I know I just posted a few days ago and some of you have heard this sudden news, but I wanted to get it down in writing as well. First off, yes, we still have two healthy girls inside me! Shane and I had our 28 week Perinatology appointment with the Neonatologist at UVRMC on Thursday. I had a bit of an uneasy feeling going into it. The babies looked great! Growing at the same rate still and weighing in at 2pounds 6oz. The Dr. asked me towards the end if I've been having contractions and lots of pressure.....I knew from previous appts if I didn't say YES then they wouldn't check my cervix and this was what I was a little on edge about. So I lied a bit and said yes. Sure enough I was getting my trans-vaginal exam as I hoped for. Not great news....My cervix is opening up, alot. In fact its barely holding itself together. It's supposed to be 4-5 centimeters. (If you make a fist a cervix is about as thick as all four fingers, across - NOT lengthwise) Unfortunately my cervix is closed by only .7 of a centimeter. (about as thin as half the width of my pinky) Confusing? I know. Basically meaning I'm over 85% effaced. Within minutes we were emited into the hospital and I was being hooked up to all kinds of needles and tests. They especially wanted to run stress tests on the babies. Meanwhile the Neonatologist was on the phone getting further instructions from my OB, Dr. Judd.
To my surprise, the stress tests were showing I was having contractions and abdomen irritability every 12 min or so... Weird, I just kind of thought my stomach was growling because I was so hungry. haha, I really did. So after he found out about the regular contractions, Dr. Judd requested I get that steriod shot to help the babies lungs develope faster. (May I please express my gratitude for technology and meds these days!!!!) The shot feels like peanut butter and stings a bit but I told them to poke me 100 times if it helps the girls. * Shane was so cute and supportive and trying to help out during such a helpless situation*
The next day we got my second dosage of the same shot for the babies lungs and they did a fetal fibronectin test. This test detects a protein present in the cervix. My results came back negative- which is awesome because a positive test result would mean I'll most likely go into labor within two weeks. So this was encouraging news. The downfall is they did another exam on my cervix, this one was digital, and found that I'm thinner and much softer that day than the previous.
( 'A-bee' and 'B-bee' side profiles)
End result?...bedrest, again. I really thought I was going to cry because I know exactly what this is like. I had 4 months of it in the beginning of pregnancy only this time I'm huge and quite uncomfortable. BUT then they told me I got to eat and I forgot all about bedrest.... (I love you Lar and Cher thanks for the most delicious hamburger of my life!!)..... :)
Dr. Judd and the hospital nurses said that with everything I've been through during this pregnancy, my body is obviously not going to hold it together as long as we'd all hoped it would. With the extra pressure, extra baby, extra fluid, and extra placenta I have about a month left if I'm lucky. It's just too much for my cervix to handle. I didn't realize I've been having that much extra pressure. Of course I feel it but complaining about it doesn't make it go away, either. I've been told I need to be more vocal and express what I'm feeling during these last few weeks. Done, I can do that. Now we're just timing my contractions and crossing our fingers my cervix holds out a little longer because once it opens then I'll most likely start dialating. I feel pretty good about everything and I know we're supposed to have these baby girls. I can't wait to hold and smell them! I only hope it's not too soon before I do; and in the meantime Shane and I will do whatever it takes. Honestly, this is such a small sacrifice for what we're getting in return!!
33 comments:
Truly I am so sorry. I have been thinking about you nonstop the last few weeks. I was 29 weeks when the exact same thing happened to me. The modern medicine is amazing and they are able to do so much now days. My fetal fibronectin test came back positive and they kept me pregnant for 4 more weeks. Stay down and stay positive. It is so worth it. Good luck with everything and keep us posted.
Wow Truly! How do you and Shane handle all this so well! I hope the babies try to stay in as long as possible and I'm sorry that you're back on bed rest!
I hope those cutie pies stay in there a little longer! I can't imagine having two people pushing on you in there. It's bad enough with only one. It sounds like you're a toughie though. We'll see you guys soon!
Sorry about bedrest...but, it is going to be here before you know it! I can't wait to see your little girls! I wish I could be in town for the shower. I am sure it is going to be amazing. Well, keep up the good work of growing your girls and keep in touch! You look great and they are going to be so beautiful. Love you!
Soon enough you are going to be laying them in their very own beds at home! Crazy how fast everything goes. I know bed rest sucks but we will try and keep you company as much as possible.
It was just yesterday we were over the night they tranfered the little embryos! It is so emotional bringing these little babies into the world. It has been such a long long road... but as long as they stay inside and everything continues to hold together, you get to be at home! Everyone is praying for you FOUR!
everytime i read ur posting i get all blubbery and tear up! ur wuch a strong woman and ur little girls are so so so lucky to have you as their mommy!!!!
Truly,
Good luck!! I'm Melissa Jones' sister and went to school with Keith, and have secretly been following you since I heard you're having twins. I'm having twin boys and am a week and a half behind you. (Mine are mono/di.)Anyhow, at our appointment on Tuesday they told me same thing and let me tell you I'm feeling your pain! I also didn't even know I was having contractions, and felt like an idiot. Did they give you Tributiline (sp?) to stop them? It worked for me. We haven't heard the result for the fetalfibronectin test yet, but I'm hoping it's negative so I don't have to be on horizontal bedrest, just regular. Too bad you're not living in Mesa so we could hang out together!
Anyhow, sorry for the long creepy comment, just wanted to let you know that I'm hoping for the best for you and am sure you'll all get through it, healthy.
-Sara (Jones) Palmer
I about had a heart attack when I read "some of you might have already heard the news". But I'm so glad that the minis are doing good! I'm sorry that you're back on bedrest, but you still look great and gorgeous as ever. Thanks for the updates, it makes me feel like I'm right there with you.
You are handling everything remarkably well! I cant imagine that much bedrest! But you're past 28 weeks, That's a big accomplishment!
A nurse at my OB office had her twins at 31 weeks and besides being in the NICU a bit for their weight and lungs...they were perfect!
Your belly is so cute! Mine had some pretty fierce 'tiger stripes' by 28 weeks..lucky! :)
Sweetie! You have been on a ride with these two. Aren't we so lucky to live in these days? My mom and I talk about how many of us in our family including ourselves wouldn't be here today if we didn't have modern medicine/technology. We live in such a wonderful time. I am glad they have things under control. Keep those babies in as long as possible. I've been feeling a lot of pressure down there as well and I would have never really think they were contractions. I'm like you I don't want to complain about it. I pray on wednesday they don't tell me I'm having them. Only 4 more weeks for me. We may be in the hospital at the same time! :)
Enjoy the relaxing time now. That's what everyone tells me but I am very impatient. How can you not want your little one here now!
Truly, I hope Shane is helping out! Last time I was with him at a birthing, he cried the whole time. I said to him "come on man get a grip" but alas he kept crying uncontrollably. Well, I could not stand it, so I left him to go help tend to my sister who after having given birth, was crying too.
Uncle Preston
Truly,
I was stressing the whole time reading that post. Keep those babies in... Everyday counts! Your doing great and look amazing...
I made something for the girls and I need your address...
Ok I don't care how big you keep saying you are cause youre not!! You look adorable and so happy. You stay down and keep those babies warm! I'm amazed at everything you and Shane have been through these past few months to get these two girls here. The whole time it has been so hard and you have always had the best attitude. You are going to be the best mommy. I can't wait to see you this weekend; its going to be so much fun. I can't wait to get out of this heat. I'm sure the girls bedding is perfect. I'm starting to freak out thinking about those girls I'm soooooo excited for real!!! I want to squeeze, smell, and hold them. Ok the one with long toes has to be Lyndsay and the one with flinstone feet is Ashton. ha ha Whatever names you choose will be perfect. I agree that song 'Better in Time' is really good......See you soon!
wow! that stinks, but it will all be worth it! you look great and all your showers looked super fun, justin and i wish you luck! just hold on a lil longer!
I'm sorry Shane had to spend his Birthday worrying, but atleast he didn't get babies for his big day. As fun as it would be to share a birthday we want to keep them in as long as possible. I remember so well when Sarah was on bedrest, I couldn't believe they kept the twins in that long. I look at them now and can't believe they were ever as small as they were.
Modern medicine truly is a miracle, hang in there I know you know things will work out perfect. We all love you and admire the hard work to bring those blessings into the world.
Truly!!
I have come across your blog twice now. First from my neighbor & Shanes cousin Jill, and just now from Stephanie Nielsons sis-in-law (the Clark girls all used to have their hair cut at the salon I worked at). Small world!
I'm sorry to hear about the bed rest. Yuck!! My friends daughter who is as far along as you & having two girls just got put on bed rest for early labor. Crazy.
Just stay down and keep those girlies in. In hindsight it will be for such a short time. Twins are so fun, but they'll keep you running so fast you'll forget you were ever pregnant.
Maybe Daniel, Kimberly, Ryan and I can come share some take-out with you guys one night!
Take care! Connie
conniebenson@digis.net
P.S. I wish you were having boys so I could pass on some of my too small stuff!
Truly! You really are an inspiration to me! You are3 so great to keep your additude so positive! I am sorry for the news and hopefully everything will be ok! We will continue to keep you in our prayers
Dang it, bed rest again! You are so positive though and that can only be good for the babies. You are so cute pregnant and seriously, can't believe you are having twins. You look amazing! Can't wait to see pics of your little girls, but hope it's not too soon. You and Shane will be in our prayers for sure. Good Luck and keep us all posted!
wow! I leave for Hawaii for one week and look how much happened. Serious! Ok, so now that I have had a baby shower for you there is one rule...... you have to call or text me with updates. I can't just find out through your blog. LOL! I know everything will work out and I am so proud of how strong you are. I love how beautiful you are pregnant and all your belly shots. When can I come visit you?
aww man! Truly, you can't catch a break! You're so optimistic about this all... I can't even imagine going through all this! Can't wait until those little girls get here safely! Good luck! xoxo
-Emily
You do NOT look pregnant with TWINS! Take this with all the love I have... I HATE YOU! You are so beautiful. Hang in there. Let people help you when ever they offer. Stay positive. Heavenly Father knows how much you can take. He is shaping you into a very patient, loving, selfless mother... I can tell.
HI There, you don't know me but I am the one who saw your cake and just had to try it a few months back. I did it a little different this time but every time I make it the strawberries in the middle cause a big gap between the layers and the frosting doesn't stay in place on the side (basically the gap keeps opening up). How do you do keep it all together?
Also- I check in on your updates with those babies every now and then and you are going to be a great mom! you are so positive and loving! What a great example you will be to those babies. Good luck with everything!!
Thanks again for your cake. My husband loves it and so does my family!!
I am so sorry that you have to go through bedrest again. I hope you can push the labor off for as long as possible. I am so entirely excited for you though. After just having our little Marcus and going through the miracle of birthing a baby I am so excited that you get to go through those tender experiences so soon. Hopefully those two girls will hang out for a little longer.
Sorry about the bedrest Truly. Did you hear about Shane?
Go here:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2008/10/25/20081025officerdeath-ON.html
girl it's nicole barr from high school!! Casey and i were talking the other day after looking at your blog about how happy you look. you really have found your soulmate... he is your other half and i have never seen you look so content with life. im so happy for you and your new addition's to your family. this time (bed rest) will be a learning expirience for you, and it will make you stronger. stay positive!! love, cole ps.. congrats on being a new mom. it really will change your life.
Hey Truly,
Thanks I got the letter. Nate is doing pretty good he has his moments. I always tell him Im crying to make up for the both of us! I tell him its his fault I cry(: I keep seeing pictures and reading all these memories. It makes me an emtional mess(; thats ok I always said Shane was my fav. of his friends!! Love you and hang in there!!
I can't believe you are on bed rest again! I am so sorry! I hope you can keep those girls cookin.
Any names picked out? What about pictures of the nursery?
Good math on 14 weeks, btw.
You look so good!Thanks for your comment.I feel like I have gone through nothing compared to you.You and your husband will do great raising those sweet girls.I have to give you a little advise I hear my mom say to people who have twins... Let them sleep by eachother as long as they can.My mom said Candace and I slept so much better by eachother because thats what we were use too.We would wrap our arms and legs together, suck on eachothers toes, and do sweet little things twins do.You remember Jeremy Evans? Fred and Teddy Schroders son. They had twin girls 6 or 7 months ago and his wife still lets them sleep in the same bed.They keep eachother company and take eachothers binkis.Twins have such a bond starting from when they are in your tummy and you will be amazed to see it as they grow. Good luck and hang in there.You are doing and looking SO good!!
Hang in there! What a rollercoaster you've been on with this pregnancy, but I'm so glad the babes and you are still healthy! Good luck with everything!
Truly! How the heck are you??? So I do remember you and your sister Rachel its so funny to think that you actually use to babysit me! How weird is that? Now were pregnant with twins together! How crazy!! so I gotta admit that my aunt melanie told me about you and how your havin twins so I found your bog off Rachels and I have been reading your blog often! I hope you start feelin better and that you can carry the girls as long as you need to! Nixon would be so cute to use for a girl I never thought about it. Were doing Nixxen and Madexx because we can use the double x thing since we had Jaxxen. My husband thinks its pretty cool and he wanted to keep it going. Lets just hope we dont have any more boys...its actually kinda hard to think of names that have xx's. Anyways Im soo excited for you and your husband! Its going to be so much fun! Hard but fun and soo worth it! good luck with everything and I will check back often!!
ps- I hope you actually get this comment since you have a million!
Hi, I'm Megan, the "other" mom in the ward whose twins are due right after yours! I've been secretly stalking your blog for about a month since I heard about the kindred spirit in the neighborhood. Email me sometime scrappymeggie at gmail.com Sounds like this has been QUITE an adventure to get these little girls here safely! Keeping my fingers crossed for you that they'll stay in, stay in, stay in!! Bedrest, YUCK!!!!!
I had to steel the video from your blog because it was so good, I wanted to share it too. I hope you are feeling well. Love ya!
Sorry I'm such a slow-getter-back-to-er! So, in answer to your question, thank heavens, my FFN test was negative. Hooray! So, now I'm just on normal bedrest and can sit and just take it easy rather than laying flat on my side. Good thing too, because I swear I was getting bed sores and felt all creaky like an old woman.
I'm proud of how big your girls are! I guess I'm 2 1/2 weeks behind you, not 1 1/2, and we are doing our 28 week growth ultrasound tomorrow and I hope the kids are as big as yours.
Sounds like you're doing all you can for these girls, and I'm glad you are taking care of them and yourself. Keep up the good work!
Oh, are they planning on delivering you at 36 weeks?
Email me if you want / don't want ridiculously long comments on you blog! :) jp123sp@cox.net
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