Beautiful Babies Due in 2011 (Combined Group)

[karenthescorpio]

Quick update......


Sorry I have been MIA. My in-laws came to visit last Thursday and left Monday afternoon. It was a good visit. I was busy alot. Yesterday, I went to take my car to get it serviced. I thought that I would go across the street to Marshall's while I waited. When i got there, I started feeling weird. Then I started feeling contractions. I got a bottle of water and went into a dentist office next to Marshall's. I could see a sofa in the window and went in and asked if I could sit for a little while. Next thing you know, I felt them one after the other. I layed down and called my dr. She said that if I had 4 or more in an hour to go to L&D. I had way more. I called DH and he came and picked me up. We went to the hospital and they hooked me up. I had about 10 contractions in 45 minutes. They gave me a shot to stop them. They did an u/s to check the babies and my cervix. The babies were okay. They weighed 1.3lbs and 1.4lbs. The fluid was good. My cervix was 3.1....which I thought sounded bad. The nurse said it was okay and within normal range.

After being monitored for about 6 hours, they let me go home. I was told to take it REALLY easy and if it happens again to call. She said I obviously couldn't go on my trip and that if it continues to happen that i would be put on bedrest.

We were so scared. I will be lying flat for the rest of my pregnancy. Only to get up to eat and go to the restroom. I am grateful my babies are okay and plan to protect them with everything I have in me.

I hope that all of you ladies are having a great week. Sorry for the lack of personals, but I can't sit up too long. I am able to read on my phone, but can't post. My Mac is a desktop. I am thinking of all of you.

God bless.

Karin- I'm happy you and babies are ok and they were able to calm down the contractions. Ask your OB about starting the P17 shot. It is proven to help prevent PTL. Many docs say that with twins there isn't any clinical proof, but I know several twin mommies who used it and got to 37 weeks without any false alarms like you had. It is a once a week shot of progesterone. I am currently taking it and it does help...cause I can tell my the end of the week when I'm due for a new shot I feel random tightens. It won't hurt at all to take it.

[karenthescorpio]

Hi ladies. I can't believe how big our group is. I can't keep up! But please know I do read everyone's posts and want to offer insight where I can!

I have a question...I saw my OB yesterday. All is well and no issues. She measured my fundal height and said I'm measuring at 29 weeks! I'm only in my 23rd week! I'm assuming it is b/c my stomach was still weak from my twin loss and TAC surgery. Anyone else measuring ahead (with one baby). Is it a bad thing to measure this far ahead? My OB didn't seem concerned so I don't really know how important this measurement really is. Seems kind of an out-dated why to track a pregnancy.

[lou71]

Margi -- I'm so sorry you are bleeding. I think the advice from all the girls who have been through it is promising. I hear SCH's are very common in twin pregnancies. I'll keep you and your little ones in my thoughts.

Karin --- Oh my... your story sounds so scary! I'm glad the babies are OK. I think resting as much as possible is just what you need.

Karenthescorpio-- I can't imagine that measuring bigger would be a bad thing. As long as the baby is growing and all seems well, doesn't seem too concerning.

Ryann -- Yay for gaining back 8 lbs! Can't wait for your u/s update on Friday. If your belly is growing, then so are the babies.

KJM-- Did you get your NT scheduled yet? I'm having those darn headaches quite frequently too. My OB said to take Vicodin. I took one last night and brought them to work with me today just in case. So far I haven't needed one. Just what the hospital needs, a pharmacist on narcotics. You're having twins, so I'm sure your bump has passed me up. Glad you're doing well.

Annashope-- Glad you like my weekly pics, I plan to keep doing them. I think I've gained about 2 lbs in the first trimester. Hard to measure since the OB office weighs me with clothes and shoes on! Awesome you can feel little Paul kicking, I can't wait for that moment. So glad your level II went well also.

Baby_blu -- My fingers are crossed that your 3 hr glucose test results will be good. Did you get them yet?

Leora -- Thank you. We're glad the NT was good too. Now just waiting on the bloodwork. Remember, growing tummy = growing babies. You're doing great!

Rio -- So glad your u/s looks great!

Mellow -- Thinking of you and praying for little Claire to stay on track. She's gonna be a fighter!

Crissylove -- Thanks! I'm doing 2.5 hrs of cardio and 2.5 hrs of light weight training every week. That's about all I can handle right now. So it's not too much. Hooray for being done with PIO! What a good feeling that is, isn't it?

Karenvancouver -- Yay for having the week off. Hope you feel rested and refreshed afterwards.

AFM -- No new news from me. Still waiting for the bloodwork results from my 1st trimester screening. I really hope all is well. The sonographer measured two views for the NT and got 0.84 on one and 1.3 on the other. I know the result should be less than 2.9 but I don't know anything other than that. Why two views? Anyway, my OB saw me for a few mins right after and said the measurements were all great. DH and I are going to a dinner presentation tonight at a restaurant called Cooper's Hawk. Great food that we don't have to pay for, yay! They've also got a fantastic wine selection that we wouldn't have to pay for either but too bad for me, right? I'll tell DH to "drink up". What are everyone's plans for the weekend? I'm playing tennis on Saturday, hanging with a friend for a bit, then probably a movie with DH when he gets home from work. On Sunday, I will likely go see my grandparents and rest up for the week ahead.

[gina55]

Karen: The only possible thing I could come up with is too much amniotic fluid. My neighbor had it with her son last summer. The fluid had to be drained a few times and she had weekly ultrasounds to keep an eye on it, or maybe the doctor measured wrong.

Margi: best of luck with your ultrasound!!

Stephanie: Any news on your test results yet?

AFM: I'm having horrible contractions again and now they're in my back as well, ugh!!! Took my max dose of procardia and am hoping it will make them go away.

[baby_blu73]

Leora, Mellow, Gina, Crissy, Karen: I can’t tell you how much your stories and experiences helped me--especially since last night while doing some quick shopping--just at the drugstore, nothing heavy, I started bleeding more heavily. And no longer just dark. I went straight home and got in bed. But every time I get up for something--especially the toilet, it starts again. I am taking the day off work to totally take it easy today. I am praying that those strong HBs we saw yesterday are still tightly in there and unaffected by all this bleeding, but it is scary nonetheless! Will call OB when his office opens to see if he has any further advice...but I am doing the things you ladies suggest--extra water, no lifting, and taking it easy. Thank you so much for your support and reassurances.

I just wanted to chime in with a little reassurance. When you're laying down, the blood pools in your "girl parts" so when you get up to use the toilet, it comes out. It makes it kind of hard to determine whether it's slowing down. I'm praying for peace of mind and a great outcome for you honey! All the ladies are right, though. These things tend to be way more frightening then they are dangerous since we are so aware of blood equalling a bad, bad thing. The first of my two bleeds was at 6 weeks and I about collapsed when I saw the gush was blood. HBs were great but they did find two SCHs on the u/s. My second bleed was at 10 weeks, and it was when I woke up it the morning to use the toilet. Not as scary, but I still went in for reassurance. Bed rest for a couple of days for both bleeds until they let up. After the 2nd bleed I continued with very heavy maroon blood that eventually faded to light brown over the next two months. SCH are so very common in IVF twin pregnancies. It sounds like you have a good handle on things and we're always here for you. Hang in there, and keep taking excellent care of you and your LOs!

[leorira11]

Margi - I agree with Stefanie - once I got told that the bleeding was okay - my second bleed wasn't nearly as scary. I hope everything's okay and I'm waiting for your update.

Lou - I know you have an at home fetal doppler - how early did you pick up the baby's heartbeat? I tried earlier this week (8w6d) but didn't get anything but my own (at a very healthy 70bpm!).

Gina - I hope those contractions stop! Keep baking those babies! If not, do you know where the nearest level 3 NICU is? I would recommend researching NICUs in your area... but I hope you don't need it!

Karen - no idea why you would measure bigger. Hopefully all it means is that she is growing big and healthy! I've also been told that if you have regular growth u/s - the fundal height measurement is extraneous. U/s is a much better judge to tell if the baby is growing well.

AFM - feeling a bit better. Now I'm down to just a cough-- but the coughing makes me throw up. I puked in public again today (on a venture out to buy some food from the supermarket around the corner). Can you believe no one stopped to ask if I was okay? How rude!

So, I'm taking things really easy -- which means lots of time in bed or on the couch watching TV. I really miss the regular Law & Order episodes (how could they cancel that show!?!?!), so a friend lent me some seasons of L&O:SVU. It's not as good as the original, but definitely interesting.
One episode sparked an interesting discussion between me and D -- season 9, episode 3. There is a couple doing IVF because of male factor infertility. Before they can start a treatment cycle, the wife is raped. She gets pregnant - obviously by the rapist. She has an abortion AGAINST the husband's wishes (they are also Catholic, which plays a part in this story). Examination of the fetus after the abortion proves that it was the rapist's child.

Our issue is male factor. We have joked (sometimes seriously) about me having an affair or doing a 3some with another guy while I know I'm ovulating. Much cheaper and easier than IUI with donor sperm (which was always a consideration for us). (There is actually a Heart song about this idea "All I wanna do" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAfxs0IDeMs that I have loved for years! Ironic, no?)

Obviously, this is not something we want to happen (no one wants to be raped), but if I got pregnant by a rapist - would we abort the baby? Ask me 5 years ago and I would say 'absolutely, I would abort after being raped.' But now I'm not so sure.... Does the years and years of fertility treatments change the way I feel about that?

[klinger13]

gina - I really hope those contractions stop pronto! Take it easy and keep us posted.

lou - So glad the NT scan went well. My u/s tech had to take 3 measurements of everything during that. I don't know if it's just a safeguard to make sure things look ok from different angles or to average the results but it was reassuring.

leora - I love SVU...one of my favorite shows. I tried finding the hb at 9w and couldn't find it but at 9w5d I could hear it beautifully. So any day now for you!!!

annashope - Great news on a great level II. So glad you can feel comfortable now and announce things. Sorry about your DS injury. I'm glad it'll be healed though before summer vacation.

margi - I'm sure it's just that SCH working its way out. We're all rooting for you & your little ones so definitely keep us posted.

rio - glad to hear your u/s went well and your little girl is looking great! That's fantastic news!!

AFM, still not much going on thank goodness. Been following the GD diet as a precaution until I find out at my next appointment what we're going to do about my "little high" levels (whether that be the 3-hour test or what.) Hit 26 weeks today (woo-hoo!!) and love the fact that I've only got 11-12 weeks to go. Here's my belly shot from this morning:

[baby_blu73]

Quick update - I called my OB's office to get my results... The test came back NORMAL!!! I feel like I dodged a bullet! A diet adjustment is in order, though... Just in case. So, I'm thinking higher protein, fewer sweets, and only whole wheat carbs. And to eat more frequently.

Personals a little later, I'm heading over to my SIL to add a few things to her garage sale.

[margi26]

Stephanie: Yeah! Glad all came back normal....one more milestone leapt positively!! And thanks for the added reassurance and "explanation". It seems to be very common with IVFs (especially twins)...why isn't anyone studying it to figure out why?

Leora: Glad that you are on the mend. Just for the record, if I saw you vomiting I'd ask you if you were ok. Can't wait until you can hear the HBs of the beans!!! Keep us updated.

Amanda: LOVE the bump!! And glad all is well.

gina: Hope the contractions stop...drink those fluids and rest.

Lou: Sounds like you have a nice weekend planned...enjoy!

AFM: Whew!! Still two strong heartbeats on the u/s. That was the most important thing. She had me worried for a minute because she was having trouble getting Baby B, but when she found it, it was good and strong. She also said the hematoma is much smaller. So I guess that explains all the bleeding? Doctor was very reassuring. He said of course no guarantees, but that it is perfectly possible to have this bleed continue along without affecting the pregnancy. He isn't "big" on bedrest, but he is recommending that I do a modified version--sort of on house arrest, with no lifting, no housework, etc. A lot of time in bed or couch preferably for the next 3 days and then if all ok I can go back to work on Monday. My boss is less than supportive, but, oh well. Doing what is best for my little "blueberries" is the only thing I am worried about at the moment. My OB really understands which is nice. He said he doesn't mind seeing me to reassure me as needed as he "knows how much we've gone through to get here."

Oh! And while in the waiting room there was a woman with two ADORABLE twin boys. OMG they were so cute. There were 11 months old. She said she went to 38 weeks and they were both delivered vaginally at 7lbs a piece. It was just what I needed to see....perfectly sweet, healtly little boys and an (apparently) sane mom! LOL.


Thank you ladies for all your support!!! You totally kept me sane last night and today.

[crissylove]

Amanda-Very cute bump.

Margi-Glad ur bb's r doing okay. I know the feeling of needing that extra reassurance. My doc is keeping me on modified b.r. til week 12. I probably don't need it but I took the FMLA anyways.

[lou71]

Leora -- My fetal doppler arrived when I was 9 1/2 weeks along and I of course tried it right away. I was able to find the hb within about 30 seconds. I don't know if it would have worked much earlier. Mine is 3 mHz, I know some are 2 mHz. My OB said it also depends on how much subcutaneous fat you have in your abdomen. She said she doesn't recommend using them, especially in women with a little padding because they have a very hard time finding the hb consistently and tend to freak out when they can't find it. I've only had trouble finding it once where it took an agonizing 5 minutes or so. Now it only takes 15 seconds or so. Keep trying!

baby_blu -- Soooo happy your results were normal! Yay for dodging that bullet.

margi -- Hooray for TWO strong HB's continuing! Keep 'em cooking mama!!!

Amanda - Great bump!

AFM -- I'm officially 13 weeks. Woo hoo! Is this the start of the second trimester? I've heard anywhere from 12-14 weeks. What do you think?

[Happy Bunny]

Margi: I'm so sorry to hear about the scary bleed. Almost everyone with twin seems to bleeding... Perhaps this is just part of twins. I wonder if it's just IVF twins or twins in general that have bleeding issues.

Amanda: Awesome bump! Looking good!

Leora: I'm sorry that no one asked about your public barf... I had a few myself. I figure that the look on my face deterred anyone from coming near me. I probably looked like I was about to kill, lol.


AFM: Little Brooke turned upside down and has stayed that way for days now (she was breech or sideways most of the time). She must be feeling crowded. Her kicks and movements have also changed - they are less violent and are more like pushes, rubs and stretches now. She's such an active baby and she's definitely much easier and more comfortable to carry now.

[gina55]

Margi: so happy you had a great ultrasound and that your little blueberries are doing well

Stephanie: yay for passing your 3 hour test!!!

Leora: glad you're feeling somewhat better. We are delivering at a hospital with a level 3 NICU, if we were having just one I might have switched OB's and gone to a closer hospital.

Amanda: cute pic of your bump

Barbara: glad Brooke is head down, hopefully she stays put and you can avoid a C- Section. Both of
our boys were head down last week as well.

Lou: congrats on making it to your second trimester

AFM: still contracting which is to be expected as I'm measuring 39 weeks. Trying to rest and take it easy. If I call the doctor they'll send me to the hospital, which I would rather not do. They just give me the same meds that I have at home.

[mellow4]

Barbara, so glad you feel more comfortable now. Good news. Enjoy!


Gina, keep laying low, those babies are sure giving you a run for your money already. I hope your uterus will relax...be sure to keep hydrated, and pee it out as soon as you feel the urge. That staying hydrated is a double edged sword...helps the uterus be less tense, but the full bladder can make you have those pesky contractions too. How's your cervix looking?


AFM~ I have been on my left side, stuffing my face for the past week. I'm tired of it, but will do whatever I have to do for my babies. We are seeing another Perio for a second look and hopefully more information on Wednesday. Hoping the anticipation of that gets me through the next week. My little Johnny's birthday would have been on Monday...last year this weekend I went into labor with him and he was born the 11th. Think we will have a little party in honor of him...then the following week, is the week last year that he passed away. I'm a little overwhelmed right now with this anniversary coming and worrying about my girls. Making it, but for sure emotional.

[rypell1985]

Quick post...

Had my anatomy scan today! Both babies are perfect! Each weighing 12oz. Cervix looks good....long and closed (I believe 4.3cm???)! I now get an ultrasound every 4 weeks! Yay!