MoM's of Multiples - Check In

tmk0325

How far along are you? 

Any appointments this week/last? 

GTKY: Did you dress up your bump for Halloween? Do you have any Halloween traditions you are looking forward too?

What rants/raves/questions/advice?

tmk0325

How far along are you? Almost 34 weeks! Woah!

Any appointments this week/last? None this week. Next week I have a regular OB appt then I start going weekly. 

GTKY: Did you dress up your bump for Halloween? Do you have any Halloween traditions you are looking forward too? I did the magic 8 ball and made the little sayings to hold up when people asked me a question. Won most original costume at work! Whoop!  I'm just looking forward to taking all three kids trick or treating and dressing up. I enjoy dressing up. My boys were little skunks and were adorable! 

What rants/raves/questions/advice?  Anyone else getting leg cramps? I eat a banana and drink water before bed but I'm still cramping up. It's really annoying!!  

wabash15

How far along are you? 32+2

Any appointments this week/last? I have a MW appointment this afternoon, then on to bi weekly!

GTKY: Did you dress up your bump for Halloween? Do you have any Halloween traditions you are looking forward too? we had a cat in the hat theme for the fam. DH was the cat, the twins were thing 1&2 and I was the fish in the fish bowl (or more specifically my bump was). Its fun taking the kiddos out and trick or treating. one of these years I will actually go with them (DH usually takes them and I stay home and hand out candy)

What rants/raves/questions/advice? @tmk0325 I have been getting some but not as many with the twins. Maybe try to drink more water throughout the day. also a trick I learned was to flex your foot it helps stop the cramp vs pointing your foot.  it seems silly but it works.   

tmk0325

@wabash15 I do that and drink about 75 ounces of water in the day if not more... I'm just thinking this baby is sucking it all out of me! 

wabash15

@tmk0325 it feels crazy some times but I shoot for 100+oz of water a day... 

breezybee

Those costumes sound so cute @wabash15 and @tmk0325!  
@tmk0325 Ive only gotten one leg cramp this pregnancy, thank god. I usually get them pretty often. I try to drink hella water and eat bananas, and massage my leg when it’s happening. It hurts so bad, but it’s helps. 

How far along are you? 31+4. Dear god. 

Any appointments this week/last? 
It feels like I have them all the time!  Just had a check up with my OB. Blood pressure is good, GD is completely under control (and I think non-existent, but whatever), and my weight is good. I’m starting my Nst’s Next week 

GTKY: Did you dress up your bump for Halloween? Do you have any Halloween traditions you are looking forward too?
I had a shirt with two jack o lantern faces on it and I siren my witch hat for trick or treaters. I’m not a big halloweenie person.  I always make chili on Halloween, so I did that and we had some friends over. Pretty mellow night, which is totally
my pace these days. 

What rants/raves/questions/advice?
My husband and I ditched obligations today and drove up to Napa/Calistoga to have a yummy long lunch and stay at our favorite spa. It’s our happy place and probably the last time we’ll get to come here for a while. I’m going to go to an amazing dinner tonight, then do a night swim in their amazing pool, and then tomorrow we have couples massages before we head home. No rants to be found over here

elev2017

How far along are you? 

32+4, omg omg they could be here in as little as 2.5 weeks!

  

Any appointments this week/last? 

Had an OB appointment today. They've been rotating me through all the OB's in the practice and today I met the last one. I liked him a lot and he gave me more straightforward answers than some of the other doctors. Also, some of the other OBs had recommended that I try for a vaginal birth if possible because of my ulcerative colitis, but he told me that he didn't think the surgery would impact my UC and that some women with UC have a harder time recovering if they get bad tears during vaginal birth, so if I choose to have a CS that's fine. Now I'm not really sure what to do... I know overall the recovery time tends to be longer with a CS, but I'd also get an extra 2 weeks of paid leave if I have one, so more time to spend with my babies. @wabash15 and @tmk0325 Did you both have c-sections? 

GTKY: Did you dress up your bump for Halloween? Do you have any Halloween traditions you are looking forward too?

I wore my twins skeleton shirt to work and people were amused. I'm just looking forward to taking our kiddos trick-or-treating. DH and I have already come up with 3 years worth of family costumes lol! @wabash15 your Cat in the hat costumes sound adorable and @tmk0325 I loved the photo of your magic 8 ball costume!

What rants/raves/questions/advice?

Rant: Our house still looks kind of like a war zone with all the stuff everywhere and it's going to cost a good chunk of money to deal with the mold issue in the nursery and other parts of the house, but I'm relieved that it will be a permanent fix and that the company was able to come tomorrow to do it! 

Rave: So excited that soon the nursery ceiling will be mold free and then we can move all the furniture and baby stuff in there and decorate! 

Question: See CS question above.

breezybee

@leilagphillips Im in the same boat on the thing to decide between a vaginal birth to csection.  I’ve always just assumed that I’d have to get a csection, and my doc just threw me a curveball and told me that I could potentially have a vaginal birth. I don’t know what to do, to be honest. I just want them here safely and I don’t want to be in a situation where one comes out and then I have to do an emergency csection.  I’m really torn on what the right answer is.  

elev2017

@breezybee I was also really worried about needing an emergency CS after one came out, because that's exactly what happened to my colleague who had twins this past winter. I had thought that if they did that you'd have to go under general anesthesia (like she did), but I've since learned that as long as you have an epidural they usually don't need to knock you out, so that made me feel better. I want to be awake and alert when my babies are born! I also read in my expecting multiples book that it's actually not that common of a scenario, something like only 5-10% of vaginal twin births end up needing a CS for twin B. Still... it's a big decision to make and recovery seems sooo different for some people versus others!

wabash15

@leilagphillips I did have a c-section. I was hoping for vaginal delivery but baby B was breech and measuring larger so after a lot of discussion of the risks and pro/cons with my MFM we opted for an elective c-section. My recovery was not bad, and my understanding is elective c-sections are easier to recover from than emergency/labor ahead of time c-sections. I will say I did not have help with the twins afterwards and if you have a section It would be amazing to have the help. There were moments my incision hurt badly from bending over to pick up the babies, but overall it is doable. also an abdominal support belt was so helpful in my recovery... helping to protect those beat up abs and give me more support when lifting the twins. 

tmk0325

@leilagphillips Yes, I also had a c-section.  My boys were transverse (in a T) almost the whole entire pregnancy, so I was 95% certain we would have a c-section. Mine was not an emergency C section, as they were trying to stop my labor all day and I wasn't pushing/etc, so I did receive a spinal and my SO was able to be in the room.  The recovery wasn't too bad.  In fact, I have a routine C scheduled for Dec. 8 with this one if he/she doesn't come before then. I do have the option for a vbac and I said if this one comes on it's own I may opt to try it. I'll be honest, the thought of pushing a baby out and tearing horribly scared me more than the c-section!  

The best advice I can give you is just be flexible. Twins are a whole different ball game, so whatever is best for them and myself is what I wanted. I absolutely did not want to have one vaginally and then need an emergency C.  That was my worst case scenario. 

wabash15

tmk0325 said:

@leilagphillips Yes, I also had a c-section.  My boys were transverse (in a T) almost the whole entire pregnancy, so I was 95% certain we would have a c-section. Mine was not an emergency C section, as they were trying to stop my labor all day and I wasn't pushing/etc, so I did receive a spinal and my SO was able to be in the room.  The recovery wasn't too bad.  In fact, I have a routine C scheduled for Dec. 8 with this one if he/she doesn't come before then. I do have the option for a vbac and I said if this one comes on it's own I may opt to try it. I'll be honest, the thought of pushing a baby out and tearing horribly scared me more than the c-section!  

The best advice I can give you is just be flexible. Twins are a whole different ball game, so whatever is best for them and myself is what I wanted. I absolutely did not want to have one vaginally and then need an emergency C.  That was my worst case scenario. 

^^^ this, for me I did NOT want a double whammy.

KathrynJ088

How far along are you? 
36 weeks today (sorry I've been MIA!)

Any appointments this week/last? 
I'm on weekly appointments with both doctors, so I had one at my OB last week, and MFM tomorrow, and OB on Tuesday.
OB last week we scheduled my c-section with the hospital for Nov 20th. I'll be 38+1. Baby B is breech, and while we could try to turn him after vaginally delivering Baby A, it's risky and could end up in a CS any way, and like the ladies above, I'd rather not recover from the double whammy! We'll do a scan right before, and if he's happened to turn, we'll do an induction instead. My doc has been pretty flexible about it all. 

GTKY: Did you dress up your bump for Halloween? Do you have any Halloween traditions you are looking forward too?
Yepp, picture in spoiler. No traditions and I'm actually a bit grumpy about Halloween this year bc GD means I can't have any of the candy. 

What rants/raves/questions/advice?
Just really really ready to have these babies. Carrying over 12lbs of baby has been super rough and I'm so close to the end!

clovelyone

@KathrynJ088 I can't imagine having 12 lbs of babies in there! I'm at 8 lbs and I'm over it. Holy constipation!!! Oh and I love your pumpkin bump, it's too cute! 

wabash15

@KathrynJ088 My twins were the same deal. Baby B being breech. We elected a C-section but I did make them US me right before to make sure she was still breech. (which she was... actually she had moved to transverse...little stinker!) By the end they were estimating I was caring 15.5lbs of babies... in the end it was closer to 13, but still its a lot of baby by the end! Your doing a great job! Keep on cooking!

KathrynJ088

They arrived today and are doing great for the most part! Luke is still I'm NICU with respiratory issues, but Iree has been with me the last few hours. I'm not sure what's up with the birth announcement page, and I'm pretty exhausted, so I'll give details tomorrow  

clovelyone

OMG congratulations, @KathrynJ088!!! FX Luke will be strong enough to go home with you. 

jennasaisquoi

@KathrynJ088- congrats! Can't wait to hear your update! 

@beary67- Hope all is well. Following everything on the general thread. Have all my fingers crossed! 

For all of you with leg cramps- potatoes. Seriously. Chock full of potassium. 

Oh man, feel like I've been gone forever. That app glitch took me out, and I'm just getting back on board. 

How far along are you? 33 on the nose.

Any appointments this week/last? 

NST today. Girls look great, once they decided to cooperate. However. I'm having very mild, regular contractions which I was wholly unaware of. Nurses were shocked I wasn't feeling them. I explained that my experience with contractions involved pitocin, and if these were contractions, it was like being licked by kittens by comparison. I go back in tomorrow. Hoping they've subsided by then.

Here's a random picture of me looking like a flushed, creatively wrapped present. 

GTKY: Did you dress up your bump for Halloween? Do you have any Halloween traditions you are looking forward too?

I usually go all out for Halloween, but was so exhausted this year, I didn't even decorate. I did make it around the block with my little spider.

What rants/raves/questions/advice?

Hoping for good news tomorrow, BUT! 

Packed my bag, car seats are ready to go. I'm assuming they'll try to stop the contractions, but give me steroids just in case. My OB says if I go into labor past 34 weeks, they won't stop it. I'm doing my best to take it easy and chug water. 

Am I forgetting anything? 

anewadventure

omg! @KathrynJ088  congrats!! can't wait to hear your update!

elev2017

@kathrynJ088 Congratulations! Hope all went well! So exciting that our first twins have arrived!

beary67

Congratulations, @KathrynJ088!!!  Praying for both your babies.  Can't wait to hear about their arrival!  

wabash15

@KathrynJ088 congrats!! so glad Iree is able to be with you and prayers for little luke. Hopefully he can get stronger and be with you soon.
@jennasaisquoi I love your little spider. How are you feeling?  I hope the contractions slow down for you. Keep us updated

Marley629

Yayy @KathrynJ088!! Congratulations! Looking forward to your update post!! 

clovelyone

@jennasaisquoi What a cute little spider! FX your contractions stop. 

breezybee

Woohoo @KathrynJ088!  Congratulations on your twinners!  Hopefully, baby Luke’s stay in the NICU is short. Hugs to you all!

tmk0325

Wooowhooo ladies! yay! Congrats @KathrynJ088!!  How exciting, love the names! How is Luke doing today?  How are you feeling?

@jennasaisquoi how are you doing??

tmk0325

Ladies -- do you want me to keep making weekly threads or would you prefer we just keep commenting on one string from now on with any questions/updates? I'm good either way!

wabash15

@tmk0325 I dont have a strong preference either way

beary67

Maybe do one thread we can comment on—just a general MoM thread?  

elev2017

I agree with @beary67 I think us MoMs interact frequently enough throughout the week that it's not really necessary to do the weekly ticker change.

breezybee

Yeah, a general thread wouldn’t be fine with me too!
AFM, we went to get a growth scan today and Baby B has always been bigger by about 2oz, but now she’s 2oz smaller than Baby A. A is 4lbs and B is 3.15oz.  I feel like i need to eat more protein or something. Everything else looks good though!

jennasaisquoi

@tmk0325- Do whatever's easiest! 

@clovelyone, @wabash15: Thank you! He had a blast. 

@breezybee - They're getting so big! Mine flip flopped like that a week or so ago. Protein shakes would probably be good!

So....today was not fun. 

NST turned into a forced march. Ended up in triage due to continued contractions and a few heart decels from Baby B. 

I ended up stuck in the hospital for around 8 hours, 12:30 to 8PM, while I waited for decisions to be made, and the on-call doc to get a break  in between c-sections.

A few interesting discoveries- after two cervix checks, I'm like a fingertip dimpled, but still long (over 3)and closed. 

If you haven't had this done yet....I'm no wuss, but I was in tears. Ow ow ow! 

I suspect the worst culprit is lying on my back on an uncomfortable triage gurney for hours on end. If I sat up, stood, or rolled on my side, contractions stopped. And my heart rate slowed...which is good, because my BP and HR were high enough that they didn't want to give me terbutaline (sp?) to stop contractions. 

I was checked for pre-eclampsia, vag infections, and FFN. And probably demonic possession. All negative. 

Babies look great. No more heart decels from Baby B, but...I am on bed rest. And pelvic rest. 

I decided to get the steroid shots for the girls' lungs, so I have another NST and the second shot scheduled for tomorrow night, a doctor's visit first thing tomorrow, and ANOTHER NST on Thursday. Oy.

I came home and self-medicated with a Chipotle burrito bowl. 

I want a margarita. 

elev2017

@jennasaisquoi Oy! Sorry you had to go through that whole ordeal at the hospital. I've had a couple of cervix checks (one at the hospital, since I had to go for frequent contractions too a couple of weeks ago), they weren't terrible, but definitely not my favorite. Glad you tested negative for all the stuff, but if I'm being honest... demonic possession would have really spiced things up on this thread lol!

tmk0325

Since we are already commenting on this thread instead of starting a new one, I just edited the title and took out the date. Feel free to keep commenting on it.

I am not looking forward to cervix checks.  I'm not even sure if and when my doctor does them. I'll be 35 weeks on Friday and have an appointment tomorrow so I will ask then. When I had my boys, I had a nurse check me and she was so forceful, I rammed my head against the back of the bed and screamed. My doctor checked me twice after that and it wasn't as bad, but it just brings up bad memories and makes me cringe!

@jennasaisquoi That sounds miserable. I'm glad you are getting the steroid shots though. Are you on bedrest?

breezybee

Haha @jennasaisquoi im glad they checked you for demonic possession. I’m also glad you were clear. Not making me feel good about upcoming cervix checks. Ugh, this whole ACTUALLY having babies thing makes me so nervous. 
I️ hope you enjoyed your burrito bowl!

wabash15

@jennasaisquoi I'm not sure but I think I only had one cervix check at 37 weeks and I had nothing going on.  I'm so sorry you had such a long experience at the hospital. I'm glad the babies are well and hopefully they will continue baking for a bit longer yet. I craved a margarita so much with the twins!. hugs and hang in there

beary67

I've only had 2 cervix checks since coming to the hospital.  I avoid them at all costs because they can be quite painful.  I am hoping I won't have any additional checks unless I start having contractions again since I'm having a scheduled c-section.  Fingers crossed!

clovelyone

@jennasaisquoi Sorry you had to go through all of that, but I'm glad the babies are OK and can stay put a little longer. 

jennasaisquoi

Thanks, you guys.

Yes, today was my first day of bed rest. I went in to my OB this AM, and my BP was elevated, but nothing like the hospital. 

Then back to the hospital this evening for the second steroid shot. Another NST. No contractions detected- I  wouldn't let them lower me flat on my back, I am sure that's why!

Babies look great, contractions are stopped, but my BP skyrocketed again. Not as high as yesterday. AGAIN, I think it's because when they lay me flat, my body works extra hard and I'm super uncomfortable. At least this time I didn't  trip the alarms! 

But they still insisted on another preeclampsia test- my third one in 24 hours. The others were pee tests, this one was blood and urine. They held me for 2.5 hours until results came back.

I passed, but by the skin of my teeth. Uric acid at 6, so I'm maxed out. Other ratios are well within normal levels.

I have YET another NST tomorrow. I'm morbidly curious about what they will find at this one! LOL! 

wabash15

@jennasaisquoi sorry you have so much going on. I know they are just trying to be cautious but that is rough. Also they should know better than making a pregnant woman lay down on her back with out at least being at an angle... 

breezybee

Yeah seriously, who the hell tries to lay a pregnant lady with TWINS flat on her back?
Take it easy today lady. Sorry for all the tests and bedrest.