MoM's (mom's of multiples) Check in 5/16

tmk0325

I thought it might be fun to have a check in for the expecting MoM's and those of us who have Multiples.  
We can do some general questions and then answer any questions that the new mom's might have!  

How far along are you (how many babies)? 

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?

Did you have a feeling you were having multiples or is/was it a complete surprise?  

What are you most concerned about?  

What questions/advice do you have?  

breezybee

Well, I guess I go here now!  I'm looking forward to getting some knowledge from you guys - I have ne effing clue what I'm doing. 

How far along are you (how many babies)? 7 weeks 3 days with twins (omg yikes)

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?
Mt first US was yesterday, and we got the surprise of our LIVES. Twins don't run in our families, so this is pretty shocking. But good shocking. Also scary shocking. 

Did you have a feeling you were having multiples or is/was it a complete surprise?  
See above. Lol. Complete surprise. 

What are you most concerned about?  
What kind of twins I'm having. My doctor suspects momo or mo/di, but she couldn't tell from the US. I'm going in for a more detailed US next Wednesday to find out. 

What questions/advice do you have?  
yes. Everything.  But I can't think of anything specific yet!

beary67

@breezybee I looked up the odds of mo/mo pregnancies...1 in 35k to 1 in 60k.   Pretty impressive! I know it's a scary (but exciting time) and I hope the next ultrasound and appointment can help put your mind at ease!  

How far along are you (how many babies)? 10w4d with di/di twins

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?  I had my first OB appointment last week after being released from the RE and also had an ultrasound.  Both went very well!  My next appointment is the NT scan in a week! 

Did you have a feeling you were having multiples or is/was it a complete surprise?  We transferred two embryos, so I knew it was a possibility.  My beta numbers were high as well, but I've seen low numbers still indicate twins.  It was a pleasant surprise when we had the first ultrasound at 6 weeks! 

What are you most concerned about?  Well I always start to worry about the next appointment--so the NT scan.  Also, my WBC was high when they did blood work last week, so they are repeating it next week as well.  My level was .2 above the cut-off they have to repeat the test.  I think stress played a role in my WBC levels at my last appointment because I was so freaking nervous! 

What questions/advice do you have?  So many I can't even think of them!  I am waiting until we get to 12 weeks to start thinking about what we need to purchase, etc.  When the time comes, I'm sure I'll be asking LOTS of questions! 

KathrynJ088

How far along are you (how many babies)? 

11wk+3 di/di twins

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?

Unexpected visit to the OB yesterday bc of back pain and cramping. They did a quick scan and cervix check and all was good (phew!). Dr said it's Braxton Hicks and to drink more water. Should have an upcoming appointment with MFM (maternal fetal medicine/high risk dr) either this week or early next for NT scan.

Did you have a feeling you were having multiples or is/was it a complete surprise?  
I had a dream or two that it was twins, and joked with my husband about it. Definitely still a major surprise to see two on the screen! They run in my family,  but I had no clue until afterwards. 

What are you most concerned about?  
How big I'm going to get, bed rest, logistics of feeding/going anywhere with them both, having to buy a new car even though I've had mine less than a year.. the list goes on

What questions/advice do you have? 
None at the moment, still figuring out ways to consume the extra calories needed. I've lost weight rather than gained it, and my doc expected me to gain at least 5 lbs in the first trimester. Haven't been throwing up sick, but also haven't had the hunger or urge to eat more than I usually do, so this is a bit of a challenge for me. 

wabash15

How far along are you (how many babies)? 8+1 singleton

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? nope, have another US on Thursday

Did you have a feeling you were having multiples or is/was it a complete surprise?  When we had our twins we knew it was a chance because of the number of follies we had with IUI but it was still a surprise!

What are you most concerned about?  managing the emotional needs of the twins with the new babies. DD is usually really independent but she's been in a super mommy phase lately and DS is a big mamma's boy so it can be hard to balance them both if they don't want to share me. 

What questions/advice do you have?  @tmk0325 I knew I would show earlier being a STM but man I think my uterus is so accustomed to twins its gotten huge. I feel like I look nearly 6 months (singleton) already! Are you feeling like your showing way early?

@breezybee congrats again!
@beary67 really you need some cloths, 2 car seats, one crib or pack-n-play that has the larger bassinet and maybe something to lay them on in the living room (or where ever you spend time) and a big diaper bag. My twins loved to sleep together and did so till 9 months. (I tried to separate them at 6 months and that did NOT go over well) 

tmk0325

@breezybee Omg congrats!! And Welcome!!! We did have a thread last week too where there were some questions asked that might be helpful for you to peek at!  I have mono/di twins. They are definitely more high risk (momo being the highest risk), because they share a placenta and run the risk of TTTS.  I would highly recommend meeting with MFM every two weeks for monitoring starting around 16 weeks.  Hopefully you will find out more at your appointment next week. If they are indeed momo or mono/di you will have identical twins.

@KathrynJ088 I didn't gain any weight until I was 18 weeks with twins. My MFM/OB wasn't too concerned because I was eating and the babies were growing. Then after that I gained 27 lbs from week 18-31!  Have you tried protein shakes yet?

@wabash15 I can tell i'm filling out more below, thankfully my pants still fit!!

How far along are you (how many babies)? 9w4d.  As far as I know just one...although my first ultrasound isn't until next Friday and my HCG levels were high at 8 weeks. Fingers crossed just one.

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? None..

Did you have a feeling you were having multiples or is/was it a complete surprise?  Like @KathrynJ088 I also woke up a few times in the middle of the night and said to my SO I feel like we are having twins. No twins run in our families, so when we saw them on the ultrasound I was like I had a feeling! 

What are you most concerned about?  Logistics also.. How the heck am I going to work full time and manage 3 kids under 2?!  I'm actually glad we had twins first, because if this one is indeed just one, I feel like it should be a breeze!

What questions/advice do you have?  I'm a little nervous that I'm feeling pretty good... Is anyone else feeling pretty decent?   I'm more than happy to answer any twin questions that you ladies have.  Just remember to take it one day at a time.  Twins are a lot of work, but they are so awesome too.... Oh and be prepared for people to stop you and ask questions and for little old ladies to poke their fingers in your stroller. It happens every time we go out!

tmk0325

@breezybee I just saw your ultrasound pic... It does look like momo from that pic. Fingers crossed they find a membrane next week!! 

breezybee

Thanks @tmk0325. I'll hop over to last weeks thread and read it
yeah, they really look like momo twins to me and that's reallllllly scary. My best friend had those (what are the freaking odds of that?!) and it was a rough pregnancy. She was in the hospital on bed rest for 2 months and the babies came early, were in the NICU, the works. They're healthy and happy 8 year old girls now, so that's good. But I already know how high risk and scary it is, so I'm pretty nervous. We'll deal with it as it comes though. 
Depending on what they are, my doctor has told me that I'll be referred to a MFM for the duration of my pregnancy and she also said that I'll be coming in A LOT.  Whatever they need to do!

tmk0325

@breezybee I think that is the best attitude to have when it comes to multiples. One day at a time and whatever is best for them!  It's so hard to have plans for multiples because it is such a different experience. My plan was to make it to 35/36 weeks and my water broke at 31 and out they came!  

wabash15

@breezybee one upside to MFM is you get to see your babies WAY more often... it was very reassuring.  Just be prepared that those appointments are long by they time they US both babies and you meet with the nurse and MFM... my appointments were routinely 2+ hrs

clovelyone

How far along are you (how many babies)? 9+3 with di/di twins 

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Nothing until the 23rd (3 long weeks). 

Did you have a feeling you were having multiples or is/was it a complete surprise?  We transferred 2 embryos so we knew it was a possibility. 

What are you most concerned about?  The fact that I have Stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis. I'm not going to worry about it though. Only positive thoughts here. 

What questions/advice do you have?  Nothing at the moment. 

stella_700

How far along are you (how many babies)?  9wks 4 days with twins, fraternal with separate sacs and placentas. What kind would that make them?

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? last weeks ultrasound was great fhb of 179 and 182. Next week first OB appt and last appt with RE.

Did you have a feeling you were having multiples or is/was it a complete surprise?  We knew it was a possibility as with our FET we transferred two.

What are you most concerned about?  complications/finances/child care after they are here.

What questions/advice do you have?  I'm now close to being out of my pants, they still button and zip just make me so blasted uncomfortable. Any one have suggestions for plus size maternity clothes that are work appropriate?

Marley629

Lurking @stella_700
 I bought some cute plus size maternity from pinkblush online over the weekend. They seem to always have sales.  Motherhood maternity had a small section of plus size maternity as well 

breezybee

I just read last weeks MOM's thread, and you were right @tmk0325 - very informative!
I'm glad we have so many experienced moms around
I have a question - am I supposed to be putting on weight already in the 1st tri?  With a single baby, it's fine if I didn't, but now I have no clue with twins. I thought the added calories shouldn't start until the 2nd tri with 600 and the 3rd with 700

wabash15

@breezybee it can be normal to put on some weight in the first trimester but you might not till the second. I put on ~10 lbs. my MFM wanted me to start with the increased calories right away (especially protein)
@stella_700 di/di

tmk0325

@breezybee  Like @wabash15 said you should be increasing your calories and your protein. Most importantly your protein.  My MFM doc told me to strive for 128 g in a day if not more.  I contribute eating that much protein to having two preemie babies that were a decent weight (3lbs11oz and 3lb10oz at 31 weeks)! I didn't gain any weight in my first trimester and I was eating a ton, every 1.5 to 2 hours. I felt like they were just sucking everything right out of as soon as I put it in! lol.  My OB said as long as they were gaining weight that was fine. I didn't really gain any weight until 18 weeks, so I wouldn't be too concerned as long as your babies are gaining!  You'll pick it up in the second trimester for sure! You'll also probably want to start taking extra iron in your second trimester as well.  

@stella_700 I think Kohls online might carry some plus size maternity clothes. I believe Old Navy does as well!  I also feel like the Liz Lange line at Target runs very large. I normally wear a size Large clothes and in that brand fit into a small during my whole twin pregnancy.  

KathrynJ088

@breezybee I recently tried quinoa for the first time. Not only is it tasty, it's also packed with protein and other good stuff. I'm also trying out Vegaone protein powder added to smoothie for my mid-morning snack. I feel like it's a bit difficult to get in all the grams needed without eating meat at every snack too!

I also just ordered a hidrate brand water bottle. It seems a little over the top, but I was dehydrated (I had no idea and thought my half a bottle of water by noon was fine) on Monday and started having contractions, had to go in to the doctor, etc. Was no fun, painful, and really freaked me out. This water bottle glows to remind you to drink water, tracks the water you drink and sends you notifications on the app, plus you can set your own daily goals! 

breezybee

@KathrynJ088 That water bottle sounds rad!  I don't have a problem YET - I usually drink around 8 glasses of ice water a day. I've upped it to 10. It's kind of a lot of work lol, but it's happening!
Quinoa is the pregnancy superfood!  I'll have to add more to my diet.  God, I feel like we can eat anything - within reason.  It's so liberating!

tmk0325

Haha at @breezybee for sure, especially with twins. They just take everything you put in!  @KathrynJ088
keep chugging the water!! I had braxton hicks like the whole second trimester and I drank over 100 ounces of water in a day. It sucked!  I also had no idea I was in labor when it really happened, because it felt just like that... I hope the smoothies are working for you.

wabash15

@breezybee drinking water can be a job, but you will feel so much better the more you drink. At first I really had to remind myself to keep drinking and refilling my cup but then it became more second nature. I think one of the other things is to carry a water bottle with you at all times so if your out running errands or driving you can still drink.

breezybee

I carry two fully loaded water bottles with me when I leave my house, and when I'm home, I'm constantly refilling a giant Target plastic cup with a straw that I love and can't live without.  I don't even drink other things. Just water!
I hope everyone's feeling good today!  My nausea is getting a LITTLE better, so I'm stoked for the brief reprieve. 

breezybee

Ok guys. I ask so many questions - sorry!  I've started reading books on expecting multiples, which is really helping, but I am still so clueless about this pregnancy lol. I was ready for one, but two is a whole new animal. 
Wondering what I'm allowed to do workout wise?  My doc said no running and no jumping. Does anyone have any workouts that you like/liked that are safe for twin pregnancy?  And when are we not allowed to lift heavy things (grocery bags, boxes of cat litter - I'm not doing the litter, just buying it, etc)?

wabash15

@breezybee I was told as long as I was not spotting I could do what I was comfortable with (ie what I had been doing prior to pregnancy). I cut out running as I would spot afterwards.  I loved prenatal yoga.  Some classes/teachers are really low key and others can be a good workout. walking is great, swimming or water walking. I loved swimming when I was farther along because it really took the weight off... I would feel the twins lift up and they would squirm around in the pool. (I think they liked the feeling too)

eta: just listen to your body, if your getting winded, or tired take a rest or try to modify the exercises. 

breezybee

Thanks @wabash15
How are you feeling today?

tmk0325

Yes to what @wabash15 said. My doc said if I was working out prior I could keep doing that. About halfway through I could do much besides prenatal yoga. I also recommend getting a belly band for when you get a little further along. I consistently measured a month ahead the whole pregnancy. Most women measure more!

we had an ultrasound yesterday and I confirmed that there is just one baby this time around! I had to ask twice if they were sure.

clovelyone

Is anyone else freaking out at the idea of taking care of multiples? I'm having a little panic attack because my SO just told me they have no paternity leave (although he will at least take a week of vacation thank God). I'm planning on moving to his house at some point during the pregnancy. His mom currently lives with him, but she will be moving out soon. I totally thought she would be there at least for a little while, but she's planning to move soon. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to push the responsibility to anyone else, but given my health issues/pain from endometriosis, I was worried about caring for one baby let alone two. I pray I'm worrying for nothing. Sorry, ladies! I'm just having a moment LOL. I hope I don't seem ungrateful because I've struggled with infertility for 4 years so this is definitely a blessing. 

breezybee

@clovelyone Of course I'm freaking out about having two!  It's scary!  But I've got a few twin Mom friends who've told me that everything will be fine. You'll get the hang of it and you'll do great. As long as everyone's fed and changed, it's all good. When I asked how they all do it, they said "You have no choice. You just do it!"  
I'm planning on reading everything I can from now until they're born (god willing), and gathering as much info from these awesome chicks as possible. We're gonna be ok!  And vent and freak out as much as you need to. That's what we're here for

clovelyone

@breezybee Thanks! I have a friend with twins too and she said it is hard, but twins are fun and unique. I'm happy to know I'm not the only one who is panicking LOL. 

wabash15

@clovelyone I struggled with IF too and had my share of freak out moments. It totally normal! You can do this! Half way through my twin pregnancy DH and I moved across the country and knew no one. He had no paternity leave either. He only got the day the twins were born off. But like @breezybee said when your a MOM you just make it happen because there is no other choice. It was had but we did OK. Just keep your expectations realistic. The house will be a mess and not much may get done but as long as the babies have diapers and everyone including yourself is fed your golden! You can do this!
@tmk0325 congrats on one beautiful baby!
@breezybee thanks for asking I'm hanging in there!

breezybee

Happy to hear it @wabash15!

clovelyone

Thanks for the encouragement, @wabash15! 

tmk0325

@clovelyone it's exactly like @breezybee said. You just do it. I see it hard, yes but these are your first and you honestly don't know any different! The best and biggest thing I can stress for twins is routine, routine, routine and keeping them on the same schedule. If it's just you there doing the feeding a twin z pillow is a lifesaver. I didn't breast feed (exclusively pumped) and after SO went back to work that's how I managed... my boys are a year next month and i just wanted to say it is doable!! 

@breezybee Two books I recommend besides the standard twin books are The Happiest Baby On the Block and 12 Hours of Sleep by 12 Weeks (written by a twin mom). The second one was a godsend for us and my twins slept through the night from 5 months on. 

clovelyone

@tmk0325 Thanks for the tips! I'm keeping a list of all suggestions that I think will be helpful  . 

breezybee

@tmk0325 thabks for the recommendations!  I'll add those to my list!

elev2017

@breezybee I've been reading "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads; 4th edition." I'm not all the way through it yet, but I've already found it to be a great resource and the most recent edition was just published this year, so it's all very up-to-date, current information.

breezybee

@leilagphillips I'm reading that one too.  It's super informative - I love it!

edited for spelling 

KathrynJ088

Random question: will we get to hear the babies heartbeats? I've seen them on the ultrasound several times, but haven't had any audio. Just wondering if they'll ever use the Doppler, or if it would work considering the rates are different?

breezybee

@KathrynJ088 We heard the heartbeats at our first US - but only for about 5 seconds each. It wasn't with a Doppler though, it was with the vagina US. 

elev2017

@kathrynJ088 I came from my OB appointment a couple of hours ago and he just told me that early in the pregnancy (I'm at 9 weeks, 2 days now) it's difficult to differentiate between the heartbeats with Doppler, but once there's more geometric space later in the pregnancy (or geometric something, I'm not 100% sure of the wording) then it's easier to tell them apart and they use the Doppler more regularly. So far I've had two transvaginal ultrasounds and one abdominal (that's the one I had today).

wabash15

@kathrynj088 I think it depends on your doc.... with my last RE we heard the twins heart beats at the very first appointment, but so far with this pregnancy (different RE and a midwife) I have only seen the heart beat....

as a general FYI one other sleep book that was helpful for us was the no cry sleep solution. My twins have very different personalities and what works for one does not always work for the other, but the happiest baby on the block was great too. I also second getting them on a schedule and feeding them at the same time. I did breast feed (with some supplementation) and would be happy to answer questions about breastfeeding multiples. 

KathrynJ088

I was so excited to just see they were happy and healthy today at MFM that I completely forgot to ask about the Doppler! I go back to my OB next Friday and will write it down to remind me. The pregnancy brain is all too real this past week!