Hi there! Gosh it's been a month since I've updated!!! Things are going well. I've had lots of ultrasounds (one about every week) mostly to check for heartblock at a more high risk/fancier clinic(due to my sjogrens antibodies which can pass to the baby and possibly cause heartblock). No heartblock has been seen for either baby, but if it does start to show they can give me steroids to treat it. I think the risk is <5% of even having the heartblock, but they are checking just in case. At 22 weeks I had an echo of the babies hearts- all looked good there too!
Today I had my 24 week OB appt, all looked good with the babies, but the top of my cervix is funneling!! So my OB did the fetal fibronectin swab. But my cervix is long and closed at 3.5cm. So she's not too concerned just something to watch. I just got a call that the fFN swab came back negative so that's also reassuring. She says we'd be more concerned about the funneling if my cervix was shortening... I am going to the high risk clinic on Thursday so they will check out the cervix too. I will also be having a growth scan there and the weekly heartblock check. Glad I can get things checked out again and another opinion.
My OB did say to take it easier with the funneling... I have to admit I have been doing a lot this weekend!! We are in the process of moving so I've been packing boxes and cleaning the house so it can be viewed. We are excited about our move though! We're currently renting our home. (we used to be homeowners but sold our home about 2 yrs ago for various reasons). Our lease is about up, so we looked and found something with much more space. Our house we are in right now is pretty small although an old adorable craftman's style home that's been renovated and fully upgraded.... but we really think we'll appreciate double the space at the new home! I just need to keep mind of taking it easy. We have a moving company doing the big move on April 4th, also have friends and family coming to help finish packing and unpacking....so I am able to not over do it!!!!
I've been reading the Dr Luke book that my OB recommended for twins. I'm on track with her weight gain recommendations. She advises that you gain 25 lbs by 20 wks for a twin pregnancy (12lbs for a singleton). I've gained about 30lbs at 24wks so I am on track. Target for 28 weeks is 38 lbs (20lbs for singleton) and total weight gain of 40-56 lbs (25-35lbs for singleton). Research has been shown with this pattern of weight gain that the results are not only bigger birthweights and longer gestations, but also less extra weight postpartum!! By gaining most of your pregnancy weight by 28 weeks, then slowing down from 28 weeks to delivery, much of the weight gain is mobilized, so that there is less to lose in the months after delivery. Pretty interesting, huh?
Dr Luke recommends a variety of supplements in her book. I am following her advice and have been taking all of them for the last few weeks (mag, ca, zinc, vit d, c, e, fish oil). There are various benefits to the supplements but one thing I was most interested in was the prevention of pre-eclampsia. I started to have pre-e at the end of my last pregnancy, so with twins I know I am more at risk.... if these supplements can help...I'm all for it!
Hope to update soon with another belly pic!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day!! We had a special treat for Valentine's today- we got to see our babies!! It was my 20wk "anatomy scan". Both babies looked perfect and they did confirm that it is definitely a boy and a girl!!! My DH and I went to a nice Valentine's breakfast (without our son- so very relaxing :)) before the ultrasound- it was a nice date:)
I was supposed to get an echo of their hearts today but they said at 22wks is better. So I'll go back for that... the reason I thought I was getting an echo on their hearts was because I have "sjogrens" an autoimmune disorder which can cause heartblock in the babies. (It can be treated and is pretty rare- 1-2%) but after talking to the Dr today (we were at a high risk pregnancy type ultrasound place) she said I was having the echo because these babies were conceived via IVF. There is a greater risk for heart defects, which they do not know why. But the risk is still very low (I think 1-2%). This is a new national recommendation which started last year.
But since I have the "sjogrens" the Dr recommends I see them once a week to monitor for heartblock (the sooner they catch it the better and I would be on steroids to treat it). Looks like I'll be getting lots of ultrasounds! They also measured my cervix since it's a twin pregnancy. My cervix was long (4cm) so all looked good there :) A relief to know everything is looking good.
Here's a couple of pictures from today's ultrasound as well as my 20wk belly picture!!!
I was supposed to get an echo of their hearts today but they said at 22wks is better. So I'll go back for that... the reason I thought I was getting an echo on their hearts was because I have "sjogrens" an autoimmune disorder which can cause heartblock in the babies. (It can be treated and is pretty rare- 1-2%) but after talking to the Dr today (we were at a high risk pregnancy type ultrasound place) she said I was having the echo because these babies were conceived via IVF. There is a greater risk for heart defects, which they do not know why. But the risk is still very low (I think 1-2%). This is a new national recommendation which started last year.
But since I have the "sjogrens" the Dr recommends I see them once a week to monitor for heartblock (the sooner they catch it the better and I would be on steroids to treat it). Looks like I'll be getting lots of ultrasounds! They also measured my cervix since it's a twin pregnancy. My cervix was long (4cm) so all looked good there :) A relief to know everything is looking good.
Here's a couple of pictures from today's ultrasound as well as my 20wk belly picture!!!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Gender scan- 16wks6days!!!
I had my gender/growth scan today! The babies measured on time -one measured 17wk2d and other 16wk6d. They looked perfect. We found out that one is a boy and one is a girl!!!! I kept asking the u/s tech if he is for certain about the girl gender- and he seemed pretty certain. We are very excited!!!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Heard my belly beats
I got my doppler in the mail today!! I was so excited to find it on the porch this afternoon...quickly opened the box and found the heartbeat(s) right away!! I had a huge smile after finding the heartbeat(s)...such a good feeling to check in on my little ones. Although, not sure if I heard both heartbeats or not? I did find a heart rate in two different spots on my belly. Not sure if this means I heard both. It was reassuring either way....look forward to checking in on them every day or so. I highly recommend a doppler for pregnant ladies. I remember loving it with my son, but now I really remember. It still amazes me, even with my belly bump now showing, that there really is a live baby(ies) growing in there! It's still surreal.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Belly Bump
Here's a pic of my 16wk belly bump!
I really feel like the bump has grown a lot this past week. Still wearing my normal jeans with a bella band. Have purchased a few maternity tops and can still wear many of my normal tops if they are longer styles. And I do have a stash of maternity clothes in the basement from my previous pregnancy. It's always fun to buy new stuff though :) Getting lots of comments at work from parents of my pediatric patients.... even under my scrub top :) The salesman at the car dealership yesterday thought I was 7 months pregnant! I hope I don't look that big already!!
I really feel like the bump has grown a lot this past week. Still wearing my normal jeans with a bella band. Have purchased a few maternity tops and can still wear many of my normal tops if they are longer styles. And I do have a stash of maternity clothes in the basement from my previous pregnancy. It's always fun to buy new stuff though :) Getting lots of comments at work from parents of my pediatric patients.... even under my scrub top :) The salesman at the car dealership yesterday thought I was 7 months pregnant! I hope I don't look that big already!!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
16 wks today!
It's just past midnight (just got home from work)....but it's a new day- I am 16wks today!! I am definitely showing now, it's obvious I am pregnant. I love my cute belly bump :) Maybe I'll post a pic since I finally took one of the belly yesterday. I hope to take a pic every 2 weeks or so. I know I will regret it if I don't. I took lots with my son, and I am so thankful for that.
It's been 4 weeks since my last u/s!! Way too long..I really need some reassurance!!! Are they ok in there? I ordered a doppler which should arrive Monday. Can't wait to hear my babies heartbeats! Although, I really don't think I will be able to differentiate between the two.... but still think hearing a heartbeat will be reassuring. I just loved the doppler with my son's pregnancy.
My next u/s is Friday Jan 21st! Just about a week away.... it's a gender scan at my OB office. I can't wait to find out the sexes, but have to admit I am nervous. I will be disappointed if it's two boys. I have always dreamed of having a girl, so I know I will be bummed out if it's two boys and I don't want to feel that way. I know what's most important is two healthy babies. My son will have siblings and our family will be complete.....that's all I could ask for.
This weekend we're going to look at cars. My current car only has one row of seats in the back. It's a small SUV like car. I love the car.... but it's just not going to be big enough for 3 carseats. Never really wanted a mini-van but we may have to get one.
They are convenient with the sliding doors on each side and more space and seats. Convenience will be a priority with a 4yr old and twins!! Anything to make life easier!
Well, it's almost 1am. Time to get some sleep :) Goodnight!
It's been 4 weeks since my last u/s!! Way too long..I really need some reassurance!!! Are they ok in there? I ordered a doppler which should arrive Monday. Can't wait to hear my babies heartbeats! Although, I really don't think I will be able to differentiate between the two.... but still think hearing a heartbeat will be reassuring. I just loved the doppler with my son's pregnancy.
My next u/s is Friday Jan 21st! Just about a week away.... it's a gender scan at my OB office. I can't wait to find out the sexes, but have to admit I am nervous. I will be disappointed if it's two boys. I have always dreamed of having a girl, so I know I will be bummed out if it's two boys and I don't want to feel that way. I know what's most important is two healthy babies. My son will have siblings and our family will be complete.....that's all I could ask for.
This weekend we're going to look at cars. My current car only has one row of seats in the back. It's a small SUV like car. I love the car.... but it's just not going to be big enough for 3 carseats. Never really wanted a mini-van but we may have to get one.
They are convenient with the sliding doors on each side and more space and seats. Convenience will be a priority with a 4yr old and twins!! Anything to make life easier!
Well, it's almost 1am. Time to get some sleep :) Goodnight!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! On New Year's Day I turned 14wks! I can't believe I'm officially in the second trimester now, it is a relief but I still wonder if everything is ok in there??
I've been meaning to get a doppler since I used one for my son and loved it. It was very reassuring. Still haven't ordered one yet, not sure if I will be able to differentiate between the two heartbeats. I guess it would be reassuring to hear at least one heartbeat though... figuring if one is ok, probably both are?
I've been off the meds for over two weeks now... my last hormone check was great and I am just a normal pregnant woman now, I guess? My next u/s is at 20wks, Valentines Day. I was hoping it would be sooner to find out the genders. I may try to find out a way to get one sooner. We'll see. I did email the nurses at CCRM asking them if they'll reveal the genders of our two CCS normals transferred. The answer was "no". I understand not telling before the transfer and not letting you choose if they don't want to get involved in the ethics of gender selection. But why can't they tell us now?
I'm excited about starting a fresh new year and hope it's just filled with joy and happiness in 2011. 2010 was a difficult year.... I had a d&c on New years eve 2009 (after not seeing the heartbeat again at 8wk u/s on Dec 30th). It was one of the most difficult things I have ever endured. I have never felt such loss before, so very painful.
It was nice to start 2010 fresh, and I was hoping that 2010 would be filled with great news, unfortunately it did not. We did another fresh cycle locally in Feb/March and it was a BFN!!! It was devastating. My husband said "no more IVFs" at that point and I was very depressed. I stopped going to social events and was just so sad avoiding anyone who was pregnant or had a newborn. One of my best friends was pregnant with boy/girl twins and it was so hard to be happy for her as we were due just about the same day and supposed to be happily pregnant together. I was able to convince my husband to travel to CCRM for one last try. We went to the ODWU in May and our fresh cycle was in August. Waiting for this cycle was so difficult. It seemed as though lots of my friends were having babies and I was isolating myself even more. Lots of heartache. Lots of pressure as we prepared to go to CCRM for our last shot at this. This was it...we were either going to have another child or not. We couldn't keep paying thousands of dollars and the emotional heartache was too much. We had to move on after this whether it worked out or not. But at least we gave it our last try at the "best" clinic in the US.
Our two week stay in Colorado was fun and the fresh cycle went great. I was a little bummed and worried when we only ended up with 5 blasts for CCS testing (and good but not perfect blasts) of our 19 fertilized. But realizing now, that really all you need is one good CCS normal for this to work!! Waiting for the CCS results was agonizing, but I was very hopeful we'd have at least one or two normals. We had three!
We transferred two of our normals on October 14th and found out in November that both took! The end of 2010 was filled with lots of happiness, but hesitance. Nervous for each ultrasound- reminders of our two miscarriages, the scars were deep.
Going into 2011- new years day being the first day into my second trimester is a great feeling. Hoping for a healthy pregnancy (which I am nervous about with twins) and hope we never have to endure anymore IF/pregnancy related heartache.... excited about what's to come this new year!!
I've been meaning to get a doppler since I used one for my son and loved it. It was very reassuring. Still haven't ordered one yet, not sure if I will be able to differentiate between the two heartbeats. I guess it would be reassuring to hear at least one heartbeat though... figuring if one is ok, probably both are?
I've been off the meds for over two weeks now... my last hormone check was great and I am just a normal pregnant woman now, I guess? My next u/s is at 20wks, Valentines Day. I was hoping it would be sooner to find out the genders. I may try to find out a way to get one sooner. We'll see. I did email the nurses at CCRM asking them if they'll reveal the genders of our two CCS normals transferred. The answer was "no". I understand not telling before the transfer and not letting you choose if they don't want to get involved in the ethics of gender selection. But why can't they tell us now?
I'm excited about starting a fresh new year and hope it's just filled with joy and happiness in 2011. 2010 was a difficult year.... I had a d&c on New years eve 2009 (after not seeing the heartbeat again at 8wk u/s on Dec 30th). It was one of the most difficult things I have ever endured. I have never felt such loss before, so very painful.
It was nice to start 2010 fresh, and I was hoping that 2010 would be filled with great news, unfortunately it did not. We did another fresh cycle locally in Feb/March and it was a BFN!!! It was devastating. My husband said "no more IVFs" at that point and I was very depressed. I stopped going to social events and was just so sad avoiding anyone who was pregnant or had a newborn. One of my best friends was pregnant with boy/girl twins and it was so hard to be happy for her as we were due just about the same day and supposed to be happily pregnant together. I was able to convince my husband to travel to CCRM for one last try. We went to the ODWU in May and our fresh cycle was in August. Waiting for this cycle was so difficult. It seemed as though lots of my friends were having babies and I was isolating myself even more. Lots of heartache. Lots of pressure as we prepared to go to CCRM for our last shot at this. This was it...we were either going to have another child or not. We couldn't keep paying thousands of dollars and the emotional heartache was too much. We had to move on after this whether it worked out or not. But at least we gave it our last try at the "best" clinic in the US.
Our two week stay in Colorado was fun and the fresh cycle went great. I was a little bummed and worried when we only ended up with 5 blasts for CCS testing (and good but not perfect blasts) of our 19 fertilized. But realizing now, that really all you need is one good CCS normal for this to work!! Waiting for the CCS results was agonizing, but I was very hopeful we'd have at least one or two normals. We had three!
We transferred two of our normals on October 14th and found out in November that both took! The end of 2010 was filled with lots of happiness, but hesitance. Nervous for each ultrasound- reminders of our two miscarriages, the scars were deep.
Going into 2011- new years day being the first day into my second trimester is a great feeling. Hoping for a healthy pregnancy (which I am nervous about with twins) and hope we never have to endure anymore IF/pregnancy related heartache.... excited about what's to come this new year!!
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