October 2010 Mommies!

[Merri_Baby_Dust]

Hi ladies,

Just wanted to share that I had my 2nd ultrasound today. DH and I were thrilled to see our little's strong heartbeat again. It was thumping away at 169 bpm. The little one measured at 8 weeks and 1 day - a day ahead! We are officially released to the OB, so I need to find one ASAP. We're still a bit in shock and amazement that we are finally, finally to this point. It seems a bit dreamlike. I've down now to one estrogen pill a day and no more baby aspirin. I guess the OB will wean me off the progesterone? V. confusing all that.

Merri

[mellowyellow]

hi Karen, just to add my 2c worth, I was told to completely stop my PIO shots 3 days ago after a blood test showed my progesterone levels at 65. The nurse said anything over 25-30 was absolutely fine and there was zero danger to the babies in stopping! I totally believe them because I was on the Attain program, and if something went wrong, I'd be back again for another IVF cycle that they would be paying for - its in their interest at this point to make absolutely sure that nothing goes wrong and it would cost them nothing to keep me on the PIO shots, so I figure its just fine. I've had no spotting or cramping after I stopped them and its so nice not to have to do them every evening

Is anyone else who's having twins going to see a perinatologist or high risk obgyn? My doctor at the fertility clinic recommended that I see someone who specializes in high risk pregnancies especially since I'm on blood thinners, but when I saw my regular obgyn this week she said it wasn't necessary and that in fact the high risk doc wouldn't be interested in seeing me, they only dealt with triplets or cases where there was an actual risk! I guess its nice to know that she didn't see any cause for concern but I'm not that reassured . In any case I'm switching to a new obgyn who's closer to where I live, and at a bigger hospital with a better NICU, so I can ask the new doc next week, but I wondered what your opinions are!

[karenthescorpio]

Hi MellowYellow (sorry I can't recall your first name!) I have my first OB appt tomorrow and he is a perinatologist and active OB. I decided I wanted someone who deals with high risk since I'm 39, have a thryoid issue to manange, strong family history of diabetes, and I have one MTHFR gene mutation. I told them my story when I booked my appt, b/c he is new to me. I would be surprised if he didn't find it appropriate to manage me. If you want to see a high risk doctor, you should pursue it. It's your pregnancy. It isn't your current obgyn's place to decide who will refuse you or not.

I am down to 1/2cc of PIO. Tomorrow is my release day and I'm sure they will have me stop if my progesterone stays in the 40's. But I'm going to go with the direction my OB gives me tomorrow as far as how to continue with progesterone. I'm happy you are not having any issues with not taking it anymore. I can't wait to stop them, too, as long as the placentas are making enough on their own now.

Can't wait until the first trimester is done. I've been feeling so yucky. Nausea, on and off headache...so tired...back ache that comes and goes. And just feel weird some days. Ya know what I mean? I have to go buy maternity jeans b/c none of mine fit anymore, even with the pony tail holder as an extender. hehehe. I guess the two little beans are growing like weeds!

Hope you are feeling well!
Karen

[burnbank]

I am also seeing a high risk perinatologist. My husband is an RE and he and his partners send all twins to perinatologists (as well as old ladies like me - 39 years old).

Twins are considered high risk and I was informed that general OB's have poorer outcomes for heir twins than specialists.

You are quite smart to ensure that you are being seen at a hospital that has as good NICU. Hopefully, it will not be needed! Because of the twin boom due to IVF, people have become more accustomed to twins and the level of risk associated with a twin pregnancy has been downplayed. A twin pregnancy is not a low risk pregnancy and there is a lot about the management that helps ensure a healthy pregnancy!

Susan

[mellowyellow]

Karen - I'm so glad you said that none of your jeans fit anymore, I was wondering if it was just me! I didn't think we were supposed to start showing until around 4 months, I'm still 7 weeks off that, but maybe it because I have the twins in there? I was worrying that because I'm craving (and eating!) all these carb-rich foods when I'm feeling nauseous I was just getting fat...

Louise

[karenthescorpio]

Louise...like you I am craving carbs...esp when I feel nausea. It does help. And I too think it has contributed some to my belly bulge...but between the uterus expaning for the babies...ovaries still huge...there isn't much room in there so the bulge is expected! I'm wonder when my ovaries start to shrink somewhere between week 10-12, if I'll look a bit less "full". I hope you are feeling well and having a wonderful weekend!

[mellowyellow]

hi everyone, hope you're all doing well! Just wanted to share that we went for a meeting with our new obgyn, who was lovely and spent ages with us answering all our questions. The best part was of course seeing the babies on the u/s, and they were both moving for the first time! They were waving their little arms like crazy, it was really amazing

I'm kind of nervous about our next scan, which is the nucchal translucency scan (measures neck width on the babies) with a perinatologist to check for the possibility of Downs. Really not something I want to think about, but I guess its better than not knowing. Is anyone else doing this scan? Its optional, and you can instead just have bloodwork done, but my insurance covers it, and its supposed to be more sensitive, so I'm going ahead with it.

We also went to a meeting of a twins group in our area - all expectant twin parents, chaired by a mother of twins. It was pretty interesting, we picked up some tips on what equipment we might want to consider and stuff. Everyone else there was much further along than me, so I got to see just how big I can expect to get later on (big!). The chair kind of depressed me though, she kept on emphasizing how little sleep we'd get in the first couple months, she made it sound like literally NO sleep, and she kept on coming back to it over and over again... I *know* I'm not going to sleep much, but theres trying to create realistic expectations and then theres scaremongering. I don't need to spend the next 6 months worrying about how little sleep I'm going to get! Anyone else been getting negative reactions from family or friends that they've told?

Louise

[Rae37]

HI Louise -

I have heard people say it's "really hard" in the beginning. Feedings, etc, lack of sleep. I have not been to any twin meetings yet, but I just hear people say stuff. I guess it may differ from everyone. I mean, most people don't sleep much in the beginning with just 1, so I can imagine with 2. But I like you don;t like the whole scare thing. It will be what it will be.

As far as genetic screening, we have opted to do CVS on our twins. It's more risky, but it gives 99% accuracy on any chromosomal issue. Plus it is done at 12-13weeks. So, earlier than the amnio. We are going to a top rated Doctor in NYC for this. I am a little older than you (38) so my risks came back 1:49 for downs. Pretty scary. We want to know if we have any problems. With the screening tests such as the nucal and the bloodwork, etc, they just give a "chance" rating and not a definite. We just would rather know, than give a chance of it. But since you are younger, you are probably doing the right thing.

Hope everyone is feeling ok!

[Merri_Baby_Dust]

Hi ladies -

Sounds like everyone is doing wonderfully and having great visits with their doctors! I'm the lone singleton in the group I think

I just wanted to share that we had our first OB visit yesterday. We really, really like the doctor. We didn't do a thorough physical exam - just weight, urine, and blood pressure. And then of course we had the ultrasound. She did over the belly first and the dr. and my husband could make out the heartbeat but I couldn't (maybe it was my angle on the table). So then she did the magic wand and there was our baby - REALLY big on the monitor! It was jumping all around and wiggling and waving its arms and legs. We could see tiny little feet and toes for the first time. Hurray!

So the next decision we have to make is whether to do the first trimester screening for problems like Downs. I guess it is called the Sequential Screen. DH thinks we shouldn't do it - that of course we'd keep the baby anyway, but I think I'd rather do it, and be able to prepare in case of things. It's just that if the first test comes back with some issues - then I probably won't enjoy my pregnancy until the 2nd test is done in the 2nd trimester. Anyway - what is everyone else doing?

Merri

[karenthescorpio]

Merri- So happy to hear things are going well with you. My DH and I decided not to do any testing for genetic issues with my OB because our embies had PGD on all 23 sets of their chromosomes. We participated in a study my clinic was doing so even though there could be an issue, it's not likely a genetic issue...and the chances are slim their testing was wrong. It's something new they are doing that is more precise than the existing PGD that you can buy. Given that we have twins...I just don't feel comfortable increasing my risk of a m/c by having each baby's sac poked at with a needle! I know it is a tough decision for some people...the what if's and such. Just go with your gut feeling!

Karen

[burnbank]

Merri-

Nuchal Cord Translucency (NT) screening is non-invasive and has about a 75% detection rate of Down's. This is done by sonogram. It doesn't provide a diagnosis but estimates risk for certain problems and then helps to guide you in deciding if you will want chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

As far as other tests, the blood tests are pretty useless in multiples, because there is no way to tell which baby is the one that is causing any abnromality. Amnio and CVS would be considered if your genetic counselor indicates that you have risk and/or the NT was postitive or inconclusive AND you had an intent to manage the pregnancy differntly based upon the results. Amnio and CVS are riskier in multiples. Nearly 3 percent of twins will miscarry after an amniocentesis, about five times the rate seen with single babies. The rate of miscarriage after CVS can be as high as 4 percent, although the risk is lower if you have an experienced technician.

We meet with the genetic counselor and have out NT next week. I will let you know how it goes.

I am starting to feel better, which makes me feel less pregnant. I was also told I am not gaining enough weight - which has NEVER been an issue in my life!!!!!! 2 pounds by 10 weeks is how I was for singelton, but they said more for twins!! Geesh!

Hope you are all well.

Susan

[malya324]

Hi all, I've been reading your posts, congrats all! I've been reluctant to join since the last two fet's resulted in m/c at 5 & 7 weeks. We are now 12 weeks as of last Tuesday and still nervous but I figured its now or never. My due date is 10/10/10, pretty cool. Still on two prometrium a day and my progesterone isn't very high at 13 but they took me off all the other meds. I've had my first OB visit and am not sure if I will stay with them or go on to a paranatologist, only one baby but need someone more involved. Any suggestions. I'm still pretty freaked out and can't bring myself to think about telling people. Hope to comment on all your post soon.
Malya

[karenthescorpio]

Malya- congrats and welcome! Very cool due date, indeed! My original due date is Oct 26, but after learning we have twins...I was told it will more likely be late Sept/early Oct. We all know how you feel with the concern and reluctance to tell anyone. I certainly do! Very very few people know I'm pregnant. Most don't know that I have twins, though, except family and one of my BF's. Yesterday I FINALLY was able to scrape together enough energy to go to the mall to the Gap and try on maternity jeans. Got only one pair. hehehe. I can't believe I need them already but I guess with twins things start bulging sooner! And my belly never recovered from the IVF bulge anyway. I don't care though...I'm so happy to be pregnant and I'll only have to go through this once! wooo whoo!

I've have found some affirmations and meditations to help ease worry and keep my mind in a positive state. It really does help and will truly draw positive energy to you. I know that sounds kind of silly...but it does work. Look within the pregnancy after treatment section. You'll see it as a topic that I posted. All you have to do is sit and listen to it..and it's free. Congrats again! Hope you have a great weekend!

[Merri_Baby_Dust]

Welcome Mayla! Congratulations to you on reaching the huge 12 week milestone! I have about 1.5 weeks to go to hit 12 weeks - my due date is Oct. 26.

I, too, had a loss at 8.5 weeks after our first IVF with ESET and it was really hard to take. It's made me uber nervous for this pregnancy, but as the weeks tick upward and the dr's visits still show a happy little guy/girl - I feel better and better. It's time for you to TELL!! Well, if you want to. I think I'm waiting til about 14 weeks just to be sure to be sure. I think telling people might help make it more 'real' for you - and I guarantee you, unlike yourself, all the people will just be happy and excited for you, and miscarriage won't cross there minds - so maybe that might help you feel more secure.

And ditto on what Karen said - i do guided meditations too and it really really helps me.

Hugs and welcome, Merri

[burnbank]

Welcome Malya! My due date is also 10/10/10 and it's my birthday! (that's why the pumpkin on the ticker, it was originally a Halloween baby until they backed it up when we learned there were twins!)

I also have had a previous miscarriage at 7.5 weeks, so I know the feeling. I am still skeptical, I make my husband sonogram me weekly. I am starting to tell some people that I am pregnant and only a few that I have twins. I am really starting to show. This isn't my first baby and with twins in there...the bump is growing fast!!! I went to get some maternity pants last night and they are helping so much! I am so uncomfortable when my pants press against my belly and now I can let it all hang out and relax. I don't want to tell work for another month. Boy do I feel TUBBY.

We told our other two children (8 and 5 yers old) the other night and they got to see the twins moving on the sonogram. They are so excited. It made me cry. They have been wanting another siblling for so long and they knew we wanted more, but didn't understand why we didn't make one or just go to Dad's office (daddy is an RE) and get one!!! Well, daddy's office finally "gave" us two and everyone is excited.

Happy and healthy gestating everyone!

Susan