Ultrasound #....? I don't know. I lost track. Everything seems to be fine. Not great, but good enough. Dr. G said the Dopplers were different, but still nothing to be alarmed about. Baby B is now 2.5 weeks behind instead of 2.
B=1 lb 13 oz
A=2 lbs 11 ozs.
There is almost a pound difference. My thought is that if the doctor isn't alarmed, then I won't be either. I trust my doctors at Clarian. I don't have the same feelings about anybody I have encountered at Community, however. Allow me to vent in detail about my lovely day at the hospital today.
*******
I woke up this morning, still exhausted from my journey to Clarian in Indianapolis. I rolled out of bed to get my second non-stress test for the week at the Community hospital in town. Remember last time it took 2 hours because the babies kept moving. This time I had one nurse start out finding the babies' heartbeats. As she was looking, she asked me if the babies were in separate sacs. I said, "One placenta, two sacs." She replied with confidence, "Oh, so they're not identical." Pause. I said, "Actually when they share a placenta it means they are identical." It felt wrong to explain that to an R.N. working in labor and delivery.
Anyway, I was watching the monitor and it looked like she had both on there. Good start! For some reason, she came back and started messing with it again, saying, "I think I'm picking up the other one's heartbeat instead." I thought that seemed kind of odd, but whatever. She brought another nurse in to figure it out. Apparently, they were searching for a different heartbeat for almost half an hour until the first nurse finally said, "She only has one placenta. They might have similar heart rates." Well duh!!! I could have told them that! So since the babies had similar heart rates, the nurses thought they were picking up just one baby, when the entire time they had both on the monitor. I was there for much, much longer than I should have been for something really simple. I left feeling stressed out, which is not good for me or the babies.
Wait, there's more.
I also needed to get my glucose test today (measures your blood sugar levels) to test for the possibility of gestational diabetes. My doctor told me not to drink or eat anything sweet two hours before I went in. Just in case, I called the lab beforehand and asked them what is safe to eat and drink. I ate some toast and drank some water, as directed, then went in for my test. For those of you that know me, I cannot drink carbonated beverages; they upset my stomach. I asked the receptionist if she has a solution that wasn't carbonated. She said, "It's not very fizzy." A couple minutes later, she brought out an orange drink, very carbonated, and gave me these instructions: "Here. Drink this. You have five minutes, then we'll draw your blood in an hour." I drank the stuff, and put a piece of sugar free gum in my mouth. Uh oh. Apparently I wasn't supposed to do that but didn't know it.
During that hour, I wanted to cry. My head was still hurting, my back was killing me, I was hungry, tired, and I just wanted to go home and sleep. They finally called me back, took my blood, then the lady who took it informed me that since I had gum in my mouth my results might end up funny and that I might have to retake the test. I was FURIOUS. I told her, "Oh, that would have been nice to know BEFORE I took the test!" All she said was that the receptionist was supposed to have told me when she brought out my drink. That lady's reply? "Oops. Haha." I don't think I should be at fault if no one told me something as simple as that. I mean, really, do I have to Google everything because I can't get information out of these people?
This probably seems like no big deal to you, but for an extremely uncomfortable and hurting and hormonal pregnant lady with twins who is supposed to be on bed rest, it is a big deal. I think I might be switching over completely to my specialist ASAP.
I'm done complaining. I promise. I'll go sleep it off.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
28 weeks
It's been a while. I have officially entered the third trimester. Even though I'm on bed rest, I dont find it easy to sit at the computer anymore. It's actually a lot more difficult to sit in an uncomfortable computer chair to write a blog. I'm borrowing a laptop for now, so I'll try and squeeze in as much as I can before I give it back.
The babies are doing ok. Baby B is still 2 weeks behind, but her growth is consistent. I'm still going in for ultrasounds every week. Last time I went into my regular checkup, the doctor said my belly is measuring at 37 weeks for a singleton pregnancy. I can't believe how huge my belly already feels, and I'm only 7 months along. They say that by this time the babies aren't moving as violently anymore because they are short on space. So far I haven't experienced that relief. These babies find a way to sucker punch whenever they can. It seems the bigger they get, the harder the kicks, space or no space. I went in to get my second non-stress test (monitors the babies' heart rate, my heart rate, and contractions). What usually takes about 20 minutes took 2 hours because they were moving around so much!
Last week I had my first non-stress test. Apparently, the movements I was feeling during the previous three weeks were contractions. I learned that quickly when the test was recording that I was having them irregularly. They say four in one hour is cause for concern. I had at least that many in 20 minutes. So I was put on a medicine called Brethine (Terbutaline Sulfate) to reduce contractions. It wears off two hours before I can take it again, but it works for the most part.
In general, I am very uncomfortable and tired and sore. Bed rest is becoming something I appreciate more and more. Trying to get out is not even appealing to me. Taking a shower is one of the most exhausting activities of the day. I don't know which is worse at this point: exhaustion from taking care of two babies, or exhaustion from being pregnant with them.
Allan is feeling the pressure of getting the house done for us. The clock is ticking. I could have these babies any day now, although for their sake I hope they hang in there for at least four more weeks. Allan is also ready for me to be done with pregnancy, He has been working so hard at work, on the house, and taking care of me. It will be nice for him when I can finally do things around the house. I know I won't have much time or energy while I'm taking care of the babies, but I'll be able to do more than I can now.
We picked out names! Too bad you can't find out until the babies are born. Sorry. Everyone knows so much about this pregnancy that we would like to keep something secret!
Melody
The babies are doing ok. Baby B is still 2 weeks behind, but her growth is consistent. I'm still going in for ultrasounds every week. Last time I went into my regular checkup, the doctor said my belly is measuring at 37 weeks for a singleton pregnancy. I can't believe how huge my belly already feels, and I'm only 7 months along. They say that by this time the babies aren't moving as violently anymore because they are short on space. So far I haven't experienced that relief. These babies find a way to sucker punch whenever they can. It seems the bigger they get, the harder the kicks, space or no space. I went in to get my second non-stress test (monitors the babies' heart rate, my heart rate, and contractions). What usually takes about 20 minutes took 2 hours because they were moving around so much!
Last week I had my first non-stress test. Apparently, the movements I was feeling during the previous three weeks were contractions. I learned that quickly when the test was recording that I was having them irregularly. They say four in one hour is cause for concern. I had at least that many in 20 minutes. So I was put on a medicine called Brethine (Terbutaline Sulfate) to reduce contractions. It wears off two hours before I can take it again, but it works for the most part.
In general, I am very uncomfortable and tired and sore. Bed rest is becoming something I appreciate more and more. Trying to get out is not even appealing to me. Taking a shower is one of the most exhausting activities of the day. I don't know which is worse at this point: exhaustion from taking care of two babies, or exhaustion from being pregnant with them.
Allan is feeling the pressure of getting the house done for us. The clock is ticking. I could have these babies any day now, although for their sake I hope they hang in there for at least four more weeks. Allan is also ready for me to be done with pregnancy, He has been working so hard at work, on the house, and taking care of me. It will be nice for him when I can finally do things around the house. I know I won't have much time or energy while I'm taking care of the babies, but I'll be able to do more than I can now.
We picked out names! Too bad you can't find out until the babies are born. Sorry. Everyone knows so much about this pregnancy that we would like to keep something secret!
Melody
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A 
B
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Results
My apologies for not posting. I clicked "save" instead of "publish" Sorry! Some of you have been anxiously awaiting the news. Here is the story. Scroll down to the last paragraph if you don't want to hear details :)
The night before, Allan and I spent what could possibly be our last night at home together for a while. We got up in the morning, making sure I was prepared for at least a few days at the hospital. I said bye to the dogs, and we made the dreary walk out to the car. I ate a good ol' McDonald's breakfast during the forty-five minute rainy drive. I asked Allan, "Wouldn't it be awesome if the doctor said, 'Everything's great. You can go home.'"? A miracle wasn't out of the question for us, but we tried to prepare ourselves for the worst as a defense mechanism.
We made it to the hospital and met Allan's mom there. We went to the Starbucks on the first floor, and I ordered a decaf iced raspberry latte. mmmm....Anyway! We went into the exam room, the tech began the ultrasound. The babies were head-to-head (normally B has her butt in A's face), and they definitely put on a show for us! Baby B wouldn't let the tech measure the blood flow through the umbilical cord because she kept kicking it, and Baby A kept bumping the other one with her stomach like a sumo wrestler. Haha. After a few minutes, she finally was able to hold it for a few seconds so the tech could get a reading.
Dr. G, as he is lovingly called, entered the room shortly after. He is very laid back, but has a good sense of humor. I heard from my OB in Anderson that he is an excellent doctor. I am always glad to hear from him. He discussed the ultrasound results with the tech. Dr. G examined the screen, and said pensively, "Baby A's looks great....and Baby B's looks equally great." The tech and Dr. G just looked at us for a few seconds and the doc shrugged. He asked "What did you do this past week that made the difference?" We basically told them lots of bed rest and prayer. I wish you could have been there to see the slight grin on my Dr. G's face. It was the kind that needed to be professional, but at the same time wanted to rejoice with us. The tech told him that I am (was) the children's director at our church. She is a Christian, and I suspect he is too. I think she was trying to tell him that we are also believers, but I understood how doctors need to be careful about religion in the world of medicine. He said cheerfully, "Well, then keep doing the same thing, and we'll see you next week." He congratulated us on going home, made a joke about hospital food, and just like that, he was gone. Then we went home!
Allan and I spent a relaxing day together, at home, of course. I still have mixed feelings about being home. The house is a mess, and I can't do anything about it! haha. Any of you women ever experienced the nesting phase? Imagine having the motivation and forcing yourself to contain it. However, I am thankful to be home when Allan comes home and to know that the babies are doing okay.
Thank you to everyone who kept us in your thoughts and prayers this week. Please continue to, as they have shown a major improvement but are not out of the woods yet. Please pray that I keep my sanity :)
Melody
The night before, Allan and I spent what could possibly be our last night at home together for a while. We got up in the morning, making sure I was prepared for at least a few days at the hospital. I said bye to the dogs, and we made the dreary walk out to the car. I ate a good ol' McDonald's breakfast during the forty-five minute rainy drive. I asked Allan, "Wouldn't it be awesome if the doctor said, 'Everything's great. You can go home.'"? A miracle wasn't out of the question for us, but we tried to prepare ourselves for the worst as a defense mechanism.
We made it to the hospital and met Allan's mom there. We went to the Starbucks on the first floor, and I ordered a decaf iced raspberry latte. mmmm....Anyway! We went into the exam room, the tech began the ultrasound. The babies were head-to-head (normally B has her butt in A's face), and they definitely put on a show for us! Baby B wouldn't let the tech measure the blood flow through the umbilical cord because she kept kicking it, and Baby A kept bumping the other one with her stomach like a sumo wrestler. Haha. After a few minutes, she finally was able to hold it for a few seconds so the tech could get a reading.
Dr. G, as he is lovingly called, entered the room shortly after. He is very laid back, but has a good sense of humor. I heard from my OB in Anderson that he is an excellent doctor. I am always glad to hear from him. He discussed the ultrasound results with the tech. Dr. G examined the screen, and said pensively, "Baby A's looks great....and Baby B's looks equally great." The tech and Dr. G just looked at us for a few seconds and the doc shrugged. He asked "What did you do this past week that made the difference?" We basically told them lots of bed rest and prayer. I wish you could have been there to see the slight grin on my Dr. G's face. It was the kind that needed to be professional, but at the same time wanted to rejoice with us. The tech told him that I am (was) the children's director at our church. She is a Christian, and I suspect he is too. I think she was trying to tell him that we are also believers, but I understood how doctors need to be careful about religion in the world of medicine. He said cheerfully, "Well, then keep doing the same thing, and we'll see you next week." He congratulated us on going home, made a joke about hospital food, and just like that, he was gone. Then we went home!
Allan and I spent a relaxing day together, at home, of course. I still have mixed feelings about being home. The house is a mess, and I can't do anything about it! haha. Any of you women ever experienced the nesting phase? Imagine having the motivation and forcing yourself to contain it. However, I am thankful to be home when Allan comes home and to know that the babies are doing okay.
Thank you to everyone who kept us in your thoughts and prayers this week. Please continue to, as they have shown a major improvement but are not out of the woods yet. Please pray that I keep my sanity :)
Melody
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Please Pray for Our Girls
Right now, I can't think of anything worse than overcoming the irrational fear of losing a child, only to be told later that it might happen afterall. There really is no better way to say it or any benefit in beating around the bush. The simple fact is that Baby B might not make it. Our only hopes are that a) Baby B miraculously makes a comeback or b) they can hang on in there at least until the 28th week (5 more to go). Let me explain...
Ultrasound #7. Doctor #4.
Doctor 4 finally gave me some answers. I was by myself, and she had a lot to explain, so forgive me if I miss some details. She told me that she was deeply concerned about the growth of Baby B. Every time I go back to the specialist, the weight difference between the two babies keeps growing as Baby A advances and Baby B lags behind. Baby B grows...but not enough. The blood flow through her cord is restricted. It's called placental dysfunction or placental insufficiency, when the placenta isn't providing enough oxygen or nutrients to one of the babies. My understanding is that the placenta just isn't big enough for the two of them, and Baby A benefits more from it, leaving Baby B the leftovers. There's nothing they can do to improve the blood flow.
Doctor 4 explained to me that if she might pass away in the womb and too much time passed before anyone knew it, Baby A would be affected (they share the same network of blood vessels in the placenta) and possibly develop neurological defects. She gave me the option of "clamping Baby B's cord," but Allan and I refuse.
The plan: I am on modified bed rest until Tuesday, April 28th when I go into the specialist again. If they find she still isn't improving or gets worse, I'll be given steroids to stimulate lung development, hospitalized indefinitely, and monitored closely in case something happens where they can act quickly. Either way, our best bet is praying that Baby B hangs on long enough that they could both survive outside the womb.
I know my words are very sterile and scientific. Don't be fooled: I am a wreck. In a way, I try to comfort myself by thinking about all the women who have been told that their babies have a very slim chance of survival, and they end up making it and living happy lives. All I know is that God is bigger, and this Easter I was reminded of his miracles. I also know that whatever God's plan is, he chose us to endure it. To me, that is a major compliment. Still, none of this news is easy to come to terms with completely, and we ask you to please pray for our family. We can't imagine the rest of our lives without our twin baby girls.
Ultrasound #7. Doctor #4.
Doctor 4 finally gave me some answers. I was by myself, and she had a lot to explain, so forgive me if I miss some details. She told me that she was deeply concerned about the growth of Baby B. Every time I go back to the specialist, the weight difference between the two babies keeps growing as Baby A advances and Baby B lags behind. Baby B grows...but not enough. The blood flow through her cord is restricted. It's called placental dysfunction or placental insufficiency, when the placenta isn't providing enough oxygen or nutrients to one of the babies. My understanding is that the placenta just isn't big enough for the two of them, and Baby A benefits more from it, leaving Baby B the leftovers. There's nothing they can do to improve the blood flow.
Doctor 4 explained to me that if she might pass away in the womb and too much time passed before anyone knew it, Baby A would be affected (they share the same network of blood vessels in the placenta) and possibly develop neurological defects. She gave me the option of "clamping Baby B's cord," but Allan and I refuse.
The plan: I am on modified bed rest until Tuesday, April 28th when I go into the specialist again. If they find she still isn't improving or gets worse, I'll be given steroids to stimulate lung development, hospitalized indefinitely, and monitored closely in case something happens where they can act quickly. Either way, our best bet is praying that Baby B hangs on long enough that they could both survive outside the womb.
I know my words are very sterile and scientific. Don't be fooled: I am a wreck. In a way, I try to comfort myself by thinking about all the women who have been told that their babies have a very slim chance of survival, and they end up making it and living happy lives. All I know is that God is bigger, and this Easter I was reminded of his miracles. I also know that whatever God's plan is, he chose us to endure it. To me, that is a major compliment. Still, none of this news is easy to come to terms with completely, and we ask you to please pray for our family. We can't imagine the rest of our lives without our twin baby girls.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
21 weeks
Ultrasound #5. Up to this point, I've been slightly frustrated with my doctors' limited or total lack of information. I need a doctor who will tell me what is going on with the humans growing inside of me. Three weeks ago, my doctor told me that they need to monitor Baby B's growth and that bright white spot on her chest. I went in yesterday and since my doctor was on vacation, I was fortunate to see another one who was very honest and straight forward with me. He said he's not worried about the white spot. It's most likely a calcium deposit, as I mentioned before. The concern is that Baby B is still farther behind in her growth than she was three weeks ago. Baby A has gained 7 ounces, while Baby B has only gained 4. He isn't concerned about twin-to-twin transfusion (when one baby hogs all the nutrients), so that is very good news! This is something I would normally get worked up over, but the fact that everything else has been normal until now seems to keep me at peace. I'm going in next week for "dopplers". The internet--not my doctor--says a doppler ultrasound detects blood flow in the vessels. Are they checking for heart defects?
Well, in other pregnancy news, my belly is measuring at 6 months, even though I'm 5 months along. It is still rapidly growing. Every time I wake up in the morning I feel a little bit bigger. I've grown out of few maternity tops already. I have no idea how huge I'll be in a couple months. Oh boy! Hang on!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I Miss My Belly Button
This is my pregnant belly. It has grown twice the size within the past two weeks. This is the first time I am showing these photos off on the internet. I would normally feel vulnerable showing my belly, b
ut as an artist I have no problem with showing off the beautiful part of pregnancy, because not all of it is lovely. Not only is it a pregnant belly...it's double pregnant and double happy. I love being able to eat, and I take full advantage of eating constantly without shame. If I wasn't sick in the beginning, it would have been much more challenging to bring myself to eat so much, especially after a year of watching my weight to look fabulous on my wedding day and honeymoon. But now my babies need lots of food! I realize that pregnancy is no time to have a negative body image. It is beautiful, a wonderful and miraculous gift of life that I feel privileged to have been chosen to carry. God entrusted me with two little baby girls, and the last thing I am worried about is the way I look. I guess it's easy to say when I'm not overweight or have stretch marks yet (I'm sure I'll post something in a couple months about how huge and ugly I feel). But one thing is for sure: I am losing my belly button! See how squinty it is?
As far as I know the girls are still kickin...and boy do they like to kick! Allan loves feeling the babies move. It's fun for me almost all the time. Other times it feels like they're wrestling around in there, and it gets a bit annoying. I tell them to settle down. Maybe they'll listen better in a couple years...
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