Wow.. time goes fast! I am 18 weeks and looking as big as ever. :(
I got my amnio results and all is great and normal- THANK GOD a million times. I had my anatomy scan last Friday and the babies are weighing 6 oz and 7 oz. While the u/s tech was measuring the babies, I started feeling really hot and dizzy and nauseous. I told her to stop so I could catch my breath. Turns out the dumbass said to me- oh its because you're lying on your back- you need to be propped up. Genius! Well- as soon as I was propped up, miraculously I felt so much better! ::eye roll::
I bought a maternity pillow called a snoogle which has been the greatest thing. I sleep so much more comfortably. I gained 14 pounds in 18 weeks which my doc said is fine.
I've gotten my heartburn under control by eating much smaller meals.
I finally told all my friends that I am pregnant and it felt so good "coming out of the closet"!
We are still trying to sell our 3rd flr walk up apartment. We've had a few interested people but nothing really panned out yet. Walking up the stairs is getting more and more difficult even though I still feel strong and able to do it.
We were supposed to go to Florida for Thanksgiving to visit the ILs but doc told me no flying. I am relieved in a way- I need my own bed with my plethora of pillows. Plus, I just don't feel like dealing with airports, lines, and the crazy thanksgiving travel. So, the ILs decided to come to us for thanksgiving which is fine by me.
I got 4 new twin books which I am excited to read. We are going to a baby CPR class on Monday night. Which reminds me, I must register for childbirth class at the hospital soon. Squee!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Had my amnio..
On Friday I went in for my amnio, which is when they take a long thin needle in my abdomen and withdraw amniotic fluid, which contain cells floating around from the baby. The lab will test these cells for chromosomal issues. It takes 2 weeks to get results back.
As soon as the needle went in, it hurt! For about 30 seconds- I was really focusing on my breathing to stay calm. The doctor was narrating what he was doing as he was going along and Gerard was there so I could squeeze his hand. After one was done, then the doc had to do the second baby. He inserted a blue dye to make he was not taking fluid from the same sac. Of course Gerard asked if that meant the baby will come out blue.. LOL! The doc just said I will be peeing blue for 2 days- no biggie.
It took all of 10 minutes and it was over. The babies weren't anywhere near the needle and when it was over, I got into bed to rest for the rest of the day. I felt fine- no cramping, no spotting.
So now, I have to wait until November 6 to get the results back. Truth is, I am just not thinking about it- I am scared and nervous but there is nothing I can do. So I am just going to assume everything is ok until I hear otherwise.
Although anyone who sees me knows I am pregnant, most of my friends who I havent seen do not know yet. I figured I can at least wait until after the results come back to officially announce I am pregnant. I just want to be absolutely sure everything is ok.
We decided that we are not going to tell anyone the sex of our babies. We are keeping that a surprise... so don't try to get it out of me, Melly!!! :) xo!
As soon as the needle went in, it hurt! For about 30 seconds- I was really focusing on my breathing to stay calm. The doctor was narrating what he was doing as he was going along and Gerard was there so I could squeeze his hand. After one was done, then the doc had to do the second baby. He inserted a blue dye to make he was not taking fluid from the same sac. Of course Gerard asked if that meant the baby will come out blue.. LOL! The doc just said I will be peeing blue for 2 days- no biggie.
It took all of 10 minutes and it was over. The babies weren't anywhere near the needle and when it was over, I got into bed to rest for the rest of the day. I felt fine- no cramping, no spotting.
So now, I have to wait until November 6 to get the results back. Truth is, I am just not thinking about it- I am scared and nervous but there is nothing I can do. So I am just going to assume everything is ok until I hear otherwise.
Although anyone who sees me knows I am pregnant, most of my friends who I havent seen do not know yet. I figured I can at least wait until after the results come back to officially announce I am pregnant. I just want to be absolutely sure everything is ok.
We decided that we are not going to tell anyone the sex of our babies. We are keeping that a surprise... so don't try to get it out of me, Melly!!! :) xo!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Update
Hmm.. where to begin. Well, first off, I am officially in 2nd trimester ::throws confetti::
I wish I could say it makes a difference in terms of feeling great but it really doesn't. I never had morning sickness. I go through bouts of being really tired and tired but manageable so that hasn't changed since first tri. My heartburn has actually gotten worse. I am now a pepcid girl, which gives me great relief but it takes 2 hours to kick in so I also supplement with a tums here and there.
I've been trying to hide my growing belly behind big shirts but I guess I am showing now because my boss and co-workers congratulated me without me even telling them yet. I was surprised they could tell but actually really glad its out in the open now because I was running out of normal-looking clothes. Now I am fully in maternity clothes and it is super comfy. I guess in the last week or so I really popped because now I really see it.
Went to the doctor today and the babies are looking great. They had me drink the sugary orange stuff to test for gestational diabetes. I will find out the results on Monday. My amnio is scheduled for next Friday.
Got my NT results back. The numbers are fantastic and my risk is really low. Whew- gives me so much reassurance going into my amnio.
My husband and I went to our first "twin" class. It was so great and informative and so nice to see the other couples there as freaked out as we are. I do have to say though, going through this twin pregnancy together has brought us even closer than we were before. We are both so scared and excited at the same time. We held our friend's newborn yesterday and just watching G hold the baby made me tear up. He was beaming holding that baby, thinking about holding his own soon... He is going to be a great dad.
My boss and I are going to talk about maternity leave next week. I just have to be prepared for anything and she wants to get me a back-up now to have in place.
I wish I could say it makes a difference in terms of feeling great but it really doesn't. I never had morning sickness. I go through bouts of being really tired and tired but manageable so that hasn't changed since first tri. My heartburn has actually gotten worse. I am now a pepcid girl, which gives me great relief but it takes 2 hours to kick in so I also supplement with a tums here and there.
I've been trying to hide my growing belly behind big shirts but I guess I am showing now because my boss and co-workers congratulated me without me even telling them yet. I was surprised they could tell but actually really glad its out in the open now because I was running out of normal-looking clothes. Now I am fully in maternity clothes and it is super comfy. I guess in the last week or so I really popped because now I really see it.
Went to the doctor today and the babies are looking great. They had me drink the sugary orange stuff to test for gestational diabetes. I will find out the results on Monday. My amnio is scheduled for next Friday.
Got my NT results back. The numbers are fantastic and my risk is really low. Whew- gives me so much reassurance going into my amnio.
My husband and I went to our first "twin" class. It was so great and informative and so nice to see the other couples there as freaked out as we are. I do have to say though, going through this twin pregnancy together has brought us even closer than we were before. We are both so scared and excited at the same time. We held our friend's newborn yesterday and just watching G hold the baby made me tear up. He was beaming holding that baby, thinking about holding his own soon... He is going to be a great dad.
My boss and I are going to talk about maternity leave next week. I just have to be prepared for anything and she wants to get me a back-up now to have in place.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
NT Scan
Today I went to the doctor because I have been feeling dull, achy cramps consistently for a day or so. I know I am neurotic and I felt like it probably was normal, but I had to be sure. So I called and they told me to come in to check on things.
The nurse took me right away and thankfully, everything is fine. Both babies were wiggling around and their hearts were beating strong. Since I was scheduled to go for the NT scan on Friday, they decided to save me the trip and give it to me today. Woot!
Nuchal is the fold of skin behind the baby's neck. In most cases, a thick fold of skin, measuring about 3 mm or more indicates the baby may have down syndrome. Our babies nuchal fold measured 1.3 mm so everything looks great! They took some blood and will test for other chromosomal issues. The results are only probability- only the amnio can reveal any issues with 99% accuracy.
Next up- I have a growth scan in 2 weeks and my amnio in 3 weeks.
The nurse took me right away and thankfully, everything is fine. Both babies were wiggling around and their hearts were beating strong. Since I was scheduled to go for the NT scan on Friday, they decided to save me the trip and give it to me today. Woot!
Nuchal is the fold of skin behind the baby's neck. In most cases, a thick fold of skin, measuring about 3 mm or more indicates the baby may have down syndrome. Our babies nuchal fold measured 1.3 mm so everything looks great! They took some blood and will test for other chromosomal issues. The results are only probability- only the amnio can reveal any issues with 99% accuracy.
Next up- I have a growth scan in 2 weeks and my amnio in 3 weeks.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
CVS cancelled..
and it is a good thing.
But first, in order to get a CVS done, my bladder had to be completely bursting. Well no one told me that and when they called me (after I waited for 45 minutes) they asked me if my bladder was full. So- I had to sit there and drink 4 bottles of water and 1 bottle of orange juice all in like 10 minutes. When I felt like I was going to really pee in my pants, then the nurse tells me she is with a patient and just hold on for a few minutes. Oh sure.. noooo problem. Gah! I kept repeating to myself- Just don't pee on the doctor...
Finally we went in for the u/s and any discomfort I had went away when I saw the little gumdrops wiggling around. The doctor came in and after about 10 minutes of probing my belly he showed me that my cervix and placenta were far enough apart that by inserting the needle through the cervix it would have to go through a membrane on the way to the placenta. If this membrane would be punctured, it would cause an miscarriage. Wow- so glad the doctor caught that BEFORE he started the procedure. So we opted not to do the CVS and instead will have an NT Scan on Friday. Then when I am 15 weeks (pg) will get an anatomy scan and then have the amnio at 16 weeks.
I am much more comfortable with that schedule. I had a really uneasy feeling about the CVS. I am worried that if there is a serious problem, I wont find out until I am at least 16 weeks but I am really just hoping for the best.
In the meantime, I am feeling a bit less tired, heartburn calmed down and still not showing at all. I am going to hold off telling anyone for as long as I can.
But first, in order to get a CVS done, my bladder had to be completely bursting. Well no one told me that and when they called me (after I waited for 45 minutes) they asked me if my bladder was full. So- I had to sit there and drink 4 bottles of water and 1 bottle of orange juice all in like 10 minutes. When I felt like I was going to really pee in my pants, then the nurse tells me she is with a patient and just hold on for a few minutes. Oh sure.. noooo problem. Gah! I kept repeating to myself- Just don't pee on the doctor...
Finally we went in for the u/s and any discomfort I had went away when I saw the little gumdrops wiggling around. The doctor came in and after about 10 minutes of probing my belly he showed me that my cervix and placenta were far enough apart that by inserting the needle through the cervix it would have to go through a membrane on the way to the placenta. If this membrane would be punctured, it would cause an miscarriage. Wow- so glad the doctor caught that BEFORE he started the procedure. So we opted not to do the CVS and instead will have an NT Scan on Friday. Then when I am 15 weeks (pg) will get an anatomy scan and then have the amnio at 16 weeks.
I am much more comfortable with that schedule. I had a really uneasy feeling about the CVS. I am worried that if there is a serious problem, I wont find out until I am at least 16 weeks but I am really just hoping for the best.
In the meantime, I am feeling a bit less tired, heartburn calmed down and still not showing at all. I am going to hold off telling anyone for as long as I can.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Doubt creeping in..
Up until now, I was feeling really positive and excited about this pregnancy. But today I am 10 weeks and in a week or so I am going to do a CVS, which basically tests the chromosomes of the baby to make sure there are no defects.
All the trauma, sadness, anxiety of my last pregnancy is now flooding my brain. Very few people know the truth about my last pregnancy because I am afraid that people will judge me. But I am ready to tell the story here because at least there is still some anonymity. Just for background: my first pregnancy was a breeze. I felt great and had the pregnancy glow. I started feeling my little baby kicking which made me laugh every time. My OB at the time recommended that since I was 35, I should get an amnio. He did not give me any other prenatal tests, thinking the amnio is 99% accurate and every other test only gives probability risks. I believed him with blissful ignorance.
2 weeks after my amnio, the genetics counselor called to tell me that my little sweet baby has a chromosomal abnormality- chromosome 21 has a deletion and chromosome 14 has an additional piece of material. I never even thought this could be a possibility and was completely unprepared. The next 6 weeks following involved tests after tests to confirm these results, which sadly were 100% confirmed. We asked three top geneticists in the world to look at our report to see if they agreed with the results, which they also confirmed. This baby would have severe mental problems. I cried everyday for 6 weeks straight.
It was the most heart-wrenching decision of our lives, but my husband and I decided that we should terminate. The day I went in for termination was the absolute worst day of my life. I never cried so hard in my life and up until the point of termination, I felt that little baby kicking as if to tell me not to do it. After the termination, I was rushed to the hospital to deliver the baby by induction. For the next 2 days, nurses came into my room congratulating us. Then someone who had a clue whispered what happened and the happy nurses would profusely apologize. I finally was released from the hospital and spent the next several months recovering physically, emotionally and mentally.
Cut to, today. Soon I am going to have a CVS done. As much as I don't to, I know I have to. I want to be sure this baby has the best chance at life he can. I worry so much about everything- if I had a child who is constantly sick or hospitalized- I wouldn't be able to function. We are doing a CVS so that if G-d forbid there is a problem, we know sooner.
I am so scared. I guess I will know either way in a few weeks.
Jewish holidays are coming up and I will be doing a lot of praying.
All the trauma, sadness, anxiety of my last pregnancy is now flooding my brain. Very few people know the truth about my last pregnancy because I am afraid that people will judge me. But I am ready to tell the story here because at least there is still some anonymity. Just for background: my first pregnancy was a breeze. I felt great and had the pregnancy glow. I started feeling my little baby kicking which made me laugh every time. My OB at the time recommended that since I was 35, I should get an amnio. He did not give me any other prenatal tests, thinking the amnio is 99% accurate and every other test only gives probability risks. I believed him with blissful ignorance.
2 weeks after my amnio, the genetics counselor called to tell me that my little sweet baby has a chromosomal abnormality- chromosome 21 has a deletion and chromosome 14 has an additional piece of material. I never even thought this could be a possibility and was completely unprepared. The next 6 weeks following involved tests after tests to confirm these results, which sadly were 100% confirmed. We asked three top geneticists in the world to look at our report to see if they agreed with the results, which they also confirmed. This baby would have severe mental problems. I cried everyday for 6 weeks straight.
It was the most heart-wrenching decision of our lives, but my husband and I decided that we should terminate. The day I went in for termination was the absolute worst day of my life. I never cried so hard in my life and up until the point of termination, I felt that little baby kicking as if to tell me not to do it. After the termination, I was rushed to the hospital to deliver the baby by induction. For the next 2 days, nurses came into my room congratulating us. Then someone who had a clue whispered what happened and the happy nurses would profusely apologize. I finally was released from the hospital and spent the next several months recovering physically, emotionally and mentally.
Cut to, today. Soon I am going to have a CVS done. As much as I don't to, I know I have to. I want to be sure this baby has the best chance at life he can. I worry so much about everything- if I had a child who is constantly sick or hospitalized- I wouldn't be able to function. We are doing a CVS so that if G-d forbid there is a problem, we know sooner.
I am so scared. I guess I will know either way in a few weeks.
Jewish holidays are coming up and I will be doing a lot of praying.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
First OB/GYN visit
First of all, it is reassuring when the first thing you see when you walk into a doctor's office is a wall covered with awards saying "Best OB/GYN NY" 2005-2006 and another 2007-2008 as well as photos of him and Brooke Shields with a signed autograph saying "Thank you for everything". Score!
I first went in and got all my vitals checked. Blood pressure- a tad low but they weren't concerned. first time I've been weighed since the whole IF experience and to my surprise, I am exactly the same weight as I was at the beginning. I'm still overweight, but at least I haven't gained more... yet.
Then I talked to the head nurse about my history. She was very knowledgeable and thorough. We decided since I had PGD that rather than jump into getting a CVS, I would do the NT Scan and if anything comes back questionable, then we will go ahead and do the CVS. I am comfortable with that and later I asked the doctor and he concurs with that decision.
Then I had an u/s. Turns out, my ute is tipped backwards- wow after all this time, no one ever told me that before which really shocked me. its no big deal, it just means u/s always have to be vaginally, rathan than abdominally. I saw the two little twinkes just hanging out. They are so cute. Heard their little heartbeats again- baby a is 158 and baby b is 143. I asked if it is an issue that baby B's heartbeat is slower and nurse said it fluctuates all the time.
then I went in to see the Doctor. My OB wasn't there- he was in the hospital delivering so I spoke with his partner- who literally just started with him a week ago. He is a strange, quirky guy- looks like Howard Hess (from WKRP in Cinninati)-- earring and all. But he is smart and has over 17 years experience delivering babies. I do believe Dr. R has more experience delivering twins, so when the time comes I am pretty sure he will be delivering me (I hope).
So, next step is- I go back in 3 weeks Sept. 25th for my NT scan and u/s. I will get the results back from the NT scan in a week and then will decide whether to have a CVS or wait for an amnio.
As far as how I am feeling- it is getting harder finding a comfortable sleeping position. Lying on my side is uncomfortable and for now, sleeping on my back is best. No nausea but wicked heartburn on and off. Tums seems to help for now but if it gets worse, I am going to have to start taking Pepcid. My button down shirts don't fit anymore. I only wear elastic waist pants now. Haven't bought a new bra yet- I think I have a few more weeks left in the one I've got. I do need new underwear- thongs just aren't cutting it anymore :(
I first went in and got all my vitals checked. Blood pressure- a tad low but they weren't concerned. first time I've been weighed since the whole IF experience and to my surprise, I am exactly the same weight as I was at the beginning. I'm still overweight, but at least I haven't gained more... yet.
Then I talked to the head nurse about my history. She was very knowledgeable and thorough. We decided since I had PGD that rather than jump into getting a CVS, I would do the NT Scan and if anything comes back questionable, then we will go ahead and do the CVS. I am comfortable with that and later I asked the doctor and he concurs with that decision.
Then I had an u/s. Turns out, my ute is tipped backwards- wow after all this time, no one ever told me that before which really shocked me. its no big deal, it just means u/s always have to be vaginally, rathan than abdominally. I saw the two little twinkes just hanging out. They are so cute. Heard their little heartbeats again- baby a is 158 and baby b is 143. I asked if it is an issue that baby B's heartbeat is slower and nurse said it fluctuates all the time.
then I went in to see the Doctor. My OB wasn't there- he was in the hospital delivering so I spoke with his partner- who literally just started with him a week ago. He is a strange, quirky guy- looks like Howard Hess (from WKRP in Cinninati)-- earring and all. But he is smart and has over 17 years experience delivering babies. I do believe Dr. R has more experience delivering twins, so when the time comes I am pretty sure he will be delivering me (I hope).
So, next step is- I go back in 3 weeks Sept. 25th for my NT scan and u/s. I will get the results back from the NT scan in a week and then will decide whether to have a CVS or wait for an amnio.
As far as how I am feeling- it is getting harder finding a comfortable sleeping position. Lying on my side is uncomfortable and for now, sleeping on my back is best. No nausea but wicked heartburn on and off. Tums seems to help for now but if it gets worse, I am going to have to start taking Pepcid. My button down shirts don't fit anymore. I only wear elastic waist pants now. Haven't bought a new bra yet- I think I have a few more weeks left in the one I've got. I do need new underwear- thongs just aren't cutting it anymore :(
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