Here is part of what the weekly update e-mailed to me says:
You may soon feel like your baby's practising martial arts as his initial fluttering movements turn into fully-fledged kicks and nudges. As your pregnancy progresses, you may be able to decipher a pattern to his activity. Some babies are restless in the evening, just as you're trying to fall asleep; others get busy during the daytime. Your baby may be trying out different facial expressions around now, although his eyelids still remain closed.
The fetus now weighs about three-quarters of a pound/ 360 grams and is approximately 10.5 inches/ 27 centimetres long from crown to heel. The eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed and the fingernails cover the fingertips.
There's a saying: 'Little pitchers have big ears'. Your baby can now hear your conversations. If you talk, read, or sing to your baby, expect her to hear you. Some studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in utero. If you want to try, pick a book now and read it out loud. Make sure you won't mind reading it over and over once the baby is here. It may be your baby's favourite bedtime story for a long time after birth
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am back at home now after my week in hospital. Things seem to be going well. I am slightly panicked by the idea of spending months with this limited amount of activity. I am allowed from bed to couch, to the bathroom and to get food. My body feels very sore all over from lack of exercise. It is hard spending many many hours lying down each day. I think if I felt sick it would be easier, I feel fine so it makes it hard to remember that I am not supposed to jump up and do things whenever the urge strikes me. Also as the weather gets better I really want to spend time outside, in the barn etc. That isn't going to happen this year. I know that I need to be patient, and the kicks n my belly remind me why I am doing this. It is hard though. I get frustrated hearing the same (well meaning) comments over and over. "It is worth it", "Rest now, you won't be getting any when they arrive", "I wish I had time to lie around and do nothing", etc. People, I know it is worth it, if it wasn't I wouldn't be doing this. As to resting now, not sure how that is going to help me, you can't bank rest and getting even more out of shape now isn't going to help when I am hauling around 2 babies later, and to those who wish they were in my shoes... try it! Lying around all day is great for a day or 2, but after a short while it gets really old and starts to hurt!
Enough of my rant...
I hired a housekeeper and yesterday was her first day. She is amazing. It is lovely to have a few rooms of my house clean again. (My bathroom sparkles). She will be coming once a week from now on. I think this might be the ticket to keep me from going insane in the next few months. There are other areas in my house that she can't really get looking nice as they are too full of stuff. I have this urge to throw away half the things in my house right now. Perhaps it is a good thing I am not allowed to move stuff or my hubby would come home to an empty home and a smiling wife. I don't know if it is the hormonal nesting urges associated with pregnacy or just having to spend 24/7 in my house, but the clutter drives me nuts.
I am still terrified that I will go into labour. Reading stuff on the internet (I know googling things is the easiest way to freak yourself out...) about cerclage and incompetent cervix made me realise just how close I had come to losing these 2 little ones. I have read many many cerclage success stories lately and am really trying to be positive. Every twinge, cramp or strange sensation makes me scared that I am going into labour though. Some days I am super positive and others I just feel like I am going to go off the deep end with panic. Our first goal is 28 weeks. Only 7 weeks to go...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Home again...
I had my ultrasound at the hospital yesterday. It was good news! My surgery went well and the stitch is in place and up nice and high. My cervix is slightly longer now. The Drs were very happy with how it looked. Happy enough that they sent me home.
I am basically on house arrest. I am allowed to leave for appointments, but the rest of the time I am to stay home. I am not on strict bed rest though, I am allowed up to the couch , bathroom and to get food.
The babies were doing well on the ultrasound. It still looks like Baby A is a boy. Baby B was keeping his or her legs tightly closed, so no chance to see there. Baby A was kicking Baby B in the head.... the little rotter. Baby A is head down with feet up. Baby B is sideways , kicking me on the left, being kicked in the head on the right.
I have another ultrasound booked for Friday April 3rd and a OB appointment on Thursday April 2nd. I can't beleive next week it is April already.
I am basically on house arrest. I am allowed to leave for appointments, but the rest of the time I am to stay home. I am not on strict bed rest though, I am allowed up to the couch , bathroom and to get food.
The babies were doing well on the ultrasound. It still looks like Baby A is a boy. Baby B was keeping his or her legs tightly closed, so no chance to see there. Baby A was kicking Baby B in the head.... the little rotter. Baby A is head down with feet up. Baby B is sideways , kicking me on the left, being kicked in the head on the right.
I have another ultrasound booked for Friday April 3rd and a OB appointment on Thursday April 2nd. I can't beleive next week it is April already.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Black and Blue
I am starting to look like I have been the victim of domestic abuse. I get a Heprin (blood thinner) shot 3 tmes a day (8, 4 and midnight). I have developed colorful bruises from the injection sites (thigh and both upper arms). I guess it is better than developping a blood clot from not moving around very much, one of the risks of pregnancy and bed rest.
It is Sunday afternoon and things still seem to be going well. I am feeling better and am getting to be less sore. Heard the heartbeats again today. 140 and 160 again. Both babies sound good and are very active in there. There is an old wives tale that a higher heartbeat means a girl. I asked one of the nurses about that earlier in the week, and she said it didn't mean anything. The nurse today mentioned that perhaps with the consistenly higher heartbeat Baby B is a girl. So who knows perhaps the wives tale is true? I guess there is a 50/50 chance either way!
I have another ultrasound (probably tom.). I am looking forward to seeing the babies again, but am nervous to see what the surgery accomplished. Wish us all luck and pray for us if that is your thing.
It is Sunday afternoon and things still seem to be going well. I am feeling better and am getting to be less sore. Heard the heartbeats again today. 140 and 160 again. Both babies sound good and are very active in there. There is an old wives tale that a higher heartbeat means a girl. I asked one of the nurses about that earlier in the week, and she said it didn't mean anything. The nurse today mentioned that perhaps with the consistenly higher heartbeat Baby B is a girl. So who knows perhaps the wives tale is true? I guess there is a 50/50 chance either way!
I have another ultrasound (probably tom.). I am looking forward to seeing the babies again, but am nervous to see what the surgery accomplished. Wish us all luck and pray for us if that is your thing.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Heartbeats
One of the best things about being in the hospital is that I get to hear the heartbeats pretty much every day. This morning Baby A (boy in right lower quadrant) was more active and had a heartbeat of 145. Baby B (? in the left upper quadrant) has had a higher heartbeat every time they have been checked and was at 160 today.
20 weeks pregnant
Here is the weekly update:
At 20 weeks hair on the scalp is sprouting and sensory development evolves rapidly. The nerve cells serving each of the senses - taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch - are now developing in their specialised areas of the brain. Nerve cell production slows down as existing nerve cells grow larger and make more complex connections. The smell of a newborn seems to be the most developed of all senses, enabling them to recognize you immediately. You no doubt feel the kicking and somersaulting of your growing twins. At times, they may be so mobile that they will wake you up during the night. The next ten weeks or so will be your twins' busiest and most active time, until the uterus gets too crowded. A whitish coat of a slick, fatty substance called vernix caseosa will begin to cover your twins. It protects their skin during its long immersion in amniotic fluid and acts as a barrier against infection after birth. Your twins are swallowing an increasing amount of amniotic fluid, good practice for their digestive systems. Until now your fetuses have been measured from crown to rump but from 20 weeks the measurement will be from crown to heel. And from crown to heel they are approximately 10.5 inches/ 27 centimetres long. Their eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed and fingernails cover the fingertips. Your babies can now hear your conversations. If you talk, read, or sing to your twins, sound waves are transmitted along your spine to make them progressively familiar to your voice, helping them to recognise you after they are born. Your twins can hear other sounds through the skin covering your belly, but they are distorted as they pass through your fat and muscle, the wall of your uterus and amniotic fluid. Only your voice will be clearly recognisable to them by the end of your pregnancy.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Surgery
It has been a few days since the surgery now, but I decided to write about it. If you don't like hearing about medical stuff, skip this post.
Around 10 on Monday evening we headed down to the surgery section of the hospital. Just as we were arriving another team arrived for an emergency c-section, so we got bumped and had to wait for a few minutes.We got to sit in the room outside the operating room which had doors that opened to the helicopter pad. Watching/hearing the helicopter arrive and leave was a good distraction for us. Finally they were ready for me and we said our goodbyes as hubby wasn't allowed in the operating room or in recovery. He went back to my hospital room to wait for news.
I was taken into the operating room and climbed up on the table. Here I met the anisitologist who explained how the spinal block would work. I was very happy not to have to be completely put under although the idea of having a needle in my spine scared the crap out of me. (fortunately not litterally as that would have been embaressing to poop on the table in my backless Johnny shirt). Before the spinal he put in an IV. I am not a little person, but unfortunately I don't have veins to match. He searched and searched for a good one to use and finally tried one on the top of my hand. It collapsed right away. So he then was forced to go into my wrist and managed to get the IV into a decent vein there. Now I was ready for the spinal block.
I was instructed to sit up on the table and was given a pillow to hug. I had to drop my chin to my chest, drop my shoulders and curl my spine as much as possible. The ER nurse held my hands and talked to me from the front as he went to work from the back. I closed my eyes, imagined myself somewhere else and thought about taking deep relaxing breaths. He used a small needle to numb the area and then went in with the spinal block needle. I felt no pain. I felt him pushing a lot and a lot of pressure on my spine as he located the right spot and got the needle in deep enough. Overall not a traumatic experience at all. I wont worry too much if I ever have to do it again.
As I sat there I felt this warmth start in my butt cheeks and slowly spread down to my feet. It actually felt good as my naked little toes were so cold. The operating room is really icy cold. They got me to lay down quickly before I couldn't move my lower body. Even as I was moving I could feel how heavy and numb my legs were getting. A few seconds later I couldn't move them at all and they had to lift my legs into the stirrups and position me for the operation.
I have never had a real operation before (dental and a lump removed from my lip don't really count) so all the bells and whistles were new to me. I was hooked up to IV, a blood pressure cuff that activated every 5 minutes and gave me hickeys on my arm from pinching me, a catheter to stop me from peeing on all of them (put in after I was numb fortunately), and a clip on my finger to monitor my heart and oxygen levels. I could turn my head and watch the monitors and see the pattern of my heart beats. I was also suprised by the number of people in the room. I had 3 surgeons, 2 or 3 OR nurses , the nurse who was by my head and the anisitologist. All were dressed in green scrubs, wore masks and had funny little hats on their heads. I kind of felt like I was on the set of Scrubs or Greys Anatomy. No McDreamy or McSteamy though...
After they had me in position, head down, butt in the air with feet spread out on stirrups, girl parts exposed to the air. The draped me in blue cloths and got to work. I had one nurse by my head, and we basically chatted the whole time. I felt like I was two people. One was my upper half, totally normal having a conversation, the second was my bottom half which was blocked by blue sheets and had no feeling. I kind of detached myself from the 2nd half of my body and the 6 or 7 people staring at my whoha under bright lights. I have no idea how long the operation lasted (they had said it would be about an hour before going in) but I basically didn't feel a thing. I could feel a little pressure and touch on my legs occasionally, but where they were actually doing stuff I couldn't feel a thing. The group at the end of the table between my legs talked amongst themselves, but I kind of tuned it out. I did overhear the comments "perfect" and "went well" near the end.
Finally they said they were done and I got to be transfered from the operating table to a bed with wheels thing (guerny?) and was taken to the recovery room. Here the nurse called up to my hospital room and I got to tell hubby his wife was still alive, although not kicking yet. I reminded him to call my Mom as well as I knew she would be worried too. We waited in the recovery room (nurse and I) until I had started to get feeling back and could move my lower half a little bit. I was still hooked up to blood pressure, heart monitor, IV and catheter during this wait. My blood pressure (normally on the high side) took a real nose dive and I got very cold and shakey. The nurse wrapped me up well in heated flannel sheets and assured me that , although lower than normal , it was still safe numbers and was due to the meds in my body.
When you go to the dentist and have a freezing there is always a moment when you realise that you can smile again. It was like that with the lower half of my body. First I could activate a thigh muscle and make my legs wiggle a little. Next I could contract calf muscles. Eventually I had some wiggles in my toes and could roll around a little bit. At this point the nurse decided to push me back to my room. I rolled myself (kind of like a log) of the stretcher and onto my hospital bed in my room. By this time it was really late, and I basically went to sleep for the night. I was hooked up to IV and a catheter still, so couldn't move around much in bed. I also had nurses popping in quite often to check on me, give. It wasn't the best nights sleep...
The risks with cerclage surgery are rare, but scary. Bleeding (which I had a little of the first day), blood clots (which I am getting shots 3 times a day to prevent), water breaking (hasn't happened!), going into labour, and infection. The Dr told me that the first 24-48 hours were critical and that the first week would tell us how it had gone. It is now Friday and everything looks good so far. My blood pressure is fine, my temps are fine, I have no cramping or signs of labour. A few digestive issues and headaches, but nothing too scary. I am off of IV, the catheter is gone (thank God, it was the worst part of the whole operation, it caused me to have bladder contractions which were painful and burned) and am allowed up to the bathroom and to shower once a day.
I would prefer not to be on bed rest in the hospital, but if that is where I have to be I am in a good place. All of the nurses and Drs so far I have met have been excellent and really nice. I have a private room with a view of the city and the harbour. I have a cot in my room so hubby can sleep over when he wants to. I have a menu and can "dial to dine" when I am hungry. I have my own bathroom and shower. It isn't home and I really miss fresh air and my animals, but all in all it isn't a horrible place. Although I have lost it a few times and just bawled because I want to go home. I am allowed visitors and have had a few. Hubby (who basically lived here the first couple of days), my Mom, and 3 or 4 of my best friends have come by to visit. I have had lots of people call or message me to check on how I am doing as well. I feel like I have a good support system. Thanks everyone!
I am here until at least Tuesday (one full week since the operation) to make sure I don't develop infections etc. On Tuesday we will do another ultrasound of my cervix, and will see how the surgery worked. If everything is 100% perfect I may be allowed home on bed rest then. If there is any question of wether I should go home or stay here, I will be staying put. As much as I love my house and animals, I am prepared to spend the next 17 weeks in this hospital bed if that is what it takes to get the twins safely here.
Around 10 on Monday evening we headed down to the surgery section of the hospital. Just as we were arriving another team arrived for an emergency c-section, so we got bumped and had to wait for a few minutes.We got to sit in the room outside the operating room which had doors that opened to the helicopter pad. Watching/hearing the helicopter arrive and leave was a good distraction for us. Finally they were ready for me and we said our goodbyes as hubby wasn't allowed in the operating room or in recovery. He went back to my hospital room to wait for news.
I was taken into the operating room and climbed up on the table. Here I met the anisitologist who explained how the spinal block would work. I was very happy not to have to be completely put under although the idea of having a needle in my spine scared the crap out of me. (fortunately not litterally as that would have been embaressing to poop on the table in my backless Johnny shirt). Before the spinal he put in an IV. I am not a little person, but unfortunately I don't have veins to match. He searched and searched for a good one to use and finally tried one on the top of my hand. It collapsed right away. So he then was forced to go into my wrist and managed to get the IV into a decent vein there. Now I was ready for the spinal block.
I was instructed to sit up on the table and was given a pillow to hug. I had to drop my chin to my chest, drop my shoulders and curl my spine as much as possible. The ER nurse held my hands and talked to me from the front as he went to work from the back. I closed my eyes, imagined myself somewhere else and thought about taking deep relaxing breaths. He used a small needle to numb the area and then went in with the spinal block needle. I felt no pain. I felt him pushing a lot and a lot of pressure on my spine as he located the right spot and got the needle in deep enough. Overall not a traumatic experience at all. I wont worry too much if I ever have to do it again.
As I sat there I felt this warmth start in my butt cheeks and slowly spread down to my feet. It actually felt good as my naked little toes were so cold. The operating room is really icy cold. They got me to lay down quickly before I couldn't move my lower body. Even as I was moving I could feel how heavy and numb my legs were getting. A few seconds later I couldn't move them at all and they had to lift my legs into the stirrups and position me for the operation.
I have never had a real operation before (dental and a lump removed from my lip don't really count) so all the bells and whistles were new to me. I was hooked up to IV, a blood pressure cuff that activated every 5 minutes and gave me hickeys on my arm from pinching me, a catheter to stop me from peeing on all of them (put in after I was numb fortunately), and a clip on my finger to monitor my heart and oxygen levels. I could turn my head and watch the monitors and see the pattern of my heart beats. I was also suprised by the number of people in the room. I had 3 surgeons, 2 or 3 OR nurses , the nurse who was by my head and the anisitologist. All were dressed in green scrubs, wore masks and had funny little hats on their heads. I kind of felt like I was on the set of Scrubs or Greys Anatomy. No McDreamy or McSteamy though...
After they had me in position, head down, butt in the air with feet spread out on stirrups, girl parts exposed to the air. The draped me in blue cloths and got to work. I had one nurse by my head, and we basically chatted the whole time. I felt like I was two people. One was my upper half, totally normal having a conversation, the second was my bottom half which was blocked by blue sheets and had no feeling. I kind of detached myself from the 2nd half of my body and the 6 or 7 people staring at my whoha under bright lights. I have no idea how long the operation lasted (they had said it would be about an hour before going in) but I basically didn't feel a thing. I could feel a little pressure and touch on my legs occasionally, but where they were actually doing stuff I couldn't feel a thing. The group at the end of the table between my legs talked amongst themselves, but I kind of tuned it out. I did overhear the comments "perfect" and "went well" near the end.
Finally they said they were done and I got to be transfered from the operating table to a bed with wheels thing (guerny?) and was taken to the recovery room. Here the nurse called up to my hospital room and I got to tell hubby his wife was still alive, although not kicking yet. I reminded him to call my Mom as well as I knew she would be worried too. We waited in the recovery room (nurse and I) until I had started to get feeling back and could move my lower half a little bit. I was still hooked up to blood pressure, heart monitor, IV and catheter during this wait. My blood pressure (normally on the high side) took a real nose dive and I got very cold and shakey. The nurse wrapped me up well in heated flannel sheets and assured me that , although lower than normal , it was still safe numbers and was due to the meds in my body.
When you go to the dentist and have a freezing there is always a moment when you realise that you can smile again. It was like that with the lower half of my body. First I could activate a thigh muscle and make my legs wiggle a little. Next I could contract calf muscles. Eventually I had some wiggles in my toes and could roll around a little bit. At this point the nurse decided to push me back to my room. I rolled myself (kind of like a log) of the stretcher and onto my hospital bed in my room. By this time it was really late, and I basically went to sleep for the night. I was hooked up to IV and a catheter still, so couldn't move around much in bed. I also had nurses popping in quite often to check on me, give. It wasn't the best nights sleep...
The risks with cerclage surgery are rare, but scary. Bleeding (which I had a little of the first day), blood clots (which I am getting shots 3 times a day to prevent), water breaking (hasn't happened!), going into labour, and infection. The Dr told me that the first 24-48 hours were critical and that the first week would tell us how it had gone. It is now Friday and everything looks good so far. My blood pressure is fine, my temps are fine, I have no cramping or signs of labour. A few digestive issues and headaches, but nothing too scary. I am off of IV, the catheter is gone (thank God, it was the worst part of the whole operation, it caused me to have bladder contractions which were painful and burned) and am allowed up to the bathroom and to shower once a day.
I would prefer not to be on bed rest in the hospital, but if that is where I have to be I am in a good place. All of the nurses and Drs so far I have met have been excellent and really nice. I have a private room with a view of the city and the harbour. I have a cot in my room so hubby can sleep over when he wants to. I have a menu and can "dial to dine" when I am hungry. I have my own bathroom and shower. It isn't home and I really miss fresh air and my animals, but all in all it isn't a horrible place. Although I have lost it a few times and just bawled because I want to go home. I am allowed visitors and have had a few. Hubby (who basically lived here the first couple of days), my Mom, and 3 or 4 of my best friends have come by to visit. I have had lots of people call or message me to check on how I am doing as well. I feel like I have a good support system. Thanks everyone!
I am here until at least Tuesday (one full week since the operation) to make sure I don't develop infections etc. On Tuesday we will do another ultrasound of my cervix, and will see how the surgery worked. If everything is 100% perfect I may be allowed home on bed rest then. If there is any question of wether I should go home or stay here, I will be staying put. As much as I love my house and animals, I am prepared to spend the next 17 weeks in this hospital bed if that is what it takes to get the twins safely here.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
comments
I have had a few people e-mail me to tell me thet couldn't leave a comment. I think it is set to be able to do so??? Not sure what is going on.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Cerclage
After checking the babies, the Dr used the ultrasound to check on my cervix. What they found wasn't good. My cervix had shortened and was starting to open on the inside allowing for "funneling". We then discussed what this meant (not a pleasant discussion) and were given 2 options.
Option 1 was to do nothing except go on bed rest. This option involved waiting to see what happened. The likely risk here was that my cervix could continue to open and that the babies could be born any time when that happened. If the next time they checked my cervix was fully open, there was really nothing that could be done.
At that point I asked what option 2 was...
Option 2 was a cerclage surgery. Here the surgeons would go in through my vagina and sew up the cervix. Hoping to close what had opened and to keep the rest from opening any more. As I understand it, to place a stitch around the cervix and pull it tight kind of like a draw string. If this worked successfully it could mean keeping the babies in longer, possibly even to full term of 37 weeks. The risks are that the operation wouldn't be successful, that my water could break, that I could go into labour, that I could develop an infection.
Although neither option was what we wanted (have no problem to start with), after much thought, crying and more thought we decided to go with option 2.
With this type of surgery, once you decide to do it, they start preparing right away. We didn't even leave the hospital. I had eaten lunch, so we basically had to wait for that to get out of my system, and then the surgery was scheduled. The decision was made before 5 and by 10 that night I was in the operating room.
Option 1 was to do nothing except go on bed rest. This option involved waiting to see what happened. The likely risk here was that my cervix could continue to open and that the babies could be born any time when that happened. If the next time they checked my cervix was fully open, there was really nothing that could be done.
At that point I asked what option 2 was...
Option 2 was a cerclage surgery. Here the surgeons would go in through my vagina and sew up the cervix. Hoping to close what had opened and to keep the rest from opening any more. As I understand it, to place a stitch around the cervix and pull it tight kind of like a draw string. If this worked successfully it could mean keeping the babies in longer, possibly even to full term of 37 weeks. The risks are that the operation wouldn't be successful, that my water could break, that I could go into labour, that I could develop an infection.
Although neither option was what we wanted (have no problem to start with), after much thought, crying and more thought we decided to go with option 2.
With this type of surgery, once you decide to do it, they start preparing right away. We didn't even leave the hospital. I had eaten lunch, so we basically had to wait for that to get out of my system, and then the surgery was scheduled. The decision was made before 5 and by 10 that night I was in the operating room.
A is a BOY!!!!
On Monday we had our 19 week ultrasound. Both babies are doing well. Baby A (on the bottom right) seemed to love the camera, picking its nose and everything. During the scan we got a great butt shot and Baby A is a BOY. Baby B (on the upper left) was much harder to get clear measurements for and is very modest. No chance of seeing any "parts". Both babies had all the parts where they are supposed to be, strong heartbeats, etc. Hopefully Baby B will allow us to see more on the next scan. Also hopefuly next scan I will remember to ask for pictures. We will be having ultrasounds every week or 2 now, so I am sure we will get a few good ones eventually.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
19 weeks pregnant
Here is the weekly update that gets sent to me:
You're halfway there! The top of your uterus now reaches your belly button and will grow about a centimetre per week. The fetus measures around 6 inches/ 15 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighs about 9 ounces/ 240 grams. She has started to swallow amniotic fluid, and her kidneys continue to make urine. Hair on the scalp is sprouting. Sensory development reaches its peak this week. The nerve cells serving each of the senses -- taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch -- are now developing in their specialised areas of the brain. Nerve cell production slows down as existing nerve cells grow larger and make more complex connections. You no doubt feel the kicking and somersaulting of your growing baby. At times, she may be so mobile that you can't sleep. The next ten weeks or so will be your baby's busiest and most active time, until the womb gets too crowded.
I went to my SIL's baby shower yesterday. She got a ton of stuff! One really good idea that they did was to have a bunch of plain onesies and receiving blankets and fabric paints available. Everyone was encouraged to decorate something for the baby. It was a cute idea and a few of the onesies and blankets turned out really well.
You're halfway there! The top of your uterus now reaches your belly button and will grow about a centimetre per week. The fetus measures around 6 inches/ 15 centimetres long from crown to rump and weighs about 9 ounces/ 240 grams. She has started to swallow amniotic fluid, and her kidneys continue to make urine. Hair on the scalp is sprouting. Sensory development reaches its peak this week. The nerve cells serving each of the senses -- taste, smell, hearing, seeing, and touch -- are now developing in their specialised areas of the brain. Nerve cell production slows down as existing nerve cells grow larger and make more complex connections. You no doubt feel the kicking and somersaulting of your growing baby. At times, she may be so mobile that you can't sleep. The next ten weeks or so will be your baby's busiest and most active time, until the womb gets too crowded.
I went to my SIL's baby shower yesterday. She got a ton of stuff! One really good idea that they did was to have a bunch of plain onesies and receiving blankets and fabric paints available. Everyone was encouraged to decorate something for the baby. It was a cute idea and a few of the onesies and blankets turned out really well.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
First big purchase...
I had an Ob appointment today. It went really well. My blood pressure is lower than it has been in a while (being off of work is helping). We got to hear the babies on the doppler. It is the best sound ever to hear their little heartbeats beating away. This time they were slightly less active, so it was much easier to hear them. Last time she would find the heartbeat and then swish the baby would move.
We found a double stroller plus two carseats and two bases for sale on Kijiji. I was slightly hesitant to buy used car seats, but when we went to look at them I wasn't worried. Everything was bought as a system about 2 years ago. They are from a woman who had twins (boy/girl), she bought them new and only used the seats until the babies outgrew them. The twins still fit the stroller, but she wanted to sell everything as a set. Everything is beige with a micro fibre type covering contrasting with a very pale beige/green/light brown plaid. They look brand new and don't have a stain on them. This is our first purchase (except for maternity clothes) for the babies. It was exciting to take the leap and to actually buy something (I've done tons of window shopping). It makes it feel like this is really going to happen.
We found a double stroller plus two carseats and two bases for sale on Kijiji. I was slightly hesitant to buy used car seats, but when we went to look at them I wasn't worried. Everything was bought as a system about 2 years ago. They are from a woman who had twins (boy/girl), she bought them new and only used the seats until the babies outgrew them. The twins still fit the stroller, but she wanted to sell everything as a set. Everything is beige with a micro fibre type covering contrasting with a very pale beige/green/light brown plaid. They look brand new and don't have a stain on them. This is our first purchase (except for maternity clothes) for the babies. It was exciting to take the leap and to actually buy something (I've done tons of window shopping). It makes it feel like this is really going to happen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
GD test
Yesterday I got to drink the drink. I went in for my first Gestational Diabetes test this pregnancy. I have been tested before and always had good results, so I am not too worried. The risk for GD with twins is way higher though, so they want to test once this trimester and once in the 3rd trimester. They make you drink this orange flavoured drink (kind of like extra sweet orange crush). I loved crush as a kid, so I didn't find it too bad. There was another pregnant woman doing the test at the same time and she had a hard time getting the drink down and it made her feel sick. I just pretty much downed it and I didn't notice any effects from it at all. After drinking the drink I had to wait for 1 hour before getting my blood taken. I really hope I pass this test so I don't have to go on to do the longer 3 hour test.
I also had an acupuncture appointment yesterday with Matthew. I hadn't been for 6 weeks, so he didn't know about the twins yet. He was pretty excited. The appointment went well. It was relaxing as usual. Mostly just needles in my lower legs and one in my elbow. None of them hurt this time. I will go again in another 6 weeks. I kind of miss my every 2 weeks appointments that I had when TTC. I really don't need to go that often now though.
I also had an acupuncture appointment yesterday with Matthew. I hadn't been for 6 weeks, so he didn't know about the twins yet. He was pretty excited. The appointment went well. It was relaxing as usual. Mostly just needles in my lower legs and one in my elbow. None of them hurt this time. I will go again in another 6 weeks. I kind of miss my every 2 weeks appointments that I had when TTC. I really don't need to go that often now though.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
18 weeks pregnant
This hasn't been the best week for me health wise. I have had a cold for the last week and a half, earlier this week I started feeling pains in my head, I have a mild ear infection according to the Dr. We are trying to treat it with nasal spray and hot water bottles. So far it seems to have gotten better, but is still hanging around. I also have the fun stuffy nose and coughing that goes with a cold, and can take nothing for it.
I also have had carpel tunnel flareups in my wrists. When this gets bad it makes my fingers go numb and hurts from my hands to my shoulders. I have been wearing wrists supports, which help a little. Apparently it is the hormones and the extra blood flow during pregnancy that is causing these flareups.
Add these things to gas, having to pee every hour, bloating, intestinal issues, occasional bouts of nausea and gagging, headaches, nosebleeds and general grouchiness. I feel guilty not being the blissfully happy pregnant woman I wanted to be after all our struggles to getto this point, but I am more often feeling like crap than glowing...
Here is what my weekly update says:
Your baby is twice as big as he was last month, but he still weighs only about 225 grams and is approximately 6 inches/ 14.2 centimetres long from crown to rump. Meanwhile, most of the weight you've gained is from amniotic fluid, placenta and water retention. Although things may seem calm on the surface, your little one is kicking, flexing, reaching, rolling, and even sucking his thumb now. If you haven't felt him move yet, you will in the next few weeks. His hearing is now functioning and he will be listening to your heartbeat.
Some cool twin facts:
The natural incidence of twins is one in eighty-nine births.
About two thirds of all twins are fraternal. Half of these pairs are boy/girl; one fourth are girl/girl; and one fourth are boy/boy.
So according to these facts, I have a much higher chance of having boy/girl twins... I can't wait to find out! I am counting down to the ultrasond on the 16th...9 more days.
I also have had carpel tunnel flareups in my wrists. When this gets bad it makes my fingers go numb and hurts from my hands to my shoulders. I have been wearing wrists supports, which help a little. Apparently it is the hormones and the extra blood flow during pregnancy that is causing these flareups.
Add these things to gas, having to pee every hour, bloating, intestinal issues, occasional bouts of nausea and gagging, headaches, nosebleeds and general grouchiness. I feel guilty not being the blissfully happy pregnant woman I wanted to be after all our struggles to getto this point, but I am more often feeling like crap than glowing...
Here is what my weekly update says:
Your baby is twice as big as he was last month, but he still weighs only about 225 grams and is approximately 6 inches/ 14.2 centimetres long from crown to rump. Meanwhile, most of the weight you've gained is from amniotic fluid, placenta and water retention. Although things may seem calm on the surface, your little one is kicking, flexing, reaching, rolling, and even sucking his thumb now. If you haven't felt him move yet, you will in the next few weeks. His hearing is now functioning and he will be listening to your heartbeat.
Some cool twin facts:
The natural incidence of twins is one in eighty-nine births.
About two thirds of all twins are fraternal. Half of these pairs are boy/girl; one fourth are girl/girl; and one fourth are boy/boy.
So according to these facts, I have a much higher chance of having boy/girl twins... I can't wait to find out! I am counting down to the ultrasond on the 16th...9 more days.
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