April Due Dates

[froggy]

Here is our thread. How is everyone doing. Bellies getting big? I just don't know if it's babies or bowels I am seeing.

I am still having a bad time with vomiting and am always tired. I am 11 weeks today.

Next doctor's appointment is for sono and that's next Friday. I can't wait to see my babies again.

[tracylynn]

Hey I really don't know if I am showing or not either? Some days yea and some no. But I do know that I am really tired as well. I go to sleep pretty early and still in the morning feel like I have had no sleep. I also am getting lots of headaches. Anyone else? It is mostly in the evenings I think It is from just the whole day coming to an end who knows. I have another Dr. appointment next Tuesday I can't wait either! Anyway hope you get to feeling better.
Tracy

[froggy]

Yea I have been haveing lots of headaches too. I just keep thinking at 12 weeks some one will sprinkle pixie dust on me and I will magically feel better!

I love to swim but haven't done it since I was maybe 5 weeks becuase I am so tired all the time.

[froggy]

Maybe the morning sickness is coming to an end. I went the whole weekend with out throwing up. Had a lot of energy (of course I got to sleep in too so that helped) I was hungry! I haven't really had the desire to eat in several weeks so it was weird to feel hungry again.

I threw up a very little bit this morning but I think it was because I was so hungry when I woke up.

Maybe the end of the tunnel is here! How is everyone else feeling??

[Sunflower]

This is my first post, and I'm SO thankful to have found other women going thru what I am, almost at the same time! :)
I'm just at 10 weeks and my husband says I'm showing some, so I must be. The pants are tighter all the time, also a pretty big hint. But I'm very lucky to only be nauseated a little all the time and don't actually vomit. I totally relate to being exhausted constantly. Combine that with having insomnia most nights since we found out it's multiples last week, and naps come in handy after work!
So glad to get involved in a messageboard of women who understand what I'm feeling.

Sunflower

[froggy]

Sunflower, we will be here for each other through out this adventure.

I have trouble sleeping at night too. I know I am showing now because someone came and patted my belly at church yesterday so I guess it's not just me!

I went and bought a few maternity outfits this weekend. My girls (6 & 8) went with me. They have never really seen me pregnant and they can't wait till my belly is big and they can feel the babies. They came in the dressing room with me and I put the pillow on so they could see what I will look like at some point. They loved that!

I live for my after work nap! Welcome aboard and I am sure we will be getting to know each other very well through this board over the next months.

[purplefrog]

Hi everyone,
I posted earlier about braxton hicks/gas noone responded so I guess it is not that common. I look huge, and I think it is mainly from gas/bloating/constiptation. It is annoying! I look 5 months pg and I am 11 weeks! I showed really early with my other two - I am short and short waisted...so I can only imagine with the twins! I am going to look like a weeble when it is all done!

We saw the babies on the u/s at 10 weeks....a week ago. One was doing sommersaults...it was funny! I am always a wreck going into the sonogram, and always relieved coming out! I know some women who won't have an u/s until they are week 20...I would go crazy!!

I had not put any weight on the first 10 weeks...I noticed this morning I had put on 3 pounds...must be because I've hardly gone to the bathroom in about 5 days!!!!

This is really great being able to go through a twin pregnancy with other twin moms...what a blessing! I am sure we will all have some adventures over the next 5 to 6 months.

I am exhausted all the time too...I feel darn right LAZY! If I am not working, I am lying on the couch like a vegetable! I hope to get that second trimester burst of energy soon...to get some housework done!

Have a great day!
Lisa

[froggy]

I spoke too soon. Threw up last night UGGGG! I had so much energy I decided to go to the club and have a swim. About 15 minutes into it I got very tired. I went home, had a nice bath and turned into a couch potato. Lisa I totally know what you mean. I made my kids a quick dinner and then waited for my hubby to come home and let him make mine. It feels so lazy considering how much I usually do.

I didn't gain any weight the first 11 weeks and all of a sudden the scale has jumped up 4 pounds. I too wonder is it cause I haven't gone to the bathroom as much as I used to. Who knows!

And all of a sudden I look huge and pregnant. What is up with that? Is it just gas and such? I want it to be babies and I want to feel them.

3 more days to next sonogram - I am counting the days like a vacation or something. I couldn't stand to wait until 20 weeks to see my babies.

I've had some tightening in the stomach too. Not sure at all what that's about. I'm not bleeding and they go away fast. I don't know either if it's just gas or what - seems to be a lot of that lately!

One more thing - I think I'm hiring a maid to come in a couple of times a month. I don't have the energy to clean and as much as I expect my hubby to do, I couldn't stand him to have to do that too.

[tracylynn]

Hey I am so happy about all the other people due around the same time. I went to the doctor today and gained no weight at 12 weeks but I did hear the heartbeats no ultrasound. I don't have another one until i am 18 weeks. I am also all the sudden showing I had to dig out my old maternity clothes they are just a year old so hopefully I won't have to buy much. But who knows anyway good luck to all and look forward to the second trimester.

[froggy]

Lesson learned -

Trying to combat some of the constipation - my stomach is so huge right now... I decided to eat a few prunes and dried apricots for an afternoon snack when I got home yesterday. WELL, after a couple of good days with no throwing up - UKKK - they weren't very good coming back up! So I guess I wont be doinng that again.

I have had a very tired day today. I am ready to go home and have a nap.

Sono tommrow. I can't wait. I bet I will have much trouble sleeping tonight (like I haven't alread!)

Hope everyone is well and getting rest.

[froggy]

Had my sonogram this morning. It was so exciting to see the little blobs looking like little people. B was moving around a lot and really entertaining us. dr. was having trouble getting a good picture of A so he sent me to the peri for another sono. We could see everyone moving aroung and very active and good size. And guess what??? There are three babies! I thought we were in shock when we learned about 2 but 3???? WOW. Totaly natural - no fertility drugs involved.

So that's my update for today. Guess I now know why I have been getting so big in the last week!

[tracylynn]

Congrats Froggy! That is so neat I can not believe its 3 and all natural. That is great but I am sure you are so shocked. So I also guess that is why you have been so sick and really tired. Much more than everyone else. Well good luck and hope to hear from you again>
Tracy

[Jessie]

Hi,
I am due April 10, 2004. We found out at 7wks2d and I am know 11 wks. my next appt. is this Thurs. I am nervous since it will have been almost 4wks. Is anyone seeing a regular OB? My Dr. didn't recommend a peri so I wasn't sure if I should switch or not. I am looking forward to getting to know you April due dates better.

[froggy]

Jessie,

Are you seeing a peri now? I would definatly go with someone who will send you to perinatal specialist. There are so many things that can happen with twins you want to be with a specialist who can watch those babies and make sure they are growing correctly.

My doctor explained it to me this way and it makes a lot of sense - the ob is for me the peri is my babie's doctor. My ob will make sure I am handling the pregnancy ok and the perinatologist will make sure the babies are handling things ok.

This is one time in your life you want to get the top care and not take any chances!

[FlaMom]

Hi Everyone! I found out at 6 weeks that I am having twins, that was 2 weeks ago - the shock is starting to wear off (sort of!).

I have been reading this thread and finally decided to pipe up! I guess my due date is April - 40 weeks is May 3rd. My OB did not say anything about adjusting it, but I have read that 38 weeks is term for twins, so I guess that makes my due date April 19th.

I am still trying to figure out if I am going to change to a different OB - the dr I go to is part of a practice, with 4 other drs. With regular gyn stuff, you can see the same dr all the time, but with OB stuff, they want you to see all of the drs at least once during your pregnancy, because you don't know who will be on call when you deliver. I don't think I like that idea. I am going to talk to him about it when I go to my next appt. At my last appt, which was the first for the pregnancy, I found out about the twins - I was kind of in shock, I did not think to ask anything. I have a list started for the next appt, though!

Anyway - I have already learned so much just from reading everyone's posts. I look forward to getting to know all of you.

Froggy - congratulations! 3 babies!!! Wow!!

[Jessie]

Froggy,
I haven't had an appt. since my 1st u/s at 7wks2d. My next appt. is this coming Thurs. I called the only perinatologist in my area and they aren't taking new patience but did give me a list of Dr. they co-manage with. I wasn't sure what all this meant so I figured I would talk to my Dr. on Thurs. I am not sure what to do.

[Jessie]

Have you guys heard of how common Vanishing Twin syndrome is once you have seen both hb? A friend of mine gave me this book called "Having Twins and More" by Elizabeth Noble and it is freaking me out. Thanks

[purplefrog]

Good morning everyone!
Froggy - I'm in SHOCK for you! I just can't even imagine the fog you and your husband must be in!! My prayers are with you! How darn exciting though! With all the fertility issues people have, you expect that triplets would be the product of fertility treatment....spontanious though...eek!

I'm still getting use to the whole twin thing. That is shock enough!

We spent Friday night in the ER. Everything is ok. But I was bleeding bright red blood. They did a sonogram and found that one of the placentas had come away a bit from the wall...which causes blood to pool I guess..and that is where the bleeding came from. I go in Thursday to make sure everything is back to normal. Just have had some brownish blood spotting, which they said to expect. They said it was common, and should heal itself. Worry...worry...worry...it is never going to end until they are born, and then a new set of worries kicks in...sigh.

About the perintologist/obgyn thing. My ob is the bomb so I am not changing him! He has me going in for a level II sonogram at 16 weeks and an amnio with the perintologist. So I guess you could say, he works with a separate practice and uses them at key times he feels it is necessary. I am more than comfortable with that. I am 12 weeks and have had numerous sonograms. He says I can have as many as I want to make me comfortable. There are two girls in his office that do it. I would go insane if I had to wait 20 weeks like some people!

With twins though they need to do them all the time I have been told, to check growth and development of both. Measuring you doesn't do much good with twins. One could be growing, the other not. So they need to take a peek often.

Ok, bye for now! Best wishes to all of you and the babies!

Lisa

[froggy]

We are still in a fog about three babies. We had just gotten used to the idea of two and now....

I have an appoinment in the morning with my OB. He wants to do a sono and see for himself. (not that he doesn't trust the peri- he just wants to see). I have an appointment on Friday with peri for level II, couceling and possible amnio. I am freaked about that.

I go on bedrest at 14 weeks. I am freaked about that! That's next Friday. I can work from home - thank goodness or I would go crazy - which I still may do.

Lisa - I had that same thing with bleeding under the placenta. They called it a subchoronic bleed. It freaked me out but turns out it's a common thing in multples. I am sure you and your babies will be fine but I know you can't wait till the next sono to make sure.

Jessie - I don't know about the stats on the HB and vanishing twins but I know once you reach the 12 week mark the risk goes way down.

I get a sono every week. Going to be a pain but at least I will get to watch (and video) my babies growing and have that constant reassurance everything is ok.

Talk to you all soon.

[Jessie]

Froggy- I have my next Dr. appt. on Thurs. the 25th. My husband wasn't with me when I found out about the twins and since he will be there this time and think I may call ahead and ask if I should be expecting an u/s. I hope so!!! When is your next appt.? How many weeks are you? Isn't this exciting!

[froggy]

I actually have two sonos this week one with ob and one with peri. My ob sono is tomorrow. He is so funny. He is getting a new machine for his office. The rep is coming out tommrow and he wants to test the machine on me to see how well he can see. I think his pride is a little hurt that his machine didn't give him the full view of all three babies so he wants to make sure this new one will let him see.

I am very excited. Scared but excited.

[froggy]

Thought I would bump us back up with an update.

My ob is getting a new sonogram machine and the rep was out yesterday to demo it. My ob called and asked if I would come and let them try it out on me. I never say no to an opportunity to see my babies. I had about 35 minutes of sonogram. It was so wonderful to see those babies I could hardly stand it.

I see the peri tommrow for genetic counceling and I think they are doing the level II but I am not sure.

Next Friday ( I will be 14 w1d) he is putting me on modified bed rest. I have to start working from home with my feet up. He said he would start a home uterine monitor early and possibly some kind of med pump if needed to keep me from having contractions. Apperantly the more babies you have in there the more all these things can happen. I am so lucky my doctor is taking every precaution to keep the four of us healthy.

So what's up with you all?

[FlaMom]

Wow, Froggy, it sounds like you have a great OB.

I am coming up on 9 weeks now - I have had horrible nausea and exhaustion. I have not actually vomited, but sometimes when the nausea gets to be too much, I wish I would just throw up and get it over with! I still can't really eat much, and I have lost a couple of pounds, but my zip up pants are getting pretty tight - I have had to resort to elastic waist stuff. I only have a few outfits with elastic waists - I am sure everyone is sick of seeing me in the same things! My mom bought me a bunch of maternity clothes, but I am not quite there yet. I guess I am in an in-between stage.

Boy - sounds like I am complaining alot, but I am also so happy and excited to be having twins! I have my next OB appt on 10/7, and I am pretty sure they will be doing another US - I can't wait to see the babies again. I had an US at 6 weeks and we saw two strong heartbeats - that's when we found out. Actually, I was by myself - my husband was working. He is going to the next appt, though.

[tracylynn]

Well I am 13 weeks 4 days today and I feel pretty good. I am not feeling so tired anymore and I never really was that sick so I am doing pretty good. I am wearing maternity clothes even though last week at my appointment I had only gained 1 pound. So my doctor told me to start drinking ensure to gain some weight and get some more nutrients. So that stuff is so gross I have to hold my nose to drink it. I don't go to the doctor again until the 27th of Oct. And I get the triple screen the 17th which I am not looking forward to with my first baby I did not have any test done. But with twins I guess they like for you to have them all. So I am glad to hear everyone else is doing ok and hope the placenta's get back were they are supposed to be! And still good luck and take care Froggy! and everyone else.
Tracy

[Jessie]

Hi Guys,
I had my Dr. appt. today and I got an u/s Yeah! My husband was with me so it was great that he got to see the babies. I am 11wks 5d and the babies are measuring at 12wks 1d & 12wks 2d so right on target. I am excited for all of you as well. Are you all finding out the sexes? Have you thought of any names? We didn't find out with my last two pregnancies but I think we will this time. Bye for now.

[froggy]

Hubby and I went in this morning to the peri for genetic couceling. while my age makes us more at risk, our family health and two healthy babies seem to say things will be ok. dr. did sonogram and messured babies neck folds (or something on the neck) which would be an indicator for some defects like downs syndrome. That turned out good on everyone. Then he wanted to look at the nasal bones - another downs syndrom thing. Baby C as always is laying face up and very easy to get messurments of. Baby B took some shaking but finally turned to a position that could be messured. Silly Baby A would not be disturbed - just kept that face down and snuggled in. So far everything looks perfect but can't tell the nasal thing yet on baby A.

Dr. said we will have lots more messurements and sonograms to see this later. we went ahead and scheduled the amnio for the 17th week. With 3 babies coming we think it's best to know and be prepared if something is wrong with someone.

I go back to ob next week. I am not sure when next sono will be but man I love watching those little folks in there.

I don't know if I said this yet but he is putting me on house arrest - modified bed rest after 14 weeks. that's next week. After the peri visit we stopped and took a tour of the hospital so we would know what to expect when the time comes.

Man I am getting big. I'm in maternity clothing now. Guess that's the way of life for the next months.

How is everyone feeling? I still throw up at least once a day and am tired but I really am feeling better.

[mamabear]

Hey froggy when do they expect to deliver you?? Wow three. Im still in amazement and im not the one preggos.lol The best of luck to you and god bless you

[froggy]

Ob said if I can make it to 34 weeks he will be very happy. So that's the goal. we will do our best to keep these babies in there as long as we can.

we are still in a way lot of shock too.

[mamabear]

I ll be praying for you and your beautiful babies.

[oldnavykids]

Hello, My name is Heather and I am new here but am expecting twins at the end of April! I want to meet and make friends on here from near and far!
I just wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing the same feelings as I am going through! I am 10 weeks pg and I am so tired all the time! I mean more so than with my other kids! I want to sleep my life away and then am still tired! Until today I have had no morning sickness but oh so nauseated! This morning I got sick! I have no appetite and one minute something sounds good and the next it doesn't! I am already showing and wearing maternity clothes! At 7 weeks I measured 10 weeks! Last night I had one baby kicking me on my left side up high by my rib cage for almost an hour! It was so uncomfortable but comical at the same time! I have gained 4 pounds so far! I have to pee all the time! I knew I was pregnant three weeks before I was suppose to start my period. I also just had this gut feeling that it was twins! I was right on the sex of all my babies and I just have a feeling that these are little boys! Well, I better stop yapping and hopfully I will hear from some of you! I can't wait to get to know you and make some great friends and penpals!

[froggy]

oldnavykids,

It all sounds very familar except I have been throwing up the whole time. I keep waiting for an appitite and still don't have one. I worry that I am not gaining enough wait. And SLEEP oh my. That's all I want to do.

You think you felt them kick? I thought I felt mine moving the other day but then though - isn't it to early? I want to feel them move but just not sure if it's real or not.

Welcome. Lots of great buddies here to keep you company and share info with!

[froggy]

By the way - don't you find it reassuring when you read that others are feeling the same stuff you are? I know it just gives me a boost in between doctor visits to tell me things are going right.

Thanks you guys!

[mamabear]

Hello my wonderful ladies just some fyi An over the counter hoe cure for morning sickness is 1/2 tab of b-6 1/2 unisom sellping pill must be unisom cuz of the one drug it is made out of it starts with a d i dont rember the name. It dosent make you sleepy cuz the dosage isnt enough to nock you out I had morning sickness real bad when I was pg with my twins. It is a god send. Trust me. Welcome oldnavykids

[froggy]

Where is everyone? I guess since I am already going weekly I expect everyone to have updates. How is everyone feeling? Do you feel your babies move yet?

I am feeling mine. I wasn't sure but Friday at the sonogram I saw one move on the screen and felt it in my tummy at the same time so I know that's what it is.

OB was talking about doing a cerclage but he and peri consulted and decide that I am doing good now and don't have a history of week cervix so they arent' going to do it.

My blood preasure has been up last two visits so I am doing the ever fun 24 hour urine and had some blood work drawn. Not sure what all that tells but that's what they are doing.

I may have said this before so forgive me if it's a repeat but my ob is going to do a sono at every visit so he can see the heart beats. He said it's just to hard to tell with three babies which heart you are hearing.

At today's visit we got a good look at C and it's a boy! He moved a lot and dr said if that were the cord we were seing it would move out from in between the legs but it stayed right there and looked just like a male part! Couldn't see the others but it's still early. I am having amnio next week so we will know for sure in a few weeks.

Let's hear from everyone. I want to know how you are doing.

[TwinMom2Be]

Pardon my butting in over here but....
Just wanted to let you know the 24 hour urine checks the protein and creatinine clearance in your urine. Those are both byproducts of the kidneys and will tell the dr's if your kidneys are functioning ok. They also check your blood along with this so be prepared for a blood draw when you go back to drop off your 'present'.
This is a good way to check for toxemia (also known as pre-eclampsia), and I'm glad your dr. is being so thorough.
Congrats on the triplets! You can do it; a good friend on mine had quads 2 years ago and made it to 28.5 weeks. All babes except one were over 2 lbs. and had a month or so NICU stay but.... they are all well adjusted, happy healthy monster 2 year olds now! OH, btw, they were 3 boys and 1 girl!
Good luck w/the amnio..
Samara

[Leigh]

Hi ladies, mind if I join your thread? I just found this site last night and think it's wonderful there are so many other twin mommies I can talk to.

A little about me. My name is Leigh, me and dh are both 32. Been married for 14 yrs (come dec.1) This is our first pregnancy and first two kids. We tried 8 yrs on our own with no luck and then did 3 yrs of infertility treatment before we finally got pg! I found out when I was 6w5d by u/s that it was twins. I am 13w1d today. I go to the Dr. every other week for checkups. I lost 8 pounds that first trimester because of being so nauseous. Luckily the nausea has for the most part gone away. Although I'm still very tired. But not sleeping well, go figure...lol. Still getting the occasional headaches. But I am definitely showing. Thankfully I'm not constipated anymore. I was the first few weeks but go every other day now which is great...lol. Oh I also have PCOS.

I go Nov 3 (16w5d for my 1 hr GTT) and then Nov 5 (17wks) I go for a level 2 u/s. Hoping to find out the genders then.

Guess I've rambled enough. Hoping to get to know everyone. And glad I have some ppl to go through this with.

Oh, I quit working dec 9 (22wks) and will be put on house arrest. Will have to just wait and see how things go before we decide if complete bedrest will be necessary. Hopefully not, but whatever it takes.

March 17 I'll be 36 wks and will have an amnio done to see if lungs are mature and if so we'll have the babies... Man that seems so far away.

Anyone have any names picked out yet.? We have 1 boy and 1 girl name picked so far.

Boy = Connor James
Girl = Kylee Danielle

Hope everyone is doing well.

How many wks is everyone?

Hugs;
Leigh
13w 1d

[froggy]

Welcome Leigh! This site is so great. Its so nice to have a group of people to talk to and compare notes with.

I am 15 weeks today. I love that you know when your babies might be born. I have a goal of making it to mid/late Feb. but no idea of when Dr. would say this is it.

You are further along than we are. We have been thinking about names but my hubby can't stop making up funny names like Moe, Larry and Curly. I really want to know the genders so we can buy lots of clothes and decorate the nursery. AND MY FREINDS CAN PLAN A SHOWER!

[Leigh]

Hi Froggy;
I can't believ your having triplets... That's amazing. Congratlations. Was DH with you when you found out? I bet you both about hit the floor. I know I would have.

Our DH's are alike. We don't have second names for boy or girl because DH just picks out the silly/lame names from the baby name book. So I figured it'd be easier to just wait until we know what they are...lol. Men!

Not to much going on right now. I don't go back to the OB until Oct.20th. Just been trying to drink lots of water..ugh! And eat as best I can, and trying to gain a little weight. Gee never thought I'd want to gain weight...lol.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

Leigh
13w2d

[purplefrog]

Hi Ladies,
Welcome Leigh. I am 15 weeks today with twins. Don't know the sexes yet. Will be doing a level II sonogram and amnio at 17 weeks (October 28th). Mixed emotions about it. Dying to know everything is "alright" and what the sexes are. Don't know WHAT I will do if something is wrong with one/both of them. Sigh...let the worrying begin.

Keep thinking I feel them. Not sure if it's them or gas sometimes. It is not regularly though. I think it depends how they are positioned. I am showing like I am 6 months pregnant!!! I showed really early with both my other two. Very short waisted. Good Lord, have no idea what I am going to end up looking like!!

I have put on 8 pounds so far. How about everyone else?

Names..... once we know the sexes, we will get more serious. Too many possibilities!! I like Connor and Kylee though. They are great names.

I like Savannah for a girl ...but I don't know yet.

Bye for now!
Lisa

[Sunflower]

Been awhile since I posted, I've been so tired working fulltime, I can't wait til the end of this month because I get to quit my job, hurray! :)
I'm showing like I'm 5 months along too, and only 14 weeks, I'm SO glad I'm not the only one! Thank goodness for friends who have loaned me maturnity clothes, I've needed very few trips to the store.
I have an OB appt on Tuesday but no sono until I see the peri at 19-21 weeks....frustrating, but this is what the nurse told me, so I'm going with the flow. I've only seen them once and want to see them again badly.
Also, SO glad I'm not the only one still with quessy stomach. I thought it would be gone after 1st trimester like it was with my dd, but no such luck this time. No puking but not much appetite (for food or anything else, if ya know what I mean). VERY frustrating, especially when we went to a hotel for the weekend and I felt like **** the whole time! I planned it, thought it would be our last getaway before children are the main priority, and I was only interested in laying very still. We even skipped dessert at a restaurant....okay, I'm whining, so sorry!! Enough venting, I just pray these two little ones are healthy next time I get to see them!

Sunflower
Me 29 yrs, H 31yrs, DD 6 yrs
Trying to conceive for 5 yrs

[mamabear]

Hi ya sunflower.The maternity cloths thing get the biggest clothes you can find lol. I was a very tiny woman before the twins I was a 16 slim little girls. Went to a xxl in mans now Im a 8/10. How far along are you? A good over the counter cure for morning sickness is 1/2 50mg b6 1/2 unisom sleeping pill has to unisom. Trust me it works I took it for mine worked like a charm

[Leigh]

Hi ladies;
I'm also showing like I'm 20 weeks or so with one. And I'm only 13w5d. But I really don't mind. Luckily I'm tall, 5'11" so hopefully that gives these 2 a tad more room.

So far I'm not wearing maternity clothes yet. But I am wearing my cloth pants with elastic waist which should only last another week or so. And XL t-shirts. It's hard for me to find pants since I'm so tall. I do have 1 actual pair of maternity pants tho.

This 2nd trimester is so much better...lol. I'm still tired, but for the most part I feel lots better. I do have one new symptom tho. 'indigestion' ugh! I get that daily now. But no more nausea at least. My next appointment is next monday so we'll see if I've gained any weight yet. I started out at 143 pounds, and as of last monday was only 145 so we'll see.

Hope everyone else is doing well.
Leigh
13w5d

[Sunflower]

Just to let everyone know, I had an appt today. Regular checkup but I got to hear the heartbeats, hurray! :) I've only gained 4 pounds in 6 weeks, I'm shocked since I feel hungry so much. Everything tested out just fine, and we've set an appt with the peri to sex the little ones, it's Nov 17th and I can't wait!!
The extremely bummer part is that DH works at a remote job (we live in AK) and he won't be home, he works 2 weeks on and 2 off. My mom is going though, so I'll have someone there with me at least to be excited with me. :)
Please pray for at least one boy, we have a daughter already and I'd LOVE to give him a son! He wants 2 boys, don't know if I need THAT. LOL Healthy is the goal though of course, so whatever we have, we'll just be thankful we're finally having babies, we've been trying for 5 years.
Next regular appt is in 4 weeks, and I'm 14w, 4d along and measuring at 18w, so all is good, Dr. is happy.

SO excited to hear their heartbeats, and I just can't wait til I feel them moving around all the time!

Hugs,
Sunflower

[syd2rohde]

Hello everyone! A girlfriend with 8month old twins HIGHLY reccommended this board. This is my first posting so I thought I should introduce myself.

A little about me (us)- both 32, married 6 years... Hubby and I tried for 2 1/2 years on our own, then a year of infertility treatments. Had an early m/c last December.

I found out we were having twins at a 7 week ultrasound. I'm a full 14 weeks tomorrow. These are our first children. So in addition to having twins, this is also my first time being pregnant (this far along) so I'm learning SOOO much! 40 weeks would tak e me to 4/18/04.

We had another u/s at 12.5 weeks and we were able to watch them doing the hokey pokey in there. That was SO incredible to watch!!! Have another appt with Dr at 16 weeks (said she'd do another u/s) then she's sending me to the "big" ultrasound (done by a u/s specialist on a bigger machine, but not a level II) the following week.

I keep hearing that I should probably start feeling movement in the next couple of weeks, so I'm really escited about that.

Congrats to everyone on their multiples, and thanks for letting me join in!!

~Syd

[scottnpat]

Hi everyone!!!
I am also new to the board. I am 11 weeks pg w/twins and am finally starting to really feel pregnant now that I know we are pretty much out of the first trimester.....thank god. I have been soooo tired too. I don't know if it's because I am having trouble sleeping or because of the whole pg thing. I am showing already. I have only gained 4 1/2 pounds, but i swear my stomach is much larger than it used to be. Very few clothes actually fit. I've been trying to put off buying maternity clothes until the 2nd trimester. Other than that things are going good. I was bleeding since week 6, and have now gone 3 days without any bleeding!!!!! I am so excited!!!
Froggy -- oh my gosh 3!!! What a special blessing!!!

Anyone having strange dreams???? I've been dreaming that I had two girls....

Look forward to talking to ya'll for the next 5 months!!!!!

[Jessie]

Hi Guys,
I haven't posted for a while. It sounds like everyone is doing great and some new people as well. Today I am 14wks 4d I had an Ultrasound yesterday and I got to see the babies it is so awesome just getting to take a peek. So far my Dr. has done an u/s at every appt. We didn't find out with my last two pregnancys what we were having but have decided to with these babies and I can't wait. The only names so far and they could easily change are:
Boy: Luke
Boy: Thomas
Girl: Tatum

[scottnpat]

okay ...i don't know if anyone watches "A Baby Story" on TLC. But it's any awesome show that follows a couple as they prepare for thier new baby. They also record thier birth and when they come home. This past Wednesday they showed a young lady who had ivf done and got preg w/ twins. Well she was told at about 16 weeks that they were both boys. Her and her husband were shown decorating the nursery for boys. Well....the day of the delivery she was having the c-section and the doctor announced," baby A --it's a girl!" Initially she and her husband were happy because they figured they were actually getting a boy and a girl. Well then the doctor yells, "baby B -- it's a girl! " She and her husband were in shock....they had been getting sonograms for months and were always told they were boys. The doctor came out and explained that with twins since they are so cramped for space, sometimes the umbilical cord will move in between thier legs and not move the entire time and make them look like boys.
Needless to say, I was also in shock!!! Just thought I'd share this funny story w/ everyone !!!!
Hope everyone is doing well....

[havntwo]

The other day they had a lady on there who was having twins and she found out she had breast cancer. She had to go through chemo and a mastecomy (sp?) during her pregnancy! what a strong lady!!!!

[purplefrog]

Hello Everyone,
Welcome Pat and Syd. Welcome to the world of pregnancy with twins!! I am 16 weeks today. Just stepped on the scale...(big sigh). I have put on 10 pounds total! I am in shock! Because up until about 12 weeks I had only put on about 5 pounds. So in one month I've put on 5! I don't think I am eating that much either because I feel sick if I eat a whole meal at a time. Oh well, more to come! I too had a early miscarriage last March...so my anxiety has been high with this pregnancy. I am always a wreck when I go for the u/s...and then so relieved when everthing is ok. I can't believe that couple was told two boys, and ended up with two girls! Gzeesh! Talk about switching gears! We are having an amnio due to my age (38) so hopefully we will get an accurate report on the sexes! I am dying to start decorating the nursery!! Want to do it before I end up not being able to move in the last trimester! I am sooooo huge!! All of the sudden in the last few weeks it's like POOF! Ok, well bye for now. Ya'll have a great week!
Lisa

[Sharneff]

Hello everybody!
I am due April 4,2004 with identical boys. It is comfortating to know that there are others going though this at the same time. I am a 32 year old with a two year old daughter. I cry everytime I read these message boards. I think I am feeling a little overwhelmed with the whole picture. And I also work full time in a stressful job. (Domestic Violence Counselor)
I am 16 weeks now, and I see the doctor this week. I am worried b/c I have been having a lot of pain. It feels like Braxton Hicks. I hope. My first pregnancy with my daughter (Savannah) was a breeze. This is all so new.
I hope everyone is feeling great, and I love hearing all the great stories. Thanks!! Have a great day.

Shars

[Ellida]

Hello everyone!!!

I am new to this board but am so glad that I found it.

Some history: Me and DH are both 36. We have been ttc for 4 /12 years. After 3 years of fertility treatments I am finally pregnant with twins. We are absolutely ecstatic!!!

I am 13w2d today (or about there). I don't have that much m/s but I am incredibly tired. I don't know if I am sleeping too much or not enough. Also, I have gained 7 lbs!!!! I was stunned. I am not eating badly but maybe having some snacks (fruit or popcorn). I was not expecting that but I guess that is normal.

I had some bleeding for about 3 weeks and they have found that I have a blood clot even though the bleeding has stopped. They are concerned as it can lead to preterm labor. I guess this makes me lucky in a way because they want to see me every two weeks. I can't imagine longer waits!!! I rented a home doppler to hear the hb's and it is a little hard to hear sometimes. I always manage to find them but sometimes it takes 40 minutes. They are always faint but fast. Any truth to the rumour that a higher heartbeart is a girl?

Sorry for being long winded. Glad to be here.


Ellida
d/d 4/26/04

[tracylynn]

Hey guys its me again I have been so busy lately and have not been able to post or read anything. We also had to get rid of our computer to make more room for babies so hopefully we will be getting a lap top soon. I find out the sexes this Monday in two days! I can't wait. I will be 18 weeks on the day. Anyway i have gained 12 lbs which is good for me cause the doctor said I needed to gain some weight so anyway glad you all are doing well and I will get back with ya as soon as I can !
Tracy

17weeks5days

[scottnpat]

Hello everyone...one of my last posts I mentioned that I had finally stopped bleeding, or rather spotting.
Well yesterday, i freaked out again. I was at work and started bleeding bright red again. It was heavier that a regular period. Anyhow, I was really disappointed in my doctor when i called him. They told me If I was really worried to go to the emergency room. Well I spent 6 hours last night at the ER. They said the babies are okay. I was told to stay off my feet today and it should stop on its own....

ANyhow, I am so fustrated with this whole situation!!!!

I think the doctor said this is considered a subchroniac hemorrhage. Has anyone else had this???'


PAtricia
12 weeks

[twoinoven]

Patricia,
I had bleeding at 9 weeks, found out about twins, also placenta previa. Then at almost 11 weeks, I had a 'gusher' and passed a huge clot which I was sure was a baby, off to ER. They did ultrasound, babies both there and fine. They said it was a 'retroplacental hemhorrage', a tiny one, (would hate to see a big one). Anyway, it cleared up and I am now almost 25 weeks, on bedrest with a cerclage (cervix was shortening) and everything going pretty well.
If your doc is responding that way, I would look for another one. I have a group of midwives that work in conjunction with a local Women's Clinic and they are THOROUGH! And they always put me at ease, they never hesitate to get things checked out just to be sure. THAT is the kind of team you need, this isn't like a regular singleton pregnancy, I am learning that along the way, you need a doc that will reassure you and that you don't hesitate to call with concerns. I am told by my team over and over that it is NEVER a bother to call them at any time, and it is always better to be safe and get checked out. I've already spent two seperate overnights, one when they discovered my cervix shortening, then a week later when it was again and they did the cerclage, then had to go in for a few hours this past week to get monitered for contractions. Please don't be worried that you are being overly cautious, there is no such thing with a multiple pregnancy.
I am due 2-11 with Boy/girl twins. God bless!
Patti

[cka]

Hello everyone,
I'm new to this site but I'm joining this thread because I'm also due in April. Currently I'm 15 weeks, but I'm having a hard time dealing with the reality of having twins. I feel so guilty because I think I should be excited, but I'm just so scared. This is my first pregnancy and my husband and I always wanted to have a family. I've been reading so many books and I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the possibilities of what can go wrong. I just joined my local twins club and I've asked for a "big sister" to help. Does anyone have any suggestions ? Did anyone else feel this way ? Thank you for letting me vent, I just want to know if I'm not the only one feeling this way.

[Sharneff]

HELLO EVERYONE. CKA, I FELT *FEEL* THE SAME WAY AT TIMES. IT CAN BE SO OVERWHELMING. I TOO FEEL GUILTY AT TIMES FOR FEELING THIS WAY. I TRY TO BLAME IT ON HORMONES, BUT I THINK I MUST JUST BE HUMAN. THIS IS QUITE AN ADVENTURE WE'RE OUT FOR. I JUST REMIND MYSELF THAT I ASKED TO HAVE A BABY AND I AM GETTING WHAT I WANTED TIMES TWO. THIS IS MY SECOND PREGNANCY AND MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN ACTING VERY 2 YEARS OLD LATELY.
I AM CURRENTLY 17 AND A HALF WEEKS. LAST WEEK AT MY ULTA SOUND THE BOYS WERE MOVING A LOT. RIGHTY (HIS NAME FOR NOW) WAS EVEN OPENING HIS MOUTH!

Q: DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA ABOUT DISABLITY? I KNOW WHAT THE STATE SAYS, BUT MY DOCTOR SEEMS TO BE DIFFERENT THAN OTHER DOCTORS OF TWINS THAT I KNOW OF. HE SAYS NO DISABILITY UNTIL 32 WEEKS. MY NEIGHBOR IS HAVING MUTIPLES 3 WEEKS BEFORE ME AND HER DOCTOR IS ALREADY ENCOURAGING DISABLITY. OTHERS HAVE SAID THEY WENT ON AT 5 MONTHS. I HAVE ALREADY TORE A LIGAMENT IN MY GROIN. AND I HAVE HAD EXTREME MIGRAINES (FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER). BRAXTON HICKS, AND OF COURSE I AM SO TIRED. I HAVE A MENTALLY STRESSFUL JOB. I WONDER IF HE THINKS I AM SUPER WOMAN.
I HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

SHARS

[tracylynn]

I found out today that I am having BOYS! Everything looks good and they are bot healthy as can be so far so good! hope to hear what everyone else is having soon.
Tracy
b/b twins
EDD April fools day

[scottnpat]

Twininoven, thank you so much for your advise...Looks like my bleeding is very light now. I went to see another doctor today and he reassured me this was a very common situation. Hope you and babies are doing good :)

Cka, I totally understand what you're going through...I really wanted children even though I was afraid I couldnt afford them...so i decided to have ONE anyway. Well, we found out about the twins week 6 and the shock has still not worn off. My husband and I went to Babiesrus to purchase a changing table and a dressor....it honestly gave me the biggest headache!!!!I should be enjoying these things, but I just kept thinking "two of everything" and I was really not prepared for the cost of these things...anyhow i took it out on my husband, and needless to say he's in one room right now and I'm in another. Hang in there--we'll get through this and at the end I know that we'll forget how freaked out we got before.....

And finally, Tracylynn, congrats on two boys :) Is that what you were hoping for? Boys are so cute!!!!!Hope you and baby boys are doing good!!!

Well guys I think I've typed my fustrations away....I think I'll go makeup with the husband now :)

Good night to all-- Dream of sweat things, like babies!!!

12 weeks/ 4 days

[purplefrog]

Greetings everyone!
We had our first Level II sonogram yesterday (17 weeks). We are having two girls! We are very excited. We were hoping they would be the same sex (hopefully less expensive). Get to start shopping for the nursery. I feel all your pain about expenses...geezsh..it is going to cost a small fortune, just for the nursery!!

I am 38, and was going to do the amnio. Baby B's placenta is coving the front of the sack, and she didn't want to go through the placenta to get the fluid. She said if I still want to do the amnio in 10 days she will try again when there is more room.

BIG sigh.... on one hand I really want to know...the other, I think what would we do anyway? But, the nagging thing for me is NOT knowing they are both ok. I feel a little jilted with screening tests with twins. It seems like the AFP doesn't apply because of twins, and my age; and now the amnio thing. Because of my age and two babies I just would like some indication, some screening...for reasurrance if nothing else so I can enjoy the pregnancy.There are so many things to worry about.

There were no "soft markers" on the sonogram, so that is good news. Anyone else going through the same dilemma? I figure a lot of moms out there with twins are over 35.

Lisa

[froggy]

Lisa,

I totaly relate. I am 35 and wanted the amnio. We went in for it and peri said it's not worth the risk if we wouldn't "do something about the results". They would have to stick me 3 times - 1 for each sack. He said every time you stick the uterus, you risk miscarriage. If in the end we would nt terminate the pregnancy because of the results- then why take the risk.

I would really love to know too. they said that the level two shows no indications of downs but you never really know.

Ah the plight of having multiples!

I too am very worried about the expenses of all these kids. I know we will make it but I really have to avoid doing the math so I don't freak myself out.

[purplefrog]

Hi Froggy,
Thanks for responding...glad someone relates! So how are things with you? How is the Twin to twin transfusion going? I haven't heard recent news. It appears things were doing better? Well you seem to be doing great! Your babies are lucky to have such a strong mom.
Lisa

[tracylynn]

Hey guys seems everyone is doing pretty good I am 20 weeks today half way there! Getting bigger and bigger i asume. I am that is for sure, I go to the dr. next Tuesday and don't even want to get on the scales. I am really feeling my babies kicking around anyone else? I was also wondering if anyone is having back problems? Mine is stating to kill me. Anyway hope everyone is doing great!

BOY/BOY TWINS
DUE April 1st!

[twoinoven]

Shars, I had a migraine for the first time ever when I was pregnant with my son. I ended up in hosp for 4 days on morphine iv to shake it! Hoping for no repeat during this pg. I gave up caffiene to better the odds.
Want to let you all know don't freak out so much, you don't need two of everything. Our local parents of multiples group has a first years group and one meeting was on 'what you really need', I was afraid to hear two of each, but that was not the message at all. Which is great because my house is tiny!
Scottnpat, I am glad your bleeding stopped, it sure is scary.
As someone several weeks ahead of you all, be prepared to expand rapidly! I am 27 weeks tomorrow, and I am starting to have trouble rolling over and getting out of bed. You ever watch Veggietales? Well, Larry has a silly song, called "Barbara Manatee", it is hysterical, and it is now my theme song. Gained 22 lbs so far, all in front! You all hang in there, these babes are truly blessings, and somehow, all the needs will be met. People are giving me baby things right and left. I have to store it all elsewhere since I have a one bedroom house. No nursery for us.
But we'll do fine!;)

[Ana Bananana]

Hey all!!! I am a newbie also due in April ( the 26th to be exact)!!! I am very excited! Can hardly wait... Now that my belly is starting to apear I am getting even more impatient... I know I still have a while though... A little about me... I am a senior at Sam Houston State University... currently living three hours away from hubby, doc, and family... but that will all change in December.... Horay!!!! I enjoy reading everyone's postings and congradulations to all of you! I am totally new to absolutely everything surrounding this pregnancy, so it is very comforting to be able to talk to others going through the same thing at the same time!!! Well I have to run to class, but I will eagerly chat at you all later!!!!

[shawna&gabe]

Hi everyone, I am 18 weeks and I am having some conserns with my OB. I was told by the lady who performs the ultrasounds that I am supposed to have and ultrasound every 4 weeks. I have had 2 Laser surgeries of my cervix so it is pretty thin. My OB has only given me one ultrasound and I have another scheduled in a month. I am just wondering how many everyone else has had. My OB my last 2 appts. has forgotten that I am having twins. He will listen to one heartbeat real fast and then tell me to get up. After I get up he says oh wait your pregnant with twins jump back up their and we will find the other heartbeat. Then he forgets to measure my stomach and forgets to check my cervix which I think should be done everytime because of my surgeries. Please help me, I want to switch my OB but the only other OB is in the same office as him. So I don't know if it's too late in my prenancy to switch or even how to tell him I want to switch.

[Ana Bananana]

Hi shawna & gabe. You and I are pretty close in the pregnancy(I am 17.5 weeks). My doctor has given me 2 sonos and I will have another on December 5th. I say this with out hesitation... this is YOUR pregnancy, if you feel uncomfortable with your doctor find someone else. Do you know anything about the other doctor in the office? Is there no one else you can go to in another office not too far from you? I just can't imagine the way you must feel when you walk out of that office! And if you do decide to switch, I don't know that you really owe the doc an explanation, all you have to do is contact the secratary and have her transfer your paper work over. However, it might benefit others if the doc. did know how he makes his patients feel. I am sorry you are going through this... I wouldn't be as concerned about the sonos as the incompetence. Because I think the only reason I actually got two was because at the first one when she mentioned seeing two heads I freaked, so she was unable to really get a good view, so we did one again two weeks later when I had some time to get over the initial shock. She did tell me that we will be doing them every 2 weeks once I get to 30 weeks tho. Any way, if I was you, I would go with my gut instinct and try to find someone else... even if it is the Doc in the same office... I would do some asking around first though. Good luck... let me know what you decide!

[shawna&gabe]

HI, Thank you for the advise. I have heard good things about another OB in the same office so I scheduled an appt. with him. I did tell the secretary in the doctors affice about how he forgot that I was having twins and she apologized and said it is not problem to switch. Hopefully this OB knows what he is doing and is concerned about how fast they are growing. I'll keep in touch.
My first appt. with the OB is not until Dec. 5th so I do have to wait a little while but she said he is very busy.

[Tam7]

Hello everyone. I am a mom of identical twin girls that were due April 9th of this year. I can't believe a whole year went by. Last year I was in the same shoes all of you are in now. I was just as far along as you are.
I had some issues with TTTS. They were very frightening, difficult days. It seemed the end was sooo far off. But here I am now and my girls just turned 8 months. They were born March 13, 2003.
They were born at 36w 1d. I had one vaginal and one c-section.
I just wanted to tell you all to hang in there. You are growing 2 special little people. It takes time, and sometimes I know you just don't feel well. Towards the end it's hard to sleep. BUT, you are going to soon see your little babies!! All of it will be worth it! I promise.
Take care,

Sydney and Sophia 3-13-03

[esqslave]

I am 23 weeks with boys due April 3 (40 wks). I've read everyone's messages and I have a question. How many of you are experiencing stabbing pain in your lower abdomen (mine on left side)? I have Kaiser (Do you feel for me yet) and they keep telling me I'm stretching. After about a week they had me go in for a bladder infection test which in the office came out positive but the urine culture showed nothing - whatever! They had me take Keflex for a week which seemed to help the pain a little but I have a very hard time getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom (about 3 times a night). I can't stand up straight and when I take that first step - not fun! This past weekend went shopping and I could only walk for about an hour and half without having the stabbing excruciating pain. I got one of those maternity belts which seems to help my back but not my pain. I'm still working full time as a secretary - but I do get up and down constantly which is not fun today! I was just wondering if this pain is normal and if others are experiencing as well. These are my first babies and I have no idea what is normal.

[FlaMom]

Hi Esqslave - I have had the same kind of pain. I also got a maternity belt and it did really help. I also had my dr write me a note to work split shifts. I work at a desk all day, too, and my normal shift was 3pm to 12am. After about 4 hrs, I could barely get up to walk to the bathroom. Luckily, the dept I work in is open 7am to 12am, so my boss is being great and letting me work 10am to 2pm, then 8pm to 12am, so I get a 6 hr break between shifts. That has really helped - I go home and take a nap until my husband and daughter get home at about 5pm, eat dinner with them, put my daughter to bed, then come back. I did not want to take leave yet, I can take a max of 6 months off, and I know I will need it a lot more during the last trimester, and I want to be off with the babies for 3 months after they are born.

I don't know if this is a possibility for you, but I know what you mean about not being able to stand up straight with that first step - I was the same way. And - I was only 18 weeks at the time! I did call and talk to the nurse at my drs office about it when it got really bad - she said to take tylenol and rest, as long as I did not have any bleeding or discharge, I was probably OK. She said to go the emergency room if the pain gets so bad that I can't walk. I wasn't really happy with that answer, but I did take tylenol and put a heating pad on my back. The next day, I got the maternity belt, and have felt better since.

This is kind of long and rambling, but I hope it helps somewhat! Even if it is just to know you are not alone!

[esqslave]

Thank you so much for the reply. It's nice to know that I'm not alone out there. This morning the pain is now in my leg at the crease between the leg and torso - great! Unfortunately I work 8-5 so I cannot do the split shift. I just try to not move to much. I did get the maternity back belt but it doesn't seem to help my abdominal pain. I really hate laying down too because that's when it hurts the most to get up. I do feel better knowing I'm not the only one with this pain.

[MelissaBrown]

I'm new here, so a couple quick things. First, this board is AMAZING! It is so nice to know there are so many people out there going through this!
I'm 27 years old, and am 21 weeks along with my twins. We found out at 17 weeks, and needless to say we were shocked and thrilled! I have a beautiful girl at home who is 2 1/2, and full of energy and life.
I had an ultrasound on 12-2-03, and the tech said everything looked great. I switched from a GP to an OB/GYN and had my first appt last Friday. He told me that one of my babies has a slightly thickened Nuchal fold, that it was a possible indicator of Down's Syndrome, and then left the room to do an amnio for another patient. As you can imagine, I was left a very scared and terrified mommy. The doctor did come back and explain things a little, but he still had me completely freaked out. He is more concerned about preterm labor and other possible considerations, but I just couldn't get past the words "Down's Syndrome"
I ended up calling my GP for reassurance and understanding. He helped out immensely, but I still am so worried about my little one! I have a Level 2 U/S with a perinatologist sometime in January, so I have to get through the holidays with this on the forefront of my mind.
Has ANYONE been through anything like this?

Thanks,
Melissa

[Sharneff]

Melissa,

Remember to keep faith. I had a close friend that was told the same thing about her daughter. Catlyn is now a healthy 8 year old with no signs of even a learning disablity. My friend's doctor even asked if she wanted to terminate the pregnancy. Thank God she chose not to. Try to keep your spirits up for the holidays!! I'm sure your beautiful 2 year old will help with that.
I also have a 2 year old daughter and whenever I think I won't be able to handle twins I just think of her and that I am going to have twice the joy and excitment she gives me.
Good Luck, and I will definetely be praying for you and your children!! Happy Holidays, Shars

[MNmom]

I am glad to have found some others with April due dates. After having 2 other "singles" it is a different world being told to expect not to make it to your due date. We have only known about the twins for 2 wks. Despite lots of weight gain and measuring 20 wks when only 17, it wasn't until our US at 21 wks that the tech said there are 2 babies (both girls we think). It is still alot to get used to but we are having less anxiety attacks and more enjoyment planning now. Speaking of planning what are all of you doing about the crib situation. I hear sharing is good at first but can be difficult after they start moving around. Another twin mom on the site said her 17 mos old girls still share WOW! Anyway, I look forward to hearing about all of our little doubles for the next few month.

[tlschroe]

Hi ladies. I have tried repeatedly to post here, as my due date is 4/23, but have failed repeatedly. Any new news out there?

[tlschroe]

Hey April moms, are your tummies exploding? I am 5'1" and I can't imagine how this is going to be in March. My stomach is rock hard and downright painful, more on one side than the other (so I am not having contractions, which was my first thought.)

And my tummy is RED. Put your hand on it and you leave a handprint.

Anyone else have this?

[Sharneff]

OOOH YES! I am due 4-4-04 I can't imagine how much more these boys can grow, and what will happen to my skin. I can actually feel my skin pulling. I am only 5'3", but I am not a tiny girl. I have had some preterm labor, and I am always worried if I am having a contraction, b/c my belly is so tight. If I stand up after doing my mandatory resting my belly is so hard all the way around. I hope it just means I have two big healthy boys growing in there! I will find out tomorrow at my long two hour u/s. Luckly I don't have the redness. Yet? Good Luck!

Shars

[MNmom]

Glad to see people posting on the April tread again. Those of you with big bellies - have you had other babies? My belly is probably as big as it was the day I delivered my last baby but I am not that uncomfortable. I don't feel that tight and don't have pain. Now one of my sons was 10 lbs 4.5 ounces so as my doctor said my body is used to having alot of baby in there. My biggest concern is that I can't feel 2 specific babies moving. With a single baby I would feel it move and feel llike everything was OK now I have thse terrible thoughts that I am only feeling one baby and something could be wrong with the other. It doesn't help that I almost never feel movement on the right side even though I have read that that is normal. Anyway - hope to hear more from the "Aprils" Take Care

[anna's mom]

Four weeks ago my OB told me I was the same size as when I delivered my daughter.
I feel like I am going to pop any minute, my skin is so tight!! And I am bigger than a house. I don't know where these babies are going to go.
It is different though. I keep going out, out, out. Nothing happening on the sides. And I am starting to "outgrow' the maternity clothes I wore until the end w/my daughter. LOL - some of my shirts don't even cover my belly panel anymore. But I am determined not to buy any more maternity clothes!!!! Although I may get desperate.
I just keep telling myself it is for two very good reasons! I am still feeling pretty good and mobile, but my belly is in the way more and more!
I'm also glad to see this thread is starting to get some action. Let's keep it up!!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Debbie

[scrapbooklounger]

Hi!

I'm new here but thought I'd jump right in.

Just had an appointment and I'm in my 30th week. I know what you mean about worrying whether one was kicking more than the other and and if something might be wrong. Well, I just found out that one of mine completely turned around so "his" (we don't know the sexes) head is down - and that was why I wasn't feeling anything in that particular area anymore. What a relief.

Everything is going fine for now. My cervix is long and tightly closed. The non-stress test showed they were both very, very active and moving constantly...although, I hope they stay where they are because both heads are in the down position. The test also showed that I'm not having any contractions.

Well, just thought I'd put in my two cents.

Just hangin' in there...

[Sunflower]

I feel like I've got Dr's appts all the time now! This past week I had the NST (no contractions, great heartbeats), regular OB appt, and peri appt for the u/s. My baby girl who was low on fluid is growing at a wonderful rate, perfectly normal, so even though her living space is getting much smaller than her brother's, I'm convinced she'll be born totally healthy.

I also feel huge. My peri measured me at 38 cm, and my OB said that I was growing about 2 cm every 2 weeks. Peri also said that in his experience the uterus will "evict it's tenants" by 40-42 cm, so he doesn't think I'll make it another 2 months, which was my goal. I'd love to prove him wrong and get these babies up to 34 or even 36 wks, can anyone tell me their personal experiences with tummy growth?

I also know what you mean about stretching. I'm as big now as when I delivered our dd, and I can feel the skin pulling! It's hard to explain to friends and family, it's the strangest sensation. My mom ordered me the maturnity belt that goes over the shoulders, I'm hoping it will get here soon. There's this heaviness when I get up from laying around, and it's getting more and more uncomfortable. Knowing I have 2 more months to go is rather daunting!

SO glad there are other moms dealing with these same discomforts, misery loves company! LOL

Sunflower

[MNmom]

My back is my biggest problem. Actually standing is the most comfortable possition which isn't very relaxing or easy to sleep. I haven't had a non stress test yet. Are you guys having them as routine or for some other reason.? I had an US at 21 weeks, just started my every 2 week ob appointments and have another US on Feb 10th. My ob who delivered my 2 year old and who I like alot seems very unconcerned that there are 2 babies instead of one. Anyway, despite the growing bodies I think the next couple months will fly by and I hope we can all have some fully grown April babies. I am not due till 4-18 but I tink 4-4-04 would be cool! Valerie

[Sunflower]

I have started NST this past week (at 28 wks) as standard, once a week right now....when I get to 32 wks it'll be twice a week.
My OB said with twins there's a higher chance of going into labor and not knowing it, because my skin is already stretched tight and it's more difficult to feel the contractions. Plus, my uterus is holding more baby right now, and might be tempted to go into early labor, thinking it's time to deliver.

I would be concerned if my OB were treating this pregnancy the same as a singleton pregnancy. Because he's been sending me to a peri, we caught some possible problems with the baby girl, and are watching her amniotic fluid level closely. Don't know if that would have been caught without a peri keeping an eye on me.

Sunflower

[purplefrog]

Glad you are all still here. I am currently 30 weeks pg. I go once per week from now until delivery. They do what they call a "biophysiological" test on the babies with the sonogram every week, measure every two weeks. Standard procedure. With these exams they check the heart rate, the fluid, and the breathing each time. So far so good. My cervix is high and tight too. Doctor is irritated I haven't been taking it easy (although I really have, I just haven't stopped work yet) - he says I am doing great despite myself. I have gained 24 pounds. How bout the rest of you?

I am HUGE too. My stomach is bigger every day I think. People ask me when I am due and last night I said I have about 6 to 8 weeks left and she looked mortified. I said "it's twins" and she was like - "Oh, that explains it".....like now it is ok that I am ENORMOUS!!). My stomach was huge with my other two singleton babies too. My son was born 9 lbs, 4 oz, and was born the day after his due date at 40 weeks, 1 day (naturally, and my water broke in the middle of the night)...so I hope my uterus/body is up for the task of about 6 more weeks. My goal is to have all of us go home from the hospital together....as I am sure it is all of our goals!

If I have been sitting for any length of time it is painful to get up and walk for a few minutes. I lay mostly on my side at night with a pillow under my belly, although that can be painful sometimes depending on where the babies are situated probably. Nothing is particularly comfortable. Laying down tends to be painful no matter which way. My husband and I have about 10 pillows in bed with us, I must drive him crazy with all the flip flopping around trying to position myself comfortably!

I have a lot of braxton hicks contractions...I have since very early on. I just keep an eye on the clock when I have felt a few in a row to make sure there is no pattern to them. My doc said if I have six in an hour to call him.

Both my girls are breach (unfortunately) - hopefully they will turn and I can give vaginal a try, but I am not overly optomistic at this point. Both my other deliveries were with no meds, and within 3 hours...so it seems a shame to have to do a c-section, but if they are still breech, they won't even attempt vaginal.

As far as movement on one side only...the sonograms really help show you why you are feeling only one side. Baby B's legs are up over her head so all her kicking is on my right side. Baby A is on my right and her legs are by my cervix, so all her kicking is low and on the right. They are facing each other, so all their hand movements tend to be in the center. One placenta is anterior on the left so it is well cushioned. Therefore, with all these factors I NEVER feel movement on the left. If I didn't have these sonograms I would have thought for sure something was wrong with baby B.

Good luck everyone, looking forward to hearing about everyone's experiences. We're going to have little twins soon!!

Lisa

[beckysbrood]

I am now 27 weeks and feeling HUGE! At my last appointment on 1/20, my uterus measured full term! It is no wonder I feel that this pregnancy should be over soon, although I certainly am hoping to go to at least 36 weeks. I am also hoping that the post that talked about the doctor's experience being that the uterus "evicts" between 40-42cm is not going to hold true for me as we are not ready to deliver in 2 weeks! I was wondering what you all have found out about the current weights of your little ones at this point. At my last u/s on 1/14 the twins were each 2 lbs. Sounded big to me! I looked up the weight of a singleton in utero at about the same # of weeks and it was also 2 lbs. I certainly am not looking forward to 2-8lb babies! Are your twins weighing about the same as mine? I look forward to chatting with all of you April due dates!

[scrapbooklounger]

Well, at my 28 week ultrasound, they were estimating their weights at 3.0 lbs and the other at 2 oz. less. The NST (non-stress tests) will be routine from here on out; I also have appointments every week until delivery. Last week, my OB said that I'm measuring as large as 40 wks for a singleton.

I, too, am having various aches and pains whenever I roll over, lie down, etc. I think I need to start including more pillows in my bed. I have the body pillow but think that a few more small ones might help as well.

Well gotta go, hang in there!

Linda

[twinsnwine]

Hi April moms! I am due on April 24th with g/g twins. The aches just started this past week for me - mostly in my back. DH has been really supportive but I think he has suffered more sympathy pains that my actual pains.

Has everyone gone through their glucose screening for gestational diabetes? I had mine on Saturday and unfortunately the doctor called this morning telling me I failed. So it's onto the 3 hour test for me. Even worse, I am such a wimp when it comes to needles and having my blood drawn. I usually end up fainting sometime during the draw. So now I get to sit through numerous draws. My husband finds it to be pretty funny now because I can't go to these appointments alone any more.

Good luck April moms!

[Sunflower]

Purplefrog, you could have been reading my mind when you posted:
"If I have been sitting for any length of time it is painful to get up and walk for a few minutes. I lay mostly on my side at night with a pillow under my belly, although that can be painful sometimes depending on where the babies are situated probably. Nothing is particularly comfortable. Laying down tends to be painful no matter which way. My husband and I have about 10 pillows in bed with us, I must drive him crazy with all the flip flopping around trying to position myself comfortably!"

I slept on the couch last night again, because the sound of him sleeping soundly irritates me when I've flipflopped numerous times....plus, I made the HUGE mistake of having salsa and chips late at night, and I woke at 3am with upset stomach and heartburn. Why do I punish myself? (Because I get a craving, that's why. LOL)

He was slightly irritated with me when I requested he take our dd to school and let me sleep. I usually get up and help with getting her dressed, ect. (She's a tad spoiled, being the only child for 6 yrs.) He told me he was tired too, and dragging...it took ALL of the strength I had biting my tongue, not to tell him I don't know why he would be tired, he was soundly sleeping all of the times I was awake last night, lugging myself to the bathroom and then trying to get comfortable again, before I gave up and went to the couch! LOL

Sorry, I'll quit venting. The huge majority of the time he's wonderful, and then he runs out of patience and I want to clock him in the head. :)

I was looking in a twins book at some of the huge bellies, and I can't believe those moms are only measuring at 42cm. So there must be those that make it further and stretch more, and I'm getting it set in my mind that I'll be one of them and prove my peri wrong! I don't want my babies to get here a month or 2 early and spend a couple weeks or more in the NICU, I want them to come home with me. Everytime I start to feel self-pity for all of the aches and pains, I try to remind myself it's temporary and I've made it thru the majority of this pregnancy and we're in the homestretch....that every day, every week matters now. Reading in here about other moms that are even more uncomfortable than I am helps me keep some perspective. Could be worse, I could be stuck in the hospital hooked up to drugs that make me sick, having to let some nurse decide what I eat! (Scary thought!!)

Sunflower

[Sunflower]

Twinsnwine:
I also failed my first glucose test and had to take the 3 hr one.
Not fun, but bearable....This is probably something you've already been told, but it helps me a lot to not look at the needle at all when the lab tech comes into the room. I was totally famished by the time it was all said and done, the earlier you can get it started in the morning the better. I also had a snack waiting for me in the car when I was done.

My test came back slightly elevated....you have to fail 2 of the 4 blood draws to be technically diabetic, and my first one was 2 pts way from failing and the second one was failing, but the other two passed....because the first one was so close, my OB is sending me to a dietician on Thursday and I will get to test my blood from home with a pin ***** thingie (technical term), lucky me! LOL

I hope you pass yours. I just need to change my diet some for the rest of the pregnancy, and all should be fine. I hope your test goes smoothly. :)

Sunflower

[MNmom]

Hey glad to see all the posts. Why does everything have to happen at once. I try to take it easy but this weekend my grandpa started having seizures, was hospitalized and now needs to go to a nursing home, my grandmother can't live alone becuase she has very little vision and we were also watching our neighbors little boy becuase his dad had also been in the hospital. Hopefully in April when the twins come everything else will be cleared up and caring for the twins will seem like a vacation.
I am glad to have had all your feedback regarding your NST, US and routine visits. I am going in tomorrow for a regular OB and plan to address my lack of testing/monitoring. I will let you know what comes of that.
I have my glucose test tomrrow as well. I went through the freuqent testing and failing with my firstchild but was never dx'ed with diabetes. With my second child I didn't have the same problems but I am concerned that having the history and the increased risk with twins that I may be in the same boat again with those long 3 hour tests etc.
Well as you know sitting here is starting to be uncomfortable so I better stand. Take Care APRILS, Valerie

[twinsnwine]

MNmom - I hope that things get better for you soon. My mom always told me that God gives you only what you can handle so hopefully He sees that you have enough and lifts some of the load. I hope that your glucose test goes okay. I go in for my 3 hour on Thursday and am not looking forward to it. I'm not sure what I am dreading most - getting pricked all those times or having to sit in a lab for 3 hours. At least my DH was able to get off of work so I will have someone to talk to.

My next appt with my OB and next US are the following week so I am really excited about going to that. The OB appt will also kick off the NST which will be fun to start that (finally the end is in sight!!)

beckysbrood - where about's in NE Ohio are you? We have pretty close due dates. You mentioned that your last appt you were measuring full term - yikes!! The nurse practioner measured me for 36 weeks at my 26 week appt. I guess the look on my face was priceless until my OB chimed in saying I was measuring 36 weeks for a single birth. I guess that makes me feel a little better that I wasn't that huge (although lately I feel like I am 36 weeks with the girls).

Alright - time to get some sleep (or at least hog the bed before DH turns in for the night).

[beckysbrood]

Twinsnwine: I am in Stow. About 40 minutes from Cleveland and 15 minutes from Akron. It is a winter wonderland today! My husband plows so he has been out working for the majority of the last 4 days. He is exhausted (I would assume as he is not home yet today) but working hard to support the family. He is such a good man!
I went into the hospital Monday morning from 3-7am because I couldn't get contrax to stop from 10pm to 3am. Went in got hooked up to NST and the nurses said I had an irritable uterus. They gave me a shot of terb (to relax the uterus) and also did a fetal nectin test (I think that's what they called it) and thankfully it looks like I won't be going into labor during the next 2 weeks. I was sent home and doing fine. That was my first glitch in the pregnancy so far so I am extremely thankful. Well, gotta run, the kidlets are hungry and kicking like crazy. Need to go eat something!

[twinsnwine]

beckysbrood - I am in Cuyahoga Falls - right down the street from you!

I definitely give credit to all of those who have family members that are our plowing lately, it seems to be a never ending chore this week.

I'm glad to hear that they sent you home with a clean bill of health.

[MNmom]

I had my routine ob visit today. My gym and nurse practioner say that if my glucose test is OK (I had it today) and my US (in 2 wks) are normal they don't do routine NST. I am torn. I have extreme faith in both my MD and NP, I also have 2 kids at home (my 1st grader who I homeschool and my wild little 2.5 yr old) so the last thing I need is to find time for more MD appointments or tests that I can't drag them along to but then again the peace of mind knowing exactly how things are going in there would be nice. I lived in a small town 7 yrs ago when I was pregnant with my 1st son and they didn't even do a routine US the whole pregnancy. My MD says with my history of big babies (10lbs4.5oz and 8lbs11oz) my body is used to holding alot of stuff and since I had to be induced with both of them my body isn't very interested in going into labor. The bad thing is that after having 2 babies I still don't even know what it would be like to start labor without having an IV in my arm.
So I live in Minnesota and it sounds like I have less snow than you guys in OH. It is frezzing but my husband works in the schools and we would really love a snow day.
Twinswine - good luck on the 3 hour test tomorrow. I remember leaving mine 7 years ago and getting a candybar as a treat on the way home (no wonder I had to sit through it several times)

[annakerie]

Hello Ladies. Some background info- I am 29 wks 4 days pg with b/g twins. I was put on bedrest last week due to my cervix shortening (it measures 1.3cm).

I am just curious- what do all of your doctors do as routine at your appointments? My doctor seems completely unconcerned about my cervix shortening. I am extremely nervous about the situation. He basically told me not to bother him - if I go into labor go to L&D, but otherwise he will not be doing anything different at my appointments. There has been no mention of NST or any other test - in fact he looked at me like I was crazy when I brought it up. He wasn't even going to see me more frequently than 3 wks until I insisted on 1 week. Is there anything you guys think I should be insisting on? I don't want to change doctors this late in pg.

Autumn

[Sunflower]

I am coming up on 30 wks, and my OB is seeing me every week now, but only because of borderline gestational diabetes. Before we discovered this, he was planning on seeing me every other week until 32 wks, and then every week.

Same with the NST, I was going every week until 32 wks, the original plan, until the gestational diabetes popped up. Also, I was measuring at 38 cm, so he bumped up the NST appts to twice a week to catch labor.

My routine appts don't involve checking my cervix, because the last time I saw my peri, a week ago, he said it was 4 1/2 cm, nice and long. If he'll start checking it this next week, I don't know, possible. He checks the heartbeats, does the urine test, weighs me, blood pressure, and we've gone thru any questions I have.
I really like him, he doesn't treat any question I have as stupid or silly. He doesn't rush me.

I don't know what "normal" is, just what my Dr is doing. But I'm sure you'll get a lot of responses, so you can get a good range of situations with different women and different Drs.

Sunflower

[MNmom]

Autumn - as you have read in my previous posts - I have some of the same concerns about what should be concidered routine tests. I have thankfully had no problems with this pregnancy so far and therefore will go with the flow unless something changes. I don't know abou the shortening cervix. I guess that could be just as easily monitored in ob visits. I guess I am not even sure what the NST is used for. SUnflower said something about catching labor early. I guess I would like to have this pregnancy be as close to my first two without additional stuff. Anyway, I live in Minnesota and would like to wait until it is warmer to have these babies whick means April. Valerie

[Sunflower]

Just for clarification, NST stands for Non-Stress Test.
The nurse hooks me up to a machine that monitors whether or not I'm having contractions, how powerful or small they are, and then also monitors the babies' heartbeats. It's to catch pre-term labor or monitor a woman who's already in labor, to see if the babies go into fetal distress for whatever reason.

I don't know if they're routine for everyone having multiples, but my OB feels more comfortable with me having them. Frankly, since I'm a worry wart, it's nice peace of mind....if there's something to worry about, chances are I'll find it!

Sunflower

[MNmom]

Thanks for the info sunflower. So how long does a NST take? If they find contractions does that mean more bed rest or just keep looking for changes. So many questions. There is something about not knowing what is going on inside that is so frustrating.

[annakerie]

Thanks for the info Sunflower & MNmom.

First I apologize for jumping in here with crazy questions.

Sunflower- That is exactly how I feel about the NST. It seems to me that it would be useful to determine whether or not I am having contractions & how the babies are reacting to them, particularly since my cervix is already changing considerably.

I just feel like my doc is not treating my multiple pregnancy any different than my singletons- which was fine with me- until I started having complications. Now I would prefer he be more proactive & think more about helping me reach full term rather than saying oh the hospital will take care of it.

I mean he refused to check my cervix again- EVER- or at least until after 36 wks when they consider it part of a routine exam. I see this as ridiculous, I don't see how I am even going to make it to 32 wks with a cervix measuring barely 1cm. They do have ultrasound in the office so it would take him like an extra minute! I just don't see him as being at all concerned about these babies coming early. He seems to have a so what type of attitude. It's very frustrating- especially when I see other docs doing more for their patients who don't have threatened pre-term labor.

Autumn
p.s sorry again about venting when you guys barely know me- I am just so frustrated. GRR.

[MNmom]

I have been having these strange episodes for the past few days. I will feel nausea, low back ache, mild menstral like cramps and lots of BH contractions (no pain or other belly discomfort). They last from 1-3 hours and resolve as quickly as they come on. I finally called and went in today. My cervix is long and locked solid and none of the symptoms really sound serious so we will just keep monitoring. I have another routine visit Monday and another US Tuesday (I can't wait).
We were told at the 21 week US (when we found out we were having twins) that it was 2 girls but I guess I don't really believe US so I look forward to getting that confirmed next week.
Hope everyone is doing well since there haven't been alot of messages from the Aprils. Valerie

[twinsnwine]

MNMom - I feel your pain. This pregnancy has been a breeze for me so far. I went to sleep on Tuesday with no problems and woke up today in such pain I thought my back was broken. The doctor told me that it was normal and since my regular appt with her is tomorrow, that I should just relax today and come in tomorrow. Thankfully DH stayed home this morning with me so I was able to take a bath. Let me just say whoever invited the bubble bath was a genius!

Anyone start Lamaze classes yet?

[tracylynn]

I just started the NST last week and I am 33 weeks next Tuesday. My cervix has been good and long for a while it was just soft since right at christmas. But when I was having my NST I started to contract and so the lady at the hospital called my Dr and asked to check me and she said that I was open and really mushy on the outside but my cervix is still closed so I have to really start lying around. I am getting so tired of being pregnant but I am hoping to make it to my induction on the 18th of march. I think I will be having a c-section because baby a is breech but I get another ultrasound the 17th of Feb. at 34 weeks. But I will keep have the NST weekly and DR appts. weekly. Hope everyone is doing good and not much longer.

B/B twins EDD April Fools Day!

[Sunflower]

I understand your frustration, annakerie. At my peri appts I have my cervix checked every time, and it's always been nice and long, so I don't have that as a concern. I asked my OB yesterday at the regular 1 wk appt if he'd start checking the length of it soon, and he said a little later, as I get closer. I just hit the 31 wk mark today. :) Since I'm not having any symptoms that concern him, he doesn't see a need yet. If my cervix was already shrinking, like yours is, I have no doubt he'd be watching me like a hawk! I feel very comfortable in his care.

I'm sorry I didn't respond earlier about how long the NST take, I didn't see the post til today....
I have them twice a week now, no contractions to speak of, and as long as the little ones don't kick off the monitor and they can get a good 20 minute reading of the heartbeats, I'm usually out of there in half an hour. It took an hour the first time, because I had lunch right before I went in, and Baby Alex had to bounce all over the place and make things difficult! GRR But since I don't make my dh stay with me and force us both to suffer the boredom, I just close my eyes and kick back and doze.

Hope everyone is doing well, my most recent lovely symptom is the grinding in the pelvis. Thankfully it's faded now this afternoon, but it was around since I got up this morning and was quite uncomfortable!

We got GREAT news at the NST yesterday! For those that are familiar with the scary times we had with Baby Abby, she was stuck in the transverse position way up high on my ribcage, and her brother had all of the space and a huge placenta. Lots of monitoring of fluid, ect, and since it didn't affect her weight and growth, the peri relaxed and said she'd be fine to go the long haul of full-term. Yesterday the nurse found two heartbeats, one on either side of me, instead of hers being up high...I told her it MUST be an echo, because she hasn't been able to move from up there for the whole pregnancy, so she gave me a quick US to check. Low and behold, since my last US 2 wks ago, she has gotten "dislodged" and is taking up half of my uterus on the left side, head up, while Baby Alex is now shoved over to his side and head down! It's actually resembling a "normal" twin pregnancy, if there is such a thing! lol I was so excited, her fluid level is great, and she has plenty of room. I'm so much less stressed about her now, and confident I can make it til 36 or 38 wks, and I've developed a marathon mentality about it. :) Hurray!

Hope all are doing well,
Froggy, if you read this, glad you're able to keep those boys baking for awhile longer, that's wonderful news, we're all rooting for you. Take care.

Hugs,
Sunflower
DD Katy 6 yrs old
EDD 4/11/04 (40wks) b/g twins

[purplefrog]

Autumn,
I am sorry but your doctor sounds like a jerk! He should be taking your concerns much more seriously. If he doesn't give in to you, find another doctor. Even in this late stage of the game...these are your babies!! I would not tolerate him.

I am 32 weeks. Since 28 weeks I see the doctor once per week. Each visit I have a sonogram. Every other week he checks my cervix. The sonograms - every other week they do measurements, but every week they check the heart rate, breathing, and the fluid level. They call it a Biophysical profile (or biophysiological profile...I forget which). Basically just checking the well being of the babies.

This is Standard Operating Procedure. I am so greatful I have a doctor I love. I had one I hated prior to this. A women, who had the bedside manner of a dishrag and a know-it-all lack of empathy attitude. She is history. I thank the Lord every time that I leave the doctor's office that I made the decision to switch.

Good luck! I hope you are hanging in there, and haven't gone into labor yet!

[MNmom]

I had a md appointment yesterday and US today and am happy to report that all is going well. Blood sugar tests good and hemoglobin great. I am 30 wks and one baby girl is measureing over 4 lbs already and about 32 wks while the other little girl is about a pound less at 3 something and measureing just about 30 wks exactly. They had about the same discrepency in size at 21 weeks but this seems like alot. Both are doing great otherwise. The only other interesting thing is that they are still sitting with their butts on the bottom and little heads right next to eachother up by my sternum. I heard a rumor on here that after 30 weeks changing position was less likely and since they really haven't changed position to this point anyway - I am thinking it will probably be c-section. I have had two vaginally and am a little disheartened at the thought of a c-section. Are any of you thinking this far ahead or am I just being silly at this point in the game? Valerie

[annakerie]

Hello Again ladies- I wanted to update you on what happened since my last post & also give thank you's for the advice & opinions :)

On 1/31/04 after having had many Braxton Hicks contractions & a "somethings not right feeling" I went into to labour & delivery. They hooked me up to monitors and determined that I was in fact having contractions. They put me on Mag Sulfate & gave me a dose of steroids at 10pm. I went to sleep, but was abruptly awoken at 7am(2-1-04) by baby A's water breaking. They turned up the mag sulfate to try to stop the contractions, but to no avail. I dialated from 2cm to 10cm in less than 2 hours. They rushed us to the OR & Alexander was born vaginally at 9:40am. Shortly after he was born Emma's placenta abrupted, I started hemorraging & they put me to sleep for an emergency c-section. Emma was born at 10:12am.
Both babies are beautiful and healthy. Well at least as healthy as can be expected for babies born so early.
I had a little bit of a rough time of it. I had a major amount of blood loss and ended up needing a transfusion. I also suffered from a 3 day long migraine as a result of said blood loss. I am feeling much better - although it is no fun to be recovering from both a vaginal birth and a c-section

I have included the link to their website. Sorry there aren't more pictures. I keep forgetting my camera when I go to the NICU. Also- I have yet to get a pic of Alex without his CPAP.

http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/f/fentwins

I don't blame the doctor per se. I agree that he was a jerk. The main problem is that he is not my "regular" doctor. The ob/gyn practice I go to has a policy that all OB patients must see all the doctors. It just seems that somehow I got stuck with this particular one very frequently. I love my regular doc. He listens to everything & is very patient & caring. I had in fact told the receptionist that I refused to see any other doc but him for the rest of my pg. Too bad for me that it was too late :( Anyway the babies were born at 29weeks6days & are like I said as healthy as can be expected for babies so young. I look forward to the day they can come home with me.

Autumn

[twinsnwine]

annakerie - CONGRATS!! Make sure you welcome Alexander and Emma into the world from the other April moms.

I loved the website and the comments. It's great to hear that both babies are doing so well. And I'm glad to hear that you are doing well too.

Please keep your webiste updated so we can watch their progress!

Again congratulations!

[purplefrog]

Congratulations Autumn,
The pictures of the babies are beautiful! I am amazed at how big they look for being so young! I am sorry that you went so early but so very glad that they are as healthy as can be expected. I hope they are home with you soon! God Bless, Lisa ...ps... love the names you picked!

[StrikerTwins]

Hi there,

40 weeks brings me to April 22nd. I can't imagine 2 more months like this...and the kicker is, I am only to going get bigger and more uncomfortable!! AAGGHHH!!!

I have a Dr's appt. this coming Friday a.m. and an ultr-sound in the afternoon. Am anxious to see how big my boys have gotten.

My goal is to make it to 37 weeks and deliver vaginally. Keep your fingers crossed for me. :-)

[Trillian]

New here..just wanted to introduce myself.

I'm 29w4d w/ b/g twins. Had a rescue cerclage at 20w exactly, was in the hospital for 2 weeks and home on strict bed rest ever since. My cervix keeps getting shorter, but they still think I should make it to 32w. I am really hoping for more than that, but am so thankful we have gotten this far.

Autumn, your babies are beautiful! So glad they are doing well.

[twinsnwine]

Welcome aboard Trillian!

Autumn - just read the latest update on your website. DH and I are so glad that everyone is doing so well.

Had my 31 wk appt yesterday with my second NST. Has anyone had this happen to them? While they were hooking me up to the monitors, I was laying down and got really light headed and hot. I started sweating really bad and my face was completely red. They sat me up and gave me some water but for the rest of the appointment I was so tired. Thankfully they were able to hook me up to the monitors while I sat up for the rest of the time.

How are the rest of the April moms?

[syd2rohde]

Hello everyone! Confession time: I've been such a lurker here, but haven't posted much. I must say that I've learned SOOO much from everyone here.

I've got b/g twins due 4/10. I've had a really good pregnancy so far, no real complications to speak of (thank you thank you thank you!!!). I keep reading about these NST's. Is everyone supposed to have them? when are you supposed to start having them? My Dr hasn't ever mentioned them. ??

[Sharneff]

Hello everyone, I am now 33 weeks. I had an u/s last friday, and my boys are both about 5 lbs. WoW! I feel all 10 lbs. of them. I have not had a NST. But I do get my cervix checked every visit and I get as detailed u/s every three weeks. I have been to the birthing center twice with contractions. I am so worried about going into labor and not getting there on time, b/c I live an hour away.
I have been lucky so far, but know the anxiety is killing me. The doctor says my cervix looks good, but I know that can change quickly.
I just hope the next 4 weeks go by quickly and uneventful. I can't wait to sleep on my back or stomach again, although with a c-section I won't get on my tummy any time soon.
I am so thankful that I can share on here. At home I feel like my poor husband only gets to hear me complain. My back, My stretch Marks, I'm having another contraction,My tummy, My heart burn, No sleep, I can't get up, and many more. I'm sure it gets old to him. Well Good Luck to everybody! I love reading about everyone else!
Shars

[Sunflower]

Everything is running smoothly with us too. NST twice a week, have been perfect so far, had a detailed u/s this past Friday and am not scheduled for another for 4 more weeks (doubt I'll go that long, lol), and OB visits once a week.

I'm measuring between 38 and 40 cm, depending on how the twins are laying, and my OB is going to discuss picking a C date this Tuesday....he's thinking somewhere between 36 and 37 wks, even though my peri said no, not til 38 wks unless I have an amnio, which I don't want. So we'll see what the OB says this Tues, whether or not he agrees....if they want to make me wait til 38 wks they can try, I just don't see my body holding them in that long. I could be wrong, but I'm already obviously bigger than when I delivered my DD, and things are getting cramped in there!

There's good and not-so-fun times right now, as I'm sure you all can relate to. I love feeling little body parts in my belly since they're so jammed, a knee or elbow, a tiny butt or head, and feeling them roll around and readjust. It's amazing. I'm not fond of lugging myself off the couch, it's so much easier with help! And having to watch my diet (gestational diabetes), pee constantly thru the night, and then try in vain to get back to sleep after my head starts racing with all of the upcoming changes that are right around the corner.

I'll let you all know when we have a date picked out for their birthday, I'm getting excited!

Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40wks) b/g twins
DD Katy 6 yrs old

[Trillian]

No news is good news! I'm still here, coming up on 31 weeks! No changes in contrax so I an more and more hopeful of making it to 36 weeks.

Amanda, thanks for the welcome! I have to have a BPP every week at the office and always get that hot, light-headed thing. I think they keep the room too warm (although everyone else seems comfy!) See if they'll let you stay on your side for the next NST, it seems to help me a bit.

[twinsnwine]

Sunflower - where in Alaska are you from? My favorite aunt is up in Fairbanks. Originally this was the summer when DH and I were supposed to visit but instead she is coming to Ohio.

Trillian - I sympothize with the hot office situation. They keep the temperature around 75 degrees and then gave heaters to the people that sit next to the windows. As if this pregnancy doesn't put off enough heat, it gets to be 80 degrees in here sometimes. Thank goodness I am not pregnant in the summer.

syd2rohde - I'm not sure about when you are supposed to start the NST's. One lady in my Lamaze class (with twins) says her doctor doesn't do it until the last two weeks. You may want to ask your doctor if they have a policy on doing it.

My goal is to make it to 37 weeks. The doc wants me to go to 38 but that puts us right around Easter Sunday. I know I don't have to go on Easter Sunday but I would like to have the girls by then so I can enjoy Easter dinner and all of the other Easter events. But as DH tells me, the later they are born the earlier they come home.

Welcome to the other new April Moms. Don't be shy - stop by to say hi.

[Sunflower]

Twinsnwine:
I was born and raised in Anchorage but now live in Wasilla, a smaller town 45 minutes north of there. Fairbanks is about 6 hours north of us. :) I've been there, it's beautiful! Very cold in the winter, but very warm in the summer too. I've never lived in any other state, so I wouldn't know what it's like to have things like 4 normal seasons (we have winter and construction season) that last a normal amount of time, or the sun go down in the evening when you're getting ready to have dinner....it's either up all night long in the summer or only around 4-5 hours at a time in the winter. LOL But it's all in what you're used to.

Nice of your aunt to come visit you this time, especially since travelling with the little ones will be interesting! We're planning a trip to MO (where my in-laws live) in late fall, hopefully it will have cooled down by then down there and hopefully the twins will be good travelers. We shall find out.

Good to get to know all of you, I'm still in shock that the time is approaching so fast! I finally bought some preemie outfits and got them washed this weekend. Now they're packed, and my bag is almost finished being packed completely. The Honey-Do list has gotten long, he's working on it! We need to work around the twice a week Dr appts that are in Anch that take up a lot of the day, considering travel time too....tick tick tick goes the clock as the days go by.

Much to do, hope to post more later. Take care, ladies!

Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40wks) b/g twins
DD Katy 6 yrs old

[Sunflower]

Well, I'm coming up on the 34 wk mark this weekend, and all is well. My cervix is still nice and long they tell me, and no real contractions to speak of. DH leaves in another week for his job, and depending on what he and the boss can arrange, he'll be gone possibly 3 weeks this time. That's so he can be home for 2-3 weeks when the twins get here, if they wait til the scheduled due date of the C, March 29th. I'll be 38 wks by then, and since I refused the amnio to check lung development (didn't see any point in doing it for convenience sake) they're making me wait that long...somehow, with as big as I am, I don't see it happening, but who knows! Women have done it! LOL

I feel huge, I'm measuring 42 cm and have only a few outfits left that fit. DH chuckles everytime he looks at my belly, saying he can't believe how big I've gotten, and doesn't think I'll go past the 15th of March. I think he and his mom might be placing bets at this point. LOL

I love being pregnant, but today I was wishing for my body back! Sometimes when they move around a lot it's actually uncomfortable. And I am kicking myself because I gave in to temptation and ate some choc cookies with macadamia nuts in them, and the heartburn is killing me! And I'm out of Tums!! It's 4am and I'm sitting up, waiting for it to subside some, if it doesn't I'm going to go try and sleep in the recliner sitting upright. I should get used to that anyway, with planning to nurse the twins! haha

How are the other April moms? Is the clock ticking for you the same way it is for me? I feel the deadline approaching and am trying to get all the things done on the list w/out overtaxing myself, quite the balancing act! Hope to hear from some of you.

Hugs,
Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40wks) b/g twins
DD Katy 6 yrs old

[tracylynn]

Hello everyone its been awhile since I have posted just get so busy! I am 35 weeks today and feel like I have been 9 months pregnant for about the last 2 months. I had a scheduled c-section for March 18th but went to the Dr. Tuesday and had my NSt and my heart rate and Blood pressure is a little high so my Dr. thinks it would be a good idea to deliver earlier. I said how early and she said in 10 days and that was on Tuesday which would make me 36 weeks exactly next Thursday the 4th. I am really excited but nervous I hope that they will be healthy and able to come home but I have a feeling thye should be breathing fine. They are also both breech so I am not so happy about the section because when I had my daughter it was a picture perfect labor. Anyway other than that all is well Hope everyone else is doing good!

Tracy
Boy/Boy TWINS
EDD April Fools Day!

[twinsnwine]

Can you believe that we are finally talking about scheduling c-sections and guessing which days we will actually deliver? I thought this would never happen!! My doctor wants me to deliver right at 38 weeks which just happens to be Easter Sunday. I really hope that we go just a few days earlier though - who wants to spend Easter in labor?

Tomorrow is DH's birthday and we are going to spend the day packing the overnight bag, doing the last minute preparations and relaxing. I'm even planning a nice candlelight dinner for him knowing that we won't have a night like that for a while.

I agree, I loved being pregnant but I cannot wait to get into real clothes again. I just started sorting out my spring wardrobe to see what is in a bigger size so I can wear stuff after the girls are born. I can't wait for spring to get here.

Glad to see everyone is doing well!

[syd2rohde]

So I had another appointment today (I'm on weekly appointments now). Everybody still looks good in there. It's a little weird, but cute - they're both snuggling together on one side!

And I forgot to ask about the NST's (dang it). But Dr said that I could make it to 37+ weeks or it could be anyday now. I have no indications of anything happening soon (cervix still closed, no cramping, not too many contractions). So I'm very thankful there. Still looks like I may be able to go vaginally. But boy oh boy I feel SOOOOOO large! Gettting up (out of a chair or bed, etc) I feel like a turtle stuck on their back!

Sunflower and Twinsnwine - just curious, but are your Dr's recommending the C sections?

[Sunflower]

To answer your question, my Dr is recommending a C because I had one with my DD 6 yrs ago. He said it was my choice, but the chance of placental abruption and death to me and the babies was present, so I am taking his advice and opting for the C. I've had one before, I know the recovery involved, and I've got help lined up already for after my little ones are here. :) Not to mention, I've seen too many episodes of Maturnity Ward on TV and am confident something awful would happen to me if I tried a VBAC with twins. (I was going to attempt one when I thought this was a singleton pregnancy.) The thought of being terrified of something bad happening throughout my entire delivery just wasn't worth it to me, so I'm taking that route.

Oh, I'm getting so sore lately! That really low pelvic pain that I've read about other expectant moms having towards the end....
I was hoping I'd bypass it, but I'm 34 wks now (Yes, I can't believe it!) and it really hurts to get up off of the couch after I've been sitting for awhile!

Also, I stood for too long at church this evening (it's Lent and I'm Catholic, lots of church stuff going on right now), and I am paying for it with muscle twings down low in my belly...nothing extreme I haven't felt before that are alarming or anything, just enough to make me miserable. LOL

My DH cracked me up this morning....I was up my usual 3-4 times last night for potty and water breaks, and usually he sleeps right thru them. For some reason, last night he didn't. He was moaning and groaning as he got out of bed, even though he doesn't even have to go into work. (He has a remote job that he flies to every 2 weeks, then is home for 2 weeks and doesn't work during that time.) He says "what do I have to get you, so you'll sleep thru the night? Bourbon? Tums? What? I woke up every time you woke up! I'm exhausted!" I laughed and said it wasn't even heartburn last night, it was just "the usual". I offered to sleep on the couch, but he said no, since there was no real reason he NEEDED a full night's sleep. I told him now he knows why I require one or two naps throughout the day. LOL

Hugs,
Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40 wks)
b/g twins scheduled C March 29th
DD Katy 6 yrs old

[purplefrog]

Hi everyone,
Tracielynn - We are very close in due dates and both my girls are breech too. I am bummed because they will have to come c-section, and my other two deliveries were very very quick (1 hour, and 3 hours). Oh well. Whatever they need to do to get them out safely I can live with. I am 35 weeks tomorrow. They have scheduled my C-Section for March 17th which will put me at 37 weeks 3 days. I thought having them born St. Patricks Day would be kinda fun. You all know how it goes though, they could be here tomorrow! So far my blood pressure is good and no signs of premature labor. The babies a week ago were 4lbs 12oz, and 5lbs 1oz. They do a sonogram every week, and he checks my cervix every other week. I do feel the clock ticking too. Although I am like a big ole beached whale...have difficulty getting off the couch, sleeping, etc., physically I am ready but scared it is still too early for them. The goal: We all go home together!! A friend of mine delivered at 35 1/2 weeks and her twins were still in the hospital for 2 weeks. That scares me!
Good luck everyone! I imagine we will all be posting our birth stories soon!
Lisa

[MNmom]

Hi everyone. WOW that was kinda scary sounding "we will be posting our birth stories soon".

I will be 33 weeks tomorrow and the fun and cute part of being pregnant is over for me. I can barely roll over in bed much less get up. I wake up to go to the bathroom and just getting out of bed I think I am going to pee my pj's. I have to remind myself that this could last another 7 weeks!

At my 30 wk US both mine girls were breach but I have one of those Dr.s who doesn't want to assume anything and says we will take more about delivery as the time gets nearer. I have been blessed with a relatively easy pregnency so far so I can't really complain.

We went out on what will probaby be our last date for many moons last night but halfway through dinner I was so uncomfortabel in the chair I couldn't think of anything but leaving. Then we went to a movie where I ended up having to use 2 seats and sit sideway with my legs up leaning against my husband. No more movies till after the babies.

[StrikerTwins]

Hi Everyone-
I think this is the first time I've posted on this thread. My EDD is April 22nd, so I hit 33 weeks on Wed. the 3rd. I'm still a little confused about the weeks....Have I completed 33 weeks on the 3rd or am I just starting my 33rd week? Oh well. My last u/s on Feb 20th showed both boys weighing 3.9 lbs. Twin A was breech and Twin B was head down.
I had a NST yesterday, the 28th, and Twin A's heartbeat was very low in my belly...so I'm thinking he's turned. Woohoo!
Now if I can just keep them that way I'll be all set.
When I had my first son, Jesse, I was in Stage 1 Labor for a few hours, but once I started pushing, he was out in 20 minutes!
My pregnancy with the twins has been uneventful as my first one, so if they are both head down, I think I will be able to have a vag. delivery with no problems. (I'm hoping anyways)
I start with my weekly Dr. visits now and weekly NST.
I can relate to everyone with the discomfort....I can't get comfortable at night in bed...I'm up 3-4 times usually, if I lay on one side too long, I am numb. The heartburn has really kicked up again. When I stand too long I start to swell up, when I sit too long my sciatica hurts and my pelvic bone actually hurts...lol
I'm a mess!! I've been taking naps during the day too, because I can barely get a few hours of sleep at night.
I so want these babies to be born, but I know that it's still too early. March is going to be a long month, I think.
But it's good to know that you all are out there...misery loves company...lol
I look foward to hearing how you all are doing.
Best wishes!

[purplefrog]

Ok, how many of you have attempted to sit at a booth in a restaurant and can't fit??? We went to both Dairy Queen a few weeks ago...no go. All there tables were booths and I couldn't fit. The girl felt bad for me and wheeled her boss's chair from the back room out for me to sit on an end. Then a week or two later we went to Red Lobster and tried a booth...no go there either. Had to go to a table. Good lord...the nightmare obese people must go through! I never thought I would see this day...but my stomach is sticking out so much it is amazing how it impedes me!!!! I can't even lean over the sink to spit out my toothpaste anymore without having to stand back and lean way over. How sad is this ladies???
Lisa

[Sunflower]

Okay, I can totally relate to Lisa and StrikerTwins!!
I haven't attempted to sit in a booth recently, but sleeping at night is a joke! I adore my naptimes during the day and am SO thankful my dd is 6 yrs old. She's a good kid and will watch a movie while mommy naps. Most of the time I'm able to nap while she's in Kindergarten, which she likes better. I like it better too, I can nap for several hours as opposed to just a quick catnap!

My dh is getting a real kick out of this last stage....he chuckles when I bump into him because I forget how big my belly sticks out, or when I try to get out of bed. He is also loving how cramped the babies are getting and how easily he can feel them.

We found out yesterday at my NST appt that Twin B, the girl, has turned head down now, with her brother....is she thinking she might race him to see who comes out first? I'm 34 wks as of yesterday, but dh doesn't think I'll make it past another week or week and a half. Today I feel so "off", I'm wishing it were sooner now too....I haven't really felt that way much this whole pregnancy, but lately there are more days where I wish they were born than days I am enjoying it. Sounds like I'm in good company with these other April Mommies. LOL

I toured the hospital finally where they'll be born. If they're 37 wks and everything's fine, then they get to avoid the NICU. But if they're born before 37 wks then they automatically go thru the window to the NICU to get a thorough check. THEN if they clear that they get to come room with me. So I have a definate goal of 37 wks, even though the C is scheduled for 38 wks.....I want my body back! :)

I'm beginning to feel a little panicky, because I'm not done around here yet. I'm going to go put baby clothes away, maybe that'll help.

Hang in there moms, we'll get there!

Hugs,
Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40 wks) b/g twins
DD Katy 6 yrs old

[twinsnwine]

I must say that booths at a restaurant were the wrong investment for pregnant women. However I am enjoying the challenge of getting in and out of one. Every Sunday, dh and I go to breakfast with close friends of ours to a place that only has booths. Ever since I started showing we have measured my progress based on how many inches I am from the table. Needless to say, I think yesterday was the last time I could fit. Thankfully as a "baby shower gift" from the restaurant they bought a folding chair for me. So next week I get to use my special chair.

How many are still working? My doctor says that I should be able to work until the girls are here. Although a lot of people here are trying to make sure I go on leave soon. We have a whole emergency plan to get me to the hospital if something happens at work. I work with an awesome group so it has made this pregnancy a lot easier.

I get to visit my dr. and get an u/s next Monday again. We are still on 2 week appointments and not much has been said about weekly appts. At 32 weeks I would think this would be changing soon.

Hope all is still well with everyone!

[Sharneff]

I just wanted to share my restaurant story. I went out with my family the other night. I am now 35 weeks. I had to get up and go to the restroom, and everyone was staring at me. I thought maybe I was self-consious, but my family was joking about it when I returned. I feel like I should wear a big sign that says "IT'S TWINS"
Well I hope everyone else is doing well. I am very anxious. I have had a lot of preterm labor. My doctor says they won't be aggresive about stopping my labor. SCARY! Well I can't wait to share my birth story soon. I will be attempting a vaginal birth after c-section. Wish me luck! I am afraid a little, but trying to stay positive! Good luck to everyone.

Shars

[syd2rohde]

ok - I just HAD to share this story. Last night DH and I went to vote. As we were leaving and walking past the line of people, this little boy (maybe 5 or 6??) says out loud, " Wow... that lady is FAT!" I wasn't right next to him or anything where I could say anything either. Waaahh!! I'm NOT fat! I'm carrying two big 'ol babies in here!! :(

So that's my story. It was kinda funny, at least DH really thought so!

I definitly comiserate with you all about being so uncomfortable! I'm spending my nights moving from the bed to the couch to the recliner... plus all the bathroom trips in between. Then because I'm not sleeping enough (??) then I end up napping throughout the day too.

I agree with Twinsnwine that it's almost scary that we're all now talking about delivery dates and meeting our children!!

I'm 35 weeks today and have another Dr appt on Friday. Wvery morning when I wake up I feel like I've added another 5+ inches around!! (I haven't... it just feels like it!)

OK - happy day to everyone!

[twinsnwine]

Don't you just love comments from kids? Makes me wonder what my girls are going to be saying out loud at that age.

This weekend my 5 year old nephew came up to visit us. I asked him to pick something up off the floor for me and he told me to do it myself. When I told him I couldn't reach it he started laughing at me and told me that if "my big ole belly wasn't in the way you could". I told him if I didn't have this big ole belly he wouldn't have nieces to play with soon. Surprisingly he has been very helpful though and understands why his aunt can't do a lot of things.

Later that day, his 4 year old sister and him got into an arguement as to whether or not the girls are allowed to play with Power Rangers. My niece says that girls are not allowed to play with yucky boy toys and she will share her Barbies with them instead.

Just think - to be a kid again and have your biggest worry being whether or not someone can play with your Power Rangers.

[Sunflower]

I totally relate to the comments kids say....my dd has made the comment that my tummy is so fat and that's why she can't sit in the recliner with me anymore. I correct her that mommy isn't fat, she's PREGNANT. Big difference! And the kids in her kindergarten class are fascinated with watching it get bigger and bigger. One little boy asks where the babies are so he can give them each a hug thru my belly, it's so cute!

I was smart last night and didn't eat so late, it cut down on the heartburn. And I ate a handful of Tums before I even considered going to bed. I can't believe how well I slept, it was glorious! Probably because I was so exhausted from no sleep for over a week. lol But now I'm starving this morning, so I must go eat.
Hang in there everyone, these last few weeks are taking forever.
I'm 43 cm now, I can't believe how much my belly is able to stretch!

At my last NST appt the nurse told me I was carrying beautifully and was all in my belly, that I looked great. I wanted to kiss her!! She made my day!! :) It's the little things like that I try to think of now, and how exciting it will be when my darlings are finally in my arms. Makes all of this tolerable (most of the time).

Hugs,
Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40wks) b/g twins
C scheduled 3/29/04

[MNmom]

I had a regular check-up this week and have jumped from measureing at 37 (for the past several weeks) up to 41!! I am also "a finger tip" dilated. No concerns. I am looking forward to next week. I have an US on Wednesday and can't wait to hear how big these girls have gotten. I have my first NST Thursday before my routine exam and my doctor (who never wants to make plans) said after the US and NST we should be in a good possition to discuss what the future might hold for delivery.

I have a question for those of you that have had NST's. I will be taking my 2 1/2 year old to a friends for the morning but was wondering if it would be realistic to bring my almost 7 year old to the NST. I think he would find it interesting and is very good at reading to himself if he does get bored and goes to all my regular visits. They scheduled the NST for 1/2 hour before my regular appointment so that doesn't sound too long. Anyway, if anyone has an opinion please share.

I am feeling alot of sharp pain when the babies push down (like on my cervix) I remember feeling this with other pregnancies but it seems to be more frequent this time. Anyone else having this?

[StrikerTwins]

I have had 3 NST and the shortest time I was there from start to finish was 45 minutes. The amount of time it takes all depends on the movement and accelerations they get from the babies. If they get it all within 20 mins. great, you can go, otherwise they keep you longer.
They have a tv in the room I go to. You can hear the heartbeats and their movements, but after a few minutes your son will be bored. But if he is content to read then he will be fine.
I have had the sharp pains you are talking about...I am at 33 weeks, I didn't catch how far along you are...but I would definately tell your DR. about it.
Good Luck!

[kileigh]

Hey april mommies!!

I'm a march mommy to be and I haven't had my babies yet. Their seems to be no one left for me to talk to on the march mommies board so i thought i would jump over here if you don't mind. I will be 37 weeks on monday. I have another ultrasound on monday and will be having my babies on thursday or friday. I have not been working for the past two weeks and find this is the one place I can turn to when I feel like I can't go on any more. Just in the past 2 or 3 nights I have probably gotten a total of 4 hours of sleep each night. I can't turn over in bed anymore because of some horrible pelvic pain. It hurts just to stand up. I have almost totally quit going out in public because I am tired of having people looking at me. I don't know if i can make it to next week or not without loosing my mind. MY cervic is 90% thinned and 1cm dialated as of thursday. All my NST have been good. So I am trying to do what is best for my boys. Thank you for letting me vent.

Everyone take care of yourself and your babies!!
Ki

[Sunflower]

Welcome, kileigh! You're in the home stretch, you lucky woman.
I know what you mean about the stares, sometimes I find it comical and other times annoying. One recent comment made me laugh, I was sitting at a table in a little restaurant and a man at a table close by had been glancing at me....when he got up to leave he stopped and said "so, too much beer?" as he patted his own belly....I cracked up. Better to have a sense of humor about it, because the alternative was to throw something sharp at him.
LOL

Pelvic pain, yes, I sure know about that...it seems the worst when I've sat or laid down for too long, or stood for too long...
Doesn't give me many options, does it? I'm glad to know I'm not the only one dealing with it. Misery loves company.

MNmom:
I was in and out of my last NST in 20 minutes....I've also had to be stuck there for an hour before when the babies didn't cooperate. But based on what my normal time in there is, your son should be able to handle it. My dd is a livewire, and my dh brought her once and ended up taking her to the cafeteria because she was rearranging the room. :)

Tomorrow is 35 wks, hurray!! Getting excited now.

Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40wks) b/g twins
C scheduled 3/29/04
dd Katy 6 yrs old

[scrapbooklounger]

Boy, it's been a long time since I last posted here but have loved reading everyone's progress.

First of all, Congrats to Autumn! Love the pics on your web site.

Oh, and how I can relate to the restaurant booth story! Imagine two pregnant women sitting on either side of a booth. Though my friend had plenty of room, I was only a fingertip away from the table. I'm much more careful now about where anyone seats us.

Well, as of last Friday, 3/5, I'm 36 weeks - yipppeeeeee!! And, both twins have dropped (the lightening phase?) with their heads down. So, we're planning on vaginal births thus far. However, one of them is a flipper - it's flipped head up (so it was breech) and then back down in the last 2 weeks. So, we still have to be prepared to do a c-section. My doctor was a bit surprised because she can't imagine that there's much room in there to be moving around so much.

Though my EDD is April 2nd, my doctor is very considerate of the uncomfortableness I'm feeling. So, we've scheduled an inducement date of 3/22 but are on the waitlist for 3/19 - when I'll be 38 weeks exactly. My biggest complaint is my carpal tunnel syndrome - ugh! - that should go away soon after the births. Of course, this is all assuming that the twins don't decide to come out earlier on their own....

Hang in there everyone!

Linda

[MNmom]

My husband thinks I am crazy. For some reason even though I am only 34 weeks today and I have had no preterm labor or other concerns up to this point I have had this obsession this weekend to get everything ready. The car seats in the van, packing for the hospital etc. On top of that feel like everything needs to be done today and can't wait. Both my boys were in deperate need of haircuts and I usually use the clippers on them Sunday nights when needed. We were very busy and it was almost bedtime so my husband said "Let's just wait till Tuesday night" (since he had class Mondays). I said that was not a choice they needed them tonight at whatever cost. So now they have nicely trimmed hair. Anyone else having these crazy feeling?

[purplefrog]

Oh Yes,
I can relate to those crazy feelings that everything has to be done "now". Get this, I know we will be having lots of stay over visitors in the weeks following the babies, so I went nuts in the guest room. Washing doors, walls, curtains, bedding, dusting. I even took the mini blinds down and scrubbed them in the driveway and rinsed them down (mind you I did two and got stuck in the doggie position in the middle of the driveway, had to have my husband help me up and then he finished the other two :o) - Who tears down miniblinds when they are 36 weeks pregnant with twins????? Who cares if they have dust on them!!

When I was at the grocery store Saturday a lady selling girlscout cookies asked me if I was expecting twins. I said yes, and she said she was a labor and delivery nurse for 17 years and could tell that I was carrying too high and too big to not be having twins. OK, she's a professional I will forgive her. I have to laugh about the sharp object in message above. Cause I hate going out in public too. People are like "when are you due????" I always have to say "Anyday now with TWINS". There is this sigh of relief from them always and you know they are thinking "That explains why your so HUGE". I think in the next week if someone asks me I am going to tell them I have just 3 more months left and I am having a little girl.... leave it at that. LOL....

I am 36 weeks today, and because both girls are breech I have a C-Section for March 17th scheduled (my 40 week due date was April 5th). I will be 37 weeks 2 days when they are delivered. I am concerned that most inductions are scheduled about 38 weeks. I asked my doctor if he was concerned about deliverying them at 37 weeks 2 days only - and he said not with twins. We picked the date based on our other kids spring break...it worked to have them that week, but I am now a little nervous that they should stay in a few more days. Anyone have an opinion on that??

Ok, I've rambled long enough. I enjoy everyone's stories. Good luck ladies, we will all be telling our birth stories soon!!

Lisa xx

[tracylynn]

Hey guys well I ended up not having the c-section last week so I am still waiting. I am so tired and ready to be not pregnant. I am 36 weeks and 5 days as of now so anytime would be great. I am going to the Dr. today because one of the babies is a 1 pound bigger than the other and they might go ahead and deliver today if they think it would be better for the babies. But I am not getting my hopes up. Theyare both doing fine just one of them may be getting more nutrients than the other so just thought I would let ya know. Hopefully everyone will be having babies soon!
Grayson and Garett EDD 4/1/04
C-section 3/18/04

[twinsnwine]

Wow - lot's of activity from the April Moms! Here we go... it's almost time

Just got back from the u/s and NST. Both girls are 5lbs 6 oz each (yikes!). I am 33w 1d but Baby A is measuring 34w and Baby B is measuring 33w 6d. One is head down and the other is breech. It's going to be a race who makes their way down first.

My dr. won't let me go past 38 weeks which is a good feeling knowing that it's only 5 weeks away. Unfortunately though, my blood pressure is higher than they would like so each day I have to get it checked. Then I have to go back next week to have them check it again. If it stays elevated they are hinting at bedrest. I am really trying to avoid it as much as possible but have to keep remembering that it's for the girls best interest.

Hope everyone is still going strong!

[twinsnwine]

Just wanted to share my scary thought with the April mom's. DH and I went to our last Lamaze class. We all got certificates to tell us we are good breathers :)

Anyway, I can't believe the class is already over. When I registered for it in January it felt like I had years before the girls would be born. Now knowing the class is over - there's nothing in between today and delivery day. I nerves are starting to kick in!!

Hope everyone else is doing well.

[MNmom]

I have had a busy two days at the doctors (US yesterday , NST and appointment today). I had a good US. The girls are 5 lbs 10 ounces and 5 lbs 14 ounces (measureing 34 and 35 wks). They are in the exact possition that they were a month ago (heads up). I can't believe I am carrying 11.5 lbs of baby around. Anyway, today the NST was short and simple. My MD starts out the visit by saying how great I am doing, no problems the entire pregnancy, no signs of early labor, the babies are growing great, basically he thinks I was ment to carry around twins. Then he discusses that they probably won't move and it will be a c-section. Then after the whole deal about how great my body is doing with these babies says that even though it would be nice to schedule a c-section now for 37-38 weeks he doesn't think I will go that long and I will probably end up going into labor and then having the c-section. He doesn't want to do it eariler to avoid this for the development of the babies. I personally don't think I will ever go into labor and would carry these babies till they are 10 years old if we don't plan anything but I guess time will tell. Anyway, that is what is up with me. Hope everyone is doing great.

[Sharneff]

I's sounds as though we are all so close. I went to the birthing center last night with contractions, but I am only dialated to 1cm. The boys are both head down, and one is really ready to come out. I understand the pelvic pain. I just want to be done with the pregnancy part already. I feel like a huge complaining baby.

I have a feeling I should be delivering by next week. I'm hopefull for a safe vaginal birth. The doctor last night seemed shocked that I wanted to even try after having a c-section. That made me feel uneasy. THANKS DOC! I see my doctor tomorrow.

I hope everyone elso starts feeling better soon. Just think in a couple weeks we will be to busy to remember back aches, pelvic pain, and how big we are now. Thank goodness.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Shars
edd 4-4-04

[syd2rohde]

So Friday morning I wake up at 5am to pee (of course). I had to do the normal "hoisting" of myself out of the couch. When I stood up and started walking down the hall, I thought I started to pee my pants! I was thinking, OMG, I'm so huge now that I'm incontinent!! So I'm fast walking down the hall kinda of knocked-kneed, but it's not helping too much. I get to the bathroom and man oh man that was a big pee..... right?? or was it???

I ended up sitting there for what feels like 10 minutes or so trying to decide if I just peed my pants or did my water break??? Finally I decide to call the Dr JUST in case.

They want me to come in to get checked, but said to go ahead and shower, etc. So I shower then wake my DH. I told him that I was pretty confident that I peed myself, but the Dr wants to check to be sure. His eyes were as big as dinner plates! I tried to convince him that this was just going to be like a dress rehearsal and that he should go shower and get ready for work, because we would probably only be there for an hour or so..... YEAH RIGHT!!

(sorry I'm babbling!) So we get there and the Dr does a lithmus paper test and they say it's not my water. "see honey, I told you I peed!" and then the Dr says, "uhmmm, just wait, I want to do an exam, because there really IS a lot of fluid". So he does an exam and then.... Ta Dah!... Dr says, well, you're having some babies today!!


The Dr's decided that I was 34 weeks and 6 days ( I thought I was 35 and 2). But because I was so close to 35 they decided to go ahead and let me deliver.

So to get to the good stuff, I was able to deliver both Jakob and Jocelyn vaginally on Friday night (remember, I went in at like 6:30 am). Jake had a bit of a rough start (not breathing well). Both were taken to NICU for the first night but mostly for observation. Jocelyn came home with me on Monday and Jake was able to come home on Tuesday (he had to go under the lights for mild jaundice on Monday).

They were both the same length, but Jake was 4lbs 15oz and Jocelyn was 5 lbs 15 oz. Jake was first and poor baby had a bit of cone head from all the pushing! But he paved an easy road for his sister to come "flying" out with very little pushing. I must say I'm grateful the smaller one was first!

So we're all home now. I still kinda wish they were able to grow inside more, but I'm SOOOOOOOO glad they're here!

OK - I need to go get some sleep while I can. Sorry this is long and rambling! I hope to get some pictures onto a website soon.

Thanks to everyone for their support! :)

[twinsnwine]

syd2rohde -

Congratulations!! We can't wait to see pictures!

[tlschroe]

Hi almost-there-moms!

I had preterm labor on Sunday. Went to L&D thinking had a bladder infection and was having irreg contractions every 2 or so minutes. Got an IV, they reduced, I went home. 24 hours later, my cervix is the same. Three days later and full bed rest, my cervix is becoming famous for stability.

US at 34 weeks to the day: Both are now head down, and man, does this HURT. I can't do anything but lay down. Twin A is now Twin B, and weighs in a 4 lbs 4 oz. Twin B is now Twin A and my soccor star, but only weighs barely 4.0 lbs. I am not a big girl, only 5'1" and they suspect the smaller twin is growth restricted. Thay planned to do a C section (my first was an ER c section after 4 hrs of labor -- can you say no thank you) 4/2 but may bump it to 3/26 which is my birthday! :-)

[StrikerTwins]

Congratulations syd2rohde!! How exciting!! Your delivery gives me hope! Right now my boys are both head down and I hope they stay that way and I can have a vaginal dleivery for both!
I am 34 weeks today and am on bedrest as of yesterday. I'm hoping to make it to 36 weeks. I am very anxious!!

[Sunflower]

I am 36 wks tomorrow and SO ready to have these munchkins on the outside! :) My DH is still at his remote job til the 24th since the C is scheduled for the 29th, but if I can get in touch with him by 12:30pm whatever day stuff starts to happen he can catch the one flight out that day. (No pressure or anything! LOL)

I am not on bedrest or anything, just waiting it out. It's so hard to bend over that doing things like filing bills or cleaning out the car are quite the chore. Cleaning the toilet takes going in shifts, I get so uncomfortable! But as much as I'm going to need help after the twins get here, I almost don't want to ask too much of friends and family, anyone else have that feeling?

I had a NST on Tuesday and Friday, but Tuesday I wasn't dilated or anything and the contractions were tiny waves. On Friday they were still there and a little bit bigger waves, but still on the small side. They let me go home. I get checked again for dilation this coming Tuesday and I'm really hoping that continued small contractions will at least have me dilated some, even though I'm planning a C! I'm just ready for some progress, ya know? If I don't make it til 38 wks but instead deliver at 37 or almost that, I'll be relieved. Is that selfish?

I'm so swollen in my fingers, need to drink more water.

syd2rohde, congrats to you! I'm so glad everything went smoothly and your babies are healthy, I love the names!

Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40 wks) b/g twins
C scheduled 3/29/04
DD Katy 6 yrs old

[Kelli3]

Good Morning,

I am so happy to have discovered this message board. It is great to hear how other mom's are doing. I have several friends having babies right now but only singletons and it just isn't the same.

I am 37 weeks and 2 days. I haven't been put on bedrest officially but my husband has put me on his own form of bedrest. I am having a C on March 18th (this thursday). I can't wait. I find that the twins are so heavy, at my last u/s last week the girls weighed 7 lbs each since then I feel like they weigh at least that.

Good luck to everyone and thanks for sharing.

[twinsnwine]

Just got back from the weekly NST. Last week they seemed to think I would go by the end of the month (or 36 weeks). Today - they think I'll go to 38 or 39 weeks! I can't imagine going that long.

I feel that both girls have dropped as there is a lot of pressure on my pelvic bone and of course I am getting the "Look at how low you are" from my co-workers.

This weekend we packed the overnight bags and put in the carseats so we are ready to go!

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

[MNmom]

I have had a quick reminder of what those sleepless nights are like. It is easy to forget after that part of having babies passes. Saturday night my 2 1/2 year old woke up crying - which lasted all night, Sunday he had a fever and sore throat and just layed around. Another sleepless night. He doesn't like to sleep in our bed (I don't know why - I used to have to kick my 6 year old out when he was that age) and I don't fit in his so I spent a great deal of time on his floor. Anyway, Monday he went in and has strep throat. So now not only have I been rudely reminded what the sleepless near future will be like but I am also desperately trying to get him healthy and avoid the rest of us getting sick. I warned my mom today that the medicine is for 10 days (twice a day) and he cries and tries to spit it out so that may be in her future.
My body hurts. Walking up the stairs is painfull. My knees and hips are rebelling on me. I just want to take an hour break from my body - probably not going to happen.
Hope everyone is getting by as best we can.

[MNmom]

Another quick update. First, I am wondering if all the other April moms are having the babies since you guys haven't posted in awhile (if so I am jealous but good luck). I was measuring 50 today!!! I guess after you have reached 40 what is the point in even measureing other than to make you feel huge but 50! What is my body thinking - I would be saying let's put an end to this. Nothing else new, no dilating, no contractions etc. I even made more appointments, I had only made them through next week (36) but now I went ahead and made more (hopefully I will be able to cancel them). Can't wait to hear from you guys.

[twinsnwine]

Valerie - I think that was the most depressing part of my last visit - scheduling more appointments. I really thought that I would be coming close to the end but they made me schedule appointments all the way through week 38 - are they crazy???

As the nurse said, we can always cancel them but it's best to at least make them in advance. As much as I hate to say it - I am ready to be done. I can't believe my doctor thinks that I can last another 3.5 weeks. I think mentally I am ready and I cannot figure out how physically I can handle it.

Any other April Mom's still out there or should we be checking the Your Twins First year board?

[StrikerTwins]

Hi there,

My EDD is April 22nd....so that puts me at 35 weeks. I am SO ready! I have a NST and U/S tomorrow and then I see my Dr. Monday a.m.

Valerie, the last time my Dr. measured me was on the 5th and I was 47 then!! I know I've gotten bigger since then!!! I don't know how I will ever get into a bathing suit again! lol

I would like to make it to 37 weeks, just to be sure that the boys are all set with their lung development and breathing. And the fact that the birthstone for April is the DIamond is some incentive, too. hehe

I've been on bedrest since last Thrusday. I'm taking myself off at the end of next week...we'll see what happens. I've had a very healthy pregnancy, no problems, they put put me on br to keep them cooking as long as possible. :-)

I'm not sleeping at all, which makes being in bed all the time so damn frustrating. Oh well....not much longer now, right?

I'll keep you posted!

[MNmom]

It is really nice to hear that you guys are feeling exactly like I am. We are all due within a week of eachother - that's pretty cool. My NP said she would push for me to have the c-section at 37 instead of 38 but I guess I will wait and see when I see the MD next week.

Here is a question that is being debated in our house. Have you decided which baby is which name yet? My husband is opposed to deciding which name will go with which baby until after he sees them but I want to decide now.

Take Care

[StrikerTwins]

We decided on who would be who when we picked names.

Kyle is baby A. He is closest to the cervix down on my right side and he will deliver first.

Sam is Baby B and will come along second.

Samuel Lee will be his name actually and it's fitting, he's already got a laid back temperment so far....much like myself :-) His heartrate is always a little lower than Kyle's.
I think Kyle will be much like my husband. A-Type personality.
It will be interesting to see if that's how they actually are. I can't wait!
:-)

[twinsnwine]

Thank goodness dh and I are not the only ones going through this naming order debate. My thought was since we picked the name Alyssa Mae first, it is only fitting that the first one out is named that (the other will be named Alexis Lynn). However, dh wants to wait until they are both here and see what kind of personalities they each have and then determine who is who.

I am so glad you also brought up the birthstone issue. DH thinks that I am crazy. I told him that if I go into labor on March 31, I am crossing my legs until 12:01 am on April 1. Don't get me wrong - an aqua birthstone is nice but diamonds are a girls best friend.

[twingirls04]

Hello Everyone,

I am new here, although I have been reading posts for a long time. I finally decided to register and add my thoughts. I am expecting twin girls 4/16/04. I go to the Doc's today to see about going off the brethine which I have been on for the past 9 weeks. I have also been on bedrest for the past 9 weeks, talk about getting old! I am ready like the rest of you. My doc has said that I can have a scheduled c-section on April 2, 38 weeks or go off the medicine and see what happens. I have been having bad contraction since I was 26 weeks and they have gotten much worse in the past week. I have a lot of pressure and have finally began swelling. Thye scary part is that I live on an Island and our hospital does not have a NICU. The girls will be sent 3 hours away if something is wrong. This has been taunting me my whole pregnancy. I hope that they are fully developed at this point just in case. At my last sonogram, almost 4 weeks ago they weighed 4.11 and 4.7 pounds, I feel like they have gained a lot since then, I know I have. I had early spotting and then pre-term labor so I have not been able to excersise the entire time. I have gained about 60 pounds!!! How about everyone else?

My husband and I have also tried to figure out who should get which name. Our names are Bella and Makayla.

Nicole
edd 4/16/04 twin girls

[twinsnwine]

Welcome Nicole! I thought I was worried with our NICU being an hour away - I couldn't imagine 3 hours. It sounds like girls are at great weights though so I'll keep you in my prayers that they will be fine once born.

Is anyone getting frustrated by the little things you can't do too? For example, I realized today that I can't wash my dish at the sink in our office. The faucet sits back too far that I can barely get it under the water if I stand normally. I'm sure it has to look so funny to see a person bent over at an almost 90 degree angle trying to wash a dish. I didn't realize how much I missed not having a big belly in front of me :)

[twingirls04]

yes! I have noticed that as well. I have to bend just to reach the water, and of course that does not feel very good on your back! I also can't barely tie my sneakers or sit close enough to the table to get the food in my mouth without landing on my shirt first. I am also having a hard time washing and drying my legs in the shower, I just can't get to them. This additional load has slowed me down a great deal!

Nicole
edd 4/16/04-girl/girl

[MNmom]

I agree, we had decided on Basie for a girl and now that it will be 2 girls it makes sense to me to have Baby A be Basie and Baby B be Beth (wow that was alot of b's in that sentence). Anyway my husband thinks he needs to see them first but I think he is just avoiding committing himself to the names until he has to. Twingirls04 - I love the name Bella!

I have not only been noticing things that I can't do becuase of the size of my belly but I alot have a new dislike of things touching my belly. I think the skin is just so stretched it is sensitive. I especially hate it when I walk up to the sink and forget that I can't get that close and hit my belly first. Now when I sit or walk up the stairs I feel my belly hitting my thighs. It is all very amazing but their are good things like being able to sit a bowl of ice cream on "the shelf" to eat it and I don't know about anyone else but I could live with these problems forever compaired to the nausea for the first 4 months.

[tlschroe]

Well this mommy's body has about had it. Had an US last thursday and girl A is 4lbs 4 oz, girl B is just shy of 4.0. They are worried about growth restriction, and I have been having preterm labor that seems well controlled provided I don't walk much. I have contractions every time I stand up and can't eat much anymore or I get sick. I am 36 weeks on Friday, so my OB and Neonatologist agree to do a C-Section 3/26 -- my birthday!

A little nervous, but so ready to not be pregnant anymore.

Tracy
Mommy to Jake (2 1/2)
EDD 4/24 G/G

[Sunflower]

I am 37 wks this coming Sunday, and I feel it! I'm only measuring 44 cm which I thought was a lot til I heard from some moms on here that are actually at 50 cm, how does a body stretch like that? :) I've been prescribed Ambien to sleep at night, but am resctricted to using it twice a week by my Dr. Those two nights a week that I sleep are glorious though!
The pressure on my pelvic bone is getting very uncomfortable, and I can completely relate to the stories about my belly keeping me from reaching things like my shoes (I slip them on) and bumping into things/people. Thankfully I can still drive. I am trying to get all of the loose ends tied up since I only have 9 more days left til my scheduled C. I am thankful I can do things like vaccum and do small chores, considering the # of moms that are on bedrest.
Had a visit with the peri today, and the babies are estimated at 6 lb 14 oz and 6 lb 2 oz, give or take a lb or two. LOL Like those estimates mean anything when the + or - is so huge!! Nice to see them using their lungs and getting hiccups though, I'm pretty confident I'll have healthy babies coming home with me. :) Wonderful peace of mind!
These last 2 weeks feel like they've been going on forever, I need to start getting busy (w/out pushing it) so maybe the time will go by a little faster! As busy as this big ole self of mine can be, anyway!

Hugs,
Sunflower
EDD 4/11/04 (40 wks) b/g twins
C scheduled 3/29/04
DD Katy 6 yrs old

[purplefrog]

Hi Everyone!
I gave birth on St. Patricks Day to two of the most beautiful baby girls in the whole world! Welcome Katelyn Lee and Savannah Renee. Both were 5 lbs, 10 oz, 18 1/4 inches long. I was 37 weeks 2 days when they did the c-section. It was scheduled.

Didn't care much for the c-section, although everything went great. I have had two natural births, and from experiencing both, the c-section was difficult for me. It was not like going in to "give birth" but to have surgery. Well, the doctors did a great job and took good care of all of us. Everyone was shocked they were both the same exact size and length. We don't think they are identical although they look very similar - it is unlikely. Seperate, sacks, placentas - one has light brown hair, one has dark brown hair. Their apgar scores were 9 and 10. The nurses said that the dr. never gives out a 10 so that was pretty great.

Even though they are good sizes for twins, they are teeny tiny!! We left the hospital yesterday ( we were in for 3 nights, 3/12 days though). We left a day earlier. Kinda wish now I had stayed :o) ...we got NO sleep last night!! They want to eat every two hours. By the time you change them (when they pee on themselves) and feed both....it is time to start it all over again! We are wiped!! I am trying to breast feed but it is not going well. My nipples are cracked and sore and I am pumping...but last night they were bleeding. It is a disaster. Bottle feeding is starting to look pretty good...and I breast fed two babies for a year or more each years ago! I just think it is much more challenging with twins. I am about to cave. At least they got the colostrum in the beginning.

To those of you still pregnant...enjoy your last bit of freedom before they come...get as much done as you can. Get as much sleep as you can!

We are so blessed and thankful for two beautiful, healthy little girls! My husband and I just laughed at all this this morning because it is so crazy. But one look at their amazing angelic faces - or tiny little fingers and toes, just brings tears to our eyes.

Our best wishes to everyone on the board ...we look forward to hearing your stories soon!!

Love,
Lisa & Tony

[twinsnwine]

Congratulations Lisa!!! Let us know if you get a chance to post pictures!

[purplefrog]

Hi again,
Here is the link to my little girls' website:
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/k/katelynandsavannah/

some cute photos and stats!

Gotta run,
Lisa

[syd2rohde]

(on the breast feeding that is!) My b/g twins were born on 3/5 and we have been "working on" the BF ever since. Initially our schedule went like this: alarm goes off (no kidding, we were using a timer) and we change them.. then each took a turn on the breast. They really wouldn't take it, so then we had t o finger feed each one. (to finger feed we had a syringe with a tiny little tube taped to our pinky finger and you put the finger in their mouth to suckle. It was exhausting! By the time they were both done there was only 45 minutes to an hour before it started all over again!! Wahhhh!! Then after 1 1/2 weeks we dropped the finger feeding for bottle feeding. All along we're still "practicing" the BF.

I was really getting sleep deprivation and that just made things worse: because if I nodded off in the feeding process, then I would REALLY get behind schedule!!

We have a home health care nurse that comes twice a week to check on t he twins. She is also a lactation specialist. WELL, just at today's appointment we somehow got them BOTH to latch one and BF!!! I am so happy that I wanted to do cartwheels!!

They told me that when the babies are under 6 pounds that sometimes they just don't have all the "fat pads" in their cheeks to suckle properly.

So hang in there. It can still happen.

I'm so glad to hear that your babies are healthy.

Good luck :)

[purplefrog]

Thanks for your story syd2rohde! However, I am ready to go the formula route though. I haven't nursed in two days and apart from it feels like to cantelopes landed on my chest...I am a much happier person. I am going to use the pump tomorrow and try to get a bottle each per day to feed the girls so that they get some breast milk.

Talk to you again soon!

[libes11]

I am due April 14th (puts me in my 37th week) with g/g twins. I feel like I am the only person left that hasn't had their little ones. The Dr. won't discuss inducing because I am not showing a single sign of labor; no dilation, no cervical shorting, nothing!! How can this be when I am sooo uncomfortable. I have BH constantly, so much so that they wake me at night. I can't walk due to pelvic pressure and swollen legs/feet. I can't sleep more than an hour at a time (good practice for later I'm sure).

I have had the dream pregnancy so I feel like jerk complaining but please... is there anyone else out there still pregnant? Anyone have ideas to get labor going?

Babies, by the way are well over 6.5 lbs each. I think we are all ready.

Thanks!

[froggy]

Saw the bits on BFing. We were due on 4/1 but delivered our men on 2/18. I try to latch babies on once a day but they are not real good at it. They mostly play which is fun but not at midnight!

We have to set an alarm to wake them and feed too. Our feeding schedule is every 4 hours. we bottle feed in those middle of the night feedings. I pump at every feeding so we are mostly feeding them breast milk - just from a bottle. I wish it was from the breast like we did with the girls but I guess life is just different with premi babies who spent time in the NICU. Some times I feel like maybe I failed at it but then I get rational and know that it's nothing wrong with me or them - just the timing. At least they are getting that pumped milk so they have all that benefit.

[twinsnwine]

Lisa - thanks for sharing the pictures. They are absolute angels. I can't wait to share my pictures as well.

libes11 - welcome to the club! I am just over 35 weeks and am definitely ready. My stomach itches so much that dh has threatened to duct tape oven mitts to my hands. The dr. said this is normal and not too itch. It's so much easier said than done. Like you I have had the dream pregnancy as well so I do feel bad complaining about some itchiness. Hopefully the next couple of weeks go just as smoothly. I have another NST on Wednesday so we will see what the dr says then. They have already said that they would like to have me wait until as long as possible and are not ready to schedule a c-section or talk about inducing at any point. It's definitely frustrating, especially after reading everyone's birth. Our day will come.

[ca55]

Originally posted by Leigh
Hi ladies;
I'm also showing like I'm 20 weeks or so with one. And I'm only 13w5d. But I really don't mind. Luckily I'm tall, 5'11" so hopefully that gives these 2 a tad more room.

So far I'm not wearing maternity clothes yet. But I am wearing my cloth pants with elastic waist which should only last another week or so. And XL t-shirts. It's hard for me to find pants since I'm so tall. I do have 1 actual pair of maternity pants tho.

This 2nd trimester is so much better...lol. I'm still tired, but for the most part I feel lots better. I do have one new symptom tho. 'indigestion' ugh! I get that daily now. But no more nausea at least. My next appointment is next monday so we'll see if I've gained any weight yet. I started out at 143 pounds, and as of last monday was only 145 so we'll see.

Hope everyone else is doing well.
Leigh
13w5d

[ca55]

Hello,

This is my first time posting and I am not the mother of Twins...however I have 13 sets on my side of the family and my daughter who is 37 weeks now( her dad is a twin also). I have been reading some of the information that has been posted here and I think this is so great for all women who need someone to talk to about their twin pregnancy. However, I need to talk to someone about my daughter....her ultrasound of 24 weeks shows 2 babies faces....her u/s tech convienced the midwife that this is a spine and 2 kidneys...I found out that kidneys do not show up on the fetus u/s she had......my daughters symptons are exatly what all of you ladies are experiencing....she has gained 48 pounds so far. What is a peri? I am concerened about my other grandbaby that I know is there and they can't see. My sisters identical boys were the same way and I have had so many people that I know that have had twins and didn't know till the delivery....is their any new equipment out there that can see better than a regular ultraound. My daughter has so much tiredness and so much back pain...her pelvic bone hurts alot and she has indigestion constantly. She has a 5,7,and 9 year old boys. She is so measurable, but I am concerned ,,thanks for letting me butt in..does anyone have any suggestions? I am beginning to think she needs another doctor. The midwife has always thought that she had twins because she gained 23 pounds her first month and of course she couldn't eat because of the morning sickness..which now has become wose than the first trimester...she really didn't have any problems with vomiting until now. She bought her a support belt and it won't go around her. I'm sorry to ramble on...just a concerned grandmother...I have a copy of her ultrasound if anyone would like me to email it you to look at....Thanks again for any input.

[tracylynn]

Hey guys can't talk long but just wanted to let you all know I had my baby boys Garett and Grayson on 3/16 and it has been one week to the day. They weighed 7lbs and 2oz and 6 lbs and 8oz. Very big boys anyway I feel ya on the breast feeding having the same problem so I am pumping and giving them what I get from that but also switching to formula. I hope to get back sson to be able to talk so good luck everyone. I am also a little emotional wondering if anyone else is?

[syd2rohde]

remember the cartwheels i was talking about (when both finally latched on??) well, they haven't done it again since. Last night I was so frustrated and discouraged that I just cried along with the babies (they were actually screaming though). ugh..... So I guess we'll just keep praticing and keep pumping.

Tracylynn - congrats on your boys! And what good weights too!!

[twinsnwine]

Congrats tracylynn!

Hang in there BF moms! You can do it. I know it's easy for me to say because I'm not there yet, but hopefully some words of encouragement will help and you can share your experiences once I join you.

Quick update from the still pregnant side. Had another NST today, everything looks good. A lot more contractions than last time but nothing that they were worried about. The dr. says I am about a fingertip dilated - wonder which fingertip she is going by. The way my hands are swollen, there is a big difference between a thumb fingertip and a pinky fingertip. She seems to think that my appointment next Thursday will be my last. I am really trying to hold out until April.

Who would have thought we would finally be talking about our births and the last few days? We made it!

[MNmom]

This will be quick but I wanted to let you guys know that last Saturday (March 20th) my water broke and I had a c-section at about 3pm. I was 35 weeks 6 days and the girls were 6 lbs 12 oz and 6 lbs 4 oz but not as ready to be born as those numbers would show. They have been in the level 2 nursing since birth. I have been home since Tuesday and between home life and getting to the hopsital frequently I have no time for the internet. Basie Kate and Beth Sidney are doing OK. Beth (the first born yet smaller girl) has been off oxygen for several days and is nursing good but still has a couple days before she will be coming home. Basie has been slower. I got to hold her for the first time yesterday and she has been off oxygen since 6:30 this morning but we aren't sure if she will be able to stay off. They are beautiful. We are still having trouble seeing how much they look alike since they haven't really been able to be side by side yet. Hope everyone is doing great. Valerie

[syd2rohde]

MnMom - Congrats on your new babies. I hope they can come home soon!!

[StrikerTwins]

HI Everyone!

It feels like forever since I've posted. I'm glad to hear that things are going pretty well for everyone.

I had an u/s sheduled for March 19th and was excited to see my babies and see how much they've grown. At that point I was a day shy of 35 weeks. There was very little amniotic fluid, she found one tiny pocket, not even a 2X2, on Baby B and couldn't find any on A and my water had not broken and I had had no leakage. They weighed aprox 4.6 and 5.1 lbs.

The Dr. came in to talk to me and was concerned at the level of amniotic fluid, or lack of it, and said they've only done 2 weeks worth of growth in a 4 week period...he wanted me to go to the hospital right then and there and have the babies. I was not expecting that at all!!!

I was admitted at Maine Medical Center (they have a nicu there, the hopsital my reg. Dr. delivers at doesn't, which was ok with me, I didn't like her). I saw the oncall Dr. and immediatley loved her! They put me on an IV and monitered me all night. She wanted to do another u/s in the a.m. and an amnio if possible to check for lung maturity. So the next morning I did that, there was actually a little more fluid in there, horray, and she did the amnio (i'd never had one before and was scared, but she was great, it was over in less than 5 minutes). The results came back later that day and their lung maturity was great.....they were way past borderline and looked ready, without any steroid shots. She scheduled me for a c-section (baby a was breach) for Monday the 22nd at 12:30.

Kyle Benjamin Striker was born at 2:44 p.m. (we went into the OR late) weighing 4lbs 15ozs. and measuring 19.75 inches in length.

Samuel Lee Striker (Sam) was born at 2:45 p.m. and weighed 5lbs 3ozs and was 17.75 inches long.

Kyle was perfectly healthy...breathing on his own with no assistance right form the start. Sam needed a little help with oxygen, just blowing by his nose, no tubes or anything and he was off it before we left the OR. The didn't have to go to the NICU, they were in the regular nursery when they weren't in the room with me.

I was 35 weeks and 2 days. They were ready!

We all came home together on Thursday the 25th. Sam was down to 4lbs 13oz and they were a little concerned. We had a visiting nurse come on Monday and he was up to 5lbs 1oz, just 2 ozs from his birthweight. Kyle was down 2 ozs from his birthweight and he weighed in at 5lbs 1oz as well. WOOHOO!!!

I am breatfeeding and was having to supplement, but now that my supply is in and flowing freely..hehe..they no longer need the supplement. We go see the Dr. tomorrow to have her check them and weigh them.

As soon as I figure out how to get my pics from my Kodak software to the babiesonline website, I will post some pics for all of you.

Thank you for your support! Good luck to all of you still waiting!
I was complaining about my size and discomfort too, and for good reason, but the moment you see those precious bundles you will forget about all the misery, I promise!!!
God Bless!

[Sunflower]

Speaking of surprise deliveries, the same thing happened to us!
Planned u/s for the 29th, and on the 23rd in the wee hours of the morning I went into labor. It was progressing slowly, but we still called DH home from his remote job and had a C on the 23rd at 5pm.
Alex was born at 5:11pm and Abby was born at 5:12pm. He weighed 6 lb 13 oz and she weighed 5 lb 1 oz. He was 20 inches and she was 18 1/2 inches long.
Alex had respitory issues and had to stay in the NICU for a little over 48 hours, but now he's out and nursing great. Little Abby on the other hand is being a stinker, she never spent a day in the NICU and was nursing the first couple days before she had to share the breast with her brother....as soon as he entered the picture she decided she didn't want to nurse anymore and started to lose weight like crazy since I was determined to have her nurse! Poor thing is also a stubborn girl, and she won the battle and we gave her formula Friday evening when she was 4 days old because DH couldn't stand her crying anymore while I tried to pump milk that wasn't in yet.
Now the milk is in, I'm pumping like crazy and we're doing great with it....she'll still only drink it from a bottle, but it's better than not at all and I still try putting her to the breast now and then.

These are the happiest babies! They only cry when they need something and are otherwise so sweet and quiet....of course we hold them constantly when they're awake so I guess they have nothing to fuss about. LOL

Loving Life,
Sunflower

[StrikerTwins]

Congratulations Sunflower!
I had to supplement with formula the first 5 or 6 days until my milk came in....I didn't like it, but it was needed. Now they are both nursing, no supplements and I am pumping extra like crazy.
I look at my two boys and am still amazed at how blessed I am!
We are completely in love with them! :-)

[twinsnwine]

Wow - all of these births at once! Can you believe we made it through??

Anyway, Alexis Lynn was born on March 28th at 2:20 am weighing 5 lbs 6 oz. Her sister, Alyssa Mae, followed shortly after at 2:21 am weighing 6 lbs 4 oz.

My water broke on the 27th at 5:15 am. After only making it to 6cm by 1:30 on Sunday morning and seeing Alyssa's heart beat drop they decided on a c-section. We all were able to come home last night finally. It was a tough first night but I am loving every minute of it.

Time to feed - hope everyone is doing well.

[MNmom]

WOW everyone sounds so good!!!
My girls are home. They were in level 2 nursery for 8 and 9 days but have been home almost a week now. We are still getting into a routine but things are going well.
So is everyone moving on to the 1st year page. I haven't checked it out yet. I am afraid to hear a bout problems I haven;t had yet. Hope to hear about all your babies growing up.
Valerie

[twinzbgood]

Congrats to all of you on the birth of all of your babies!Enjoy.:)