High Risk Pregnancies

[Sebski]

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[Jenean]

Good luck Brink & Sage!!! Happy baby thoughts to you both! :) :) :) :) (two for each of ya ;) )

[Brink]

(Sorry, I’ve posted the same story in several locations)

Our babies have arrived at 33 weeks, 2 days! Welcome to the world

Katherine (Katie) Louise
Kristi Anne

So I am too excited to go to sleep yet (even though I know I need to).

My contractions started in the morning and just continued with intensity and frequency throughout the day. I was given Niphetimine (sp?) in the morning that seemed to calm them. When that wore off they were back even stronger. So we tried one more time and that time it didn’t make a difference. In addition, Baby B (Kristi) had moved again and was really hard to monitor (falling off every 10 minutes) and she was also pushing up into my lungs and I was having a hard time breathing. So, with all of that it was any easy decision to go ahead and deliver. We waited for my DH to arrive (he had to pick up Aimee and drive 1 hour to get here). Once he got here things just went by incredibly quick.

The spinal started out icky. I think the person putting it in was in training as it took her four needle sticks to get it and then finally the more experienced person took over and got it in. Then it only numbed my left side so in order to get it to the right, they tilted me and dropped my head down really low. That made me feel sick and I thought I was never going to make it through. But, they gave me some meds for that, straightened me up and before you knew it the doctor was pulling out babies. Baby A (Katie) came first and weighed 3lb 15 oz (just shy of that 4lb mark) and was 17.5 inches long. Baby B (Kristi) followed in the same minute and was 4lb 7oz and 16.45 inches long. Interesting that my heavier baby was shorter than her sister.

We got good pictures of them being delivered and a good pic of the cord. Didn't look like there were any real knots in it. Very twisted that is for sure, but no actual knots. I’ll have pictures in the next day or two to share.

They are both doing just fabulous. They scored 9’s on their APGAR. Neither one has needed any oxygen. Kristi is breathing a little harder than Katie, so they said don’t be surprised if at some point they have to give her some, but for now her oxygen saturation is at 98, so no need so far. They went ahead and fed them formula (which I didn’t think they would do). Katie even took a couple of sips of it through a bottle, but then got the rest through a tube. They did say that the next feeding with Kristi they found 13oz of residual (formula that had not been digested) in her tummy. They only started with 15oz, so that could end up reflecting some type of an issue, but too early to judge.

We got to hold them already and that was really special. Basically, we can go into the NICU anytime day or night and hold them. We are only restricted during shift changes. Oh, another cool thing. We were originally told that there could only be two people in the room. So, that meant that DH and I could never go together with a guest. One of us would have to wait outside. Well, we found out tonight that since we have TWO babies, we get to have two visitors PER baby. That will make it so much easier for visitors.

I was able to pump tonight and got a full syringe of collostrum for them. I was really happy with that. I’m going to have the nurses wake me up in a couple of hours so I can pump again. It’s really important for me to keep pumping on the same schedule that the girls are being fed. I don’t want to start with any supply issues.

Ok, my second wind is starting to run out. It’s now 2:30 am and I’m ready to fall asleep (for a few hours anyway).

Kimmie - sorry to hear about the BP scare. Glad it calmed down and you were able to go home. Definitely hoping your baby gets to cook a little longer.

Sage - good luck tomorrow - can't wait to hear your story.

[jeggink]

Just wanted to say, even though I am not part of this thread anymore,

Welcome to the world Katherine and Kristi and congrats Brink

Just wanted to also send well wishes to Sage!

Kimmie Hoping the BP thing is Ok and that you don't have to deliver early!

[LDS Angel 19]

Wow, congrats, Brink! So exciting! And it's so great that they're doing so well. :)

Good luck to Sage, can't wait to hear good news from you too. :)

Kimmie Sending you lots of stay put baby vibes. :)

Everythings fine on my end... have an appointment tomorrow to check my cervix and get my first P-17 (basically progesterone) shot, it's supposed to help prevent pre-term labor. I'll take all the help I can get I guess.

[whitlockan]

I have been swamped and this thread is hoping! Sorry I'm so far behind and late.

Glad everyone is doing great, and Sage good luck, I hope all went wellBrink I'm so darn happy you got your little baby girls :D Kimmie rest up and take care of yourself.

Me, nothing going on, had my regular ob on Monday, it went well, my belly measured bigger so I hope that means he grew some, lets just hope its enough, weight is on target I guess, 19 lbs total up for 33 weeks. She said I look as if I'm only going to have to worry about delivering a 7lbs baby, thank goodness I was 7lbs 6 oz I dont want no big 8 lber. Anyways next Monday is our hopefully "last" peri, which I'm sorta sad about too but I'll be sure to come back and let everyone know how it went.

Oh, my husband cracks me up I told him I'll show him how to post so he can share the news when I have the baby hes like um no I'll bring in the laptop with the wireless card and let you do it. :rolleyes: MEN!!

[Sage]

I posted this on the Multiples thread too....just wanted to let you all know how we are doing!! Thanks for all the good wishes, everyone!

**************************

Hello everyone!! I'm so excited to announce the birth of Aidan William and Owen Scott! They were born Thursday afternoon by c-section. Aidan was 5 lb 11 oz, 17 3/4 inches, and Owen was 5 lb, 7.5 oz, 18.5 inches. Pretty close in weight for TTTS twins!!! :)

I'm home from the hospital today, but both of my guys are still there in the NICU. Owen had a few problems breathing, and even though he was eating fine originally they thought he might benefit from being on TPN instead so he could get the breathing under control. They're now weaning him off of supplemental oxygen, and he took a bottle today so he is well on his way to getting out of there. They think we may be able to take him home at the end of the week. Aidan had a few temperature drops and they planned to send him to the special care nursery, but we requested that he go to the NICU to be with his brother instead (and to make it easier on us to visit them). He is doing great and we should be able to take him home tomorrow so long as he remains stable. I've been able to nurse Aidan and he is latching on like a champ, and I've been able to pump enough milk for Owen. Hopefully I'll get to try nursing him tomorrow or the day after. Luckily nursing this time is going much easier than it did with DD.

So, although we wish we could have brought the boys home today, we are absolutely thrilled with how they are doing considering we might have lost them 15 weeks ago to TTTS. We feel so, so, so lucky with our outcome. Oh, and we also had a scary moment during the c-section--apparently when they took Aidan out they found blood in my uterus and realized I was starting to have a placental abruption. My peri said we were extremely fortunate that we had the c-section scheduled for that day. I swear these boys had us on pins and needles right up until the end!!

Anyways, just wanted to let you all know how it went! And wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to Brink, too!! I'm so excited for you!!

[Brink]

Just a very quick note to drop off some pictures. I thought I had copied my brief birth story here the other day, but I didn't see it. Sorry about that ladies. I'll go back and find it in another thread and update it here. In the meantime, here are my little girls.

Kristi

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/378368027_3fff118408.jpg?v=0

Katie

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/378368025_492fb9503d.jpg?v=0

The Twins.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/381546411_c4118f8c36_m.jpg

[dizylizy]

joining!
Me: liz
Dh: Peter
Married-11/8/03
DS-7/1/05, Harry, via emergency c-sec, 38 weeks wasn't to make it to 35 wks.
EDD #2-8-19-07

I am 12 wks,3d
I had a high risk pregnancy due to an 11cm cyst on my left ovary. I was on bed rest from wk 10 to wk 22. then again at wk 32. I started having preterm labor, bleeding and had GD with extra water in the sac and in me... I was told at 32 wks that I might make it to 35wks but if i could make it to 36wks, the better chance we had of having a perfect baby. I made it to 38wks.
I have two conditions that make me more complicated. Thyroid issues and a condition called ITP-immunal thrumbosidapina- basically my platlets die too fast and my body is hard at work making them. I am almost never in the normal range for plateletes. the thyroid was controled but the ITP caused me to go on prednisone which helped me to develop GD.
This Pg has been labeled high risk. Tahnkfully no cyst. I had a reproductive u/s done by peri two weeks ago an he was satisfied that everything was in the proper place, baby was measuring bigger (by 3 days). I see an endicronologist, OB, Hematologist and Perinatologist for all u/s. I am expected to be on prednisone again which I will develop GD, again. I may not have bed rest but depends on if i start to have preterm labor. (funny story- OB asked if I was aware of the signs of pretem labor... uh yeah, had two trips to the hospital for monitoring before the final show... I will know what to do.)

Here's hoping you all have healthy babies. I am part of the august 07 thread but I am not sure some of them undestand the amount of doc visits I will have toward the end... I saw my OB every 2 weeks until 32 wks, then every week. I also saw the other 3 docs once a month from wk 10 on. with so many u/s. at wk 32 I started to see my ob once a wk and my peri once a wk. so two doc appt a wk until birth. let me tell you I was glad to be on house/bed rest (arrest) ;) I would have mised so much work anyway...

[Kimmiebride]

Hi gang,
Sorry to be MIA... Wow, Brink they are gorgeous!! Sage, glad to hear of the safe arrivals, and welcome to Liz!

Ok, update on me... Officially incarcerated! I was admitted Friday, and have a diagnosis of mild pre-eclampsia, and with all my other risk factors, I am in for the duration! Baby is doing great, and we got our steroids, so now hope to make it to 34 weeks, then 36. I am thinking that it will be end of next week or week after if I go by my intuition! The staff here are AMAZING. Seriously can't believe the kind of care I am getting! Take care... man, I wish I had highspeed.... dial-up sucks bigtime, which is why I am only posting today... too frustrating to check in often, but know that I am thinking of you all!!
Hugs,
Kimmie

[whitlockan]

Brink too darn cute!!

Sage congrats!! Cant wait until you get to bring them home and we get to see pictures :D.

dizy welcome and H&H 9

kimmie good look sweetheart take care of yourself, I'll be thinking of you. You've made it this far not much longer to go, hang tight. <<Hugs>>

[usafwife]

Brink ~ Congrats on your girls' arrival! They are just too cute! I hope their stay in the NICU is a short one.

Sage ~ Congrats on your boys' arrival! I hope their stay in the NICU is a short one as well. Scary about the placenta abrupto starting to happen. I know someone who had that (she'd just gotten back home from being on call - surgical nurse). She was pretty sure she knew that it was happening so they rushed back to the hospital and called to let them know what was going before they got there so they could be prepared and ready for the c/s.

Thanks for the congrats on our little guy's arrival. I'm still in somewhat of a daze that he's here already. Tomorrow was my official due date so it seems strange to have him here and Friday he'll be 3 wks old. :eek:

Hope everyone else is doing good. Welcome to the new members. Sorry that you had to join the group.

[tsmom]

Just a Mommy popping in to say congrats to Sage and Brink and to furiously wave my hand and send lots of prayer to my good friend Kimmie!!! Bake that little baby just a little bit more!

[Brink]

Hi everyone, a quick update on us and then I really need to get some sleep! Babies are doing terrific. We did have an issue with jaundice a few days ago, but that's no big deal. They were on the lights for a couple of days and are now fine. We are working on nipple feeding which they get every other feeding. We have some good sessions and then we'll have some where they don't eat well. It's just going to take some time. We are going to try and breatstfeed direct for the first time tomorrow. Don't imagine they will get much, just more of a practice thing. Still hoping they come home in one to two weeks.

Dizylizy - sorry you had to join us, but glad you found us. I just read your post and already my brain is fuzzy on the details (that's what I get for being on here at 1:30 am when I should be sleeping). So, you definitely will get GD? Aside from that (which is a big deal by itself), is it mainly monitoring and frequent visits for now?

Kimmie - I am so bummed you had to go inpatient, but releived to hear you are getting such good care. It is such a mixed feeling to be in the hospital. I know part of me was just tired of being there and wanted to go home, but the other part says that being there is the only thing keeping my babies safe. The longer you are there, the harder it is - but on the other hand, the longer you are there, the better it is for the babies. Just a hard thing to reconcile sometimes. I know that having a positive attitude really made all of the difference in the world during my 69 day stay. How many weeks are you now?

Hi to everyone else, sorry if I missed you.....

[dizylizy]

brink- don't worry, I get fuzzy on the detials and I lived it... this time, mostly monitoring. If my levels start to drop, I could be back on Iron and bed rest. Toward the begining of the third tri, the baby is bigger, putting a strain on my body to make more blood to keep us both healthy. my body doesn't make enough platelets and red blood cells to cover us both. that is why I will go on predinose and iron. to keep my hemaglobin and platelets high. But being pg on prednisone messes with your insulin so, as i was told, almost all pg on predisone end up with GD. I could get lucky but I am not holding my breath. My new Hematologist is a little concerned until she gets my charts from my old doc. so for now, still high risk but may more on the border. I have 24 wks to go and a lot can happen. hopefully no bleeding from my cervix or internal bleeding from the low platelets. which woud mean bed rest.

I have another appt tomorrow to learn more, get more blood taken and have an u/s of the baby and my spleen.

[Sebski]

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[Kimmiebride]

hey ladies... spirits are up and baby is great! dial up and typing with one finger is tough so know that I am thinking of you all, and wishing you well
kimmie

[Brink]

Sebski - so glad you followed your "mommy" instinct and made the appointment. I know it is all scary but just being able to be proactive and take charge has got to feel good. Can't wait to hear what they have to say at your appointment. Sounds like you have a good attitude about it. Keep it up mama, you are doing great.

Kimmie - yeah for dial up! Didn't you have a wireless card?

As for us, the girls are doing great. They just have to build up enough strength to be able to eat from a bottle everytime and then they can come home. Probably about another week away from that.

[dizylizy]

Update on me- kind of taken off the high risk for now. didn't get an u/s at my appt on Friday but a hb of 155. probably will end up with another c-sec instead of a VBAC. but my levels are still good. so I am on the border right now... in the "normal" pg range but could jump right over in the next few weeks.
Brink-so glad your girls are doing great!
sebski- good for you for not waiting. the waiting is harder than anything...

[whitlockan]

Sebski take care of yourself and hang in there, I know it seems days away, but soon you'll have more answers. Great you followed your gut, I probably would have done the same thing!! Good luck

Brink practice makes perfect :p !!!

Update on me.....

Well we had our 34 week (34 weeks 5 days) sono to determine if they will take him early or not and well I'm happy to report some very very good news. They came in and did our normal sono and the peri came in and said "you get to graduate from us today" yayaya he said at this point he's fine and no more milestones to measure, but of course we still face the other risks involved with SUA but it was a very good way to start the day!!

Little Zachary:

5 lbs 5 oz
47th percentile (I'm not sure what that means)

On the black and white profile the two "tubes/holes" above his hand and under his chin is our umbilical cord you can see only the 2 vessels rather than 3
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/388327674_2c918b2c4b.jpg?v=0

We have tried for 5 months now and he wont move his hands out of his face........I have a little bratt :D
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/388327668_a3fd5eeeec.jpg?v=0

[Kimmiebride]

Hi everyone! (x-post from other thread!)
I can't quite believe it, but they let me come home last night. Every day they had been saying no way, but my doc came in yesterday morning, and said that I was doing so well that she could see no medical reason to keep me. She was so kind to let me know that I could stay if I wanted because of all I had been through (lost our first baby at 18.5 weeks), and she would support me either way. They are monitoring me really closely from home... 2 NSTs/week, a clinic appointment and several labs so it will kind of be like I am still there, but sleeping (gloriously) in my own bed. My protien went back below 300, my labs are still negative, and no further symptoms developed. My BP has been pretty stable, but if anything changes, back in I go! I think the plan is still to induce at 36 weeks. Baby is doing really well, and I am starting to have a few contractions a couple of times a day. I do miss the spot checks every 4 hours of baby's heart beat... it was so calming to hear it galloping away, but with 2 NST's each week, I think I can hang.

Sorry to not send shouts, but I am limited to 15 mins of computer time, and have a tiny bit to get done before I am back in bed. I am not going to screw this up and do too much, and have to go back... Even though the hospital was a wonderful and safe place, there's nothing like sleeping in my own bed!!!
hugs,
Kimmie

[Sage]

Hey everybody!! Gosh, it is so hard to find time to post these days...things have been nuts around here! Even with my parents in town to help, we are constantly running to take care of these boys and DD.... But I'm feeling great and sooooo happy... :) I can't wait for all of you who are still preggo to have your babies too.

Quick update on us...both babies are home from the hospital!! Aidan came home after 4 days in the NICU and Owen came home after 7 days. At least I think that's right, my memory is a bit fuzzy. Aidan's already back up to his birth weight and Owen is just a couple of ounces off. I'm having trouble getting them to latch on for breastfeeding, so right now I'm pretty much just pumping. I'm hoping they'll start to catch on soon b/c I really don't want to call in the lactation consultant just yet...I was hoping things would be easier this time around.

They're up about every 3 hours, so we're all pretty exhausted. But they have the sweetest personalities and we are just so in love.

Some quick notes:

Brink - So glad things are going so well with the girls!! I hope you get to take them home soon!

Kimmie - I'm so glad you got released from the hospital! It must feel good to be home again. Keep that baby cooking for just a little while longer!

Whit - So glad you got such a great report!! Yeah! You must be so excited and relieved that things are going so well.

dizylizy - Welcome! I'm glad that things are staying normal...hopefully everything will continue to go so well!!

Sebski - How did your appointment at CHOP go??? I've heard great things about them on the TTTS message board. You are doing absolutely everything right...I'm so glad you were so proactive about your care and got the appointment. Good for you!!!! I'm thinking of you and praying for you and hoping for the best. You are definitely in good hands at CHOP.

[Sebski]

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[whitlockan]

kimmigreat to hear your back at home, your right there is no better place than your own bed!! As I keep saying rest up and take care of yourself, your almost there. Stupid ?, what does your protien level affect? I'm not sure so I dont know when you said it dropped means. Sorry :(

sage glad to hear everything is checking out. I wish you continued luck with the latch......so quick ?, should I have a pump purchased prior to birth in case we run into latch problems I can still at least breastfeed exclusivley? DH is a little hesitant for fear we'd spend 300+ and we wouldnt be able to do it, maybe for reasons not producing enough etc? Okay sorry for the hickjack in my SO to you. Aidan.....love how you spelled it, we went with Aiden for his middle name, I LOVE it!! Thanks, I'm very happy as well.

SebskiI am so sorry.......I know its devestating news to you, but you are right you have to stay positive, the girls need you too and if you do I always think things turn out better. And your right there is no looking back, you've made it this far, 26 weeks although at this point seems like forever, is not too much longer, if you can just get them to hang tight. I'll be praying and keeping you in my thoughts........but twins are not twins without each other, and as long as your making the decisions based on your own heart then nothing can be better, the rest is out of your control and hands and I believe things happen a certain way for a reason. <<HUGS>>

<<HUGS>> to all my ladies.......you guys are troopers!!!

[kmmommy]

Sebski ~ You and your baby girls and in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like you have a wonderful attitude.

[Sage]

Whit - I wouldn't worry about purchasing a pump before you deliver. My hospital had a pump that you could use while you were there if you need it, and I'm assuming that's pretty standard at all hospitals. Once you get home, you can rent a pump from Walgreens or another place for super cheap while you figure things out. Your hospital may have a list of places that rent pumps. With my DD, we ended up renting a pump from Walgreens for the first week we were home and it was only like $2 a day or something...super cheap. Then when we went to buy the pump, our lactation consultant told us that the pharmacy at the hospital actually sells them at a pretty steep discount if you deliver there. So I got a Pump In Style Advanced for around $200, WAY cheaper than what they sell for at BRU. I guess technically I'm not really having latch issues...they seem to latch on just fine, but then just don't want to suck. It's quite frustrating. I've been told by my ped and the lactation consultant that it's pretty normal for little guys born this early, just b/c they are just getting the hang of the suck/swallow instinct, and just to hang in there and they'll catch on. Hopefully that will come sooner than later b/c it is exhausting to try to nurse, then supplement with pumped BM, and then pump!!

Sebski - Wow, what you have gone through in the past few days. You sound like you are handling everything so extraordinarily well. I'm so glad you have such a great attitude about everything...your girls are so, so lucky to have you as their mom. If you haven't already, you may want to check out Dad2B's story on the TTTS message board--it sounds similar to what you are going through. Her blog is at kevinanddanielle.blogspot.com. I'm sure you are so overwhelmed with everything right now...I wish I could do something to help besides pray and listen.

[Brink]

Hi all. Quick update on us. Katie and Kristi are doing great. They are both exclusively bottle/breast feeding now and if they can continue until tomorrow, they might get to come home. Our assigned dr. is not on call this weekend, so it all depends if he left orders with the on-call to discharge. If not, it may need to wait until after the holiday. We'll see.

Kimmie - congrats on getting to come home.

Sage - so glad they are home. As for the breastfeeding difficulties, have you tried a nipple shield? My lactation person said that preemie babies almost always need the nippleshield and they just have too hard of a time without it. You use if for a couple of weeks and then transition them off of it. If you haven't tried it, it's kinda wierd, but it works. My girls go back and forth between the nipple and the breast pretty easily with it.

Sebski - You have an amazing attitude. While the cause of our situations were different, we faced many of the same choices. We were told by many not to check into the hospital until we were 27-28 weeks. My response was that was like saying my babies were not worth saving prior to that. We elected to check in at 24 weeks and had to face the real possibility they could be born that early. While we made it, thankfully, to 33 weeks, we were grateful for every extra day we could get. Like you, I tried to keep a positive attitude throughout the hospital stay. It really does make all the difference in how well both you and your babies come through this. During my hospital stay and throughout our NICU stay, we have seen and talked to many parents that delivered very (micro) preemies. While they have had a rough road, they still have their babies and utilimately in a few years, their kids will be the same as any other full term kid out there. Hang in there honey, you can and will make it through this. You definitely have the right approach and I applaud you for being able to make this tough decision for your twins. They will thank you some day for what you are doing for them. Take care and feel free to post anytime about the frustrations of the hospital. Also, let me know if you want some advice on what to take with you. I ended up spending 69 days inpatient before the girls were born.

Take care all - hopefully the next time I post my girls will be home.

[Sebski]

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[Sebski]

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[Sage]

Sebski - I'm so glad that blog helped you!! I found it very inspiring when I was diagnosed with TTTS. When you post about what's going on with you it just takes me right back to how I was feeling when we were officially diagnosed. Those weeks leading up to my surgery were just nightmarish, so I just completely identify with what you're going through. I know IUGR isn't the same as TTTS, but it involves so many of the same decisions and risks it seems very similar to me. I'm sending you tons of good wishes and hope your appointment today went very well!!

Brink - Nipple shield, hmmm?? Interesting, I never even thought of that. I've never used one before, but I may need to check it out. I just got over a bout of mastitis, which was very unpleasant. But I'm still pumping away. Yesterday I got both boys to nurse, which was reassuring. I think they are slowly catching on. Are you supplementing with pumped BM after you nurse or are they satisfied with just nursing? I feel like even if I get the boys to nurse well, they still need a pretty hefty supplement after. So are the girls home now?? Is life just absolutely crazy? It is around here!! :)

How is everyone else doing??

[Brink]

Sage - I don't know if we would have been sucessful without the shield. I recommend you give it a try. Very akward to put on the first time without good instruction. If you end up trying it and can't get it on "right" let me know and I'll see if I can explain. Yes, the girls are home. They came home Monday night, very cool. I was trying to tandem feed the first day and while I was getting them latched I don't know how effective they were being. They seemed to get hungry at about 1-2 hours and not making it to their 3 hours. So, I was supplementing with pumped BM. I was nursing for 20 minutes and supplementing with 20 ML's (a full feed for them is 50 ML's). That seemed to be working ok, but still not great. So, now what I'm doing is feeding one at a time and the other gets a bottle of BM, then I switch at the next feeding. It allows me to focus on the one baby and get them to latch, suck, swallow really well. Now they are both making it right about to the 3 hour mark before they starting fussing. I'm going to up their ML's to 60 and see if that makes a difference on their bottle time. When they are put back to bed, I just go pump the side that I didn't feed from and I'm getting at least 60 MLs, so it seems to be working for us for now. I think once they get more established and stronger, I can go back to tandem, but right now they just need the extra push now and again. Are you tandem feeding?

[whitlockan]

Hey ladies, sorry I've been MIA lately, I've been super busy trying to wrap things up here at work!!

Sebski I hope everything went well at the Peri, I'm keeping you in my prayers!!

Brink so excited they are home, that is wonderful, I'm sure you felt like you had already spent enough time at the hospital.

Sage thanks for the input on the pump, talked to the RN/lactation consultant at our hopsital in our breastfeeding class and she told me unless I really need it for medical reason to not try to pump until 4 weeks ecsp being a first timer, dont want to take the chance of reducing the supply. But I think we will go buy one before anyways so I dont have to run out later and get it. But at least then I can pump one breast if he doesnt feed well that feeding...hmmm

I hope everyone is doing great, its a little quite in here.

Update on me.....
Just went to the OB last night, 100& effaced (no dilation) and he is in the perfect position, she cant imagine his head getting any lower without coming out and breaking my water. Although, I did test positive for GBS so I'll have to be at the hospital within 4 hours of my water breaking and he will have to be dilevered within 18 hours of it breaking instead of 24, which I dont know why but oh well thats fine with me!! Um, I think its almost time anyways, having the signs of prelude to labor and I'm losing weight now instead of gaining, I lost 1lbs since last week......that puts me back at I think 19 or 20lbs total, not to shabby I cleared the 15lb minimum that they like to see.

37 weeks on Weds, start sending the baby birthing vibes, I want him out and safe in my arms!!

[Sebski]

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[kmmommy]

Sebski ~ That's great news! I'm continuing to keep those babes in my thoughts.

[whitlockan]

Sebski that is such great news!!!!! I'm so happy, I love to hear things like that.

Okay what if I'm really not 100% effaced, I dont know just people at work questioning me is making me feel like I mis-heard!! Then in the same breath they say wow your are LOW!! DUH!! So question, if I am effaced that means my cervix is fully ripe and thinned....right?!? Then in this case I would see my water breaking before I had 5-1-1 on my contractions, she said any movement to get lower he is out.....that means water breaking, I would imagine. I dont know I'm just freaking out that I missed something or I've made it up.

<<Hugs and warm thoughts to everyone else>>

[Brink]

Sebski - Congrats on the news. Just goes to show that a mama knows what is best for her babies. Good for you for sticking in there and going on the bedrest they needed. Can't wait to hear your progress.

Whitlock - I wouldn't worry too much one way or the other on the percentage. I kept going to my Dr. and I was just barely effaced and a "finger tip" dialated for several appts with my first DD. Then one night my water broke. So mine obviously had nothing to do with the amount of effacement I had reached. I forget how effaced I was when I got to the hospital, but I was only dialated to about a 2 and my daughter was born within 12 hours. If you really want to know, call the office and ask the nurse to look at the dr's notes, it should be in there without bothering them.

Good luck mommies - can't wait to hear about the babies that should be arriving soon.

[dizylizy]

Sebski- such great news! keeping you in my prayers.

[Sebski]

deleted

[LyLMyssChaos]

Thought that you might like to know this:
LDS Angel went to the hospital last night because her cervix was to 20mm. Here is a voice post from her LJ today:

Hey guys,
Um, just wanted to do a quick update. We will be doing the cercalge at 3:00, it was supposed to be at 12:45, but they already bumped us back. The only part about that that sucks is that I haven't had anything to eat since 9 last night and I'm not allowed to eat until afterwards. But, ya know, what are you gonna do? Um, so, yes, as for the details, Um, I'm obviously here because I had my cervix checked yesterday, it was down to 20 and it was 40 something last week, so that's obviously a big enough change to freak everybody out. And we kinda went around and around with what we were going to do. I hate it when doctors won’t give you a straight answers. But we ended up just going for the cerclage because it's kind of our only option at this point, either do the cerclage or not do anything. Um, but we’re hanging in there. Aaron’s been here, he was here all night. I really appreciate having him here. And my parents have both been here, and it’s really nice to have the support. Pretty scared, obviously, I’ve never really had surgery in my life that I can remember, um, ya know, and I get to get a spinal, whoo hoo! So, I just , I really, keep your prayers up for me guys, hope everything goes all right and these girls get to hang out for several, several more weeks. Um, so they’re going to do the cerclage, uh, I’m going to be here at least a few days, if not the entire time. They’re discussing keeping me here on hospital bed rest the whole time, which has it’s pros and cons, I guess. But, like I said, you gotta do, what ya gotta do. Um, ya know, everyone here has been great, I guess this is the place to be it seems, if ya gotta go through something like this crappy crap. Yeah, we’re in the birthing center, and we can hear people’s kids crying down the hall, but the nurses are great. And a lot of them know what’s going on cause the nurse is in our support group, so it‘s really nice to have someone that ya know already knows these little. I really hope this posts, I am really long winded, this is my 5th or 6th try and it’s really hard to get signal in here, but it’s even harder to try to type on the touch screen since they put my I.V. in a really crappy spot on my right hand. Anyway I’ll try to do an update tonight or early tomorrow after the cerclage, let ya know how it went. And uh, thanks for the prayers, and keep ‘em coming. All right, bye.


I will be visiting her tomorrow, so I will update more after that.

[Sebski]

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[Sage]

Hey all! Things here are good. Aidan and Owen are starting to get a little bit more personality...that's the nice way of saying they're breaking out of the newborn sleepy stage and starting to get more cranky!! Hopefully we'll see some smiles soon. I'm guessing that will be a little delayed since they were preemies.

Today is their one month birthday. I cannot believe that it has already been a month--the time has seriously flown by.

I finally got their birth announcements sent out the other day. I also wrote long, emotional thank you letters to Dr. Crombleholme in Cincinnati and my perinatologist here thanking them for saving the boys' lives. It was hard to write them---I'm not always the best at expressing my emotions on paper, but it was really important for me to send them something. I've been struggling a bit emotionally since the boys were born....I don't think it's post partum depression since I feel fine with the babies and all. It's more like post traumatic stress disorder. Now that the boys are finally here, I get really overwhelmed looking back on all we've been through. I also am having a hard time adjusting to not being pregnant anymore...for so long, it was all we focused on over here, with all the doctor visits, monitoring, etc. So it's kind of weird to have all of that stop so abrubtly. It's a weird feeling to have...I thought I'd feel really relieved to be done with the constant doctor visits, but instead I feel kind of abandoned and alone. Is any of this making sense? I'm still figuring it out.

Brink - Thanks for the advice on the nipple shield. I bought one and tried it out, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference. I was disappointed b/c I did some research on them and it seemed like it would really help, but no dice. I'm giving them formula some nights now b/c my pumping supply can't keep up now that they're up to 3-4 oz a feeding. But they're getting mostly breastmilk, and I can usually get them to nurse once or twice a day. I'm actually not too upset about it anymore...I think it would actually be really exhausting to have two babies nursing all day long. Pumping only takes 10 minutes, and then my DH can feed one or both of the babies if I need a break. I also realized I'm going back to work in a month, which means I'd mostly be pumping anyway so I'm trying not to stress too much about it. I haven't even tried tandem nursing...I think it would take way too much coordination, and once I get one baby latched I'm way too afraid to jinx it by trying to get the other one on.

Whit - Glad you got the pump purchase figured out!! It's one less thing you'll have to worry about when the baby is here. That's awesome you're 100% effaced!! With my DD, I was less than a fingertip dilated and not effaced at all and eventually had to be induced at 41 weeks. It was so frustrating to keep going back to my OB for those weekly visits at the end and not make any progress!! It sounds like it will be happening soon for you!

Sebski - FANTASTIC visit!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you!! Keep up with the bedrest and the Ensure...it seems like it is really making a difference for you! Did I tell you I drank Boost instead of Ensure? I liked the taste better and it was a little cheaper. It is not easy to drink those 3 times a day, so I am very proud of you!!! :) :) :)

Kimmie - Did I read in another thread that you are having your baby this week?? If yes, GOOD LUCK!! I am SOOO excited for you!! :)

LDS - Many prayers headed your way!! Hang in there!!!

[whitlockan]

LyLMyssChaos thanks so much for keeping us posted.

LDS honey you'll be in my thoughts a prayers, fingers crossed tightly!!

Thanks ladies for all the replies, I just ugh want this over soon, guess I'm looking for some false sense of hope!!

Sage omg, your babies are a month old........wow seriously I'm going to be 40 before I know it!! Makes sense to me, I'm freaking out because next week would be one of my 4 week growth sonos.....now I'm like great no one cares anymore because we only do a few things and I know nothing!! Can completely understand, but ya know you've made it across an amazingly bumpy and rocky road, and for it to just all of a sudden stop one day would be wierd. I cant even imagine not being pregnant and not having a baby belly.....I'll probably get ppd just because of that. Props to you and Brink certainly the road less traveled, but you amazing women because of it!!

[LyLMyssChaos]

Here is her most recent voice post:
Hey You Guys,
It’s time for an update. Finally got the cerlage in last night, they took me at around 7, way later than we thought it was gonna be, obviously. The doctor said it all went fine, no evidence of ruptured membranes, or anything, she had plenty of cervix left to work with. It was all right, the spinal was about as bad as I was expecting. But, the pain only lasted for about a minute until I started going numb. Really, the worst part about the whole thing, was that the whole time in the ER, I was freezing. I had a really great OR nurse though, she really helped me keep distracted, and she was really chatty and it was really good. Recovery’s been okay, last night I had a whole bunch of cramping and my back hurt from the spinal , it wasn’t the most fun night. I finally got some dinner at around 9, after not eating for 16 hours, it was great. Today has been better, they did the NST around 8, and I had no contractions, which is awesome, no bleeding, no evidence of leaking or anything of that nature, which is also awesome. I saw the doctor at around 10:30, looks like it’s going to be at least Monday before we can talk about maybe going home. But that’s fine with me ya know, at this point, it’s really not so bad here, they’re taking really great care of me. I do miss my own bed though. So I guess, ya know, at this point, we can consider it a success. Still have a long way to go, and a lot of things that could change, but right now everything is good and we’re trying to be cautiously optimistic and I think that’s about it. Um, yeah, I think that’s about it. I wish I could keep in touch better, I do read, and I’m glad for all of your guys’ comments, it really helps and helps keep my spirits up. I just can’t type because my stupid touch screen internet thing is being even worse today than it has been, but like I said, I do read and I keep up with you guys. And if anything happens or changes, I’ll let do my best to let ya know. Thanks for all your support Talk to ya later, bye.

[Brink]

Hi everyone, life is going well. The girls are thriving at home and doing great.

Lymysschaos - Thanks for the update on LDS Angel. If you speak to her, please let her know we are thinking of her. Time in the hospital isn't fun, but at least you feel like you are doing something positive for your babies.

Sage - Can't believe the boys are one month. My girls are a month also as of Wednesay. Isn't it amazing how fast the time has gone, but on the other hand it seems like I've been pumping forever! Too bad the nipple shield didn't work out. I'm with you on the pumping and feeding a bottle is way easier. It's what I'm doing mainly because I was having too much pain to continue. I've been posting over on BF support and gotten some ideas. As for the PTSD, I think I'm right there with you. Although, I could probably classify mine as PPD. It comes and goes, mainly based on how much sleep I've had and how much my pumping sessions hurt. Hang in there - hopefully the adjustment back to being a "normal" person will be quick.

[Sage]

LMC - Thanks for keeping us posted!! Please let LDS know we're thinking of her!!

Whit - You are getting so close...just a couple more weeks, right?? I'm so excited for you! I thought you all might understand regarding my emotional issues... It's hard to talk about with people b/c I don't want them to think I'm not ecstatic that we made it through this pregnancy with such a wonderful outcome. I am ecstatic, but at the same time have all these other feelings to sort out, too. It's complicated, so I was hoping you all could relate.

Brink - Ugh about the PPD and the pain issues you are having with breastfeeding. When I nursed my DD, it was just awful at first. I took a look at the breastfeeding support thread to see what's going on with you, and wanted to let you know that I also had Reynaud's (sp?) when nursing my DD and took B6 after my lactation consultant recommended it. It helped me a ton, so I'm hoping it will help you too--I think it kicked in within a couple of days. The pain totally sucked so I can commiserate with you. I also wore these breast shell things (http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/breastcare.html#Therashells) in between feedings, which also helped a lot so absolutely nothing would touch me in between feedings. But I would use those with caution b/c I think I wore them waaay too long, and they ended up giving me a milk blister which was way worse pain. I'm not having any pain this time but I think it's only b/c I only weaned DD in August, so it really hasn't been that long since I stopped nursing. Don't beat yourself up if you need to take a break from pumping---I skip pumping at one of their night feedings, and it hasn't caused my supply to dip at all. I just get more at the next session. Maybe that will be the same for you? Hang in there!!

[whitlockan]

LyLMyssChaos thanks for the update. LDS still thinking about you. Good luck!

Sage yeah 16 days from today is my EDD, but I'm hoping way earlier than that. Just another appointment tonight so we'll see. Obviously the full moon and lunar eclipse did nothing for me. Oh I know everyone thinks that you should just focus on the end but when you've had what you had up until this point its hard not to look back ya know. Yeah you look back with happiness but its still all so different.

Just an other appointment today at 7:30 pm and getting my pump at 10, our hospital sells the PISA Metro Bag 69.99 cheaper than any retail centers so I'll have to go to the hospital (postpartum unit) today where they are located, maybe he'll want to cooperate sicne I'm right there 1 floor up from L&D.....hahaha I can dream.

Hope everyone is doing well.....

[Brink]

I saw on another board that Kimmie was scheduled for a c-section on Friday. She should have her baby by now. I'll post if I see something.

[whitlockan]

thanks Brink I was thinking about her this morning and wondering. Kimmie I hope all goes well for you and continues too

[Jenean]

Hi ladies, I just wanted to stop by and say hi. I can't wait to hear news about Kimmie!

All is well for me. The babies are doing great - 1.5 lbs apiece as of 2 weeks ago and kicking up a storm. But my cervix shrunk from 4.1 cm to 2.9 cm in just 5 weeks, so I'm back on stricter (but not totally strict) bedrest and am hoping that it will cooperate. I'll be getting a vaginal u/s every 2 weeks now to check its length. I'm doing better mentally this time with the need for more rest and am finally learning to enjoy just lying around and reading!

Have a great day, ladies!

[Lisa]

found this in another thread for you all...dated 3/5

hey everyone! kimmie just called and she had her little boy, Joshua weighing in at 4 lbs. 12 oz.. other than being small, he's healthy and kimmie sounded over the moon.

she'll come here and give the detailed version, but the short story is that joshua turned on his own so they didn't need to do the version. she had about a day of labor and then the baby started getting decels in his heartrate so they did the c/s.

joshua is still in the nicu (the hospital doesn't have a step-down nursery) but they think he should be home in a week.

yeah, kimmie!!!!!!

[whitlockan]

Yayaya thank you Lisa and I'm so increadibly happy for you Kimmie I have goosebumps............you are all such fighters!!

[Kimmiebride]

Hi ladies,
I am so sorry that I havent posted, but it's been hectic, and we only came home a couple of hours in the past couple of days. X-posting cuz I must pump!!

Yes!! I did have my gorgeous baby boy!!! Joshua Michael was born at 9:12AM on 3/3/2007 via c-section at 36 weeks. He weighed in at 4 pounds, 12 oz, and measured 19.6 inches. Birth story was hilarious, painful, scary, and wonderful, starting with a breech presentation for which we scheduled a version on 3/2 to be followed by a c-section if not successful. When they were prepping the OR for the version/possible delivery, they scanned me and he had gone head down, so no version, time for induction. Labored with cytotec at first, then pitocin (man, that hurts), and the all natural girl just caved when it came to pain meds, and epidural was given after about 10 hours. I was only dialated 1.5CM. Baby did not like the ctx, so at about 6AM after some really wicked de-cels, we said we'd wait for the new shift of docs, and do a c-section. It was not too bad, and it was so glad to have him out, and finally know that he is a boy, and he's healthy. We did have a bit of unexpected IUGR due to the pre-eclampsia, and he was much smaller than any of us expected. He went to the ICN, but never needed help to breathe or regulate his temp. He just needs to grow and be able to eat. So far, my milk has only come in in drops, so last night after agonizing about our decision, we gave him formula, and decided we just want him home, which should be within the next few days if we continue to supplement and pray that my milk comes in soon. I just felt so bad, not being able to give him any more than a few drops, and we know he's hungry, despite being on an IV for sugar and hydration. Last night we came home to sleep and pump, and will go back this morning. DH and I are so completely in love with him, and are thanking God that he is safely delivered. Hormonal shifts have been a little tough from time to time, but the hardest thing is not having him with us all the time, and he should be coming home in the next couple of days now that we are feeding him formula. Recovery from the surgery has been uncomfortable, but not unbearable, and sleeping in our own bed after being the hospital for almost a month is glorious. Here he is right as they are showing him to me at delivery!!! Hugs,
Kimmie

http://www.millcottagebridal.com/1615727-joshua.jpg

[Sage]

Kimmie - CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Joshua is so beautiful! I am so excited and thrilled for you!!!!! :) :) :)

[whitlockan]

Congrats Kimmie he is so gorgeous and I'm so happy he is out and safe!! You have your baby boy :D Welcome Joshua

[Brink]

Kimmie - so very happy for you and your family. He is beautiful.

About your milk supply and feeling guilty - Don't! Because of my girls premature status they had to have formula right away too. I just pumped every drop I could and gave that to them. I felt silly at times bringing in less than 5mls for 2 babies, but the nurses always said every little bit counts. It took almost 2 weeks before I could keep up with producing enough for both girls, but now they are 100% breastmilk. I was happy they had the option of getting the formula in the beginning to help them along - otherwise they would have lost more weight and taken longer to come home. Your supply will get there, just hang in there. Also, if you want to try and increase it right away, you can use a supplement with Fenugreek. I get my at WholeFoods and it's called More Milk Plus by a company called MotherLove.

Good luck - can't wait to hear the updates as things calm down.

[LDS Angel 19]

Hi ladies! Sorry I kind of forgot about this thread. :o Thanks so much for all of your good thoughts.

I got to come home Monday night. Everything looks good, the cerclege was 'perfectly' done and my cervix is all the way back up to a normal length. And still no contractions to speak of. It's nice to be home, but hard too. All of the monitoring at the hospital was pretty comforting. And I don't go back to the doc until wednesday.

[Brink]

LDS - so glad to hear things are looking good. I know what you mean about the monitoring. I felt the same way when we brought our girls home. I was so used to seeing their heartbeats on the monitor both before and after birth, that it was hard not to see them. We've adjusted and I'm fine with it now, but hard to get used to.

I was thinking - since some of us have started to "graduate" from high risk status, do we want to add an "outcome" to the first page? I went ahead and added my girls to the first page. Let me know if you are interested and what you want yours to say, if you do.

[Sage]

Brink, that's a great idea. Here is my outcome:

TTTS Survivors: Aidan (recipient) 5lbs, 11 oz, 5 days in NICU; Owen (donor) 5lbs, 7.5 oz, 8 days in NICU - born 2/1/07 at 35 wks, 6 days

[whitlockan]

LDS keeping my fingers crossed very tightly, sounds postive so far, hang in there girl!! I'll keep thinking about you.

Brink hahaha mine may never arrive at this point......but sounds like a great idea!!

[Sebski]

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[Kimmiebride]

Sebski! Those girls are growing!!! I am so glad things continue to go well!!!

LDS, good news on the successful cerclage!!

Whit, you ARE next!!!!! So wonderful!

Sage, growing like weeds! I am so thankful! Every day our kiddos get bigger and bigger and stronger and healthier!

OK, today was an amazing day!! Josh came home this morning! He's such a mellow little guy so far, and we just keep pinching ourselves! He's snoozing right now. I just pumped, and now will try to sleep a couple of hours. We have to wake him up sometimes to eat because he needs to get back to his birth weight by next week. We have a lactation appointment on Monday, and hopefully my milk will be in full force by then. I am nursing, then Ray supplements with formula, then I pump immediately and once in between feedings. It's getting better every day. He didn't take much formula this last feeding, and then spit up, so I am sure he'll be awake again soon... gonna go try to get a couple of winks in the mean time.
hugs,
Kimmie

Pre-Eclampsia, hospital bedrest for 4 weeks, IUGR
Joshua Michael, delivered at 36 weeks via c-section, 4lbs,12oz, 19.6 inches long
5 days in Itensive Care Nursery (ICN)

[whitlockan]

Kimmie I'm so happy he got to come home and so soon. He is such a cutie and oh so tiny. I bet even if you carried him to 37 or 38 weeks he would barely be 6lbs he was just meant to be a little tyke. Yes I'm next if this stubborn child ever gets out of me...its been any minute for 2 weeks now and OB laughs everytime I come back in for another weekly appointment. Argh!!

Sebski sounds like things are good.........yaya for the added weight gain. Keep drinking Ensure its good for you it sounds!!

So I'm just sitting here and waiting I've been waiting for to many minutes, I did the math it sucks!! But I have an OB appointment today we'll see where I am at and how many pounds I've put on since I've been home for a week solid and do nothing but eat when I get bored. DH was goign to take the quart of orange Sherbet to work today since I ate 1 entire quart yesterday. Yeah real good for me I'm sure.

[Sage]

Just wanted to check in on everyone...not much is new here! The boys are doing great! Last night they slept from 9:30 to 2:00a.m....it was pure heaven. I had to get up to do the 2:00am feeding, but my lucky DH got a full night's sleep for the first time since the twins were born!

Sebski - Sounds like things are going great!! I hear you on reading the ultrasound machine....I was a pro at it!! My eyes would just dart around that screen and try to figure out where and what all the measurements were. My heart would just skip a beat every time they did the fluid checks. I'm glad things are continuing to go well...3 cms of fluid is still good! If it makes you feel any better, Owen had less than 1cm of fluid before we had our surgery, and look where he is now! Hang in there.

Kimmie - Glad everything is going so well with Joshua! I love his name, by the way. I'm so glad he's home with you! Hang in there on the breastfeeding/pumping, it is tough but so worth it!

LDS - Glad things are going so well!!

Whit - Are you still pregnant?? LOL It will be any day now for you, I'm sure!! :) Can't wait to hear the big news from you and see pictures!

[whitlockan]

Sage....HAHAHA Yep I sure am :mad: !!!

Here is my most recent update as of yesterday:

BP was good: 120/70
Weight good: 20 lbs total
Heartbet good: I dont know they stopped telling me and I stopped asking

Same as last week fully effaced and engaged (0 station still about). If he is not out by Monday I'll come back for that appointment and then we'll schedule my induction for later that week. She is confident we wont have to worry about an induction and he'll by out but did say most babies come within a week of their due date. Okay well I havent and neither has my child been the norm, what makes you think its going to happen now . Anyways, the low down, I'll either have this baby later this week/weekend but for sure by late next week. One good thing by the way things look/feel its going to be a fairly easy labor/delivery....Amen to that!!!

I sorta have mixed feelings about this whole induction thing, I mean I want him out but I'm sort of scared in a way as well, not knowing and letting it just hit me is much better than waking up and knowing whats going to happen that day...I dont know thats crazy scary to me.

[Sebski]

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[Kimmiebride]

Hope you're laboring soon Whit!

Sebski, wishing your growth scan well!!

Josh went to the studio last week... here's his pic!
hugs,
Kimmiehttp://www.millcottagebridal.com/avatar.jpg

[whitlockan]

Well its MONDAY, I've been fully effaced for 3 weeks; -1 station for 1 week and 0 station for 2 weeks......I'm still stinking here!!! Tonight we go to our lovely doc appointment and schedule the induction believe it or not, I cant even think about how scared I am, I'm too emotional crying about how I feel like a loser, a person with an incompetant body and a bad mom because my body cant do it on its own....I mean come on it got me fully thinned and dropped, why doesnt it know to have contractions etc.....yeah I'm probably being stupid but I'm really upset about this whole induction thing, I thought I'd NEVER feel this way but now I do. We will see what day we can get this week, the sooner the better for me if I'm going to have to be induced, I cant sit and feel this way all week long. I just dont have the energy to be that emotional all week. <<no offense to you ladies who are having inductions, I hope you dont feel this way, it sucks and props to you for being so strong>>

Sebski no worries your not missing anything, I'll be here for another stinking year I swear!

Kimmie ditto, I'll be here for what feels like another year. That picture is GORGEOUS!! I'm jealous, your kids will all be 14 years old by the time mine is born!!

Anyways I'll post when I return from my appt tonight (7:15 est). I'm so stinking DONE; 40 weeks on Weds.

[Sage]

Sebski - Glad things are continuing to go so well!!

Kimmie - Oh Kimmie, that picture is gorgeous!! Did you take that? You're a photographer, right?? Joshua is just precious.

Whit - Oh honey, hang in there. With my DD I went to 41 weeks and had to be induced. And I wasn't effaced or dilated AT ALL, so I totally know how you feel about your body just not getting it. It totally sucks to be so big and uncomfortable and overdue. Although it is kind of fun when people ask you when you're due to get to say "Seven days ago!!" It really freaks people out, especially when you're in an elevator. ;) You are so close, just a few more days!!!!

Nothing is new with me really...the boys have their 6 week visit tomorrow so I'll update you all then on how much they're growing. Hope everyone is doing well!!

[Brink]

Kimmie - that picture is just beautiful. I'm so bummed that I can't take the girls for prof. pics - they still can't leave the house!

Whit - hang in there - your time will be here soon.

[whitlockan]

Fly by post, update on OB visit......

BP: 132/78 (which was pretty high for me)
Total lbs: 21
approx. weight of baby: 7.0 lbs right now
Progress: none....1 week fully effaced and -1 station & 3 weeks still fully effaced and 0 station (total 4 stinking weeks, no progression in the past 3 weeks)

Well I signed my paperwork for the induction, I have to call L&D "surgical coordinator" tomorrow afternoon and discuss the date with the hospital, the OB puts the request in and then I arrange through the hospital, either way all inductions start at 7:00 am....thats an early morning.

I saw the midwife last nightt (I've seen her about 5 times now), I LOVE HER and may try to get her to deliver but she sat and soothed me while I cried about how awful I feel about this whole induction thing. She did say she could give me another 10 days but either way in the end he has to come out somehow. The longer I wait though the more I'm opening myself up to have to have a c-section, if he makes it much larger than 7.5 then we have to start talking about c-section. So I'm going to go with this whole induction thing and she told me dont get myself down, I've had an amazing pregnancy, have had an incredibly lucky time (no problems except the SUA and nothing but baby in terms of weight gain) and that I shouldnt think that about my body because its done EVERYTHING its had to do up to this point.....nice little pep talk. I'm still not prepared but am starting to realize the way it looks, this is the route I'll have to go. And she didnt say it but her face certainly showed it that shes lost some hope in him coming on his own now.

Oh well I'll just go on with my days and not wait around for anything, mise well go schedule and get my haircut this week, I've been holding out for 4 weeks and well I cant hold out anymore!

Sage haha thats funny, I was out to eat this weekend and my grandpa called and asked and I said no I'm not due until Weds, the lady next to me waiting looked at me and then looked away with fear on her face, like I was going to have the baby right there. What sucks so bad is having a head between your legs and trying to walk, the mall is exhausting!!

Brink it feels like never....but your right it will be soon.

[Sebski]

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[Sage]

Had to come in and update you all...I took the boys in for their 6 week check-up this morning and Aidan weighed 9lb 2.5 oz, and Owen weighed 9lb 3.5 oz!!! Our little Owen, the donor baby, outweighs his big brother! I couldn't believe it! It's like they never even had TTTS, it's just so amazing. They are in the 75th percentile on the preemie adjusted chart, and 25th percentile on the regular chart. So they are really holding their own and growing so well even compared to full-term babies. I am so thrilled!!

[Jenean]

Kimmie, congratulations! He is so beautiful and I wish you a lifetime of happiness with him!!!

whitlockan, thinking of you…..


Hi again ladies! I’m hanging in on bedrest. We’re back to stricter rest now, as my cervix shrunk another .4 cm in just 3 weeks. As of last Thursday it was down to 2.5. I am being very strict with myself now and truly am spending more time reclining than in any other position.

Question for you all – have any of you been through a fetal echocardiogram? My midwife heard an irregular heartbeat on one of the babies today, for the second week in a row. She hadn’t mentioned it to me last week but when she heard it again today, she recommended we get it checked out. She said she’s sure it’s nothing b/c we know from our anatomy scan that the heart is fully formed and pumping, but just to be sure….. We’re seeing a specialist on April 6 for the echo, and I was just wondering what to expect. TIA!

[Sage]

Hi Jenean, sorry you're dealing with this!! Ugh, if it's not one thing, it's another, huh? I had several fetal echos due to the TTTS. It basically is just an ultrasound where they zoom in on the babies' hearts. I'm not sure exactly what measurements they take. In our case, they looked generally at the hearts and then they also looked at the TEI index b/c that can be an indicator of TTTS. Figuring out the TEI index requires the cardiologist to sit down and do calculations, so it took us a little while to find out our results.

I doubt they'll do a TEI index for you b/c it's not very reliable for fetal echos. The Fetal Care Center in Cincinnati does it in order to diagnose TTTS and apparently it's pretty cutting edge that they do it...when we had follow up fetal echos here in St. Louis our pediatric cardiologist was resistant to do it b/c he thought it was so unreliable. Like I said, they probably won't worry about it for you b/c you're not dealing with TTTS, but I thought I'd share that it can take awhile to get the results just in case they bring it up. Other than the TEI stuff, it was pretty much just a normal ultrasound experience except you talk with a cardiologist at the end instead of a peri. Hope this helps!! Good luck, I'm sure it's nothing.

[kmmommy]

Jenean ~ When I was pg with my daughter I had a Level II u/s due to a dilated stomach. During the Level II they noticed a possible heart condition so the radiologist looked and then called in a pediatric heart surgeon to look at the heart. For us it was just a very detailed u/s. They did a lot of shots of the heart and changed the screen colors to look at blood flow.

Hang in there. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

[Jenean]

Thanks, Sage & kmmommy! At least this means we'll get another detailed view of the kiddos! ;) We've heard that this doc is the best around, so I feel good about seeing him. I just hope the next two weeks go by as fast as they have been lately.

[Brink]

Jenean - glad you got some answers. I hope everything goes well at your scan. Just wanted to give you some encouragement on your bed rest. You are doing a terrific job and believe it or not, it will be over before you know it. Take care and hang in there.


Update on us - not much going on really. The twins are gaining weight and doing great. If I could only get them to sleep for more than 3 hours at a time, life would be grand.

[micd]

Hi ladies! I thought I'd go ahead and join in here.


I was just officially considered high risk a few weeks ago and now will only be seeing the complicated OB team at the hospital. It started with my 20 week anatomy u/s where they noticed growth restriction - IUGR (3rd percentile), a VSD (hole between the ventricle), a calcium deposit on one of the ventricles, and a low lying placenta. All of these things put the baby at a higher risk for having a chromosomal issue. Dr put me on modifited bedrest. Needless it say, it was all quite shocking!! Two weeks later at the next scan, baby had grown, but still small (5th percentile). The good news was that they could not find the VSD so they think it closed up!! Calcium deposit still there and placenta had moved up a bit so they weren't worried about that. The day after this scan, one of the docs calls me and tells me that they realized I have a high amount of protein in my urine (from doing the lovely 24 hour urine sample at home :rolleyes: ), so this puts me at a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Blood pressure is great, but it may start creeping up, so we'll see. So they keep on modified bedrest for another two weeks. Next scan, baby grew alot (28th percentile!) so no more bedrest and I can go back to work, but no exercise (I have been dying here with not being able to exercise, but I know it's for the the good of the baby). DH and I decide it would be better not to go back to work and risk anything (I'm an elementary school teacher). So I have been hanging out at home and it's been really nice. I have another growth scan in two weeks and a regular appt with the high risk doc next week.

Phew, sorry for the novel! That's about it. I am dealing with it all really well right now. Honestly not worried, though I definitely went through the worry and "this is my fault" guilt feelings. It's just amazing to me that all of this has happened and I am a completely healthy person with no major health problems in myself or my family. I know some things just can't be explained!

By the way, I'm 27 wks right now!

Hi Jenean! I don't know if what we had was called an echo, but they did take a lot of close up pictures of the heart and looked at blood flow many times. I hope everything goes well!

[Sebski]

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[whitlockan]

Sebski thanks for the "stripping of membranes" suggestion but I'm not dilated so they couldnt :(. But its okay I have renewed hope and energy that I can go on my own.....possibly this weekend?!? :eek: Keep pounding down those Ensure shakes, so far they've been helping it seems.....Abbott comes up with great products dont they (hahaha my dad just retired after 25 years, I'm a little biased :p ) Keeping my fingers crossed for you, sending 36 week vibes your way!! You've done great so far, keep it up!!

Sage that is GREAT!! I'm so thrilled they are doing so wonderful.....you wouldnt know there were any problems at this point. :D

Jenean Sorry no help there, I only had our monthly Level II sono/"growth scans" and they did get up close of the heart and blood but I dont know if it was an echo exactly. If it makes you feel any better when I was once in the womb I had an abnormal heart concern, turned out it was a heart murmer that well hasnt ever went away, we just have to watch it with routine echos for me so I hope in your case its something small, maybe similar. Crossing my fingers!!

Brink glad everything is wonderful!! 3 hours of sleep, I would kill for that at this point....HAHAHA I hate my hourly potty trips. Someone said the other day are you dreading not being able to sleep I laughed and said I'd kill for 2 hours uninterrupted at this point. Keep up the good work mama!!

micd welcome, sorry you had to join us but welcome. I hope in the end this is all precuationary and you have a healthy baby. Good luck!!


Me.....yes I'm still here and "waiting" but lets hope thats all almost over:

(partial cross post from March 2007 thread)
Well I have renewed energy and hope ladies, I woke up this morning at 3:00 am, just my hourly bathroom break (haha oh the joys) and I NEVER turn on the light well this time for some reason I decided I'd do it (WARNING TMI) I wipe and then look at it (been a habit this entire pregnancy just to make sure I dont miss nothing and everything is okay) and OMG I freaked for a second called my husbands name he came to the bathroom and there it was my horror movie: Bloody Show!! This went on for 3 1/2 hours this morning (not a lot just a good swipe on the toilet paper and a little trail in the toilet).

I decided I better call the doctor once they opened to just make sure this was "normal" because it wasnt a mucus discharge like a "blood tinged" mucus plug.....I just thought it was something that happend once then went away but after speaking with the on call OB (70+ year old man whos been around for AGES, hahaha) he confirmed it sounds indeed like "bloody show" and told me good luck, hopefully you'll start contractions in a few hours (this was at 9:30am) and things will blossom and we'll see you soon.

Its now 3:00, still have a little bit comign out but I have terrible back pains that come and go and what I think are contractions that are starting to pick up in intensity, nothing close yet but when I get the pain I feel it thats for sure, its just radiating not only in my back but in my hips too. Anyways we'll see what happens, keep your fingers crossed tightly that this is the "real deal" starting!!

I just want my son out so I know he is safe and healthy and no more worries!!! But just for the record if he doesnt come soon were being induced on 3/30 (41 weeks according to their "working due date" they have two due dates down for me, the 20 week one that said 3/21 and then the one they said for induction and all that there going with is 3/23 (which is the original))...well today is 3/23 :D could it be?!?!

I'll keep you updated if I'm still here on Monday otherwise lets hope Monday we have a happy and healthy birth story!!

[Sebski]

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[Brink]

micd - Welcome. If you want to give me your stats, I can add them to the first page. Sounds like this pregnancy has made you learn all about new things that can go wrong. It's amazing how much we all learn and share along the way. Sometimes I think we know more than the dr.'s! I hope everything continues to look good and you get to stay off bedrest.

Sebski - glad to hear everything is still looking good. As for their weights, they sound great. I think my girls were around 2lbs at about 26-27 wks. They were 4lb and 4lb 7oz when they were born at 33 wks, so don't be too discouraged. And - my smaller twin (Katie) actually did better than Kristi. Neither girl needed oxygen and they were only in the NICU for feeding purposes. It's not all about the weight - just keep that in mind.

whitlockan - been meaning to post over in March07 - congrats on the bloody show. I hope things move quickly. I don't know what is worse, the getting up to pee every hour (so sorry), or having to force yourself to stay awake so you don't drop the baby you are feeding! Either way we all get an award and should have plenty to hang over their heads when they get older.

[Ericka_Jarett]

I have a peri appt on the 18th of April. Will be approximately 8-10 weeks along.

[Sebski]

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[Ericka_Jarett]

Thanks, we were quite shocked. Easton will be 14-15 months old

[Brink]

Ericka - congratulations - we were in the same boat. DD was 16 months when the twins were born. It really isn't as bad as it sounds.

[Brink]

I just read on the March07 board that Whit had her baby. Figured I would share it with everyone here. Hopefully she will come in and tell us how everything went. For now I'm copying his info.


Zachary Aiden
7 lbs 8 oz
20 in long


Congratulations Whitlockan - another high risk pregrancy with a wonderful outcome!

[Sage]

Only have a second, but had to pop in and say CONGRATULATIONS to Whit!!! What wonderful news!! I checked the March thread for pictures and Zachary is adorable!! And I love his middle name!! ;)

Also wanted to say welcome to Micd and Ericka!!

And a quick note to Sebski...they told us the average TTTS babies only make it to 31 weeks, and we made it all the way to 35w6d. So you may very well make it that far or even farther...Baby B is still growing and that is the most important thing!! Hang in there!

[micd]

Thanks for the welcome! Here are my stats:

Micd
Me: M, 25
DH: D, 28
EDD: 6/21/07
Isssue: IUGR, echogenic intracardiac focus (calcium deposit on ventricle), high protein in urine - risk of developing pre-eclampsia

Congrats to whitlockan and welcome to the world Zachary!

[Kimmiebride]

Congrats to Whit!!! Saw your pic, you all look fabulous!!

Welcome to micd... Your story sounds similar to mine... we didn't know about the IUGR until he was born though, and I was hospitalized for a month for pre-e. I am glad I was hospitalized because I never would have rested as well at home, and he might have been even smaller at birth (he was 4lb, 12oz at 36 weeks) We had a small spot on his heart in our level II, but the genetic counselor (who tends to be on the cautious side) said that it was pretty common, and in the absence of other markers, wasn't too big a deal. I am hoping for the best for you too!
Kimmie

[Sebski]

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[Jenean]

Brink, thanks! I’m glad you guys are all doing well. :)

micd, hey! I’m so glad that you guys are doing better (but you already knew that ;) )!

Sebski, thanks! I definitely hope you’re right and that you’re still in here, pregnant and counting the days, at 36 weeks+!!!

whitlockan, thanks, and CONGRATS!!!!!

Ericka, OMG, that’s wonderful!!! I’m so excited for you!

[whitlockan]

Sorry ladies it took so long, I was posting from the hospital and DH and son came back a little early from their bath so I had to run. Here is everything.

Birth Story.......

We welcomed our little man to the world on Saturday @ 1:49 pm. It was a rather quick labor/delivery once I started to dilate. Mild contractions started at 9:18 pm on friday night (8 min apart for 1 min) rested; went to the bathroom around 10:00pm and felt something heavy, I looked down and screamed and called DH and said I cant do this, this is soooooo gross....it was my disgusting (lets say it was FAR from clear) Mucus Plug, he was laughing at me because I wanted him to pull it off for me since it was dangling. We called on call dr. @ 1:00 am on Saturday since they were below 5 min apart we were told to come in. Checked out and only 1 cm dilated :( sent home and told wait it out at home for a few days until there intense. Now I was worried about being sent home again, I went to bed when we got back around 3:00 and woke up @ 5:00 am crying, screaming and yelling at my poor husband how I cant do this, if this is not intense then I cant do this, literally minutes later I gave in and told him to call the dr, I couldnt talk I was balling. He returned our call and asked to speak to meDH laughed and said she cant she is too busy screaming, they then both laughed and told us to bring me on in. That was the slowest 10 min drive, I was running to L&D and made it up crying, they brought me in and checked me out and said your a 5....WHAT.....dr. came in and said ok we'll get you in a room and an epidural in the next 25 min.....it was an hour of crying and breathing through what seemed like impossible contractions. Before moving me and giving me the epidural they checked me and said your a good 8 cm....HOLY WHAT!! I went to 8 cm without anything. Gave me epidural around 9:00 am and bahm I felt NOTHING from that time on. They broke my water at 10:00am. We started pushing around 12:00,DH looked at me and said ready, its show time. (I seriously didnt feel a thing so we sat and talked and laughed and joked until we started pushing, it was sooo easy and just wierd to think that was labor for me?!?) they were concerned they would have to turn him since he was still spine sideways, the doctor came in an hour later and about fell on the floor becuase I turned him on my own to his face facing my back....he said not many women can push like that, we all laughed and then said he would like to start with forceps and get him out in the next couple of contractions because his heart rate was dropping and they were giving me oxygen and it wasnt helping, not to mention I began to run a fever. We did the forceps and he was out within 15 min. :)!!! 3 sets of pushes @ 1:49 pm on 3/24. The doctors first comment, wow what a big head.........thanks, thats his dad!!! Once he was out it was an amazing experience, as many of you know things were rough early on but DH looked at me, told me how much he loved me and what a great job I did then we both held each other and cried, he would go over to the heater and just cry and cry. He was so touched emotionally and it was the best experience EVER!!! We were all crying together as a family. I will say it was very crowded in that room, we didnt have anyone with us but they had a few (3)nurses, doctor and NICU nurses on staff since he was a 2 vessel cord and I had a fever. He did come out with a fever as well but he did great and is healthy!! 9 on Apgar both 1 & 5 min.

Update on us......

were all doing great, recovry is slow but I'm up and moving without much discomfort today. Still on motrin though, my ribs are soooo incredibly sore and I was blessed to develop a super tiny hemm. during the pushing phase of labor. "Z" is such a great little one. He sleeps hours on end; 3-4 hours; wakes to eat only and we have to watch it because he wont fuss over a messy diaper; which that is hard. Super easy baby (knock on wood) and we have no latch problmes at this point (knock on wood again). We go to our first ped appt on thursday,she wanted him in early since he was a low forceps baby with simpsons and developed a little head trauma, nothing big some swelling/fluid, bruising and cuts that she wants to stay up on. DH went to work for a half day, he is really taking this dad thing HUGE, he asked if I was okay which I am fine with it since he is 8 miles away and said I have to get in to work, I have to work harder now, I want my son to be proud and now I have more than just you, and I want to know that he will take care of someone one day the same way. Which that was incredible to me.....he has emotionally woke up and pulled through, its going to be an amazing future ahead of us!!

Oh also we processed his provisional appointment to VMI yesterday, my son barely 72 hours old is accepted to VMI!!!! Its funny but he will be class of 2029 if he chooses to go!!




You can post this on the front page:
"Z"
3/24 @ 1:49 pm
7 lbs 8 oz
20 inches long

[Kimmiebride]

oh, Whit, he's just beautiful!!!! What a story, and the most wonderful part is how your DH has really blossomed into a fantastic dad and husband! Congrats on so many levels girl!!!
Kimmie

[Sebski]

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[Sage]

Whit, he is such a cutie!!! Congratulations again! :) :) :)

[Jenean]

whit, your story was so beautiful to read. I am so glad that all went well and I loved reading how your DH has been since Zachary arrived. He is gorgeous and you all look so great!

Update on us: My cervix is down to 2.1 cm and goes below 2 cm with any pressure, so basically any time I'm standing or sitting it's below 2. I'm also having a bit of funneling when there's pressure applied. So I can go from the bed to the sofa and back and can get up in between to pee and that's about it. I will be able to go to one of our family seders next week, though, which I'm really happy about. I just have to recline on the sofa the whole time. I'm also going back on Monday for a BP check, as it was elevated yesterday (but I blame that on my MIL) even though it was back down today. But the babies are doing great! Both head down, weights are 2 lb 13 oz and 2 lb 15 oz, h/r were 136 and 143. Fetal echo is next week and then another cervix measurement the following week.

[Sebski]

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[dizylizy]

sebski- during my 3 hr test, I couldn't eat or drink before. Cant' remember if it stopped at midnight... but as I was drinking the glucose drink (ick) I asked for some water b/c I was getting queasy just drinking all that sugar. Then, yep, you sit there until you have to get your blood taken... I went to the lab window about five minutes before the time was up so I could be sure to get in on the hour marks. but not taht big a deal. Then I went and had teh biggest BK lunch I could!
Plus, I ahd scheduled a NTS for about 30 minutes after the start of teh glucose test. man spud was just moving around! He loved the sugar! had to reschedule...

[Jenean]

Sebski, thanks. It's probably a combo of the pressure and the contrax. I'm having about a half dozen a day, sometimes more, sometimes less. I've never had more than the "allowed" # in an hour, though. For my 3-hr GTT I had the same restrictions. I had a snack at 10 pm the night before and then nothing. They told me not even to brush my teeth in the morning b/c the sugar in my toothpaste could affect the test. Ick! If you're worried about queasiness or feeling faint, tell them beforehand and see if they'll let you sip water or find you a place to lie down. About 20 min. after I finished the drink I got very faint and thought I was going to pass out and I was taken into a back room so I could lie down and was given some water. As soon as I lay down I felt better so I continued on with the test. Luckily they were slow that day so I got to spend the entire time in the back, resting as I needed to. Good luck!

[micd]

whitlockan - great birth story! He is absolutely adorable!!

I had an appt on Tuesday. No rise in blood pressure so that is good. My weight though, my goodness, has shot up. I'm only 5'2" and I've already gained 27 lbs at 28 weeks! :eek: That's a lot for a shorty, but the doctor was not worried at all and said it could be water. I don't think I look like I've gained that much, but it's just crazy to me. I did get the okay to do some light walking, so I am really happy about that. Baby is doing great overall. I have a growth scan next week so I'll be interested to see what they say.

[Brink]

Sebski - With pg1 I also failed the 1hour, but passed the 3 hour. There is still hope!

micd - I can relate on the weight gain. I say - don't worry about it. With my first pg (singleton), I gained 50 lbs (I'm 5'4") and lost it all within 3 months. I think as long as you are eating reasonable, your body is going to gain whatever it needs. I don't believe in all of those rules about how much you should gain. Glad everything else is looking good.

[whitlockan]

Sorry ladies I've been MIA, I'm having a hard time keeping up with 2 threads but I'm going to try my best.

Thanks for the compliments, he is our little dream guy and what a dream he is!! I couldnt ask for a better baby!

Jenean stay rested girl, its all worth it!

Sebski I'm not sure on the rules but I would imagine the same as the 1 hour just for a longer period. Sorry no help!

micd thats not too bad if you figure it right around a 1lb a week, could be worse right! Walking will also help with the whole birth and recovery too, so thats good. Good luck at the growth scan.

Ped appointment on Thursday:

Birth weight: 7 lbs 8 oz
Discharge: 7 lbs 2 oz
5 Days: 7 lbs 5 1/2 oz

Due to his bruise on his head he has some jaundice that developed on the day of our discharge his levels came back at 11 on the 5th day which the ped said was the peak of it so we are just setting him in the sun for now. We go in today to follow up on his jaundice levels. Its really hard to tell because she said that the bruise can make it actaully appear worse than what it is and spread more through his body than what it "shows in terms of color" right now its good but we have to stay on top of it!

Were doing great, recovery has been great, I'm 100% myself again and let me say it feels great!! Is it bad, I dont miss being pregnant one bit all the worries and stress, I'm so glad its over. Little man is doing fabulous we have him sleeping 5-6 hours straight at night (since day 1 actually), which DH loves, me I still have to get up at least every 3-4 hours to pump, I dont want to wake him and deal with a baby not going back to sleep and the ped said his weight is fine so she sees no need to wake him up. But lets just say even 4 hours of solid sleep is amazing, I forgot how great it felt to be rested for once. He is becoming more and more alert these past 2 days, which I'm so happy he knows to be alert during the day. The only thing when he is awake and just staring I feel like I should be doing something, instead of holding him and looking at him and talking to him. But all in all we are great!!

[Brink]

Whit - why are you waking every 3-4 hours to pump? I know I was, but I'm trying to feed two and we had to wake them every 3 hours because of their prematurity. Is there a medical reason you are doing it? If not, I wouldn't bother. With my first DD, we would let her sleep 5-6 hours and I would go the same without pumping. The first time or two, I was really full but then my body began to recognize night and I would be full, but not painful in the morning. Just a thought so you can get some sleep.

[whitlockan]

9 day ped appointment:

Everything went FANTASTIC yesterday at the ped. He is now at 7 lbs 9 oz, which is 1 oz above his birth weight which she said last week he had 9 days to get to his birth weight (so he hit it right on target almost at exactly 9 days). They did another PKU, which DH was so mad about because he has had 3 so far and we asked the nurse to do it in his right heel since his left had already had 2 heel "gashes" (we call them) and the right only one, she refused and said she is right handed so it just wont work....poor little guy. His juandice is gone...YAYA but his bruise will remain for "weeks." Also no more guaze and vasaline, circ looked good, makes diaper changing so much faster now. All were waiting on now is for his cord to fall off, still looks like a super dried up rasien.

Brink I dont purposely wake up my boobs wake me up ;) !! They get soooooo full, I really honestly think I have a huge supply right now, and I know pumping through the night wont help regulate it any better but man I get so full it starts to get very painful, not to mention I start leaking, as in if I dont get up and pump, I'll leak everything out...HAHA okay maybe thats an over exaggeration but its a waterfall until I get up and pump. If I could sleep through it I would do it but I cant, I've tried. And please I dont mind any advice, this is all new to me :D!

[Sebski]

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[Sage]

Hey all...things here are good...boys are doing great. I was a bit upset this week b/c one of the mom's on the TTTS Foundation message board lost one of her 6 month old twins. She had her twins at 35 weeks or so, they were only in the NICU for like a week, and apparantly had no lasting issues. And then one just dies out of the blue at 6 months. It really shook me up. She hasn't come back to post any details so I have no idea what the circumstances surrounding her death are, but it just really freaked me out. I just can't even imagine what that mom is going through...having to battle through a TTTS pregnancy, taking your sweet babies home, and then losing one six months later. I think of my darling little DD at 6 months and she was just the absolute cutest thing...my heart is just broken for this mother. Plus I'm scared out of my mind that it was TTTS related...makes me wonder if my boys are really out of the woods or if something happened in utero that could pop up later on.

Sebski - Wow, I can't imagine what a rollercoaster doctor visit that was. I'm so relieved that things ended on a positive note, but still....I would have been so upset too. I know when we had our nuchal ultrasound, Aidan had a thick nucal fold and Down Syndrome was tossed around as a possible issue. But the peri's reassured us that DS is a chromosone disorder and since we were having identical twins, if one twin had it the other one would too. Since Owen's nuchal fold looked fine, they weren't worried about it. They said that having DS in one identical twin and not the other would be so rare that it would be published in a medical journal if it happened to me. So, I know that your peri wasn't necessarily talking about DS, but I at least wanted to share my experience. I'm sure Baby B is just fine!!! I hear you on wanting the pregnancy to be over...it was SO freaking stressful for me too, and at the end, I just wanted them out. I felt like they would be so much safer in an isolette in the NICU than in my failing body. Hang in there, you are doing a great job.

Jenean - How are you doing?? Have you had your fetal echo yet?

Micd - That weight gain doesn't sound so bad to me! This coming from someone who gained 50+ pounds for the twins! ;) Glad your BP is looking good.

Whit - Glad the ped appointment went so well!!

[dizylizy]

Hi ladies! Just a quick fly by as I am at work.
I am bordering the high risk category...
My ITP has become very pronouced now. My CBC last two weeks ago was 58K down from 97K two weeks before that. Freaked my Hematologist out. I am on a weekly blood draw. last week I was 81, this week I am 79K. Not out of the woods but better. if I have more dips I will be back on prednisone and maybe bed rest. (i could use the rest but i need to work for health ins). Also, if the levels stay under 75, I probably won't have an epi and will mostly likely need a C-sec even though I want to VBAC.

Sebski- OMG! I would have lost it on teh doc too. they work with pg women all the time, you think they would wait to jump the gun. but they want you to be informed. but still. do the scan then discuss. I was told at 32wks, when I started bleeding and having regular contractions, all the risks of having a baby that early, I cried and cried. DH was so supportive. i hope yours is helping.

[Jenean]

X-post:

Hi ladies. Update first, and I'll be back later with SO's.

I just got home this morning after spending the last 2 1/2 days in the hospital. At my u/s on Thursday we saw that my cervix was down to 1.6 cm (another half cm gone in one week). The midwife had me put on a monitor to see if I was contracting, and I was, although they weren't very strong ones that I could really feel. But since the contractions can affect the shortening of the cervix, she wanted them to stop. After consulting my doc (J, our friend), she ordered me over to the hospital. I got permission to go home and pack a bag and then J and his wife picked me up and took me over. Murphy's Law = DH was out of town again, this time in LA.

So, starting on Thursday evening I was put on 24 hour IV fluids, regular pills of anti-contraction meds, plus I received 2 shots of terbutaline to stop the contractions, and over a 36-hour period I received 4 steroid shots to mature the babies' lungs. I also received IV antibiotics to fight against a possible "silent" urinary tract infection, which can also cause contractions. In short, it wasn't my best weekend. The IV was very painful and the meds made my heart race, plus they keep the maternity floor very warm for the babies, so I had to open a window and let in some 30 degree air just to breathe! And since I had to get meds every 4-5 hours, I haven't had a long stretch of sleep in a while. Yesterday morning I received a pump to give me a continuous dose of the terbutaline, and I'll be on that until I give birth. It's a very small (painless) needle inserted in my outer thigh, attached to a teeny little pump (like an insulin pump) that I wear in a pouch attached to my waistband. I can't even feel it and have to remind myself that it's there! I'm also on complete bedrest, except I am allowed up to pee and for one quick shower a day.

The good part of the weekend was all the monitoring of the babies. I was hooked up to h/r monitors for the first 6 hours I was there and then every 8 hours after that for about 30-60 minutes at a time. Plus I was on a contractions monitor each night. The babies are doing great. Their h/r are nice and strong and regular and they have been active regularly. Plus they each weigh over 3 lbs, and I'm eating as much protein as I can so they'll hopefully gain more fast. The terbutaline seems to be doing its job with me, so we're very hopeful that we can first make it through the next 9 days till we hit 32 weeks, and then even beyond that. Our goal right now is just to get to May 1= 23 days away!

Sleepy now, going to try to nap..... back later!

[Jenean]

I never did post stats, but I guess it's never too late for that:

Me: Jenean
DH: Seth
EDD: 6/12/07
Issue: shortened cervix, preterm labor
Other Children: furbabies

[Kimmiebride]

Jenean! Wow, what a weekend. I am glad the meds are doing their job, and that you are home again resting! I'll keep you in my prayers that you make it to your goals! I know that my favorite part about being in the hospital (I was in for 4 weeks) was the constant monitoring. I knew he was ok several times a day, and that helped me remain calm and get plenty of rest!

Take care!
Kimmie

[Brink]

Jenean - Wow, what a weekend. Glad to hear things are calming down and at least you were able to go home. I know those milestones are so important at this stage. Just an FYI that I know many many babies born at 32-34 weeks and all are doing wonderful. My girls were 33 wks and even though they spent 3 weeks in the NICU, it was all just learning to eat. Hang in there, you are doing great. Oh, if you are looking for some extra protein to help the weight gain, I recommend the Ensure drinks. I had at least one every day of my pg and I think it made a big difference in the girls' weight.

[whitlockan]

Jenean wow I agree what a weekend but it sounds like everything is okay now. I'm so happy to see you are at 30 weeks, just as Brink mentioned 32-33 weeks they can still do great, so at least those milestones are only a few weeks away. Not much longer, hang in there!

sebski I would have been so upset as well. I honestly would change peri but thats just me. You do not deserve to be put through that!

Sage OMG I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers, thats very scary.

Were doing great, after a bout with reflux and icky rash last week we are back on track. Thankfully the 1/4 tsp of mylanta 1 hour before bedtime combined with a crib wedge is working wonders after 2 sleepless nights (before I knew what was wrong with him which prompted a ped visit) we are now back to our 5-6 hour sleep. On the down side his rash is lactose milk allergies so now I have to cut all diary out of my diet. When we went in on friday she said if it didnt get better over the weekend then we'd come back and she'd remove all dairy from my diet, well I didnt like that and went ahead and did an experiment this weekend and removed it myself and what would you know, the rash is gone! Other than that hes eating and growing like a weed!

[Sebski]

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[ali_ohli]

Hi, ladies. Mind if I rejoin this group? I lost my first child at 22w in the beginning of December due to what the docs *think* was incompetent cervix -- though, there were many complicating factors (bleeding, PTL, infection).

We found out we were pregnant again at the end of February and I am now 9.5w along. I was sure I'd "earned" a problem-free pregnancy after the hell of my first pregnancy, but it's not turning out that way. (Big sigh.) Last Friday, I had a major bleeding episode -- officially a "subchorionic hematoma" -- during which I assumed the worst. Miraculously, the fetus was fine, but I now feel entirely deflated. Even though it may be completely unrelated to what happened to my previous pregnancy, I'm just so frustrated by my body's seeming inability to do anything right when it comes to pregnancy. And apparently my risk of miscarriage is now higher because this happened -- on top of the already high risk I have of another extremely preterm birth.

Anyway, I was hoping you all would understand and could boost my spirits a bit. :) The very positive upside is that I still have a strong little bean in there, and I just have to focus on that, in spite of the risks.

If I manage to make it past this bleeding craziness, I will be having a cerclage placed in the beginning of May.

ali_ohli
Me: Ali
DH: C
EDD: 11/09/07
Issue: Prior preterm birth at 22 weeks resulting in a loss; fibroids, incompetent cervix and bleeding issues.

[Sage]

Hi guys...things here are good! The boys are doing great. Just reading along and checking in on everyone... I hope it's okay that I'm still posting here even though I'm technically not pregnant anymore!!

Here's a recent pic of my fellas...Aidan is on the left and Owen's on the right.

pictures removed

Sebski: I'm so glad you're feeling better about things! Gosh, I can't believe you are already almost 30 weeks!! That is amazing!! It seems just like yesterday that you were worried about making it to 24 weeks. You are doing such a great job, try to hold on to that to get you through these next few weeks. Your girls will be here before you know it!

Jenean: What a crazy weekend! I'm so glad you are feeling better now. I agree with Brink on the Ensures...they are kinda gross but definitely worth it in the long run.

Whit: Glad you got the reflux issues worked out! Oh, I would just about do anything for a 5 or 6 hour stretch of sleep...I'm exhausted over here. Glad things are getting back to normal.

Ali: CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm so excited to see that you are expecting again!! I'm so sorry you're having difficulties again...life just isn't fair, is it? If it provides any comfort, I had a big bleeding scare with my pregnancy, too. I was 11 weeks along, and all of a sudden just had really heavy bleeding one day, like a really heavy period, for about 24 hours. My OB sent me in for an ultrasound and I was absolutely positive I was miscarrying and was devasted. Well, we ended up finding out that not only were we not miscarrying, we were having twins! It was quite a rollercoaster of emotions that day. Anyways, they told me the bleeding was just from the placenta failing to attach all the way in one spot but that it was no big deal. I didn't have any bleeding after that. So, hopefully this will turn out to be nothing for you as well!! Hang in there...I know you must be so scared but we are here to support you!

[Brink]

Hi all - the twins are doing great. They had their 2 month WBV today and they are both over 9lbs now. They are kinda kranky tonight from their shots, but otherwise doing great.

Sage - I think we have all earned the right to post in this forum as long as we want! Keep the updates coming.

ali_ohli - Welcome back. Congratulations on your pregnancy. We are definitely here to support you on this journey. I know you probably are getting support from the late term loss thread too, but I just wanted to point out how many of those women have had their rainbow babies and everything turned out just fine (including a few of our own here). I know it probably doesn't make the worry any easier, but I'm sure it helps to hear the success stories. Can't wait to hear your updates and the great news when you have that baby at full term!

Sebski - Your getting there - hang on Mama!

[Jenean]

Kimmie, oh yes, even if I'm contracting or whatever, when I can see/hear the babies and feel them move, just knowing that they're doing okay makes me feel better. We actually had never sent back the doppler we had rented and now I'm so glad b/c I can listen to them every day!

Brink, thanks, I remember reading that about your girls. How did you cope with their time in the NICU? I'm trying to learn a little about what to expect from that now and trying to come to terms with the idea that they might need to be there for a little while. Thanks for the Ensure tip - DH is going to pick some up for me today.

whit, oh yes, it's so good to have the milestones coming close now. Today is 31 weeks and I can't wait for the next week to fly by. I'm sorry you had to cut out dairy, but glad to hear that it helped!

Sebski, I don't think I realized how close we are in dates. We can count down together and make it as long as we can!

ali, congratulations! Good work on focusing on the positive; I'll be thinking of you!

Sage, awwwwwww!!!!!!! Any flavor of Ensure better (or just less icky) than another?


Yesterday was good and bad on and off. I felt good for much of the day, but also had somewhere around 20 contractions and a couple of teary breakdowns. DH was great in getting me everything I needed, but I know he's having a hard time adjusting to doing EVERYTHING, plus still trying to work his full time job. We talked a bit about it last night and are going to talk more today about making a list of chores and errands that will need regular running and trying to get him on a schedule of sorts for them all so his day can stay streamlined and allow him to do everything he needs to do. It will help when my folks arrive tomorrow b/c they'll be able to help with a bunch of housework and errand running and my mom is planning to cook a ton of food to freeze for us for the next few weeks.

Today I woke up determined to stay positive and calm. I'm also sucking down water as much as I can. I've got a couple of work things to finish up, plus a bunch of other things lined up along the coffee table to work on. I am trying to enjoy every moment that I can of what's left of my pregnancy!!! :)

Question - how do you guys deal with the fear when it comes bubbling up to the surface? I get so scared sometimes and just don't know what to do and am really tired of crying!

[Sebski]

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[dizylizy]

Hi all- I'm walking the fine line... my platlets are dropping slow and steady. 74K as of today. If they drop for a few more weeks in a row, I will be back on prednisone, which unhappliy, thrusts me into high risk... GD, swelling, extra weight gain. It worked for a bit last time but my PLT's started dropping again at the end. If I delivered today, Epi is out and repeat C would be on the table for sure. At my last appt, I asked teh doc what she would prefer, she said as long as my PLT's were over 75, she thoguht I was a great candidate for VBAC but if they aren't it would be a toss up. They can control the bleeding better if it is a C and I don't labor, lowers the risk of uterine rupture.

I am trying not to be upset or deflated. I knew my body would not keep up. I was hoping it would not give up so fast. I made it so far with out help last time. It is hard to keep that feeling at bay. but knowing I have a healthy baby in there helps. US last week showed us a BOY. I am calling him Rocky. :)

Ali- Congrats! posting helps me feel better. getting the fear out to others who understand, helps immensely. It is hard to talk to ladies who had perfect pg's. they don't know the fear and doubt you have.

[ali_ohli]

Thank you all for the warm welcomes. :)

Liz, you hit the nail on the head:

It is hard to talk to ladies who had perfect pg's. they don't know the fear and doubt you have.

I don't even like posting in the November mommies' thread anymore, for fear I'll scare the crap out of everyone!

I had an OB visit today to follow up on Friday's scare. Everything looked great -- strong HB, cervix long and closed and just a tiny bit of residual brown spotting. My OB said we can pretty much put this incident behind us and start looking ahead to the cerclage placement in three weeks. Oh, boy. :rolleyes:

Sage Oh, what beautiful success stories you have there! :D I'm sorry you had a bleeding scare, too. I would never believe a person could lose as much blood as I did and still have a healthy fetus, but here we are.

Brink The success stories are very encouraging, thank you. :) I remember your story well and how positive you stayed throughout -- I'm trying to keep up the same bright attitude!

Jenean This is my second