Hi All,
Once again, I'm a little late at posting results from yesterday's appointments. This is mostly because I spent some time with my mom continuing baby preparations and also needed to gather my thoughts on the day's events. In my mind, we received a mixed bag of results.
We started the day with getting our 35 Week ultrasound and seeing the doctor for a pelvic exam afterwards.
Key Measurements from our ultrasound/doctor appointment:
Baby A (girl) Weight Estimate = 4 lbs 11 oz. (8th percentile)
Baby B (boy) Weight Estimate = 5 lbs 5 oz. (27th percentile)
Baby B Heart rate = 130
My Belly Measurement = 39 centimeters
My Pregnancy Weight Gain = 43.5 pounds
We were unable to measure my cervix length during this ultrasound.
The doctor did not detect any further cervix dilation during my pelvic exam.
I was caught off guard when the doctor delivered the news that he wants to move up our c section to next week, instead of 3 weeks from now. While the babies are still growing, they slipped significantly in their percentile rankings. Our daughter fell below the 10th percentile, and he previously warned us that this may warrant further attention. While the doctor thinks the babies could do okay and post good growth rates over the next three weeks, he does not want to take that chance if we do not need to. Basically, what I believe he is saying is that if the babies are far enough along in their development, we can care for them better and with more predictability outside the womb at this point, instead of "hoping" they do okay inside for the next three weeks.
Because of this, we will be performing an amniocentesis on both babies next Tuesday, which will tell us if their lungs are fully developed. If so, we are fine to move forward with a c section at any point after that. The doctor indicated we would look to schedule the c section on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, pending good amniocentesis results. If the amnio happens to show the lungs are not ready, we will wait another week and retest. The other thing we need to be prepared for is the possibility that the amniocentesis could start the labor process. So it's looking quite likely that our babies are coming next week!
I spent yesterday with mixed emotions about this. I was pretty intent on getting our babies to the 38 week mark, or at least 37 weeks, when they would not be considered premature. I've been focused on their birth weights being a key indicator of their health. And I've always thought getting them as close to term as possible was one of the best ways to increase their birth weight. But, I know the doctor is doing what is best for us and the twins. After receiving pep talks from my husband, parents and fellow twin mom, Tracy, I'm starting to feel better about the change in plans.
On the good side, the ultrasound did not detect any stress to either baby. The non-stress test following the doctor visit also ended just fine. So, I think the change in c section date is mostly precautionary.
For now, it is out of our control. We will put our trust and confidence in our doctor and God to safely deliver our precious little ones to us.
On a lighter note - here are more pictures!
We made a 34 Weeks belly cast to commemorate our twins pregnancy. We will look for a local artist to help us paint it.
Valentines flowers for Mom from Dad and the kids.
35 Weeks Pregnant Belly Profile Shots
35 Weeks Frontal Shot - I find it funny that my belly button is no longer in the center of my belly!
4 comments:
Tricia
While the news may not be what you wanted to hear, you, the babies and Jim will all do fine. I wish you all the luck in the world with your upcoming delivery and the arrival of the twins. The fun is only about to begin!
Deb
Tricia,
You are doing a GREAT job! I know you wanted to carry them as close to full term as possible, but if the doctor thinks it would be better for the babies to come earlier then all you can do is put your trust in him. He wouldn’t make any decisions that would put them at risk. I have faith that the twins are going to be healthy and just fine regardless of when they are born :-)
I love the belly shots!! And your Valentine’s Day flowers are beautiful!! The twins have very excellent taste...oh, and Jim too ;-) lol
Love,
Sarah
Hang in there. We will be praying for you and the babies. You are doing everything right!! Sometimes these things happend and the doctors know best.
Tell Jim we are thinking of you guys. Give Riley a pat for me:)
Tricia! You look FANTASTIC. And I won't repeat what I told you the other night. All you need to know is you've done a GREAT job growing those babies, they are a very healthy size, and they will THRIVE when they are on the outside with their mommy and daddy.
Love ya!
Post a Comment