Double Trouble

[kristiA]

Rittie, I don't think moses baskets are used much in the US. I have our babies sleeping in the same room with us in a play-yard that has a bassinet level and a changing station on it. This was mainly because our nursery is upstairs & I couldn't climb stairs for 6 weeks due to my c-sec. When they are in your room you have to get used to the little squeeks & noises they make all night. It makes you jump up with every little noise! If I had the nursery next to my room I'd do what you are thinking and keep in the in the nursery. The spare cot downstairs is a great idea...that's equivalent to a bassinet that I have in the main living area. Sounds like you have a good plan!

[brit10]

Hi girls,

We found out Monday that we are pregnant with twins. The doctor suspected multiples from the beginning because I developed OHSS less then a week after the transfer - and my hcg numbers were off the charts. It was still a shock to actually see them both on the screen at the ultrasound. There is just no preparing for that moment.

The OHSS is gone but it's been replaced my horrible morning sickness that lasts all day and all night. I'm not throwing up often, but the nausea is a terrible constant. Nothing seems to work. I have an Rx for Zofran but only take it when I find myself wishing for death. I really feel like the sickness has prevented me from feeling happy about this pregnancy.

I never thought that a BFP would mean I'd have to stop my work-outs, or that it would mean I'd be off work this much, that my sex life would disappear (too sick!), and that I would lose interest in myself, my hobbies and my home.

I feel terribly guilty for feeling like this, knowing there are so many women out there who would gladly trade places with me - sickness and all. Although it sounds odd, I feel very alone at this point and I'm worried about how long these feelings are going to last. I'm just 8 weeks today, so the next 7 months stretching out in front of me look more like 7 years.

[Rittie2000]

Hi girls,

Just wanted to say I'm experiencing a growth spurt in the last few days. Suddenly, I feel like I've swallowed a bowling ball, belly feels heavy and bigger and I'm getting really bad heartburn and indigestion. Its not easy on the body but I'm also feel pleased because its about time the belly get bigger if the babies are progressing well. It is such a long break between check-ups that one does feel a little lost. My last scan was at 13.5 weeks, but my next scan won't be till 20.5 weeks. And there are no medical appts in between.

Brit, I think we all go through the despair of how uncomfortable pregnancy can me. I was all smug thinking I didn't have any sickness until it started with a vengence at 8.5 weeks. There is light at the end of the tunnel though as it did go away around week 12 for me. However, I'm just starting a new bout of heartburn like nothing I've had before. Its going to be lots of discomfort but the journey will pass. Hang on in there girl.

Rittie

[kdc2006]

anyone heard from lumi?... its been ages since i seen a post from her...

kareen

[Xrayem]

Hi girls,

I would very much like to join your little group. A little about me first:

My Dh and I have been together since 2000 and once we got engaged in 2001, we decided to quit the contraception and leave it to fate. We were living in Switzerland and then London and still had a heap of travelling to do so weren't that worried when nothing had happened after 3 years. We finally moved back to Oz in late 2004 and decided to investigate. Unfortunately our GP made us wait another year before he would refer us to a specialist. So early this year we started at our clinic. We have "Unexplained Infertility" so tried 3 IUI's first, all failed. Our Doc was very supportive when we decided to try IVF. We were one of the lucky ones and succeeded on our first go. We are expecting twins!

I put on a lot of weight with each IUI as I have an underactive thyroid and drugs just made it worse. I actually put on 5kg in the month that we did our IVF! A lot of it was fluid and it has started to go but my tummy has stayed the same size. Has anyone else found that they put on weight very quickly? I am trying to be careful with what I eat but I am craving potato wedges constantly (something I would normally avoid) and find that they are one of the only things that stop the nausea.

We haven't looked at baby stuff yet...we are going to wait until we are past the 12 week mark. I have told everyone I know that we are having twins (even my patients get told!) because I am so excited and after so long I just can't keep my mouth shut! Its lovely seeing their faces light up when I tell them. DH is so proud of himself and I love him even more.

Ah well, so much for a quick introductory post!!

Look forward to getting to know you all,
Em

PS: Hi Laura!

[LauraLou]

I haven't been here in a while but I wanted to thank everyone for their support when I posted my conflicted feelings about twins. It was so helpful to know that I wasn't the only one who had fears and concerns.

DH and I are feeling much calmer now. My mother has agreed to come and stay for several months after the babies come, so I know we will have the help we need to get through those difficult first months.

Hey Em! Nice to see you here!!!

I have occasional moments of nausea but mostly I'm just hungry! I can't believe how much I eat, but so far I think I've only gained a pound. My lower abdomen is more rounded but my clothes still fit. We'll see how long that lasts.

My doctor said I should gain 10 pounds by 20 weeks. Has anyone else's doctor given them guidance on weight gain?

Laura

[Rittie2000]

Hi LauraLou,

Glad to hear that things/feelings are settling down for you. And glad to hear that everything is progressing well. I am particularly interested to hear what your doctor had to say about how much weight to gain. Its interesting guidance. As I haven't heard anything else from my healthcare providers besides not to worry about putting on any weight until the 3rd trimester (if possible, as I am a bit overweight to start with). If anyone else have anymore information, please feel free to share, this should be interesting.

Best wishes
Rittie

[brit10]

I had my first OB apt this week and all she said was that I should gain 40-45 pounds during the pregnancy. At 10 weeks, I'm actually 10lbs. below what I was when I started this cycle because I've been so sick. I have constant nausea and no appetite. I eat because I have to, but not very much. And then there are the days when I can't keep anything down.

I wish I could say that my worries about having twins have gone away, but they have actually gotten worse. My husband printed off some info about the first year with twins and after I read it, my heart was racing and I had trouble breathing.

I guess I just spent so much time picturing our family of 3, that now I struggle with the thought of 4. I honestly feel that I might not be able to handle it once the babies get here.

[LauraLou]

Brit10,

I'm sorry you are so sick. I know many women with twins get terrible morning sickness, so I feel very lucky that I haven't been that bad. Maybe because they are identical and I only have one placenta making hormones?

My doctor said that I should gain between 35-45 lbs during the pregnancy. The first 10 of which should be by 20 weeks. I guess early weight gain is important for twins as they usually come earlier than a singleton, so you have less time to catch up at the end.

I understand your fears about twins. I was completely panicked at first. I am still very nervous, but it's getting better. I bought a couple of books on twins but had to stop reading them as they were stressing me out!

It is very overwhelming to think about caring for two newborns. My plan is not to think about it too much! My mother is coming to help and will stay for 2-3 months, so that has helped me feel less stressed. Do you have someone (mother, sister, aunt?) who can come help you when the babies are first born?

From the little I read before I put the books away, the first 3 months are the worst. After that, the babies will have a schedule and will be sleeping more at night. I know that my husband will not be much help, as he works so much and really isn't good with babies. So for me, getting my mom lined up to come help me has been me feel so much better.

I also read the book "The Baby Whisperer". It has a plan that you can follow that is supposed to help get you baby on a schedule. If I can figure out how to adapt it to twins, I think I will try to follow it.

I am a worrier and I know that I always feel better when I have a plan to follow. Even if it doesn't work out the way I planned, at least it will make me feel better to be trying something.

I am an OB nurse and I know that Zofran is very safe to take while pregnant. So please don't wait until you want to die before taking it. Feeling less nauseous will help you eat more and will make you feel better mentally.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Laura

[brit10]

LauraLou,

Thank you for your kind post and encouraging words. I do have an Rx for Zofran, but only take it when I start throwing up or when I just can't function due to the nausea. For about 3 weeks, I had to take 4mg everyday.

My sciatic nerve started acting up about 3 weeks ago, which has made getting around difficult. Most days I am on the couch or in bed, literally unable to move either due to the sciatica or the nausea.

We live 1000 miles away from our families, but they will be coming to help when the babies are born. My mom for a couple weeks, my mother-in-law for one or so after that and then maybe my sister. My dh works from home, so at least I won't be here alone even after the families have come and gone.

I think part of my anxiety problem is due somewhat to this constant sickness and pain. If I could stop feeling so awful, I could start planning and shopping and I may not be so unhappy. I could then enjoy the holidays and could even return to work. I have never dealt with such ill health before and I am not handling it well. Most days I have to force myself to shower and change out of my pajamas....and that's just not me at all.

I was 10 weeks yesterday and I just pray that my sickness disappears at 12 weeks. I don't know how I could stand it much longer then that, but I know for twins that it can go on to 14 weeks or more.

Thanks again and best wishes to you and your little ones!

[Rittie2000]

Brit,

Sorry to hear your sickness is affecting you so badly. Mine started at end of week 9 and went till about week 14, but mine wasn't bad compared to a lot of other people. I also had accupunture which took away 90% of the symptoms for about a week. Would you like to try accupunture? it may be worthwhile if the sickness is making you so poorly and you've tried everything else.

Brit and LauraLou, you girls are so lucky to have family willing to help. I don't have any family in the UK besides my parents in law who happen to not be into children and live 200 miles away. In addition, they stress us out every time they come to visit so I'm not sure it were a good idea even if they offered helped. My husband casually mentioned they could come and help paint the nursery and they just mumbled a non-committal something. So I guess we're on our own and only have ourselves to rely on to figure out how to engage outside help if we can't cope. I'm thinking of looking into a nursery nurse (or student nursery nurse depending on cost) to help out in the first few months. I'm also thinking maybe all I'll need is a general mother's help type person to take care of the house, washing, feed us, and a little baby sitting to give us some air. I don't know what other options we have as I can't really count on friends helping as they have families of their own or do not have families and are not able to donate their time. If anyone has any ideas/advice about this, I would be most appreciative. I'm trying not to freak out about this. I just want to get through the rest of the pregnany with healthy babies and good delivery first. And then worry about how to cope with them. I'm having my 20 week scan next week and am getting quite nervous. It has been such a long time since the last scan/check-up I hope the babies are growing well.

Lots of love
Rittie

[brit10]

Rittie,

I tend to feel the same way about my mother-in-law. She's kind of wacko and would rather her not come, but I don't think I can stop her. I've warned dh that he will have to run interference between us...or it could get ugly.

I've heard that if you can afford some help for a few months, it's a good idea to get a housekeeper so you can spend the time with your babies while she takes care of your home and meals. I am one of those people who doesn't like to ask for help, but I'm already making a mental list of who I might be able to ask to babysit for a couple of hours here and there so dh and I can get out alone together. Once the twins start sleeping through the night, then a couple of my neighbors would probably agree to sit with them while we escape for awhile!

I did try accupuncture (I had it during my cycle as well) and it didn't work for the morning sickness at all. I really wish that it did!

[Xrayem]

Brit,

I can sympathise with you over the morning sickness. I am so sick, I am just wanting all this to end. I am sorry to say that there are times when I wish I never did the IVF in the first place. Its just so hard.

I know I sound ungrateful, and this would be devestating for any of those who are still trying to hear this, but my sickness is killing me. I am vomitting at work in between patients and can no longer cook, shop or clean. All I want to do is lie quietly and wait for this to end.

I'm sorry. I'm at a real low point. I never knew it would be like this.

Em

[brit10]

Em,

I have felt THE EXACT SAME WAY.

There have been many days when I was just so sick that I wanted it all to end...that I just didn't want to be pregnant anymore. Laying curled in a ball on the bathroom floor crying for hours. Wishing I had never done the IVF. Wanting my pre-pregancy life back. And the worst part was not being able to explain to anyone how I felt.

I've also felt angry....mad that no one told me about this part. Not wanting to hear ONE MORE TIME to "try eating crackers before you get up in the morning." I swear I'm going to write a book about how bad pregnancy sucks.

The only thing that has helped me cope is prescription Zofran. If I wake up, eat and then throw up, I take a 4mg tablet and that keeps me from vomiting the rest of the day. I still feel sick and tired, but at least I can keep food down.

Please feel free to post or write to me anytime here. I really do know exactly how you feel.

[Xrayem]

Hi Brit,
Thank you! I thought I was all alone. I did call my doc and he sent me out a script for Maxalon. (I dont know that we have Zofran in Oz) It is also safe and I have been taking it for the last day.....its a miracle! I feel human again! The only problem is that it makes me drowsy, but I'll take yawning over vomitting any day.

Em