Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[leorira11]

Mellow - I hope Marlo is doing great. I'll be stalking your blog for updates and pictures!

Blair and Amanda - thanks for remembering me and my blood sugar! I actually haven't really tested so much... I'm too afraid of passing out when I prick my finger, so I only do it when D is home -- but he leaves for work before I wake up. I think there is something wonky with my blood sugar monitor too - I keep getting readings of 25 or so. Can't be - because blood sugar that low would put me in a coma. I'm seeing my diabetic friend tomorrow and I'll ask her advice.

As for the vomiting - My doctor has continually told me "oh, you are already x weeks pregnant, the morning sickness will pass soon" (I was told this at 8, 10 and 12 weeks!). I see him this week at 14 weeks - and I'm going to really really really push for Zofran! If not, I'll get my mom in America to mail me some.

Blair - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I loooove birthdays - mine is coming up in July.

Lou and Barbara - looking soooo good! I'm going to take a pictures at 14 weeks (ie, tomorrow). I know y'all are getting big and uncomfortable, but you look great!

Rio - looking at your ticker - can't believe you are 28 weeks already!

AFM - OB appt on Thursday is making me nervous. So far, he has been really distant and annoying - not seeming to care about me, or the amount of stress I feel because of the infertility/ previous losses. He keeps saying "we'll deal with that in the second trimester". Now I'm in the second trimester.

It maybe overkill but I seriously want weekly or bi-weekly cervical checks as well as bi-weekly vaginal cultures for infection. With my previous loss, there was no sign of cervical dilation or infection - so most doctors aren't worried about that. But those are the two main causes of pPROM (what happened last time), so I need the extra checks for peace of mind.

I also want to start P17 shots at 16 weeks, which is only 2 weeks away.

I also want to be seen more frequently than once a month. So far, I've seen my doctor at 6, (8 because of bleeding), 10 and 14 weeks... I want to see him more frequently than just 18, 22, etc weeks....

I don't really want to switch doctors, because he is apparently one of the best, but I need some serious hand-holding this time around!

[leorira11]

btw - I finally figured out how to record the babies' heartbeats onto the computer from the doppler -- of course, as soon as I figured it out, Baby A went into hiding and is uncooperative - but I did catch Baby B!

I couldn't figure out how to upload just an audio file, so I made a really really really dorky video! I already sent this to my in-laws, mom and sister.... D thinks I'm a super huge annoying dork!



(if you click on it, you will go to photobucket and can watch my stupid video!)

[karenthescorpio]

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Mellow -- I'm happy to hear that Marlo is stable. I know she's tiny and has a ways to go but she will do well. I'm so sorry for all you've had to go through. You really deserve good news from now on. Thanks for updating us. We've been praying for you and little Marlo non-stop.

AFM -- DH is anxiously awaiting me to get going on the day with him so I can't keep him long. We picked out paint for the nursery yesterday and he's going to paint this week. It's a nice custard color... neutral enough... not too yellow and not to beige. It will go with everything. I will dress up the room with color and accessories. I sure hope I can find out the gender soon! Still haven't felt the baby move yet. I so wish I could. I know I'm still early but if I don't feel it soon, I'm going to get worried.

Grandma is still in the hospital. I went to see her yesterday. We were hoping she'd come home so we would celebrate Mother's Day with her. Maybe she'll come home tomorrow, don't know yet. She seems to be doing better.

Here's my 17w1d pic taken yesterday.

Lou- Love your tiny bump! I didn't feel my baby girl until around 21-22 weeks. That was the case too when I was carrying the twins. So don't you worry at all! Hope your Grandma is out of hospital soon. My nursery is being painted today...I"ll post a pick when he's done. So darn excited!

[karenthescorpio]

Mellow- Bless you and Miss Marlo. We all will be praying for her strength to continue. What a blessing. Wishing you a speedy recovery ...and you and DH peace and strength as you pass each day with your precious daughter in the NICU. xo
Karen

Leora- I'm happy all is going well for you. Having the history that I have with incompetent cervix and losing my twins b/c of it, your post really caught my attention. Forgive me if I have forgotten, but you lost a baby due to PROM/cervical dilation? And your doc doesn't seem that worried now that you are pregnant again? And he/she is suppose to be one of the best? It sounds to me that your cervix is an issue if it dialated so early. Do you have plans for a cerclage? If so, please don't bother with a vaginal one (which almost all docs revert to b/c that is the one most know how to do but are the least successful in fixing the issue). And they have a high risk of infection...which is what happened to me. I had an abdominal cerclage put on after my loss but before I started IVF again...but you can have them put on in pregnancy up to about 14 weeks. I highly recommend that you speak seriously to your doc about your cervix. Once changes start to happen (shortening, dialation, funneling) there really is no going back and your odds of getting anywhere close to term are extremely slim...cause infection can enter the uterus once the cervix is compromised. I'm happy to give you the name and contact info of the doc who did my abdominal cerclage. He is a MFM and one of the leading cervical experts in the world. Most docs (OB's and MFMs) under diagnose and treat cervical issue improperly. Please be your own advocate. Most docs mean well, but just don't know better. Most have a wait and see apporoach...and almost always the outcome is heartbreaking.

[rypell1985]

Leora-I LOVE your video I guess I'm a little biased because I have a video that I add my bump to every week! It's set to "I Hope You Dance" which Ive always loved but has a whole new meaning now that I'm going to be a mommy! DH laughs at me too, but secretly I think he's glad I do it because he enjoys it too! I made mine on Kizoa and if I knew how to post it here I would!

[leorira11]

Karen - I lost my first set of twins (boy/girl) when baby girl a's water broke (pPROM) at 21w6d at 1am. We went to the hospital , feeling like we were being stupid and I had probably just peed myself (it happened while I was vomiting). Long story short, after an overnight stay - an u/s the next morning showed that she has no amniotic fluid at all. We were told that there was no chance for either baby (even though baby boy b was completely unaffected) and that inducing labor was our only choice. Our babies were born after 25 hours of labor at 22wks.

When I arrived in the hospital, I was checked for cervical dilation. My cervix was long and closed, with no sign of any dilation or effacement. After the twins were delivered, I had a post-partum hemorrhage when one placenta didn't release properly. I had an emergency D&C to remove it. Both placentas were tested for infection, but there was none. I was also tested for uterine malformations, but I have none.

Since I showed no sign of the 3 main causes of pPROM (1. cervical insufficiency, 2. infection & 3. uterine malformations) - I keep being told that this pregnancy should be a problem at all. I'm still terrified.

I asked my doctors about a preventative cerclage before the IVF, or a cerclage in the first trimester (around 12 weeks). I was told continually by several doctors I trust that there is no sign in my history that a cerclage would help. I couldn't get the pre-pregnancy cerclage, since no doctor would do it without a history of IC ---- and now my OB is telling me that getting a cerclage now would have a higher risk of spontaneous miscarriage than my odds of having cervical problems is.

I just want to be watched super carefully....

ETA: I asked the doctor doing my NT scan to check my cervix. So far so good - long, closed, 4+cm and no sign of funneling.

Ryann - I love dorky videos. At less than a minute long, I'm not forcing people to indulge my obsession with my babies -- I thought my in-laws and mom would appreciate it. Just D thinks I'm a huge dork! I will continue it and add belly pictures and more u/s pictures when I have some!

[rypell1985]

Here is the weekly updated bump. I know I look like I never change, but I try to put the same, if not really close to, shirt on so that I can't blame looking bigger on a different type of shirt

[Reenie100]

Mellow-Hope you and little Marlo are doing well.

Lou-The babies are doing well. They are growing so fast. Some of their newborn clothes no longer fit. My daughter has had to start wearing a few things sized 3 mos even though she is only 8 weeks old. My son is colicky so that keeps my hands full all day. Sometimes there is no consoling him though. As for feeling the babies move, I first felt them move during week 18 and it was intermittent until week 21 or so. Then I would feel them regularly around the same times each day. After awhile I would also feel them any time I ate. I was uncomfortable for a good part of the pregnancy (1st trimester m/s, 2nd trimester nasal congestion, 3rd trimester preeclampsia) but their movements were the one thing that I look back on as being the highlight of each day, even when they kept me up at night kicking and squirming at the same time.

[riogirl71]

Mellow - stalking your blog and praying for you and Marlo

Lou - hope your grandmother is doing better, your bum is super cute, I felt DS at 18wks and DD at 16 wks but it is just very slight and you might mistake it for something else! But not to worry, you will feel like a soccer ball soon!

Leora - you are your best advocate, you should push for your care and I find that our instincts are generally correct. Especially after all you went through he should be more considerate of your worries. But I see your point in not changing if he is the best. Congrats on second tri!

Amanda - how cool you got tons of baby stuff!

Rypell - super awesome twinsie bump!

Blair Happy birthday! They say growing a baby is equivalent to constantly running a marathon, you are running 3 consecutive marathons! You must be exhausted! Yes the wait sucks! Welcome to mommyhood where the worries never end!!!

I have an US today! They wanted to check me at this center with a better US machine since our little girl's chord is offset so they want to make sure she is growing well, she sure is kicking like a champ! So please pray all is wel with her, I will post when I get back! Yesterday I had some really strong contractions, I drank a bunch of water and they went away, I was counting to make sure not more than 4 in an hour. I also think she dropped, because DS never did that - he was breech, I don't know how a baby dropping feels but it is weird even people said my belly looks completely different shape. Anyway, hope all is well and that everyone had a wonderful mother's day!

PS - NWQUIZ got her BFP!

[klinger13]

leora - Yes, I vote for having your mom send you some from the states if they won't prescribe it there. And I can't blame you wanting more frequent visits with the doc. After what you've been through, insist on nothing but the best. And if that means additional tests, then they should do them. Anything to give you the peace of mind you need and hopefully prevent anything like what happened last time.

rio - Good luck with today's u/s! Sending you a prayer that your little girl is doing GREAT!!!

AFM, Just got a call that because my doc will be out next Thursday (5/19) that my growth scan/prenatal appt will move to next Tuesday (5/17) instead. YAY for getting to see my little one 2 days earlier!!! I haven't had an u/s since our 20 week appointment so I can't wait to see her and get an idea of how big she is now. Ok, seriously next Tuesday can't get here soon enough!!

[kjm1824]

Happy be-lated Mothers Day and Mothers Day to be to all of you!!

Hope - That is great that all the genetic testing came back negative. I was wondering about that. That has to be a huge relief. YAY for no more MS!!!

Anna - How wonderful to get off of partial bed-rest during the best time of the year to be outside. Enjoy your walks. You are looking amazing!

Vicky - Thinking of you today with your US - hope all goes well - let us know.

Klinger - Congrats on 30 weeks. Seems so close yet forever away for me. I hope your skin continues to heal. Gotta love all those gifts - tell them diapers, lots of diapers.

Leora - oh, I feel for your husband. The first month was not fun - I lost 5 pounds in a couple of weeks cause I could not eat. I hope you get some nausia medication soon and that your doctor starts listening to you. If not sounds like you need another opinion/doctor.

Ryann - WOOT WOOT for passing glucose test. You continue to look great. Hope bedrest is going ok and you are not too bored.

Blair - Even with twins I take it one day at a time and I am thankful for everyday I feel good. I am finally able to start planning and thinking about the future now (at 17 weeks) and not be so scared. You sound very strong and you have the right attitude. It will take time to adjust but you will get there. It is just so exciting as well.

Lou - I hope your grandma continues to improve and can go back home. That is just such a hard time in life. I hope you are taking care of yourself as well. Seems like you are needed in lots of places.

Margi - Glad your NT measurements were normal. I know for me that was the most important thing. The blood work is not a accurate. They said my BW was normal and that my risk was 1 in 276. That still seems very high to me esp after some of the levels the other girls have got on this board. I'm just not worrying about it because I am sure they can't tell as well with twins.

Stephanie - Congrats on the move. What a relief!! Hopefully you can get more rest and take it easy the rest of your pregnancy.

Mellow - congrats on the birth of little Marlo. She is a very blessed baby and she sounds like she is strong and a fighter. She has an army of prayers and supporters behind her. I hope you continue to heal and get better as well. You will need all your strength too. You and Marlo are always in my prayers.

Barbara - you are looking great. Such a glow!

Rio - Good luck on your ultrasound today. You are in my prayers.


Just a quick survey for all of you - How many of you are just doing organic fruits/veggies? I haven't been, just washing it good but my husband is starting to worry. What are your thoughts and opinions? Also we do fruit protein smoothies for breakfast every morning with frozen fruit - do you think that is a concern? Thanks - Kelley

[riogirl71]

Quick post! Baby girl is measuring right on target, cervix nice and long and very closed! Amniotic fluid amount is perfect! Got some cute pics I will post later! Thank you for sending me good thoughts!

Kjm - we switched the dirty dozen list to all organic, some things don't need to be organic, especially things with thick skin, but we try to eat all organic anyway. Also be careful with what kind of protein shakes you are doing, I read somewhere that the protein they sell in helath stores should not be consumed in pregnancy.

[karenthescorpio]

leora- I'm so happy you do not have an official history of IC. Strange though you had PROM without any indication why. Thanks for giving me the history. You doc is right that a vaginal cerclage would most likely cause more of a problem than letting things be. The 17P will help keep things calm. I take the shot weekly, along with a low dose antibiotic daily to proactively keep infection at bay. Your doc should understand that given the mystery of your PROM, you'd like to keep a close watch on tihngs. Wishing you an unevent pregnancy! xo
Karen

[vicky1707]

Hi ladies,

Hope everyone is well.

So we had our first u/s today and.....we have very happy to say there is 1 very healthy heartbeat Our due date is Christmas Day! We are 7wks 1day pregnant.

I have never been so scared and nervous in my life! I have felt sick all day waiting till 5pm for our scan! It feels so much real after seeing the heartbeat - it was so fast on the monitor! We've got some photos and they are ACE!

Of course I burst into tears straight away! DH was being brave but I did see a little tear in his eyes!

I've got to get myself booked in with a midwife and then hopefully we'll get a 12 week scan. The nurse at the unit said we might not get a 12wk scan as we've already been dated with this scan. No way can we wait till our 20wk scan! I've been going crazy waiting for this one! haha

I am loving all the baby bumps - you ladies are blooming and look amazing

I'll try and catch up with personals tomorrow.

Take care ladies x x x

[vicky1707]

Oh also how do I get a pregnancy ticker thing? I've found the one I want but not sure how to download it!