As I was typing my blog post last night,I was experiencing that new symptom I mentioned--menstrual cramps and dull back pain. I tried to lay in the recliner for a couple hours, but the pain was not subsiding. DH thought we should go to ER to put my mind at ease. Little did he know (or myself), I was experiencing preterm labor. My uterus was consistently contracting and nothing seemed to stop them. I did try to call the on-call doctor, but no one answered. That's when we decided to go to ER. When we got there, they took me to the Birthing Center to hook up all the monitors, and they started an IV of fluids. Sure enough, I was having regular contractions and the on-call doctor (who happened to be my normal OB--YAY!) was concerned. Dr. C said this was way to early for contractions, for she wants these twins to make it to at least 35 or 36 weeks. Good news, the babies looked great on the monitors and my blood pressure was under control. As they checked my monitors, they noticed my first IV insertion area was getting red and swollen and had to be taken out (and that was painful and bloody!) It almost made me want to pass out (I'm such a wimp, I know!) They put another IV in and mental note to self, make sure they use the 20 gauge needle on me. It went in much better. After the IV fluids, it was decided to keep me overnight, for contractions were not stopping. They gave me a steroid injection to help the babies' lung maturity, which I will need a second one tonight. And since the contractions were not stopping, they gave me some pills to help stop the contractions; I can't remember the name of medicine, but fortunately, they ran out of it in injection form. (Can you tell that I dislike needles!?!) By the time all this was done, I was told that there were ketones in my urine.
More good news...Besides, the babies looking great, my cervix was still long and they ran a test which predicted early delivery. Based on the test results, there is a very good chance that these babies will NOT be delivered within the next 2 weeks, which is a very good thing. Also, my contractions did stop in the early morning. Thank goodness! The worst part of the whole overnight stay was the lack of sleep I got. They wanted to keep the fetal monitors on both babies all night and the only way they cooperated was if I was lying on my back inclined. This position was so uncomfortable (esp. in birthing beds) that I couldn't sleep because of the pressure on my back. No matter how many pillows the nurses used, I just couldn't get comfortable. BTW, I had incredible nurses and I'm so thankful for their patience and compassion. Luckily, they did put some nubain in my IV and that helped with back pain, so I could sleep an hour or two. It was a long night. By morning, they decided the fetal monitors were not a necessity, so I could rest/sleep in whatever position I wanted. By 1:00pm today, the ketones were not in my urine anymore and everything looked good. I was ready to be discharged! Home sweet home, how nice it is!
Of course, I can't go back to my normal routine or the contractions can easily start up again. I'm on bedrest at home now, which can be somewhat challenging with a 5 year old. She is in school most of the day, but the DH has to step up and take on some "mommy" responsibilities. My Mom is coming over tomorrow to help with some house cleaning and finish wrapping Christmas gifts for me. Thankfully, DH has an understanding boss (who's wife was also on bedrest with her 2nd child) who will let DH work from home when need be. With the holidays coming up, DH also has vacation time to use up. We were hoping to save the time for the twins' birth. Hopefully, he can use that time towards the end of the month and not any time soon.
What a scare last night was, but I'm glad our babies are still doing good. As Dr. C said, there's about 8lbs of baby in my uterus and my uterus is ready . We are just asking my uterus to be superhero.
**excuse any grammar errors -- I'm extremely tired right now.**
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
New Symptoms at 32 weeks
The fun is really starting! I hit the 32 week-mark and things are changing! I swear, the babies have dropped, for I now get up at least 3 to 4 times a night to pee. Sometimes, I'll be driving in the car and have to pee. I get out of the car, and then I don't have to go anymore. It drives me crazy! To pee or not to pee is often the question.
Then, there's the swelling in my left foot. I had it for a week or so now but usually when I woke in the morning, it would be gone. Not anymore. I wake up and the left foot is swelling, as if I was on my feel all day. I have been monitoring my blood pressure at home to make sure it has not gotten any higher. Amazingly, my blood pressure has been low, which is great.
OMG, what's with the weepiness? I think I've cried twice today. It seems to get worse with each day that does on. I'm usually a sap, but not like this. I was watching 'Catch and Release' today and when the little boy says, "my Dad was a superhero!" I started balling. Really?!? I'm an emotional wreck!
The new symptom that has me a little uptight is the menstrual-like cramps and dull back pain. I know it's not true labor because it is not consistent, so I'm guessing it's braxton hick contractions. Being pregnant before, you'd think I'd know what is going on with my body. However, I feel like this is all new to me again. It has been almost 6 years, so it's easy to forget...I think. Though I do believe twins (or multiples) add a different dynamic to a pregnancy. Everything seems to be more intense or occur more soon in the pregnancy.
What's next? My next ultrasound is this Friday. Let's hope there's no surprises, especially since it would have been 4 weeks since seeing a doctor. Can't wait to see the babies again...it's been way too long!
Then, there's the swelling in my left foot. I had it for a week or so now but usually when I woke in the morning, it would be gone. Not anymore. I wake up and the left foot is swelling, as if I was on my feel all day. I have been monitoring my blood pressure at home to make sure it has not gotten any higher. Amazingly, my blood pressure has been low, which is great.
OMG, what's with the weepiness? I think I've cried twice today. It seems to get worse with each day that does on. I'm usually a sap, but not like this. I was watching 'Catch and Release' today and when the little boy says, "my Dad was a superhero!" I started balling. Really?!? I'm an emotional wreck!
The new symptom that has me a little uptight is the menstrual-like cramps and dull back pain. I know it's not true labor because it is not consistent, so I'm guessing it's braxton hick contractions. Being pregnant before, you'd think I'd know what is going on with my body. However, I feel like this is all new to me again. It has been almost 6 years, so it's easy to forget...I think. Though I do believe twins (or multiples) add a different dynamic to a pregnancy. Everything seems to be more intense or occur more soon in the pregnancy.
What's next? My next ultrasound is this Friday. Let's hope there's no surprises, especially since it would have been 4 weeks since seeing a doctor. Can't wait to see the babies again...it's been way too long!
Monday, November 28, 2011
31 Week Update - What's With All The Pain?
This is not going to be my usual update. As with my last couple updates, I feel redundant. Of course, I have the same sleeping issues and we are still expecting girls. However, I have officially hit the point, where I want to say, "I'm done with being pregnant." Obviously, I want the girls to stay inside me as long as possible, for I want them to be as healthy as possible (and avoid NICU). However, I currently feel like I did with DD when I was 39 weeks with her. The area below my breasts is burning and so uncomfortable. I literally started crying today because it was painful and I could not find a position where I could get comfortable. I can't wear a bra anymore, for that makes the pain worse. I'm still trying to organize the nursery and clean the house, which frustrates me even more.
My physically pain is definitely taking its toll on me emotionally. It's so draining when you can't do anything for the pain and when the pain prohibits you from doing things you need to do. I'm so grateful for my twins, but sometimes I wonder if my body can handle two babies. How the heck did the Octomom carry so many babies--it's beyond my comprehension!
I love these babies with all my heart, and I hope that my pain tolerance can crank it up a notch!
My physically pain is definitely taking its toll on me emotionally. It's so draining when you can't do anything for the pain and when the pain prohibits you from doing things you need to do. I'm so grateful for my twins, but sometimes I wonder if my body can handle two babies. How the heck did the Octomom carry so many babies--it's beyond my comprehension!
I love these babies with all my heart, and I hope that my pain tolerance can crank it up a notch!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Giving Thanks
There is so much to be thankful for this year. My wonderful husband who has been supportive through the good and bad. Not only is he a great husband, but he's an incredible father. Our sweet daughter lights up our world daily with her laughs, hugs and kisses. And, of course, we (all three of us) are so thankful for our two growing little babies. Sometimes, it is difficult to believe that I am actually pregnant (with twins) and that we'll be meeting our two baby girls soon.
A friend of mine recently quoted: The happiest people do not have the best of everything...They make the best of everything they have. My DH and I complain about our house being too small, but I'm thankful that we have a home. A home full of love and warmth. We wish we had a bigger bank balance, but we are thankful that we have money to support a family with food, clothes, and a home. We haven't gone on a vacation in over a year (or maybe two), but we find fun things to do as a family (that doesn't always involve spending money).
Did I mention, I'm thankful that my Mom is cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year?! I'm so blessed to have such a loving mother!
We are thankful for the big and small things in our lives.
A friend of mine recently quoted: The happiest people do not have the best of everything...They make the best of everything they have. My DH and I complain about our house being too small, but I'm thankful that we have a home. A home full of love and warmth. We wish we had a bigger bank balance, but we are thankful that we have money to support a family with food, clothes, and a home. We haven't gone on a vacation in over a year (or maybe two), but we find fun things to do as a family (that doesn't always involve spending money).
Did I mention, I'm thankful that my Mom is cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year?! I'm so blessed to have such a loving mother!
We are thankful for the big and small things in our lives.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Update: 30 weeks
How far along? 30 weeks!
Weight gain? I haven't weighed myself, but I'm guessing 28-29 pounds.
Symptoms: Heartburn is more frequent now. Feel jibs/kicks all over!
Stretch marks? Not yet! Let's hope it stays that way!
Sleep? Sleep is overrated. Waking up several times a night to pee. Flip/flopping sides all night.
Best moment this week? Not having to wear my prenatal cradle this week. I didn't feel like I needed it this week.
Movement? Every now and then I get a nice jab in the cervix or a kick to the ribs, but it's getting really crowded in there.
Food Cravings? bagels and apples
Gender? TWO GIRLS!!!
What I miss? Being able to cut my own toe nails...so, I got a pedicure this week! :)
What I'm looking forward to? Meeting our little girls.
Milestones: With only 7 more weeks to go, the countdown has begun!
Emotions: Still getting emotional over little stuff. The fact that I can't do as much stresses me out. I want to climb the ladder and fix the lightbulb...but the voice inside me says 'wait until your husband gets home.' Which also means it will probably take 2 weeks to change the lightbulb.
Weight gain? I haven't weighed myself, but I'm guessing 28-29 pounds.
Symptoms: Heartburn is more frequent now. Feel jibs/kicks all over!
Stretch marks? Not yet! Let's hope it stays that way!
Sleep? Sleep is overrated. Waking up several times a night to pee. Flip/flopping sides all night.
Best moment this week? Not having to wear my prenatal cradle this week. I didn't feel like I needed it this week.
Movement? Every now and then I get a nice jab in the cervix or a kick to the ribs, but it's getting really crowded in there.
Food Cravings? bagels and apples
Gender? TWO GIRLS!!!
What I miss? Being able to cut my own toe nails...so, I got a pedicure this week! :)
What I'm looking forward to? Meeting our little girls.
Milestones: With only 7 more weeks to go, the countdown has begun!
Emotions: Still getting emotional over little stuff. The fact that I can't do as much stresses me out. I want to climb the ladder and fix the lightbulb...but the voice inside me says 'wait until your husband gets home.' Which also means it will probably take 2 weeks to change the lightbulb.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Donor Egg Gossip
I've been wanting to write about this in my blog for awhile now. I was afraid if I wrote about it when I first encountered the situation this would be a very angry post. It still makes me irritated, but at this point, I just shake my head at some people.
One day I was helping at my daughter's school in the cafeteria. She was a new student there, so I really wanted to get involved right away and get to know other parents/students. The moms I did meet that day were very welcoming and of course, interested in my twin pregnancy. I got the usual question, "do twins run in your family?" My usual answer: on my husband's side. Then, as an hour or so passed, the one mom said there were twins in the lunch room now. I heard her whisper to the other mom, "there's a story behind them, I'll tell you later." At that point, I thought, "a story?" Little did I expect to hear the "story" she was about to tell us later. From the start, I didn't like the tone, for it sounded like gossip. As we were cleaning up for the day, she proceeded to tell us that the twins' mother had problems getting pregnant, so she used an egg donor. Her words felt like a punch to the gut when she then said, "can you believe someone would do that?" (I blocked the rest of their conversation out...it's like I had a shield up to protect myself from their opinions on donor eggs). As it was, I didn't know what to say and I felt I couldn't say anything. I felt awkward--I didn't want to hear this nor did I care that another mother used an egg donor (it's her business). I wanted to stand up for that mother, though because I'm guessing she went through infertility struggles like the rest of us who have to seek an egg donor. Then, I felt angry. I was angry that this mom who I just met was talking "bad" about using an egg donor. She was so narrow-minded and really had no business talking about another mother's decision to use donor eggs.
This is a good example of why I don't want to tell anyone that we used donor eggs. I still feel it's important for our daughters to know how they were conceived with donor eggs and to know at an early age. If they want to tell others, that's their right, but I am not freely giving out their conception story. People are too judgmental of others and truthfully, I don't want to be a part of the gossip circling the school moms. I feel like a "wuss" about it--I should stand up for the use of donor eggs and the mothers who use them, but I'm just not there yet. It's a private family matter, and I think it should be kept that way--private.
One day I was helping at my daughter's school in the cafeteria. She was a new student there, so I really wanted to get involved right away and get to know other parents/students. The moms I did meet that day were very welcoming and of course, interested in my twin pregnancy. I got the usual question, "do twins run in your family?" My usual answer: on my husband's side. Then, as an hour or so passed, the one mom said there were twins in the lunch room now. I heard her whisper to the other mom, "there's a story behind them, I'll tell you later." At that point, I thought, "a story?" Little did I expect to hear the "story" she was about to tell us later. From the start, I didn't like the tone, for it sounded like gossip. As we were cleaning up for the day, she proceeded to tell us that the twins' mother had problems getting pregnant, so she used an egg donor. Her words felt like a punch to the gut when she then said, "can you believe someone would do that?" (I blocked the rest of their conversation out...it's like I had a shield up to protect myself from their opinions on donor eggs). As it was, I didn't know what to say and I felt I couldn't say anything. I felt awkward--I didn't want to hear this nor did I care that another mother used an egg donor (it's her business). I wanted to stand up for that mother, though because I'm guessing she went through infertility struggles like the rest of us who have to seek an egg donor. Then, I felt angry. I was angry that this mom who I just met was talking "bad" about using an egg donor. She was so narrow-minded and really had no business talking about another mother's decision to use donor eggs.
This is a good example of why I don't want to tell anyone that we used donor eggs. I still feel it's important for our daughters to know how they were conceived with donor eggs and to know at an early age. If they want to tell others, that's their right, but I am not freely giving out their conception story. People are too judgmental of others and truthfully, I don't want to be a part of the gossip circling the school moms. I feel like a "wuss" about it--I should stand up for the use of donor eggs and the mothers who use them, but I'm just not there yet. It's a private family matter, and I think it should be kept that way--private.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Update: 28 weeks 4 days
How far along? 28 wk 4 days
Weight gain? 27 lbs (gained 3 lbs in the last 3 weeks). I feel the weight gain slowing due to the fact of limited space for food.
Symptoms: Burning belly and belly button, back aches, some heartburn, stuffy nose (esp. at night) and lots of movement inside my belly.
Stretch marks? Not yet! It's difficult to believe with all this stretching.
Sleep? Uncomfortable (nothing new) and the stuffy nose at night gives me dry mouth in the morning. DH says I'm snoring. So, he probably isn't sleeping good either.
Best moment this week? I had another scan today and saw the babes (hadn't seen them in 3 weeks). Both babies are growing nicely...measuring a week ahead. Their growths are about 15% differentiated. Baby A is smaller, measuring about 2 lbs 13 oz and Baby B (who was more active today) was about 3 lbs 2 oz. After today's appointment, I now understand the way they are positioned in my belly, which makes sense why I have more movement on the one side of my belly.
Movement? Love being able to see them poking at my belly. Lots of movements!
Food Cravings? Healthy: apples & peanut butter
Gender? TWO GIRLS!!!
What I miss? Being as active with our daughter. She had a rough day and held her arms up to me (as if to hold her), and it broke my heart that I couldn't pick her up.
What I'm looking forward to? Meeting our little girls.
Milestones: Passed my GD test.
Emotions: Lately, I've been very emotional. Things that normally wouldn't make me cry are making me weepy. When the OB/GYN said she'd see me in 4 weeks. I felt like crying. Isn't 4 weeks too long? A lot can happen in 4 weeks! it makes me want to cry.
Weight gain? 27 lbs (gained 3 lbs in the last 3 weeks). I feel the weight gain slowing due to the fact of limited space for food.
Symptoms: Burning belly and belly button, back aches, some heartburn, stuffy nose (esp. at night) and lots of movement inside my belly.
Stretch marks? Not yet! It's difficult to believe with all this stretching.
Sleep? Uncomfortable (nothing new) and the stuffy nose at night gives me dry mouth in the morning. DH says I'm snoring. So, he probably isn't sleeping good either.
Best moment this week? I had another scan today and saw the babes (hadn't seen them in 3 weeks). Both babies are growing nicely...measuring a week ahead. Their growths are about 15% differentiated. Baby A is smaller, measuring about 2 lbs 13 oz and Baby B (who was more active today) was about 3 lbs 2 oz. After today's appointment, I now understand the way they are positioned in my belly, which makes sense why I have more movement on the one side of my belly.
Movement? Love being able to see them poking at my belly. Lots of movements!
Food Cravings? Healthy: apples & peanut butter
Gender? TWO GIRLS!!!
What I miss? Being as active with our daughter. She had a rough day and held her arms up to me (as if to hold her), and it broke my heart that I couldn't pick her up.
What I'm looking forward to? Meeting our little girls.
Milestones: Passed my GD test.
Emotions: Lately, I've been very emotional. Things that normally wouldn't make me cry are making me weepy. When the OB/GYN said she'd see me in 4 weeks. I felt like crying. Isn't 4 weeks too long? A lot can happen in 4 weeks! it makes me want to cry.
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