With many prayers, rest and good MD's I was able to hit the 28 week milestone yesterday. The past couple of days have been "medically uneventful" as my MD would say--which is how we like it! In my last post, I was very encouraged about the results of an US that had been performed that day, only to be totally discouraged the following day by another US (definite periods of absent flow were noted with baby C in US on Friday). After a day filled with a lot of crying, I spoke with MD and realized I was probably overreacting a bit. I have decided that I know just enough about what is going on and what we are looking for on US to really know nothing at all! She explained to me that rather than acting(deciding to deliver babies) based on results of one US that showed intermittent absent flow (unless reverse flow is noted), they look at the big picture. For now, the "big picture" still shows all 3 babies with good HR's, good fluid levels and good fetal movement. Another US is scheduled for tomorrow so I have decided to just relax and TRY not to overreact.
I can not say enough about the care I have received since arriving here at Baptist. The nurses on the antepartum floor are absolutely amazing and seem to know exactly what to say and when to say it. I typically see 2 doctors at least 1x/day if not 2x/day and am very confident in their skills at this time as well. The bed is getting a little old these days, but I was given the okay today to go on wheelchair rides outside to get some fresh air. I think the MD's get worried that their patients are going to go crazy in here because they are always giving me ideas of different things I could do to keep myself busy.
I am thankful for the wonderful friends and family that have stopped by which also definitely help the time roll on by.
Thanks to all of you who have been praying for us--- we definitely need them right now!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
One Day At A Time
I have now been on hospital bedrest for 6 days. Thanks to my wonderful family and friends, the time so far has actually moved rather quickly (well maybe not quick, but not as bad as expected). The first few days in the hospital were pretty uneventful, which is how I prefer it because that means we are all doing okay. Unfortunately,Tuesday was much more "eventful" than I like. I woke up with mild pain just under sternum and noticed a had difficulty catching my breath. I brushed it off as a pain from the growing babies and tried to ignore it. I went down for US and got a good report on all 3 babies. They all scored an 8/8 on biophysical profile which assesses fluid levels, HR, fetal movement and their ability to "practice breathing". The blood flow to Baby C had not changed, which I was taking as good news since it could get worse. As the day went on, my pain began to gradually increase and was now in my back b/t my shoulder blades. By early afternoon I was very uncomfortable and had to inform the nurse of my discomfort. They thought at first the pain may have been due to indegestion and gave me Pepcid. About an hour later the pain was worse so the nurse decided to contact MD. I was hooked up to monitor to watch babies HR and my contractions and thankfully all babies were fine, however my contractions began increasing (due to my pain). Following quite a few more meds (to stop contractions, decrease pain and help me sleep), the contractions decreased and I was able to fall asleep. I had a little soreness the following morning, but thankfully by today the pain was gone. MD said they think I may have passed a gall stone due to some elevations they noted in my liver enzymes (which had decreased by this morning). Whatever it was--I am so thankful it is gone! I was not sure that I could tolerate much longer with that much pain and was beginning to think I was going to have to deliver the babies.
Today was a great day! I had no pain and got another good report on the babies. A second doppler US was done today that revealed baby C's cord flow was within normal limits (still on the high side, but in normal range!). I do not have any updated measurements on the babies, but am very encouraged by this news concerning improvement in blood flow.
Today was a great day! I had no pain and got another good report on the babies. A second doppler US was done today that revealed baby C's cord flow was within normal limits (still on the high side, but in normal range!). I do not have any updated measurements on the babies, but am very encouraged by this news concerning improvement in blood flow.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Scary Stuff!
As many of you know by this time, I have been admitted to Baptist hospital for further monitoring of the babies. It all began on Friday of last week when I went in for my usual appointment hoping and praying to leave with good news, especially about Baby C. Unfortunately, I left scared to death, and headed straight over to Baptist where I was told I would be admitted until the babies arrive. The cause for increased concern is still over my little guy, Baby C. Due to his growth seeming to lag behind the other 2 babies, my MD decided to do a doppler US to check the cord blood flow (amount of blood getting to placenta). The sonographer in my MD office found what appeared to be Absent Diastolic Flow (in laymans terms, abnormal blood flow getting to baby) which they believe could be the cause of his slower growth pattern and sent me immediately to Baptist. My MD had already contacted Dr Collins with Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine (oversees high risk pregnancies) who came in and met with me that night. He decided to do his own US and sat with me for 2 hours on Friday night while he looked very closely at the anatomy and blood flow of all babies. Thankfully, we received good news during this US that gave me a more optimistic outlook on the remainder of my pregnancy. The sonographer at the hospital found "some forward diastolic flow" which is much better than "absent flow" (FYI: Reverse diastolic flow is critical and would mean delivery is necessary immediately, Absent flow is concerning and cause for monitoring"). This flow is not normal, but Dr. Collins was optimistic that it was not absent (which of course made me feel a lot better). Following this US I left knowing that the anatomy of all 3 babies appears normal (even Baby C) and they have normal HR's. The MD was optimistic that no delivery would need to be made this week, but said we would just take it a day at a time.
When I returned to my room Friday night, my usual OB had also contacted Dr. Graham with the NICU to come give me some insight on what complications we could possibly be facing if the babies had to come this week. At 27 weeks (which is where I am at this time) he told us that the babies would have a 90% chance of survival (which he states are very good odds). He then went on to inform us of various other problems they could encounter, but said that every week that passes, these percentages would decrease (they are about 25% right now). The best part of the discussion was where he told us about a set of triplets they had in the NICU that were delivered at 26 weeks and are now 9 weeks old and about 1 week away from going home! This was obviously very encouraging for me to hear!
The following day I had the opportunity to visit the NICU. The nurses were very nice and I was able to see the adorable, tiny babies who were doing well. I did get to see the triplets and meet their parents who were very encouraging to me (she was put in hospital at 19 Weeks! and then delivered at 26!). Technology today is amazing!
As of now...the babies have their HR's monitored every morning and every evening and they monitor my contractions. So far, so good with the HR's which is a good sign that the cord flow is forward (MD said that abnormal HR pattern would indicate absent or reverse cord flow) and my contractions are occuring typical for someone with triplets at this point. We will have a BPP (biophysical profile) on Tuesday to assess fluid levels, activity and respiration of all babies and another doppler US on Friday to check the cord flow.
I feel so thankful to be where I am at this time. I believe that changing doctors when I did was the best decision that we have made so far. I still love my OB-Dr. Saig and am very confident with the skills of Dr. Collins (who sat with me for 2 hours during my first US on Friday night). The nurses are wonderful and also go on and on about how excellent Dr. Collins and the entire TMFM group is.
Needless to say, Friday night and Saturday morning were pretty tough. I am feeling much more encouraged at this time and know that this is totally out of my control. God has a plan, as I know he has with my entire pregnancy, and I am constantly reminding myself that his plan is much better than mine could ever be. There is no need for me to worry (although this is easier said than done) when God is in control anyways. Although I do not want these babies to be born this week (or in the next 4 weeks for that matter), if that has to happen, I have to trust that is God's plan and he will take care of my precious babies.
Thank you all for your prayers so far and continue to remember us over the next few weeks.
When I returned to my room Friday night, my usual OB had also contacted Dr. Graham with the NICU to come give me some insight on what complications we could possibly be facing if the babies had to come this week. At 27 weeks (which is where I am at this time) he told us that the babies would have a 90% chance of survival (which he states are very good odds). He then went on to inform us of various other problems they could encounter, but said that every week that passes, these percentages would decrease (they are about 25% right now). The best part of the discussion was where he told us about a set of triplets they had in the NICU that were delivered at 26 weeks and are now 9 weeks old and about 1 week away from going home! This was obviously very encouraging for me to hear!
The following day I had the opportunity to visit the NICU. The nurses were very nice and I was able to see the adorable, tiny babies who were doing well. I did get to see the triplets and meet their parents who were very encouraging to me (she was put in hospital at 19 Weeks! and then delivered at 26!). Technology today is amazing!
As of now...the babies have their HR's monitored every morning and every evening and they monitor my contractions. So far, so good with the HR's which is a good sign that the cord flow is forward (MD said that abnormal HR pattern would indicate absent or reverse cord flow) and my contractions are occuring typical for someone with triplets at this point. We will have a BPP (biophysical profile) on Tuesday to assess fluid levels, activity and respiration of all babies and another doppler US on Friday to check the cord flow.
I feel so thankful to be where I am at this time. I believe that changing doctors when I did was the best decision that we have made so far. I still love my OB-Dr. Saig and am very confident with the skills of Dr. Collins (who sat with me for 2 hours during my first US on Friday night). The nurses are wonderful and also go on and on about how excellent Dr. Collins and the entire TMFM group is.
Needless to say, Friday night and Saturday morning were pretty tough. I am feeling much more encouraged at this time and know that this is totally out of my control. God has a plan, as I know he has with my entire pregnancy, and I am constantly reminding myself that his plan is much better than mine could ever be. There is no need for me to worry (although this is easier said than done) when God is in control anyways. Although I do not want these babies to be born this week (or in the next 4 weeks for that matter), if that has to happen, I have to trust that is God's plan and he will take care of my precious babies.
Thank you all for your prayers so far and continue to remember us over the next few weeks.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
26 Weeks!
Wow! When I think back on the last 7 days, quite a bit has happened (especially considering I have been on modified bed rest!)
We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family in our lives. In the past 2 weeks we have had 2 more showers where we received more than I could imagine. With help of my mom, mother in law and sister-- the nursery is coming together and we are beginning to collect items that will be desperately needed in the next few months-years. Our diaper collection appears to be pretty impressive at this point, but when I really think about it, I realize that we will probably go through all those boxes in 3-4 weeks!
Last week was my first week off from work. I thought I would go crazy lying/sitting around the house all day and then feared I would not sleep a wink at night, however, the days passed more quickly than I thought (and I stil slept much better than expected)! I did decide to see a new MD and am thrilled with her! She is so nice, personable, knowledgable and makes me feel much more comfortable than my last experience. I had US again on Friday to check my cervix length and growth of all 3 babies. Luckily, my cervix had stabilized and had not gotten any shorter since the previous week. As we continued on with the US and I began to see my babies I became so excited and optimistic about my ability to carry these babies beyond 32 weeks (which is considered average term for triplets). Baby A (boy) continues to grow right on track and was found to be in the 48th percentile weighing 1lbs 15 oz. Baby B (girl) is keeping up with her brother also in the 48th percentile weighing 1lbs 15oz. Unfortunately my little guy (baby C) continues to struggle with his growth. He is not growing as quickly as he should be and is weighing only 1lbs 5 oz at this time (i know that doesnt seem like a big difference, but when my MD compared them in gram 882 vs 585g I knew he was really lagging behind). Obviously, this is our main concern at this time rather than me going into premature labor (as was my concern last week).
What I love about my new MD is that she actually called to tell me her concerns and actually discuss her plans and some options we will have in the near future if his growth does not speed up. Options at this time primarily involve giving me steroid injections to speed along lung development of all the babies in case an early delivery is needed (to ensure Baby C receives the nourishment he needs). I will see MD again next week and she is now going to be doing the growth checks weekly to track his progress. In the mean time, I will be lying around. I have read (which I know I probably should not be reading online), but that lying on your left side is the best way to increase blood flow to fetus--which increases the nutrients that the babies will receive, so that is my plan for this week--Spend as much time on my left side as possibe AND of course PRAY.
It is easy for me to once again try and take control of a situation that is really out of my control. I have to remind myself that God gave me these precious babies and he has a plan for us all.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family in our lives. In the past 2 weeks we have had 2 more showers where we received more than I could imagine. With help of my mom, mother in law and sister-- the nursery is coming together and we are beginning to collect items that will be desperately needed in the next few months-years. Our diaper collection appears to be pretty impressive at this point, but when I really think about it, I realize that we will probably go through all those boxes in 3-4 weeks!
Last week was my first week off from work. I thought I would go crazy lying/sitting around the house all day and then feared I would not sleep a wink at night, however, the days passed more quickly than I thought (and I stil slept much better than expected)! I did decide to see a new MD and am thrilled with her! She is so nice, personable, knowledgable and makes me feel much more comfortable than my last experience. I had US again on Friday to check my cervix length and growth of all 3 babies. Luckily, my cervix had stabilized and had not gotten any shorter since the previous week. As we continued on with the US and I began to see my babies I became so excited and optimistic about my ability to carry these babies beyond 32 weeks (which is considered average term for triplets). Baby A (boy) continues to grow right on track and was found to be in the 48th percentile weighing 1lbs 15 oz. Baby B (girl) is keeping up with her brother also in the 48th percentile weighing 1lbs 15oz. Unfortunately my little guy (baby C) continues to struggle with his growth. He is not growing as quickly as he should be and is weighing only 1lbs 5 oz at this time (i know that doesnt seem like a big difference, but when my MD compared them in gram 882 vs 585g I knew he was really lagging behind). Obviously, this is our main concern at this time rather than me going into premature labor (as was my concern last week).
What I love about my new MD is that she actually called to tell me her concerns and actually discuss her plans and some options we will have in the near future if his growth does not speed up. Options at this time primarily involve giving me steroid injections to speed along lung development of all the babies in case an early delivery is needed (to ensure Baby C receives the nourishment he needs). I will see MD again next week and she is now going to be doing the growth checks weekly to track his progress. In the mean time, I will be lying around. I have read (which I know I probably should not be reading online), but that lying on your left side is the best way to increase blood flow to fetus--which increases the nutrients that the babies will receive, so that is my plan for this week--Spend as much time on my left side as possibe AND of course PRAY.
It is easy for me to once again try and take control of a situation that is really out of my control. I have to remind myself that God gave me these precious babies and he has a plan for us all.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Time to Slow Down
Twenty five weeks today! While I am excited about reaching this milestone in my pregnancy with no bedrest or medicine, I have recently realized the "easy days" may be coming to an end. I have been very lucky so far to have a very enjoyable pregnancy with relatively no morning sickness or significant aches/pains. As I said last week, I have been pretty tired, but overall, I feel good about how well my body has tolerated carrying these 3 little ones.
Yesterday, I left work as usual and headed straight over to my weekly appointment. Expecting everything to go well (I had a full day of errands planned), I strolled into the clinic and began talking to the secretary about how well I had been doing. Little did I know, those errands were going to have to be put on hold for a while bc my babies wanted some rest. The US was performed first which showed all 3 babies doing well with good strong heartbeats. The bad news came when the sonographer checked my cervix and found it had shortened to quite a bit from the previous week. As she was telling me that it had shortened and she would have to contact the MD on call, she went on to tell me to prepare myself for bed rest (and possibly hospital bedrest). My MD decided to have me go to Baptist so they could monitor me to be sure that I was not having contractions that were causing my cervix to shorten. After sitting in the hospital hooked up to a monitor for an hour, the nurse came in and told me that I was having a contraction about every 10 minutes. Again she told me to prepare myself to go on bedrest and medication to stop these contractions, but said she was going to go inform my MD of the rate of contractions. To my surprise, she came back in the room a few minutes later and told us that my MD had decided to let me "resume normal activity" for now.
Hearing this news was relieving, but also scary. I was glad that I did not have to stay in the hospital, but in my mind I was wondering if it is safe for me to "resume normal activity" when I am having 6 contractions per hour. I know everyone tells me I should "quit reading those books" and "stay off the internet", but so far, that has been my main source of information (since my MD has not been informative at all). I have not been given advice on any warning signs to be aware of and have not even had an MD discuss medication options that will be available if/when needed to stop pre term labor contractions. The book that was recommended to me by a friend who recently had twins lists "6 or more contractions per hour" as a major warning sign for preterm labor and a cause to contact MD immediately.
Luckily, Travis has a great friend who is an OB and has been very helpful throughout my pregnancy. Although, I am scared to change physicians at this point in my pregnancy, I do not feel comfortable with the quality of care I have received thus far. A new physician was recommended who I am planning on seeing early next week. I hope to get some answers about what I should/should not be doing at this point. I am willing to do whatever is necessary to make these babies stay put for a few more weeks, but just need someone to tell me what to do.
On a good note, I am very excited about my second shower tomorrow given by my wonderful aunts!
Yesterday, I left work as usual and headed straight over to my weekly appointment. Expecting everything to go well (I had a full day of errands planned), I strolled into the clinic and began talking to the secretary about how well I had been doing. Little did I know, those errands were going to have to be put on hold for a while bc my babies wanted some rest. The US was performed first which showed all 3 babies doing well with good strong heartbeats. The bad news came when the sonographer checked my cervix and found it had shortened to quite a bit from the previous week. As she was telling me that it had shortened and she would have to contact the MD on call, she went on to tell me to prepare myself for bed rest (and possibly hospital bedrest). My MD decided to have me go to Baptist so they could monitor me to be sure that I was not having contractions that were causing my cervix to shorten. After sitting in the hospital hooked up to a monitor for an hour, the nurse came in and told me that I was having a contraction about every 10 minutes. Again she told me to prepare myself to go on bedrest and medication to stop these contractions, but said she was going to go inform my MD of the rate of contractions. To my surprise, she came back in the room a few minutes later and told us that my MD had decided to let me "resume normal activity" for now.
Hearing this news was relieving, but also scary. I was glad that I did not have to stay in the hospital, but in my mind I was wondering if it is safe for me to "resume normal activity" when I am having 6 contractions per hour. I know everyone tells me I should "quit reading those books" and "stay off the internet", but so far, that has been my main source of information (since my MD has not been informative at all). I have not been given advice on any warning signs to be aware of and have not even had an MD discuss medication options that will be available if/when needed to stop pre term labor contractions. The book that was recommended to me by a friend who recently had twins lists "6 or more contractions per hour" as a major warning sign for preterm labor and a cause to contact MD immediately.
Luckily, Travis has a great friend who is an OB and has been very helpful throughout my pregnancy. Although, I am scared to change physicians at this point in my pregnancy, I do not feel comfortable with the quality of care I have received thus far. A new physician was recommended who I am planning on seeing early next week. I hope to get some answers about what I should/should not be doing at this point. I am willing to do whatever is necessary to make these babies stay put for a few more weeks, but just need someone to tell me what to do.
On a good note, I am very excited about my second shower tomorrow given by my wonderful aunts!
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