December 2009 Mommies

[Tara2009]

Hi Ladies,

I am told that I have GD (Gestational Diabetes)!! I was asked to take a 3 hours Diabetes and Nutrition class. Then I am referred to a high risk OBGYN who will monitor the baby closely via ultrasound and in the mean time, I have to keep the regular OB appointments.

I am so overwhelmed by all this!!

Anybody contracted GD? Any thoughts?

Tara.

[aims327]

Tara - I'm sorry to hear you have GD. I thought I was going to have it but my 3 hour test came back ok. I'm not sure what is all involved with having GD, but I think they just change your diet and watch the babies closer. I wouldn't let it overwhelm you too much.

AFM - I went to the doctor today and was told the babies are healthy. The doctor is wanting to get another month in before I have the babies. I was given a shot to help develop their lungs. I felt like the nurses were trying to prepare me for a shot in the rump but what's another after going through IVF. DH has to give me the 2nd shot tomorrow. I also had to get my cervix checked and looks like I'm dialated about a fingertip. So, I'm just waiting and hoping I last a month. I'm still having a c-section since the boy is still breech.

Hope everything has a good weekend. It's been quiet lately on the board, so taking that to mean all is well.

[cymplicity27]

Tara, sorry to hear about your GD . We've all been through so much though I'm sure you'll work this out just like everything else!

aims, you're so close!! I'm sure you'll get another month in there.

dys24, I know all to well what you're going through (except I wasn't placed on strict bed rest). My cervix has been holding steady at 1 cm since I was 17 wks, so don't you worry and you hang in there!

AFM, I had an appointment yesterday and the doc actually told me he didn't think I'd go much longer. Now, I had never seen this doc before and he only knew what he was reading in my file. Even DH asked him "are you basing that on something you've seen today"? To which he responded "no, just the fact that she's having twins and has a weak cervix". DUH! My cervix has been weak for weeks now!! I requested a specific ob for my visit next week...the one that doesn't come in with doom and gloom and is only elated to see that we're still going strong!

Right now I'm just happy to be 30 wks! We didn't think we'd see the 30s at all there for awhile. I have another fFn test next Thursday and can't wait to get the results of that. If I get another negative, we'll be looking at at least 33 wks .

[ianmichael3]

Cynthia: you GO girl......... doc's suck- it's so hard to find a really good one you jive with!!! And Tara, hang in there- like someone else said, it's just a diet issue, and as long as you meet with the dietician and eat the way they tell you to, from what I understand, it will all be ok.

DYS: thinking of you! Hoping your cervix remains strong!

Aims: YAY! Hope you hear good news again!!!

AFM: I cannot believe the problems I'm having with hemmorroids. UGH! I will not complain too much, because my problems seem miniscule compared to everyone else hoping to reach certain milestones AND I'm not carrying TWO! I did get a really good nursing DVD dirt cheap on eBay- It's a mother of 7 comprehensive DVD. I just wish it showed more detail on getting a baby to latch or showing several different babies latching on. Oh well, I'll just keep looking......... We are taking our DS to his Big Brother class tonight at the hospital where we'll deliver & get a tour- hoping it is worth while......

[cymplicity27]

Nicole, I went to a breastfeeding class at the hospital I'll delivery at and it was sooo informative!! The one thing that stuck out for me with the latching on was how they showed the baby getting a mouth full of your breast as oppose to just the nipple. Just getting the nipple is where it starts to get really painful. They also showed good techniques for getting them to latch on. I'll look in my booklet that I got from class and see if there is a website and pass it along to you. I feel so much more confident about it now after attending that class! We were the only couple in there with twins and I've been thinking I may be a little niave in thinking I could breastfeed them. But she approached us like it was no big deal and showed me some techniques to feed them both at the same time . My coworker who just had her baby boy a few weeks ago was planning to breastfeed and gave up after only the 3rd day saying her milk was just starting to come in. Well I learned that your milk doesn't really come in UNTIL the 3rd day! Before that it's all colostrum. Obviously no one informed her of this. But formula is working for her and that's great. Honestly one of my main motivators in breastfeeding is the costs of formula!! lol With 2, we need to save where we can!! I'll be the first to breastfeed in my family so it will be an experience and I can't count on too many people for advice other than my best friend. Luckily she just had her first AND she's a nurse practioner so she'll be full of knowledge at least!

[ianmichael3]

Cynthia: yes, patience is definitely a big factor too. I gave up on the 4th or 5th day when my nipple started bleeding. It sent me over the edge. I'm hopeful i know better and more this time around! You can always call me!! Even if it's just to have a shoulder to cry on b/c you can't get enough sleep

[Tara2009]

Ladies,

I had my ultrasound yesterday. Baby looks great and weighs 4 pounds and 9 ounces.

Regarding GD, I just have to follow a diet and then check my sugar levels 4 times a day. If I am able to control the sugar level by diet, then I will be able to go full term - this is what doctor says.

DH and I went for the prenatal classes and enjoyed them very much. They were so useful, detailed and informative. The hospital tour didn't happen though because of the flu season. They didn't want too many people visiting the maternity wards.

We started shopping as well. Got some cute dresses from Carters, and then stuff like blankets, wash cloths etc. Yet to get into more serious stuff like car seat, stroller etc.

I have a question for you ladies. Some of my friends said they washed and pressed all the new clothes before putting them on the baby. Some said they didn't do that and nothing happened. Any thoughts?

Glad to hear everybody is doing well.

Tara

[cymplicity27]

Tara I got a lot of newborn clothes at my baby shower. I had to research the wash thing too. We decided it was probably safer to just wash everything. I did read that there was nothing wrong with using regular detergent. Some have said to buy the special stuff for babies. We just used Tide. They say if you notice that your baby has a reaction switch the detergent. I didn't go as far as pressing the clothes.

The bad thing that happened to us was that my husband forgot to clean the lint trap in the dryer so all my baby clothes, blankets, wash clothes, towels, etc came out with these little lint balls on them . I was crushed! So instead of everything looking crisp and new, it all looks used. Good thing it's mostly sleepers/onsies that they will grow out of quickly anyway.

Glad to hear your GD is manageable and you can still go full-term!

[aims327]

Cynthia - I plan on breastfeeding too so I'm sure we can ask each other questions! My main motivator is the cost too. They told us in the breastfeeding class that formula cost $2500/year, so double that for twins..Yikes!

Tara - I've started washing the babies' clothes too. I'm using Dreft right now. I'm not really sure if it matters what kind of detergent either but everyone kept telling me to use Dreft. So, I'll see how that works out.

Ian - How did the classes at Dupont go?

AFM - I went to the doctor again today. Babies are still healthy. They are weighing about 3 and 4lbs. The doctor was really happy the boy was up to 3lbs. I'm still be told beginning of November. I also asked about the H1N1 vaccine and he recommended I get it since the babies will be premies. I guess I will get the shot next week. I'm not sure about getting it, but what I've found with this doctor is he's really honest and will tell me if I don't really need it.

[kutekellie99]

Hey Ladies!
I haven't written in a while, but I thought I'd share my pre-term labor experience with you all.
This past Saturday I went shopping with my husband and felt lower back pain. I assumed it was just normal, since I was 30 weeks and 5 days pregnant. I had also noticed that I had some swelling in my hands, face, and feet, and assumed it was just because I'm so far along now. I also noticed that I had a brown discharge, which of course, I associated with just being 30 weeks. Later that day, I was at home, sitting on my couch when I got up and noticed there was blood all over the couch. I immediately freaked out and ran to the bath room where I was bleeding bright red blood...it looked like someone had stabbed me. Crying hysterically, I called the OB on call and she said for me to get to the hospital and she’d meet me there. When I got there, they hooked me up to all the monitors and found out I was contracting every 5 minutes and that I was already 1 cm dilated. They gave me a shot to mature the baby’s lungs and put me on magnesium to slow/stop the contractions. It was horrible and I was just so terrified that my baby girl would be delivered early and not make it. Thank the good lord, the contractions stopped and I was able to leave yesterday afternoon. They did a 24 urine protein test before I left and it came back that I had a high level of protein in my urine…but not enough to stay in the hospital. I have to go to the doctor’s office Monday to be re-evaluated. I’m on permanent bed rest, I can only get up to go the bathroom or get something to eat. But, my baby is ok and I’m ok…that’s most important!!
I wanted to share all this with you because I had no idea what the symptoms of pre-term labor were. Had I known, I would have never gone shopping and I would have called my doctor before I ever started to bleed. Make sure you learn the signs of pre-term labor; you just don’t know what will happen! I had just been to the doctor the day before and they said everything was fine. So you never know!! I wish you all the best and take care of those babies!! Hugs to everyone!

[cymplicity27]

Oh you poor thing Kellie!! So sorry you had to go through all of that. I am relieved to hear that you and baby are doing fine now!!! I've read a ton about pre-term labor given my IC and the frustrating thing is a lot of the things they tell you are signs are also considered normal for most pregnant women! Sometimes I think there is absolutely no way of knowing these things are going to come about. I don't see how you could have known even given the symptoms you mentioned. My back always hurts if I'm on my feet for more than 15 mins, I HAVE to wear my brace. My feet have swollen and I just removed my wedding rings for fear that I wouldn't be able to get them off in another week or so. I have braxton hicks contractions around the clock. All of which I've discussed with my docs and they tell me all is normal. The one thing that you mentioned about the discharge, they did tell me that if the discharge was anything other than clear or opaque to let them know immediately. I assumed that was because I have this cerclage but who knows. Anyway, I'm praying for you and your baby girl and your time on bed rest. Hoping it doesn't take too much of a toll on you AND that you can keep her in as long as possible!

AFM, I had another fFn test today and again the results were negative...woohoo! So far it's been a good indicator so we're at least looking at making it to 33 wks. The issue where looking into now is the size of my baby girl. She weighs about 1 1/2 lbs less than the boy (one of the main reasons they want to see me twice a week now, to monitor her).

All of us are at least to a point where our babies will have an excellent chance at survival and have a normal healthy life. Having to leave them in NICU for weeks would suck but I'm so glad to be this far along!

[EYCI]

Thread crashing here...

KuteKellie - I don't want to freak you out, but your symptoms sound like pre-eclampsia. Protein in your urine and unusual / sudden swelling are classic symptoms. Neither of those are signs of pre-term labor. So, given that you had those PLUS contractions, I'd say there is a good chance that you are experiencing both.

How was your blood pressure? Was it higher than normal for you?

Pre-eclampsia can be very serious and life threatening to both you and your baby. I know this from almost losing my own life with my last pregnancy. My doctor was very dismissive about my symptoms "oh, you have some protein in your urine, but not a lot." "oh, your blood pressure is high for you, but not in the usual danger zone."

Anyway, I just wanted to make you aware of this possibility and make sure that you can be prepared to ask your doctor some questions at your appointment on Monday.

So glad that you and your babe are doing good now!

[kutekellie99]

cymplicity - I totally agree, at this point our babies have a good chance of making it, even if they have to go to the NICU...which is a wonderful feeling!
How much do your babies weigh right now? It's weird that she is so much smaller than the boy....maybe she's just watching her weight! haha They said my baby girl was already 4 pounds 12 ounces...which I was shocked! So they said if she was born early, at least she's a pretty big girl!
By the way, thank you for the prayers....so sweet of you!! I'll do the same for you and your two little ones!! Oh by the way, I put up a few pics from the beach of me at 30 weeks preggo on Facebook...I look so fat! You look much skinnier with twins than I do with one!!

EYCI - You can crash on this thread anytime! Yeah, I had a feeling that it might be the beginning of Pre-eclampsia...they always check my urine at the office, but this test was done over a period of 24 hours...it must be more exact. My mom had Pre-eclampsia when she was pregnant with my sister, so it wouldn't surprise me if I did get it. My blood pressure usually runs around 115/80...but while in the hospital it went up and down, sometimes 115/80; then sometimes 145/90. I wonder if a regular urine test in the office shows as much at the 24 hour test I did the hospital?? Did you have to have a C/section because of the Pre-eclampsia?

[aims327]

kellie - I'm so glad you and the baby are ok. I can't imagine how scary that must have been. If you want to add me to facebook, here's the link..
http://www.facebook.com/aims327

Cynthia - Congrats on another good test! Hopefully we can keep our twins in as long as possible. Did your doctor check the umbilical cords for your twins? My twins are about a pound apart and it's because the boy has a 2 vessel cord. My perinatologist says he's fine as long as the blood flow looks good and his kidney function is normal. Sometimes I think he weighs less cause of the kicking exercises he does!

[dys24]

Hi Ladies, sorry for no update for so long I'm just so tired of laying in bed and going to the doctors its been really hard.

ianmichael3- thank you so much for thinking about me I'm pregnant with 1 baby. I've always wanted twins but now i thank god it didnt happen since my cervix seems to be genetically weak and multiples would not be good. I feel you on hemmorroids OMG i got them ever since i was put on bedrest but i'm dealing with it. I was told with bed rest its the first thing that happens so i added that to the list of my issues

Tara2009- sorry to hear about your GD. I had it from like week 16 or 18 an so far no insulin for me. I'm managing them thru diet (no more exercise for me since I'm on complete bed rest) but my numbers are still good. Hopefully diet will work for you too!

kutekellie99- i feel you on the pre term scare. I have contractions since about weeks 20 but thankfully they've been able to stop them with pills and Im still pregnant a 30 wks. I never felt any contractions they only found them after my cervix shortened significally and they put me on the monitor and i had like 6 in 15mins. I hope your follow up will bring good news and that you will keep your baby cooking much longer

cymplicity27- awesome that your ffn came back negative again!!!!!!! My doc say negative is like 99% you wont go into labor for another 10-14 days! I had a positive ffn at 25 weeks and they never repeated it but thank god I'm still here.

I'm so glad i'm at 30 weeks, ever since my pre term labor at 20 wks reaching the 30's is a miracle! At my 29 weeks appt baby measured at exactly 3 lbs!! My cervix is still holding strong and I'm having my last high risk appt next week. They say after 30wks they only look for dilation which my ob can check but they are so attached to me they said they will check once more for me for my piece of mind so hopefully my cervix will remain the same, my ultimate goal is 34 weeks so 4 more weeks to go!. Did anyone had their baby shower yet? I was thinking we should set up a photobucket account or something like that so we can share pictures of our bellies and babies when they arrive. What do you guys think?