After 28 week maternity leave, everything seemed to still be doing fine. I wasn't having any Braxton hicks (that I knew of) and just hung out at home occasionally running to the store or wherever, finishing up the nursery, chores, etc.
Then 31 weeks hit and I had a night where I felt the contractions. I was timing them six-ten minutes apart. By the time we got to our local hospital, they were two minutes apart lasting 40 seconds each. I was not feeling them enough to notice them!
Two shots of terbutaline and I was sent home.
That was a the Saturday before last. I put myself on full bedrest and awaited my appt on Thursday with my doctor.
Thursday came and she decided to check my cervix. She found it to be dilated to 2cm and 70% effaced. She agreed to the bedrest and wanted me seen by another doctor in one week (she was on vacay) to assess if I'm further dilating.
Leading us to yesterday. That doctor said I was at a "soft one" but she wasn't going to stick her finger in to my cervix to further check. She also suggested that we go to the hospital for steroid shots as we were nearing their 34 week deadline to receive them.
Of course we get to the hospital and I'm having a lot of "uterine irritability" which roughly translates to menstrual cramping The doctor on call makes the decision to give me some meds to stop the irritability as steroids can actually cause it to ramp up. Then he decides to keep me until the steroid window (48th hour after the last shot of roids, considered the time that the roids are in full effect). Meaning I'm at le hospital til Thursday at 3:20 pm at the earliest.
They also did a Fetal Fibronectin test that will tell them if my body intends on starting labor in the next two weeks, or if we're looking like we got more time. If that comes back positive, I'm willing to bet the farm that I'm here until baby time. They just hate the distance between the big city and our hometown, and especially our hometown hospitals facilities. They just plain aren't capable of handing our needs if the babies come early. And as much as a helicopter ride sounds cool, I'm sure the amount that will cost does not.
I also am still not feeling my contractions. The only thing that bothers me is my lower back, but that is constant. I actually started contracting earlier this morning, 2 minutes apart again, was asleep through them all. I had to get another shot of the powerful stuff, terbutaline. Let me tell you, terbutaline and ambien together is fucking cray cray. All I wanted to do was sleep while my heart just wanted to burst from my chest! Thankfully it finally wore off so I could get some more sleep.
Until now. It's 4:40am and I've been u for almost an hour. Trying to be quiet since Curtis is sleeping....well, trying too. The nurses every two hours make that difficult. Plus he's worried about me and the babes.
Speaking of babes, baby boy is measuring as my chunker coming in at 5lbs 2oz and baby girl is pulling a solid 4lbs 7oz. Nice to hear that they are getting bigger and we saw them practice breathing yesterday. It gives me hope that we might not be in the NICU for too long of my body gives up....not that I blame it, I'm measuring 40 weeks!
Anyway, I'm sorry for the lack of posts and updates. I should have some belly shots to share soon as I find my camera. Lord help me I hope Curtis packed it!! He already forgot my deodorant and lotion...poor guy is just stressed to the max right now :(
Well, as always peace love and baby dust!! Hope all is well with ya'll!!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
28 weeks...in-depth
Well, it's official: The babies and I are on maternity leave/modified bed rest. Don't worry, there's nothing seriously wrong. I didn't lie when I said there were no signs of labor. Let me give you the break down:
On Saturday April 7th, the babies and I had our first trip to Triage (the labor and delivery ward of the hospital). I had been having problems breathing for a couple days prior and my pulse (according to our Pulse-Ox) was over 100 consistently. When I was in the shower on Saturday morning and had to sit down for fear I would fall over, I knew I had to call the doctor. The doctor on call suggested that we go to Triage. She said it could be due to Gestational Diabetes (I'll get to that mess later) or Thyroid issues (which run in my family) or any other number of things. So away we went to the big city. There, they did an EKG, Non-Stress Test, and just monitored me. After about an hour, they determined that I'm basically just dealing with normal pregnant-with-twins symptoms. Since my uterus is directly under my rib-cage and all my organs have been smooshed up to accommodate my growing minions, my diaphragm is unable to completely open when I need to take deep breaths. So, my breathing becomes a bit labored. Then, I am also carrying around an additional quart of blood due to the babes, so my heart is having extra fun pumping the additional blood around, thus my raised pulse. My blood pressure is still fantastic, my EKG was fine as well, so they don't think it's anything super serious. The did recommend that I go on Maternity leave though. They said getting up and getting ready, driving to work, actually being at work, etc, doesn't help me get the opportunity to truly relax, and causes my symptoms to get worse. I told them that I was meeting with my doc on the following Thursday so I would talk to her. They then discharged me and we were on our way.
Fast forward to Thursday. My doctor asks me about the trip to triage. I told her about it and told her that from 26 weeks, when I last saw her, I felt as though everything went downhill. I feel miserable, my pulse racing and shortness of breath worries me, and my pubic symphysis is awful. She said that she pretty much figured all of that and made the decision to put the babies and I on leave from work. I will admit, I felt a bit guilty when calling my boss and human resources manager, I had hoped to make it to 32 weeks before leaving, but I can admit that since I have been home I've been sleeping and feeling better. I still get the symptoms, but if I stretch my torso and breath in to a paper bag, I am able to go a bit longer between episodes.
As for everything else with the babies, everything looks good. We're now seeing the doctor every 2 weeks and will soon begin our twice weekly testing.
Now, for the Gestational Diabetes fiasco. I took the test on Friday the 6th. Thankfully I was able to do the test at the hospital in our town. Of course, the women gave me nothing but trouble since I didn't fast and "You're supposed to fast! You're going to fail the test now..." No matter that I had shown them the directions from my doctor that specifically said that I didn't need to fast for the 1 hour glucose test. They still gave me dirty looks and snide comments.
Now for the fun part. While in the appointment I asked my doctor for the results. Turns out they never got them and were unable to get them while we were there. They promised to call with the results soon. UGH. So we'll have to wait on those results just a bit longer...
I think that's about it for now. See ya in 2 weeks with the 30 week update!! We're in the 3rd trimester guys!
On Saturday April 7th, the babies and I had our first trip to Triage (the labor and delivery ward of the hospital). I had been having problems breathing for a couple days prior and my pulse (according to our Pulse-Ox) was over 100 consistently. When I was in the shower on Saturday morning and had to sit down for fear I would fall over, I knew I had to call the doctor. The doctor on call suggested that we go to Triage. She said it could be due to Gestational Diabetes (I'll get to that mess later) or Thyroid issues (which run in my family) or any other number of things. So away we went to the big city. There, they did an EKG, Non-Stress Test, and just monitored me. After about an hour, they determined that I'm basically just dealing with normal pregnant-with-twins symptoms. Since my uterus is directly under my rib-cage and all my organs have been smooshed up to accommodate my growing minions, my diaphragm is unable to completely open when I need to take deep breaths. So, my breathing becomes a bit labored. Then, I am also carrying around an additional quart of blood due to the babes, so my heart is having extra fun pumping the additional blood around, thus my raised pulse. My blood pressure is still fantastic, my EKG was fine as well, so they don't think it's anything super serious. The did recommend that I go on Maternity leave though. They said getting up and getting ready, driving to work, actually being at work, etc, doesn't help me get the opportunity to truly relax, and causes my symptoms to get worse. I told them that I was meeting with my doc on the following Thursday so I would talk to her. They then discharged me and we were on our way.
Fast forward to Thursday. My doctor asks me about the trip to triage. I told her about it and told her that from 26 weeks, when I last saw her, I felt as though everything went downhill. I feel miserable, my pulse racing and shortness of breath worries me, and my pubic symphysis is awful. She said that she pretty much figured all of that and made the decision to put the babies and I on leave from work. I will admit, I felt a bit guilty when calling my boss and human resources manager, I had hoped to make it to 32 weeks before leaving, but I can admit that since I have been home I've been sleeping and feeling better. I still get the symptoms, but if I stretch my torso and breath in to a paper bag, I am able to go a bit longer between episodes.
As for everything else with the babies, everything looks good. We're now seeing the doctor every 2 weeks and will soon begin our twice weekly testing.
Now, for the Gestational Diabetes fiasco. I took the test on Friday the 6th. Thankfully I was able to do the test at the hospital in our town. Of course, the women gave me nothing but trouble since I didn't fast and "You're supposed to fast! You're going to fail the test now..." No matter that I had shown them the directions from my doctor that specifically said that I didn't need to fast for the 1 hour glucose test. They still gave me dirty looks and snide comments.
Now for the fun part. While in the appointment I asked my doctor for the results. Turns out they never got them and were unable to get them while we were there. They promised to call with the results soon. UGH. So we'll have to wait on those results just a bit longer...
I think that's about it for now. See ya in 2 weeks with the 30 week update!! We're in the 3rd trimester guys!
28 weeks
Pregnancy Survey Fun!
How Far Along: 28 weeks
Weight Gain: 18 lbs
Innie or Outtie: The top part of it is sticking out, but the rest is like flat? IDK
Maternity Clothes: Even those are getting uncomfortable!
Stretch Marks: I have been using Palmers Tummy Butter AND Palmers Cocoa Butter religiously and HOLY STRETCH MARKS did they pop up. Not to mention start itching :(
Sleep: Some nights are good, some nights are miserable. I'm up at 6am every morning.
Pregnancy Perk: Wearing yoga pants or staying in my PJ's all day.
Embarrassing Pregnant Moment: Trying to catch my breath while talking to people and standing/walking.
Baby Purchases this week: None. I actually haven't really left the house so I haven't had the chance.
Best quote regarding baby this week: Nothing really stands out.
Gender: Still a boy and a girl :)
Movement: All the time. You can see it from the outside too now!
Food Cravings: Still chocolate milk or milkshakes or ice cream.
Food Aversions: None.
Labor Signs: None
How’s Mama? Week 26-28 I really went downhill. I'm officially on maternity leave now!
What I am looking forward to: Each week we hit, lol.
Our Baby in Veggie/Fruit Terms:
Milestones: Nursery is pretty much done!! Just waiting on the rest of the stuff from baby showers!
Monday, April 1, 2013
More 26 weeks update
I know many of you are just dyyyyying for a more in-depth update, so who am I to keep you waiting? Hurr hurr.....sorry. Again, I suck.
Last Thursday I had my 4 week growth ultrasound and my every 4 week check up. I was 26 weeks on the dot. First for the ultrasound-
The babies are measuring 1lb 15oz EACH. They are exactly the same size according to whatever Jedi force determines that number. According to my app, a singleton pregnancy the babies weigh around 2lbs 2 oz. According to this website, they are 1 oz over the norm.
Anyway, we got great news that Baby Boy (A) has decided to turn and go vertex!! This made me super excited as I want beyond anything to attempt a vaginal birth. That was, until she measured his head. Maybe the screen makes it look bigger, but DAYUM Son! You got a big freaking head! To also know that they are measuring the same exact size now, makes me a bit more scared. Like, is baby girl still gonna slide right through? Or since she is a fatty like her brother, am I still going to feel everything twice?
After measuring, etc, and listening to perfect heartbeats (153 for him, 144 for her), the tech said, "Peecture tiiiiime!!" at which point baby boy, being the non-shy kid he is (like his mother) turned and grinned and flashed all his stuff for the camera. When baby girl's turn was up, she decided she didn't want to partake in any such nonsense (bratty, like her mother) and the little turd flipped to face my back. I walked out with 8 pictures of baby boy's face/junk/body and 3 pictures of baby girl: 2 of her spine and 1 of the back of her damn head. The tech felt really bad, but what could we do? I tried poking her a couple times, but she was determined to pout and snicker and have a grand ol' time hearing our frustration. I called her a brat the rest of the day and her Dad just found it hilarious. He said, "She knows I want to be surprised about how she looks so she keeps turning from the camera, heh heh."
Anyway, we got great news that Baby Boy (A) has decided to turn and go vertex!! This made me super excited as I want beyond anything to attempt a vaginal birth. That was, until she measured his head. Maybe the screen makes it look bigger, but DAYUM Son! You got a big freaking head! To also know that they are measuring the same exact size now, makes me a bit more scared. Like, is baby girl still gonna slide right through? Or since she is a fatty like her brother, am I still going to feel everything twice?
After measuring, etc, and listening to perfect heartbeats (153 for him, 144 for her), the tech said, "Peecture tiiiiime!!" at which point baby boy, being the non-shy kid he is (like his mother) turned and grinned and flashed all his stuff for the camera. When baby girl's turn was up, she decided she didn't want to partake in any such nonsense (bratty, like her mother) and the little turd flipped to face my back. I walked out with 8 pictures of baby boy's face/junk/body and 3 pictures of baby girl: 2 of her spine and 1 of the back of her damn head. The tech felt really bad, but what could we do? I tried poking her a couple times, but she was determined to pout and snicker and have a grand ol' time hearing our frustration. I called her a brat the rest of the day and her Dad just found it hilarious. He said, "She knows I want to be surprised about how she looks so she keeps turning from the camera, heh heh."
Do we think she's already got him wrapped around her finger? Oh no honey, we KNOW.
Now to doctor appt: She's making the decision to start seeing me every two weeks now. So I'll see her again on the 11th. She also gave me the order form for my Gestational Diabetes test, that I have 2 weeks to go do. UGH. I'm terrfied I'm going to fail since I was chubby before I got pregnant. I know I did the 3 hour test back in August/September and passed with flying colors, but I also know that placenta and babies can fuck it all up so I have the potential to fail this time. Fingers crossed I don't!!
We discussed that at 32 weeks we will be having twice weekly testing. I think it's the non-stress tests. So, at that point she discussed going on maternity/short term disability. Which gives me about a month at work to get all my shit straight before that happens.
We also talked about birth plans. I told her that I want to go vaginally, to which she says if baby boy stays vertex she is willing to try with me. We talked about skin to skin, but I also was asking her what could I be expecting realistically. She said that we'll deliver in the OR, whether it be vaginal or c-section, just in case something goes wrong. She also said there would be a large team there to inspect babies and what not, so skin-to-skin isn't super feesible, especially with two of them. Cause when one is out, I still have another to go. I told her that I pretty much expected that and I know there are SO many things that can go wrong (distress with one, not fitting with one, etc etc), but that I trust her and I know that her focus is to get them out safely. Which, truth be told, is my number one goal as well. I will admit that I am a bit bummed that I won't be able to get a "special birth" or whatever, and that could be the hormones and the fact that this may be my only pregnancy, but I'm not letting it consume me. I'm going in with a total open mind and willing to let what needs to happen/happen. I told her that and explained that I don't intend on typing up a birth plan, then having shit go sideways and then I scream labor rape, ya know? I trust her and as long as we vocalize what is happening along the way, I don't care.
Besides all that, I have gained about 17 lbs, although it feels like A LOT more, and everything is looking great! No more cervix checks until farther along and I am TOTALLY ok with that. haha. Next up is gestational diabetes, figuring out where we want a pediatrician (our little town or the big city) and waiting until maternity leave to pre-register at the hospital.
Now to doctor appt: She's making the decision to start seeing me every two weeks now. So I'll see her again on the 11th. She also gave me the order form for my Gestational Diabetes test, that I have 2 weeks to go do. UGH. I'm terrfied I'm going to fail since I was chubby before I got pregnant. I know I did the 3 hour test back in August/September and passed with flying colors, but I also know that placenta and babies can fuck it all up so I have the potential to fail this time. Fingers crossed I don't!!
We discussed that at 32 weeks we will be having twice weekly testing. I think it's the non-stress tests. So, at that point she discussed going on maternity/short term disability. Which gives me about a month at work to get all my shit straight before that happens.
We also talked about birth plans. I told her that I want to go vaginally, to which she says if baby boy stays vertex she is willing to try with me. We talked about skin to skin, but I also was asking her what could I be expecting realistically. She said that we'll deliver in the OR, whether it be vaginal or c-section, just in case something goes wrong. She also said there would be a large team there to inspect babies and what not, so skin-to-skin isn't super feesible, especially with two of them. Cause when one is out, I still have another to go. I told her that I pretty much expected that and I know there are SO many things that can go wrong (distress with one, not fitting with one, etc etc), but that I trust her and I know that her focus is to get them out safely. Which, truth be told, is my number one goal as well. I will admit that I am a bit bummed that I won't be able to get a "special birth" or whatever, and that could be the hormones and the fact that this may be my only pregnancy, but I'm not letting it consume me. I'm going in with a total open mind and willing to let what needs to happen/happen. I told her that and explained that I don't intend on typing up a birth plan, then having shit go sideways and then I scream labor rape, ya know? I trust her and as long as we vocalize what is happening along the way, I don't care.
Besides all that, I have gained about 17 lbs, although it feels like A LOT more, and everything is looking great! No more cervix checks until farther along and I am TOTALLY ok with that. haha. Next up is gestational diabetes, figuring out where we want a pediatrician (our little town or the big city) and waiting until maternity leave to pre-register at the hospital.
*Quick side note: I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not knocking those who have typed up a birth plan or have had a labor-rape scenario happen. That's not what my intention was by that paragraph. My point was that I understand that things will happen that neither I nor my doctor can control and I'm not going to have my heart set on a specific route when it can change in the blink of an eye. I know there are instances of which doctors don't listen to their patient and the patient is robbed of an experience or they felt helpless. My heart goes out to those. But I have great communication with my doctor and luckily do not have to worry about that. I think with multiple pregnancies, as opposed to singletons, we have to keep a more open mind as to what is going to go down in the hospital room.
If I'm not making sense, or you're still offended, I apologize. It's a Monday, after a holiday, and my feet/back/pelvis/head hurt. Take it easy on me....
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