very effective. If they develop it later, after 28 weeks, they would do serial amniocentesis to draw of excess fluid from the recipient twin. More info on TTTS here. Dr. P seems very confident that the discrepancy in fluid is due to the Advil, not TTTS, but we'll be paying more attention to their fluid.
As if that was not already enough to cause me to enter high-anxiety mode, my cervix shortened. Just a little, but STILL. It was about 3.5 last week and this week it was down to 3.1, 2.7 with pressure. Again, not an incompetent cervix but it is reacting to increased contractions. I have noticed and reported many more contractions this week, so my Niphedipine was doubled in an attempt to stop their effect on my cervix.
Also, my bed rest is now much stricter. Not yet "strict" which means bed pan and being horizontal all day, but much more limited. I am only allowed to stand up to use the bathroom, shower and get meals, but should remain reclined the rest of the day. No more outings, puttering around the house or walking much to the car. My activity has slowly increased lately, without me meaning to, and I need to stay down all day now. Hey, at least I got to scoot around Target a couple times.
I asked her:
1. When will we do an fFN (a test on the cervical mucus to determine if labor is imminent in the next two weeks)?
Starting at 24 weeks. If we ever get a positive test, then I will be admitted to the hospital for the rest of the pregnancy and given steroid shots.
2. Will we get to 28 weeks?
Yes! Prepare that you may be in the hospital and will certainly be resting much more.
3. Why else would you put me in the hospital?
If your cervix shortens again, if you have four contractions in an hour consistently or if the twins develop TTTS.
The good news is the Nifedipine has worked for me in the past, and we assume the higher dose will help. Also, the twins have NO OTHER signs of TTTS and we hope the fluid thing will normalize next week... yes, I have to wait a whole week! These are the positive things to which I am clinging.
Feeling pretty anxious on the couch over here, and wishing there was a way to know for certain that all will be well. I cannot imagine losing these boys now, and hope with my whole heart that the rest and medications will help my body hold on for another 10 weeks or so. Thanks for reading this extremely long post, and for all of your support. Hopefully next week will bring us news of normalized fluid levels and a longer cervix.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Busy Boys
I would like to dedicate this post to Air Conditioning, without which I would not be able to function in the humid, 95 degree Seattle weather. Even with it I am still too hot and cannot sleep at night, but I am so thankful we have it at all.
Okay, back to your regularly scheduled programing.
I saw the boys today, and they look great! Still no signs of TTTS, and my cervix is... wait for it... still over 3.5! This is wonderful news. Dr. P has returned from abroad, and she had no idea I'd be waiting with an itemized list of questions for her. That'll teach her to take a family vacation! (I am really kidding and eternally grateful to her for all her excellent care). Here are some of the highlights:
- I got in trouble for losing a pound. Must drink more protein shakes.
- She is thrilled with my "competent" cervix and said it is doing a nice job... let's hope it continues to do so!
- She said, in a triplet pregnancy at 21 weeks, this is the best case scenario. My bed rest and meds are controlling the contractions and she said I could stay like this (modified bed rest) until the end as long as all continues the same.
- She told me that we need to pick a day for my C-section. I almost fainted! Is this really happening? She said to choose a day the week of Halloween and we will make it our goal. I keep thinking of how our daughter could visit me in her costume and then go trick-or-treating with Daddy. Makes me smile from ear to ear. If I go into labor before then and we cannot stop it, they will do an emergency C-section, but we will aim for our C-section date.
- I felt SO much movement out of B last night! It felt like he was kicking constantly for an hour and at one point, I felt his feet sticking out. At the appointment, we saw that he has flipped himself completely back to head down position. That takes some effort given the space considerations.
Everything (aside from the enormous growth every day) has stayed the same which is JUST how we want it. I am feeling more hopeful, hoping my boys make it, hoping they will come home with me in a few short months.
Me and the boys at 21 weeks:
In this picture, it looks like A (on the right) is whispering to B, or maybe giving him a little kiss. Regardless, this picture makes me smile- to see them snuggling together is hopefully, a glimpse of what is to come.
Here is Little C, oblivious to A and B's shenanigans. Could his nose BE any cuter?
Okay, back to your regularly scheduled programing.
I saw the boys today, and they look great! Still no signs of TTTS, and my cervix is... wait for it... still over 3.5! This is wonderful news. Dr. P has returned from abroad, and she had no idea I'd be waiting with an itemized list of questions for her. That'll teach her to take a family vacation! (I am really kidding and eternally grateful to her for all her excellent care). Here are some of the highlights:
- I got in trouble for losing a pound. Must drink more protein shakes.
- She is thrilled with my "competent" cervix and said it is doing a nice job... let's hope it continues to do so!
- She said, in a triplet pregnancy at 21 weeks, this is the best case scenario. My bed rest and meds are controlling the contractions and she said I could stay like this (modified bed rest) until the end as long as all continues the same.
- She told me that we need to pick a day for my C-section. I almost fainted! Is this really happening? She said to choose a day the week of Halloween and we will make it our goal. I keep thinking of how our daughter could visit me in her costume and then go trick-or-treating with Daddy. Makes me smile from ear to ear. If I go into labor before then and we cannot stop it, they will do an emergency C-section, but we will aim for our C-section date.
- I felt SO much movement out of B last night! It felt like he was kicking constantly for an hour and at one point, I felt his feet sticking out. At the appointment, we saw that he has flipped himself completely back to head down position. That takes some effort given the space considerations.
Everything (aside from the enormous growth every day) has stayed the same which is JUST how we want it. I am feeling more hopeful, hoping my boys make it, hoping they will come home with me in a few short months.
Me and the boys at 21 weeks:
In this picture, it looks like A (on the right) is whispering to B, or maybe giving him a little kiss. Regardless, this picture makes me smile- to see them snuggling together is hopefully, a glimpse of what is to come.
Here is Little C, oblivious to A and B's shenanigans. Could his nose BE any cuter?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, July 6, 2009
18 Weeks and CUTENESS!
All right, I admit it. I have been a bad blogger. Weekly updates are all I am managing right now, and it is usually because whenever my daughter is napping, so am I. Also, my laptop has been heading down hill. Right now, for example, I have to hit the "k" key about 5 times before it will produce a letter. Makes for slow blogging. Today I have some cute pictures to share of my boys, and a quick update from the doctor (the in-a-hurry-substitute doctor since mine is in Europe).
First of all, here is the 18 week belly in all its glory. Today, they measured my uterus and it is measuring at 28 weeks. Holy Hell!
This morning I had a long ultrasound which again showed no signs of TTTS and a long cervix... now let's hope it stays that way for another 18 weeks! The boys are so very active in there, especially Baby B. He head down, along my right side, lowest. Baby A is the long way across my belly button, and Baby C is at the top on the left side, usually taking a big old nap, since no one is kicking him in the head.
I had a scary incident at 5 am on Saturday when I had severe cramps that I would NOT go away. I called the on-call doc who was had me take 600 mg of Advil and call if it had not gone away in an hour. It did go away, and he checked in with me later that morning to tell me to continue the Advil until I saw Dr. K today, and to call if it came back. I was terrified, having visions of my water breaking, of losing the boys, but it really didn't come back at all. When I saw the stand-in doc today, she said it was most likely growing pains (since my cervix remains unchanged) as this is a rapid growth period for the babies, but if it returned, she'd want me back in this week. Stand-in freaked me out a little- she kept saying, "With triplets, the cervix can change rapidly, but I think you;ll be okay..." which I already know, but seriously! Don't remind me of my biggest fear!
She also said that unlike Dr. P, she does not automatically put people on modified bed rest at 20 weeks unless there is a reason. She kept saying, "I am more liberal than her" and we'd wait and see. Honestly, I don't know what to think! I will continue taking it easy, but I guess I might have a few more weeks of freedom before the serious resting starts.
The awesome sonographer asked if I'd like to see my babies in 4-D... UM YES!!! Here are my little boys, looking so beautiful to their mommy. I could not help but cry when I saw their faces.
Baby A:
Baby B:
Baby C:
I know they are a little blob-like but I see their Daddy and their sister already. I cannot wait to meet you, boys, but keep on growing inside for 18 more weeks!
First of all, here is the 18 week belly in all its glory. Today, they measured my uterus and it is measuring at 28 weeks. Holy Hell!
This morning I had a long ultrasound which again showed no signs of TTTS and a long cervix... now let's hope it stays that way for another 18 weeks! The boys are so very active in there, especially Baby B. He head down, along my right side, lowest. Baby A is the long way across my belly button, and Baby C is at the top on the left side, usually taking a big old nap, since no one is kicking him in the head.
I had a scary incident at 5 am on Saturday when I had severe cramps that I would NOT go away. I called the on-call doc who was had me take 600 mg of Advil and call if it had not gone away in an hour. It did go away, and he checked in with me later that morning to tell me to continue the Advil until I saw Dr. K today, and to call if it came back. I was terrified, having visions of my water breaking, of losing the boys, but it really didn't come back at all. When I saw the stand-in doc today, she said it was most likely growing pains (since my cervix remains unchanged) as this is a rapid growth period for the babies, but if it returned, she'd want me back in this week. Stand-in freaked me out a little- she kept saying, "With triplets, the cervix can change rapidly, but I think you;ll be okay..." which I already know, but seriously! Don't remind me of my biggest fear!
She also said that unlike Dr. P, she does not automatically put people on modified bed rest at 20 weeks unless there is a reason. She kept saying, "I am more liberal than her" and we'd wait and see. Honestly, I don't know what to think! I will continue taking it easy, but I guess I might have a few more weeks of freedom before the serious resting starts.
The awesome sonographer asked if I'd like to see my babies in 4-D... UM YES!!! Here are my little boys, looking so beautiful to their mommy. I could not help but cry when I saw their faces.
Baby A:
Baby B:
Baby C:
I know they are a little blob-like but I see their Daddy and their sister already. I cannot wait to meet you, boys, but keep on growing inside for 18 more weeks!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
16 Week Appointment
We had our 16 week appointment yesterday which was almost three hours! The scan alone was about 90 minutes. I had an early anatomy scan to check brains, hearts, limbs and organs, as well as a growth estimate. Everyone has two arms, two legs and all the organs in place! They also checked my cervix, which is long and strong, despite my more frequent contractions.
Here are the highlights (list form will have to suffice today):
- The boys are growing right on schedule. Everyone is around 6 ounces, so there is more than a pound of baby in there already! It is so obvious how quickly they are growing. I truly think I added two inches to my expanding waist in the last 36 hours.
- I have gained 17 pounds. WOO HOO!!!! They'd like me to gain 25 by 20 weeks so I have eight to gain in four weeks. They made sure to tell me my protein intake is not good enough. Protein has amino acids, the building blocks of tissue and muscle, and those babies need more. Protein shakes it is. I am actually amazed at how much I've gained already. With my daughter, I gained 18 the whole time, so this is wonderful. Dr. P says more weight gain for multiples = bigger babies.
- I am continuing to have Braxton-Hicks (practice) contractions. Before, they were a few a day, now I have about one an hour, sometimes more. Dr. P said that that does not worry her too much, but that since it is likely they will increase each week, I will be on modified bed rest at 20 weeks. IN FOUR WEEKS. Modified means to "be a couch potato" but do no lifting, extensive walking or standing for periods. This is causing a mad dash to find enough child care as well as housekeeping. I am glad I have some notice, though. Of course, I will do absolutely whatever they tell me to do to avoid preterm labor.
- We had planned to fly to Dallas to visit relatives, but the doctor decided she is revoking her blessing of it. She said since it is a long-ish flight, and I would be almost 20 weeks when we go, it is better to stay here for the summer. I am so sad to miss our relatives and for A to see her cousins, but I am going to be a good patient. Dr. P is traveling out of the country for three weeks in July (how dare she?) so I will be seeing her partners, none of whom I have met. I've spoken with two on the phone (I like to call at night...) and they were exceptionally kind and responsive. I am sure I will be in good hands, but I. don't. like. change.
- I signed my husband and I up for classes that our hospital offers: "Multiple Pregnancy" as well as "Life with Multiples" about how to adjust to caring for multiples, nursing them and transitioning from the hospital. There is also a NICU tour which I am sure will terrify me and comfort me at the same time.
- I did not great pictures this week, but I did get three "male anatomy" pictures since I kept asking if they are SURE about three boys. The proof is in the ultrasound, I suppose!
- Many nightmares abound. I dream of babies born far too soon, too small for the world... and wake up sobbing. My subconscious reminds me of what I fear the most at night. I am hoping our great medical care and monitoring will be able to spot any trouble a mile away, and those babies will grow for another 20 weeks!
Here are the highlights (list form will have to suffice today):
- The boys are growing right on schedule. Everyone is around 6 ounces, so there is more than a pound of baby in there already! It is so obvious how quickly they are growing. I truly think I added two inches to my expanding waist in the last 36 hours.
- I have gained 17 pounds. WOO HOO!!!! They'd like me to gain 25 by 20 weeks so I have eight to gain in four weeks. They made sure to tell me my protein intake is not good enough. Protein has amino acids, the building blocks of tissue and muscle, and those babies need more. Protein shakes it is. I am actually amazed at how much I've gained already. With my daughter, I gained 18 the whole time, so this is wonderful. Dr. P says more weight gain for multiples = bigger babies.
- I am continuing to have Braxton-Hicks (practice) contractions. Before, they were a few a day, now I have about one an hour, sometimes more. Dr. P said that that does not worry her too much, but that since it is likely they will increase each week, I will be on modified bed rest at 20 weeks. IN FOUR WEEKS. Modified means to "be a couch potato" but do no lifting, extensive walking or standing for periods. This is causing a mad dash to find enough child care as well as housekeeping. I am glad I have some notice, though. Of course, I will do absolutely whatever they tell me to do to avoid preterm labor.
- We had planned to fly to Dallas to visit relatives, but the doctor decided she is revoking her blessing of it. She said since it is a long-ish flight, and I would be almost 20 weeks when we go, it is better to stay here for the summer. I am so sad to miss our relatives and for A to see her cousins, but I am going to be a good patient. Dr. P is traveling out of the country for three weeks in July (how dare she?) so I will be seeing her partners, none of whom I have met. I've spoken with two on the phone (I like to call at night...) and they were exceptionally kind and responsive. I am sure I will be in good hands, but I. don't. like. change.
- I signed my husband and I up for classes that our hospital offers: "Multiple Pregnancy" as well as "Life with Multiples" about how to adjust to caring for multiples, nursing them and transitioning from the hospital. There is also a NICU tour which I am sure will terrify me and comfort me at the same time.
- I did not great pictures this week, but I did get three "male anatomy" pictures since I kept asking if they are SURE about three boys. The proof is in the ultrasound, I suppose!
- Many nightmares abound. I dream of babies born far too soon, too small for the world... and wake up sobbing. My subconscious reminds me of what I fear the most at night. I am hoping our great medical care and monitoring will be able to spot any trouble a mile away, and those babies will grow for another 20 weeks!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Great Appointment, Happy Pregnant Lady
Yesterday's appointment was wonderful! My mom also got to go with me and see her grandchildren. They never did locate the source of the obnoxious and minor spotting, but Dr. P said, "I don't get gray hairs over brown spotting." Words to live by, Ladies!
The ultrasound went really well. I thought it was a long one (45 minutes) but they said it was a short one, and in two weeks I'd have a long one. They are so very thorough there, and I feel in excellent care. Next appointment they will measure the babies' exact sizes, look at their organs, try to determine gender and do the Doppler studies again.
Some take-away's:
- Cervix grew to at 4 cm. Dr. P said it would as the bottom of the uterus developed.
- No signs of TTTS! They did a very LONG Doppler flow study on the twins' cords, insertion to the placenta, brain and stomach. Size of babies and fluid levels are equal, and both babies have similar activity levels. WOOT WOOT!
- My weight gain is good: 11 lbs at 14 weeks! They really want me to have gained 25 or so by 20 weeks, but I am not sure I will make it. Considering I gained less than 20 the whole time with my daughter, this is good.
- The sonographer is quite sure that the identical pair are BOYS (a change from before) but we couldn't tell what Baby C was as he/she kept snuggled tight in a ball. A and B are always rocking out in their respective sacs and C is generally sleeping.
- I asked about the average time for bed rest in triplet pregnancies, and they said usually people are on at some form by 22 weeks, and definitely in the weeks after. 22 weeks for me will be the beginning of August, so we shall see how my body is doing then. I certainly am more tired, rather than less, as the weeks progress... but my body is BUSY.
I only got one good picture since they were mostly focusing on Doppler studies, but I will post it later. A darling little hand waving at me. :)
The ultrasound went really well. I thought it was a long one (45 minutes) but they said it was a short one, and in two weeks I'd have a long one. They are so very thorough there, and I feel in excellent care. Next appointment they will measure the babies' exact sizes, look at their organs, try to determine gender and do the Doppler studies again.
Some take-away's:
- Cervix grew to at 4 cm. Dr. P said it would as the bottom of the uterus developed.
- No signs of TTTS! They did a very LONG Doppler flow study on the twins' cords, insertion to the placenta, brain and stomach. Size of babies and fluid levels are equal, and both babies have similar activity levels. WOOT WOOT!
- My weight gain is good: 11 lbs at 14 weeks! They really want me to have gained 25 or so by 20 weeks, but I am not sure I will make it. Considering I gained less than 20 the whole time with my daughter, this is good.
- The sonographer is quite sure that the identical pair are BOYS (a change from before) but we couldn't tell what Baby C was as he/she kept snuggled tight in a ball. A and B are always rocking out in their respective sacs and C is generally sleeping.
- I asked about the average time for bed rest in triplet pregnancies, and they said usually people are on at some form by 22 weeks, and definitely in the weeks after. 22 weeks for me will be the beginning of August, so we shall see how my body is doing then. I certainly am more tired, rather than less, as the weeks progress... but my body is BUSY.
I only got one good picture since they were mostly focusing on Doppler studies, but I will post it later. A darling little hand waving at me. :)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Nuchal Transulcency Scan Results...
Are in!
Babies A and B: 1 in 17,000 of having an chromosomal abnormality
Baby C: 1 in 16,000 of having an chromosomal abnormality
WOO HOO! Absolutely thrilled with their NT measurements! Some other good things we saw on the ultrasound: all have visible stomachs and bladders, strong heartbeats, visible nasal bones, and are very active. Dr. P was super happy and said the babies are perfectly healthy and normal as far as we can tell. I absolutely loved our sonographer, who was 31 weeks pregnant, because she narrated the whole scan, telling me what was what, how everything looked good, and made a gender prediction, which she said was early, but she was "pretty sure." I will post a Blogspot poll so you can all make your best guess and the answer will be revealed on Sunday.
They record full DVD's of the whole ultrasound, so I only got a few pictures, but cute they are. I will make my husband (AKA: Tech Support) figure out how to post a bit of the video.
I am full of gratitude, and so happy they are well inside of me. I loved seeing each nose, wiggly body and face. These are our children, and they are healthy. Grateful does not begin to cover it.
Here is C, looking adorable:
Here are all of them in one shot. 3 perfect little heads, snuggling together!
Babies A and B: 1 in 17,000 of having an chromosomal abnormality
Baby C: 1 in 16,000 of having an chromosomal abnormality
WOO HOO! Absolutely thrilled with their NT measurements! Some other good things we saw on the ultrasound: all have visible stomachs and bladders, strong heartbeats, visible nasal bones, and are very active. Dr. P was super happy and said the babies are perfectly healthy and normal as far as we can tell. I absolutely loved our sonographer, who was 31 weeks pregnant, because she narrated the whole scan, telling me what was what, how everything looked good, and made a gender prediction, which she said was early, but she was "pretty sure." I will post a Blogspot poll so you can all make your best guess and the answer will be revealed on Sunday.
They record full DVD's of the whole ultrasound, so I only got a few pictures, but cute they are. I will make my husband (AKA: Tech Support) figure out how to post a bit of the video.
I am full of gratitude, and so happy they are well inside of me. I loved seeing each nose, wiggly body and face. These are our children, and they are healthy. Grateful does not begin to cover it.
Here is C, looking adorable:
Here are all of them in one shot. 3 perfect little heads, snuggling together!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
NT Scan Jitters
Anyone who knows me or reads my blog knows I am, by nature, a worrier. Each day that this pregnancy passes and the babies stay inside, hearts beating away gives me more hope and takes away some of the fear.
However, I am a little nervous (read: nightmares, can't-sleep-nervous) about tomorrows Nuchal Translucency scan. For those who don't know, it is a high definition ultrasound that measures the fluid pocket in the back of each baby's neck. If it is over a certain measurement (2.5 mm I think) the baby is at a higher risk for Down's or other Trisomies. The scan will take 2 hours for three babies (with a full bladder!) but they will tell us what they see as they are scanning. I am really flipping out.
This seems to be one of the last big hurdles to ensure the babies themselves are okay in there. I know we'll have possible TTTS, pre-term labor and all kinds of other things, but this is a big obstacle to make it over. It is so hard for me to believe that I'd be lucky enough to have all of them be okay... it has been such a long, hard road to have a healthy pregnancy, and I am so scared that tomorrow will bring tough news.
I do have my age (26) on my side, which helps decrease the risk, but I also have a trisomy 18 pregnancy in my past (usually a fluke). I've read up on the testing and the usual results, and overall, 95% of results are normal. Please, please let ours be normal. If the results indicate a higher risk, we may do a CVS to find out for sure, but I don't know. We will cross that bridge if (hopefully we never) come to it.
I am so glad the test is on a Friday... and hopefully, the results will give me a nice, long, sunny weekend of comfort and peace.
However, I am a little nervous (read: nightmares, can't-sleep-nervous) about tomorrows Nuchal Translucency scan. For those who don't know, it is a high definition ultrasound that measures the fluid pocket in the back of each baby's neck. If it is over a certain measurement (2.5 mm I think) the baby is at a higher risk for Down's or other Trisomies. The scan will take 2 hours for three babies (with a full bladder!) but they will tell us what they see as they are scanning. I am really flipping out.
This seems to be one of the last big hurdles to ensure the babies themselves are okay in there. I know we'll have possible TTTS, pre-term labor and all kinds of other things, but this is a big obstacle to make it over. It is so hard for me to believe that I'd be lucky enough to have all of them be okay... it has been such a long, hard road to have a healthy pregnancy, and I am so scared that tomorrow will bring tough news.
I do have my age (26) on my side, which helps decrease the risk, but I also have a trisomy 18 pregnancy in my past (usually a fluke). I've read up on the testing and the usual results, and overall, 95% of results are normal. Please, please let ours be normal. If the results indicate a higher risk, we may do a CVS to find out for sure, but I don't know. We will cross that bridge if (hopefully we never) come to it.
I am so glad the test is on a Friday... and hopefully, the results will give me a nice, long, sunny weekend of comfort and peace.
Monday, May 11, 2009
10 week ultrasound
We had a 10 week ultrasound today and the babies look wonderful! Their heartbeats were all strong between 150's-160's, and they measured between 10w1d and 10w4d.
Oh, are they cute! Their little arms and legs are formed and we could see them moving the entire time! Triplet A especially was grooving all over the place, and then B joined in. I think C was taking a nap, but her heartbeat was strong.
(INSERT HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF.)
Today's pictures:
Here is A, you can see her little baby shape now! Note she is upside down, so head is at the bottom and you can see her little hands and feet.
Here are all three. C was hiding higher in my uterus and so A and B are much easier to see than C. Again, A is upside down, resting her head on B's bottom. C is to their left in both shots.
I am still feeling much less nauseous, and have been instructed to start protein shakes tonight, but I have gained a good five pounds now! That is a big deal for me, and I am trying to keep it up. I still am EXHAUSTED and headachy, but much less sick. The belly requires maternity pants now- or a belly band at least. They said a 10 week triplet uterus is like a 18 singleton one, which is how I look.
My doppler should be here soon, so I can listen to their heartbeats when I freak out (read: every day). It should work in the next week or so! :)
Oh, are they cute! Their little arms and legs are formed and we could see them moving the entire time! Triplet A especially was grooving all over the place, and then B joined in. I think C was taking a nap, but her heartbeat was strong.
(INSERT HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF.)
Today's pictures:
Here is A, you can see her little baby shape now! Note she is upside down, so head is at the bottom and you can see her little hands and feet.
Here are all three. C was hiding higher in my uterus and so A and B are much easier to see than C. Again, A is upside down, resting her head on B's bottom. C is to their left in both shots.
I am still feeling much less nauseous, and have been instructed to start protein shakes tonight, but I have gained a good five pounds now! That is a big deal for me, and I am trying to keep it up. I still am EXHAUSTED and headachy, but much less sick. The belly requires maternity pants now- or a belly band at least. They said a 10 week triplet uterus is like a 18 singleton one, which is how I look.
My doppler should be here soon, so I can listen to their heartbeats when I freak out (read: every day). It should work in the next week or so! :)
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A, B and C, Accounted for, or Hanging out on the Fence
After my freak out due to the spotting last night (which has stopped), we went to the RE and were reassured that A, B, and C all have strong heartbeats and measure perfect for their 9 weeks!
Here are the little darlings:
A:
B:
C:
We got to see one of my favorite docs, Dr. L who did my retrieval and my transfer. When he came in, he was happy to see us but seemed a little negative about the triplet thing. Honestly, it was wonderful to hear his thoughts, which were very candid and honest. He was so respectful but when my husband asked what Dr. L thought about triplets, he said, "It is going to be really hard. We won't know until you go into labor if you will deliver at 24 weeks or 36 weeks. We just don't know, and you have to decide what to do before we know." He said when people ask him what he'd do, that the choice is made for him as he is a Catholic, but that he respected all choices. We sort of stared at him, hoping to hear some advisement one way or the other, but ultimately we know it is up to us.
We told him we'd be seeing two Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) doctors this week at two great hospitals, and he said that is the best we can do: listen to their opinions and make our educated decision before 12 weeks. Dr. L spoke with a lot of truth when he said, "Reduction has got to be an emotional decision, too." I go back and forth, just hanging out on the fence, trying to decide what the "right" thing is. And as my husband pointed out this morning, there is no "right" thing.
On one hand, we could have a difficult triplet pregnancy with bed rest, preterm labor and the NICU, or it could be uneventful and easier. We could reduce to a singleton and have an easy pregnancy, or lose the whole thing. It is a game of risks and not knowing, and it is wearing me out.
So to the Maternal Fetal Medicine docs we go tomorrow and again on Thursday, to find out more of what we already know and hopefully some new things too. I have my list of questions ready, and hope to have them all answered. There is an amazing and comprehensive list of questions to ask a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor on Stirrup Queens; check it out!
Big, giant thanks to Karen (Mom of triplets and knower of many things) of It's Not a Clown Car who has spend so much time counseling, supporting me and providing me with information, contacts and networking. She is my hero and I am so happy she found my blog! Thanks to everyone else for all your kind words, thoughts, support and understanding. I cannot believe how lucky I am.
Here are the little darlings:
A:
B:
C:
We got to see one of my favorite docs, Dr. L who did my retrieval and my transfer. When he came in, he was happy to see us but seemed a little negative about the triplet thing. Honestly, it was wonderful to hear his thoughts, which were very candid and honest. He was so respectful but when my husband asked what Dr. L thought about triplets, he said, "It is going to be really hard. We won't know until you go into labor if you will deliver at 24 weeks or 36 weeks. We just don't know, and you have to decide what to do before we know." He said when people ask him what he'd do, that the choice is made for him as he is a Catholic, but that he respected all choices. We sort of stared at him, hoping to hear some advisement one way or the other, but ultimately we know it is up to us.
We told him we'd be seeing two Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) doctors this week at two great hospitals, and he said that is the best we can do: listen to their opinions and make our educated decision before 12 weeks. Dr. L spoke with a lot of truth when he said, "Reduction has got to be an emotional decision, too." I go back and forth, just hanging out on the fence, trying to decide what the "right" thing is. And as my husband pointed out this morning, there is no "right" thing.
On one hand, we could have a difficult triplet pregnancy with bed rest, preterm labor and the NICU, or it could be uneventful and easier. We could reduce to a singleton and have an easy pregnancy, or lose the whole thing. It is a game of risks and not knowing, and it is wearing me out.
So to the Maternal Fetal Medicine docs we go tomorrow and again on Thursday, to find out more of what we already know and hopefully some new things too. I have my list of questions ready, and hope to have them all answered. There is an amazing and comprehensive list of questions to ask a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor on Stirrup Queens; check it out!
Big, giant thanks to Karen (Mom of triplets and knower of many things) of It's Not a Clown Car who has spend so much time counseling, supporting me and providing me with information, contacts and networking. She is my hero and I am so happy she found my blog! Thanks to everyone else for all your kind words, thoughts, support and understanding. I cannot believe how lucky I am.
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