33 Weeks

 

Definitely looking tired... 

How Far Along: 33 weeks.  My amniotic fluid has reached its maximum level and will stay constant until the end of your pregnancy.  Our babies brains are growing very fast. Even though their skull bones have hardened, the skull will not be fully joined yet!  The twins are and will be practicing breathing in the water!

Total Weight Gain: 179 lbs (about 47 lbs gained...OMG!)

Sleep: Sleep is getting near impossible.  It's very painful to lay in bed or to rotate in my sleep, so I'm waking up about once an hour.  And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:   Now that I hit this point, the doctor will be measuring/checking my cervix manually for changes.  He said that I was about 3cm dilated, but the cerclage is still holding strong. Baby A is still breached though, so we scheduled a C-Section for July 9th!  Yay, I'm so glad to have this set.  Dr. Paul did say, however, that he thinks I could deliver before that as he will take me off my meds about a week prior.  He increased my dosage of Procardia and did my B-Strep test.  He told me to get my T-Dap Vaccine, and for Jared to get this as well.  Based on my pain and discomfort, he pulled me from work, so I offically started my FMLA.  Looking back 2.5 years ago to where am I today, I cannot believe I'm here.  Much less, the scare I had back in March, I never thought I would make this far.  And to think that in a few short weeks, I'll finally be able to meet my little bundles of joy!

Movement: The boys are actively kicking and rolling around. Can see them move when I look my belly - pretty creepy!

Looking Forward To: My next appointment is Thursday...and it will be the last time that these boys get weighed! 

32 Weeks

PICTURE TO BE ADDED LATER

 

 

How Far Along:  32 weeks.

By week 32 of your twins pregnancy your babies are about 12 inches long from crown to rump or a total of 16-17 inches long. Their toenails have grown and their five senses are hard at work.
Up to now babies rate of growth for mothers carrying twins and singletons have been the same.  However, from now on, the rate of growth for twins slows down and differs from singletons.  This is simply due to the fact that you are carrying two babies and there is not much space in there.
 
Total Weight Gain: 174 lbs (about 40 lbs gained...no weight gained for the past 2 weeks)

Sleep: Sleep is getting near impossible.  Both babies move around a lot at night.  I rotate in my sleep to get comfortable, but it's been sore on my pelvis to do so, so I'm never really getting a "good" sleep. Plus, when I sleep on my side I can feel the babies -- which makes it uncomfortable. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  My cervical length was back to 20 this week.  The doctor didn't seem overly concerned since there was no funneling and I'm at the point were 20 is becoming almost 'normal' for this far along.  Baby A is still breached though.  I've been trying to spend some time at the pool, as he said being submerged would help.  Dr. Paul took me off the Indocin this week and gave me steroids -- 3 pills a day for 3 days. He said the pool would also help reduce the added swelling that the steroids would cause.  He thought he'd have to admit me when he did the steroids, but since I wasn't experiencing a lot of contractions, he sent me home and told me to monitor the contractions myself.

Movement: The boys are actively kicking and rolling around. Can see them move when I look my belly - pretty creepy!

Looking Forward To: My next appointment is Thursday...getting so close!

31 Weeks

 

 

How Far Along:  31 weeks. The only organ left to be fully functional is the lungs. Our twins will start to shed lanugo (fine hair on the body) and instead fill in the hair and eyebrow areas.

Total Weight Gain: 174 lbs (about 40 lbs gained...no weight gained this past week)

Sleep: Sleep is getting near impossible.  Both babies move around a lot at night.  I rotate in my sleep to get comfortable, but it's been sore on my pelvis to do so, so I'm never really getting a "good" sleep. Plus, when I sleep on my side I can feel the babies -- which makes it uncomfortable. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  This week my cervical length increased to 25!  Very excited to hear this, however, Baby A is still breached.  It's very unlikely that he'll flip, but I can keep hoping :-).  I was reminded that by week 33, he'll take me off the Indocin, as it can do more harm than good after that point.  I'll also be given a steroid shot to boost the babies lungs development.  He will admit to the hospital for this, since both things will cause me to have more contractions and he wants to make sure I don't go into labor.

Movement: The boys are actively kicking and rolling around. Can see them move when I look my belly - pretty creepy!

Looking Forward To: My next appointment is Thursday...and he may admit me at that point.  Things are really picking up!  Can't believe I only have about 5 weeks to go!

30 Weeks

Tank top is no longer covering my belly.  Getting pudgy in the face now too :-(

How Far Along:  30 weeks. The bone marrow takes over the production of red blood cell for the twins.  Our babies can open and shut their eyes and tell the difference between light and darkness and their hands are fully formed.

Total Weight Gain: 174 lbs (about 40 lbs gained...yikes!).

Sleep: I rotate alot in my sleep to get comfortable, but it's been sore to do so, so I'm never really getting a "good" sleep. Plus, when I sleep on my side I can feel the babies -- which makes it uncomfortable. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  This week my cervical length dropped down to 19 again.  Ugh!  It's so frustrating that it changes so much from week to week.  Baby A is still breached as well.  We got their weights:  Baby A is 3lbs 3oz and Baby B is 3lbs 7oz...so about 7 lbs of baby and they are right on track!!  The doctor said he wasn't overly concerned with the 19 in length, since there was no funneling.  He did give me a couple of things to look forward to though.  At week 33, he'll take me off the Indocin, as it can do more harm than good after that point.  At week 35, if Baby A flips around, then he'll remove my cerclage and also take me off the Procardia.  However, if Baby A stays breached, then he'll schedule a c-section and remove the cerclage at that point.  The doctor also said my uterus is at "fullsize" if I were having a singleton.   He told me that contractions could be more intense and more frequent now, so I should monitor them closely. Getting so close!!

Movement: The boys are actively kicking and rolling around. Can see them move when I look my belly - pretty creepy!

Looking Forward To: My next appointment is Thursday. 

29 Weeks

PICTURE TO BE ADDED LATER -- Sorry, been lazy with the pictures :-)

 

How Far Along: 29 weeks. Our babies’ brains are in full control of breathing and body temperature by now. They are about 15-16 inches long from head to toe and weight about 2.5 lbs -- we'll get their true weights next week!  Our baby twins digestive system should be fully functional.  As space is becoming sacred, our twins’ movements will begin to slow down. 

Total Weight Gain: 171 lbs (almost 40 lbs gained...yikes!).

Sleep: I rotate alot in my sleep to get comfortable, but it's been sore to do so, so I'm never really getting a "good" sleep. Plus, when I sleep on my side I can feel the babies -- which makes it uncomfortable. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  During my doctor's appointment on Thursday, my cervical length measured 27!!!   OMG!  I was so happy to hear this!  My fundal height was 41cm -- I'm getting huge!!!    Baby A is still breeched, so hopefully he'll turn around soon.  About 6-8 weeks left to go!!! Since everything checked out okay, I was able to go home -- so no hospital bed rest for this girl!!

Movement: The boys are actively kicking and rolling around.  Can see them move when I look my belly - pretty creepy!

 

Looking Forward To: My next appointment is Thursday-- let's hope for good weights!  They should be about 3.5lbs each -- wow!  7 pounds of baby!

28 Weeks

PICTURE TO BE ADDED LATER

 

How Far Along: 28 weeks. Their eyebrows and eye lashes are visible now.  The amount of brain tissue is increasing at the time as well.  From this week, our babies will try to put on more fat. They have also started to store iron, calcium and other essential nutrients.

Total Weight Gain: 165 lbs (so about 33 lbs gained...yikes!).

Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes now - Belly is getting too big!

Sleep: I rotate alot in my sleep to get comfortable, but it's been sore to do so, so I'm never really getting a "good" sleep. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  I had two doctor visits this week -- one on Monday and one on Thursday.  On Monday, my cervical length went back to 22 from 19.  On Thursday, it remained at 22.  I saw the nurse practitioner, Missy, both times this week.  She told me to keep working from home and then laying down as much as possible when I'm not working.

 

 

Movement: The boys are actively kicking and rolling around.

 

Looking Forward To:  My next appointment is Friday -- let's hope things improve!

27 Weeks

 

How Far Along: 27 weeks. Our babies’ lungs and brains are developing rapidly and they are practicing breathing!

Total Weight Gain: 165 lbs (so about 33 lbs gained...yikes!).

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants. Very few of my non-maternity tops cover my belly, so pretty much in all maternity tops as well.

Sleep: Some positions are starting to get uncomfortable for me or the babies, so I end up rotating alot in my sleep. It's been sore to rotate in my sleep though, so I'm never really getting a "good" sleep. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  My cervical length went from 22-19.  I saw the nurse practitioner, Missy, this week as Dr. Paul was busy with another patient.  Missy at first didn't seem that concerned, but when I told her what the doctor had told me last week about possible bed rest or the pessary, she decided to manually check my cervix.  She said she didn't feel any pressure against it so she didn't think I was a good candidate for the pessary.  In regards to bedrest, she told me I could go home this weekend to attend my baby shower, however, she wanted me laying down whenever possible and to come back on Monday to check my cervix again.  Thank God I wasn't admitted!!

 

 

We had our second baby shower this weekend and it was a success!  It was great seeing all of our friends and coworkers.  And most importantly, my best friend, Tasha, flew in from Dallas just for this event!  Our boys received so many gifts - from onesies and books to shoes and diapers.  We are so blessed to have so many friends and family that love and support us and can't wait for our boys to meet everyone!

 

Movement: The boys are actively kicking -- mainly during the evening and early morning.

 

Looking Forward To:  This week I have two appointments set up -- one on Monday and one on Thursday.  Praying for no hospital bedrest!

26 Weeks

 

How Far Along: 26 weeks.  Our babies’ eyes may open and blink now and retinas are beginning to form.  The air sacs of the lungs are taking shape this week as well. Even though the lungs are still growing, they still have to mature for the babies to be able to breath without help.

Total Weight Gain: 163 lbs (so about 30 lbs gained...yikes!).

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants.  Very few of my non-maternity tops cover my belly, so pretty much in all maternity tops as well.

Sleep: Some positions are starting to get uncomfortable for me or the babies, so I end up rotating alot in my sleep. It's been sore to rotate in my sleep though, so I'm never really getting a "good" sleep. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Worst Moment This Week: Well, first the good news -- Baby A was 2lbs and Baby B was 2lbs 3 oz -- so right on track!  And now the bad news....My cervical length went from 25-22, with a lot of funneling!  Baby A's fist was basically pushed up against the cerclage.  Clearly, he wants out now!  Dr. Paul is very concerned about this.  He put me on another medication - Procardia.  It's similar to the Indocin in that it reduces contractions, however it does not reduce my amniotic fluid like Indocin does.  He said that if things don't improve by next week, he will either a) insert a vaginal pessary to help relieve pelvic pressure or b) put me on HOSPITAL bed rest or c) BOTH!  He told me to have my hospital bag with me in preparation.  OMG!  This was devastating to hear!  I can't imagine being in the hospital for 10 weeks -- away from my husband, our house, our pets, my job...eating hospital food daily, and being bored out of my mind!!  Things have to improve this week!!  They just have to!

 

So in preparation for all of this, Jared and I kicked into high gear these past few days.  We ordered the babies' dresser with some of the gift cards from our baby shower and put it together.  It looks beautiful!   We then went ahead and ordered one of the cribs.  I can't imagine all that Jared is going to have to do on his own if I get put on hospital bed rest.  Ugh! This is so frustrating, but I know it's the best thing for the boys!

 

Movement: The boys are actively kicking -- mainly during the evening and early morning.

 

Looking Forward To:  We are having our second baby shower for our friends and coworkers this weekend!  Can't wait to see everyone!

25 Weeks

How Far Along: 25 weeks.  Joints, ligaments and rings of the spines begin to take shape this week. Our babies are capable of making fists by now. Their nostrils also begin to open.
Our babies are still very small, about 1.5 pounds and about 13 inches long -- although we'll get their exact measurements this week.

Total Weight Gain: 160 lbs (so about 27 lbs gained).

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants. Very few of my non-maternity tops cover my belly, so pretty much in all maternity tops as well. Even wearing some maternity shorts that a good friend gave me :-)

Sleep: Some positions are starting to get uncomfortable for me or the babies, so I end up rotating alot in my sleep. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  My cervical length went from 26-25...so roughly about the same.  The doctor was very pleased to see this.  My glucose test came back at 104 -- over 140 is considered abnormal and additional testing is needed for a definite diagnosis.  So although my results didn't raise any concern for diabetes, the doctor said that I should increase my sugar intake to fatten up our babies.  No problem there, Doc! 

 

The best part of the week, however, was our baby shower. This was our first of two showers that we are having -- this one for family and another one for friends.  Jared's parents hosted it and they did such a wonderful job!!  It was held at at Hendel's Market Cafe -- a very quaint restaurant that was a perfect setting for this event.  It was great to be able to share this day with both of our families.  They served crabcakes, chicken brushcetta, and chicken salad sandwiches -- all were delicious!  The cake was absolutely adorable too!  We ate and played a couple games and then Jared and I opened our gifts.  Everyone was so generous - we got onesies, bibs, pacifiers, bath stuff, a diaper bag, a mobile, a stroller, and so much more!  Our boys are so blessed!    Everything about the day was perfect!

 

We also got a sneak peek of our maternity shoot from last week.  Here is one of the pictures that I really liked.  Can't wait to see the others!

 

Movement: The boys are actively kicking -- mainly during the evening and early morning.

Looking Forward To: I have my weekly appointment with Dr. Paul on Thursday -- hoping for the good news to continue!  Plus we get their new weights -- hopefully, they are ahead of schedule!

24 Weeks

 

How Far Along: 24 weeks.  Our twins are proportioned like newborns, but thinner, as their baby fat hasn't yet developed. They're getting heavier every day, but their skin still appears wrinkled, because they need to gain more weight.  Their lips are distinct and their eyes are formed, though the coloured part of their eyes (iris) still lacks pigment. Their pancreas, liver, thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands, essential for producing hormones, continue to grow and mature. Tiny eyebrows and eyelids are now visible.

Total Weight Gain:  158 lbs (so about 25 lbs gained).

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants. Very few of my non-maternity tops cover my belly, so pretty much in all maternity tops as well. Even wearing some maternity shorts that a good friend gave me :-)

Sleep: Some positions are starting to get uncomfortable for me or the babies, so I end up rotating alot in my sleep. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  Well, this was a better week.  My cervical length went from 20 to 26!  Never thought I'd be happy to hear this.  So it appears as though working from home is helping.  My fundal height was 32cm -- which is fantastic!   

 

The best part of the week, however, was my maternity photo shoot.  We used In The Little Photography.  Cathy, the photographer, specializes in maternity and newborn photos.  It took about 2 hours, but I think she got alot of great shots!  I got my hair and makeup done as well to really make the pictures stand out...plus, who doesn't like to get pampered!?.  She said I should receive a sneak peek of some of the photos in a few days -- can't wait!!

Movement: The boys are actively kicking -- mainly during the evening and early morning.

Looking Forward To: I have my weekly appointment with Dr. Paul on Thursday -- hoping for the good news to continue!  But more importantly, our first baby shower is this Saturday!!  We are super excited!  My in-laws are hosting the event and my family is coming in town for it.  Can't wait to see everyone!

23 Weeks

How Far Along: 23 weeks.  Our babies' bodies are becoming more proportionate and gaining more weight.  Their pancreas are becoming functional and insulin production has already begun.

Total Weight Gain: No change from last week - 155 lbs (so about 22 lbs gained).

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants.  Very few of my non-maternity tops cover my belly, so pretty much in all maternity tops as well.

Sleep: Some positions are starting to get uncomfortable for me or the babies, so I end up rotating alot in my sleep. And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Worst Moment This Week: Okay -- I'm really starting to hate going to the doctor.  So after a great week last week, this week my cervical length went from 27 - 20!!  That's about where it was when I was admitted to the hospital for the cerclage.  Missy, the nurse practitioner, wasn't happy, nor was I.  She said she's limiting my driving even more and making me work from home three days a week - on MWF.  If my length improves next week, then we'll keep doing this schedule.  But, if it gets worse, she said it will be bed rest, or this other procedure, where a balloon-like object is inserted and helps alleviate the pressure against my cervix. Praying for a good week....

 

During our last Multiples class this week, we learned how to swaddle, change diapers, and how to bathe our babies.  We had a pediatrician talk to us as well.  This was definitely a worthwhile class to take and we learned ALOT!

Nursery Update -- we got a ceiling fan installed in the nursery!  It's so light and bright in there now, and I think it will help keep the room from getting so hot.

And we bought our first family vehicle -- a new Kia Sorento!  It is so spacious!

Movement: The boys are actively kicking -- mainly during the evening and early morning.

Looking Forward To:  I have my weekly appointment with Dr. Paul on Thursday -- hoping for good news!  But I'm really looking forward to our Maternity Photo Shoot on Saturday!!!  I found some really nice, intimate poses online that I'd like to mimic and I'm super excited to hear what other ideas the photographer has!

 

22 Weeks

How Far Along: 22 weeks.  Our babies’ eyebrows, eyelids and fingernails are fully formed by now, but their irises lack pigments at this stage.  Their hearing is getting sharper everyday. 

Total Weight Gain: 155 lbs (so about 22 lbs gained). 

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants. Some of my regular tops still cover my belly, but mostly wear maternity tops now as well.

Sleep: Some positions are starting to get uncomfortable for me or the babies, so I end up rotating alot in my sleep.  And I'm still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

 

Best Moment This Week:  Well, my cervical length went from 25-27, so at least it's improving.  Baby A is 1lb 1oz and Baby B is 1lb 3oz...so about a week ahead of schedule.  I love being able to see them every week.  Baby A is always so docile and barely moves around, while Baby B is always active and doesn't like to sit still.  Dr. Paul told me no more heels and flats/flip flops are allowed only for short periods of time.  So I'm looking pretty classy in my business suit and sneakers these days. He also told me that I need to have a hospital bag ready in my car in case he ever has to admit me during one of our appointments.  Hopefully that doesn't happen though!!

 

During our Multiples class this week, we learned about breastfeeding twins and putting them on the same schedule.  We also talked about some of the things to include on our registries.  

We also cleared out the spare bedroom so hopefully so we can start working on the nursery!
 

Movement:  The boys are actively kicking -- mainly during the evening and early morning.
 

Looking Forward To: We have our fourth Multiples Class on Tuesday and then my weekly appointment with Dr. Paul on Thursday.  An electrician is coming out next weekend to install the ceiling fan in the nursery!!  And hopefully, we'll buy a SUV this week to accomodate our growing family.  

21 Weeks

How Far Along: 21 weeks.  Our babies’ arms and legs are becoming more proportionate to their body, and their skin is getting less and less transparent.  Their white blood cells are developing as well.

Total Weight Gain: 151 lbs (so about 18lbs gained).  I didn't gain any weight from last week, so the doctor wasn't pleased.  But I've been eating alot, so I'm not sure why my weight didn't change.

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants. Some of my regular tops still cover my belly, but mostly wear maternity tops now as well.

Sleep: Still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

 

Best Worst Moment This Week: Again, I had a disappointing appointment with Dr. Paul.  Baby A is apparently funneling right up against the cerclage and my cervical length went from 35mm last week to 25mm this week.  Dr. Paul increased my dosage on my Indocin and gave me a handicap placard.  He stressed minimal walking and rest as much as possible.  I'm really surprised he didn't put me on bed rest, but he's probably trying to hold out as long as possible. 

 

During our Multiples class this week, we learned about the stages of labor, as well as the pros and cons to having the epidural.  We are definitely doing the epidural because if we have to have an emergency C-Section and if we chose not to do the epidural, the only option would be to put me under anthesthia.  Seems like a no-brainer to me.  

 

Movement:  I can finally feel some kicks! I grabbed Jared's hand so he could feel them as well.

 

Looking Forward To: We have our fourth Multiples Class on Tuesday and then my weekly appointment with Dr. Paul on Thursday.  I'm hoping for better news this week... 

20 Weeks

 

How Far Along:  20 weeks. 
Our babies’ hearing is getting better and they can actually start to react to loud noises. They are also getting used to the tone of my voice.  At this stage babies’ oil glands are starting to form and they are capable of moving their legs now.
 
 Total Weight Gain: 151 lbs (so about 18lbs gained)

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants.  Some of my regular tops still cover my belly, but mostly wear maternity tops now as well.

Sleep:  Still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week:  Our multiples class this week was pretty interesting.  We did a tour of the hospital, which Jared and I had done previously, but this time we were able to spend a lot of time in the NICU and ask any questions we had.  We also discussed labor and delivery and watched a twin birthing video that showed both a C-section delivery and a vaginal birth.

During my weekly doctor's appointment, my cervix measured 35mm!!!  I was shocked!  He said that the medication and the restrictions are definitely working and he wants to keep me on the same limitations.  I'm so glad to be above the normal level (30mm). 

We also hired a nanny!!  Her name is Chelsea and she starts 8 weeks after the boys arrive.  She has daycare experience, so she'll be great with lesson plans for the kiddos.

 

 

Movement:  Can feel 'flutters' in my belly and very subtle kicks.  

 

Looking Forward To:  We have our third Multiples Class on Tuesday and then my weekly appointment with Dr. Paul on Friday. 

19 Weeks

 

How Far Along: 19 weeks.  Vernix, the protective creamy white substance, begins to from around our babies’ bodies.  As they swallow amniotic fluid, their kidneys start to produce urine.  Their permanent teeth buds are forming at this time as well.
 
Total Weight Gain: 149 lbs (so about 16lbs gained)

Maternity Clothes: All maternity pants.  Some of my regular tops still cover my belly, but mostly wear maternity tops now as well.

Sleep:  Still waking up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Moment This Week: We started our Multiples class at the hospital on Tuesday.  It's a 5 week class that covers childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care. This first session was pretty basic -- mainly talking about morning sickness and the tests taken during pregnancy.  They did talk, however, about contractions and what to do when experiencing them.  Next week, we move on to childbirth - so I'm sure that will be interesting!  There are two other couples in the class with us -- both did IVF, so it's great to be with others who have been on the same journey.

I also had my follow-up appointment with Dr. Paul on Thursday.  My cervical length was 28mm!!  He was extremely happy to see that, as was I, even though it's still below what is considered normal for this time. He said that he's keeping me on the same restrictions as before though and wants to see me weekly at least through April. 

 

 

Movement:  Still slight 'flutters' in my belly but no kicks.  

 

Looking Forward To:  We have our second Multiples Class on Tuesday and then an appointment with Dr. Paul on Thursday.  These next few weeks are going to be hectic!  I also have a friend's baby shower to go next weekend. And we are interviewing two nannies as well.  Busy busy!   

18 Weeks - Cerclage Surgery

 

How Far Along: 18 weeks.  Our babies’ vocal cords are formed and their heart features are fully detectable.  Their lungs have already begun exhaling amniotic fluid.

Total Weight Gain: 145 lbs (so about 11lbs gained)

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all maternity pants.  Some of my regular tops still cover my belly, but mostly wear maternity tops now as well.

Sleep:  I've been put on Indocin to help control contractions, so I'm up at 2am to take my medicine.

Best Worst Moment This Week: Tuesday, I had my appointment to do the full anatomy scan on my babies.  That part went extremely well. They are both ahead of schedule at 10oz each.  What wasn't so great was my cervical length - it went from 32mm two weeks ago (which is about 2mm above normal) to 17mm - which is what it should be when I'm around 34-36 weeks pregnant.  Not only was it significantly short, Baby A had begun funneling.  I was devastated.  It's too early for them to be born yet!  Apparently, I've been having contractions that was causing this and didn't even realize it. 

Dr. Paul immediately put me on Indocin to control the contractions and told me I need to have cerclage surgery done to close up my cervix.  He put me on bedrest for Wednesday and then was to be admitted to the hospital Thursday morning at 11am.  Surgery was scheduled for 6pm Thursday evening. He said that I would probably be released Sunday evening and he wasn't sure of what restrictions I would have.  He warned me that bedrest is usually what follows cerclage surgery.  OMG!  Bedrest for 20 weeks!!  This was all so overwhelming to me.  What I thought was going to be a good day and a good appointment turned out to be one of the worst!  Jared was just as devastated.  We worked so hard to get here and we couldn't lose my babies now.  Tuesday turned out to be such an emotional day and phone calls were made to both parents and my boss to let them know the possible risks and outcomes of this procedure.

Surgery went on as planned at 6pm on Thursday.  It took about 20 minutes and was a success!  Dr. Paul was able to stitch up my cervix without puncturing Baby A's sac or harming the babies in any way.  He was such a life saver!  And to think that if I stayed with Dr. Reining, who wouldn't even look at cervical length until 24 weeks, I know we'd be in a different situation.  Dr. Paul did an ultrasound late Thursday evening and Friday morning to check up on my little ones.  They were as playful as ever!  Saturday morning, he came by again to check up on them and told me that I was able to go home!  My restrictions are limited walking and driving.  No lifting and no sex (Sorry Jared!).  He also wants to see me weekly for the next few weeks to make sure I'm healing okay and will adjust the restrictions accordingly.  He said bedrest, however, is inevitable - it's just a matter of when. 

 

 

Movement:  Starting to feel slight 'flutters' in my belly but no kicks.  

 

Looking Forward To:  I have to call Dr. Paul on Monday to set up an appointment for Friday.  Hopefully things looks good and I can continue to have a relatively easy pregnancy.  

17 Weeks

 

How Far Along:  17 weeks. Our babies are capable of swallowing, blinking and sucking.  Their ears start to pop out and their necks are getting longer. Their eyes are still shut at this time. 

Total Weight Gain:  142 this morning!  Trying to get to the 20lb weight gain by week 24.

Maternity Clothes:  I was going to go shopping for more maternity clothes this weekend, but it decided to snow/sleet so that didn't happen.

 

Sleep:  Sleeping through the night, but starting to get uncomfortable in certain positions.

 

Best Moment This Week: We started our registry this week -- definitely gave us a perspective of how much this baby stuff actually costs.  And to need almost double of everything is getting overwhelming.  Had a breakdown at Buy Buy Baby when we were looking at nursery items...not only the cost, but space all of this furniture will take up!

 

Movement:  None yet...but I'm so anxious to feel my boys! 

 

Looking Forward To:  My next appointment is on Tuesday with Dr. Paul.  It's the full anatomy scan.  I can't wait to see my boys again and see how big there are! 

16 Weeks - We're having Boys!!!!

How Far Along:  16 weeks. Our babies' arms and legs are getting longer and longer and fingernails are formed.  Fat begins to form underneath babies’ skins.  Their fingerprints are formed by now as well. 

Total Weight Gain:  I was 139 again at the doctor's office this week, so total weight gain of 5 lbs.  My new doctor, Dr. Paul, told me that I need to eat more (about 1000 extra calories a day!) and that he wants to me to be at +20 lbs. by week 24. I think I already eat a lot, but apparently it's not enough!

Maternity Clothes:  Wearing maternity pants almost daily and have also been using the BellaBand with my jeans. I love my maternity tops as well! Surprisingly, however, my skinny jeans still fit (as pictured above).  I think it's because they are low waist.

 

Sleep:  Sleeping through the night, but do get up sometimes to use the bathroom.

 

Best Moment This Week: Wow!  What a great week!  I met with my new Maternal Fetal Doctor, Dr. Paul, and am so happy with this move.  The appointment lasted about 4 hours, but he was so knowledgeable and gave us so much information.  For one, as mentioned above, I have to increase my food intake to gain more weight.  He also wants to me to drink more water.  He put me on a Folic Acid supplement, as well as progesterone to help my cervix stay strong.  My cervical length was 32, which is above normal (30) but it's considered short by his standards, so he wants to watch this closely.  But the best news of the appointment was that we found out that we are having two BOYS!!  We couldn't be happier!  We aren't revealing names until they are born though. They are ahead of schedule and at the 90th percentile at 7oz each!!!  Most singletons are about 3.5 oz at this time!!  They are doing fantastic!!

The other exciting part of the week, was that I had my first Mother of Twins Club (MOTC) meeting.  I met so many great moms and Moms-to-Be of twins and they gave me a lot of helpful information.  Can't wait till next month's meeting!

 

Movement:  None that I can feel, but Dr. Paul said I should start feeling movement soon.  Especially from Baby A, since his placenta is on the backside. 

 

Food Cravings:  Nothing this week.
 

Things Making Me Queasy or Sick:  Nothing

 

Looking Forward To:  This week I'm going to start working our registry.  We have a lot of things to consider and look into, so it should be fun! 

15 Weeks

 

How Far Along:  15 weeks. Our babies are more active now and may even be sucking their thumbs.  Their eyebrows are starting to grow as well as the hair on their heads.  Our babies now measure about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces, about the size of an apple. They are moving amniotic fluid through their nose and upper respiratory tract. Legs are growing longer than their arms now, and they can move all of their joints and limbs.

Total Weight Gain:  I was 139 at the doctor's office this week, so total weight gain of 5 lbs.

Maternity Clothes:  The babies definitely did some growing over the past few days.  Only two of my work slacks fit now, so I have officially moved on to my maternity pants.  

 

Sleep:  Sleeping through the night, but do get up sometimes to use the bathroom.

 

Best Moment This Week: I had my last appointment with Dr. Reining this past Monday.  She actually wasn't available, so I saw the nurse practitioner instead.  The nurse didn't have experience with twins, so lucky for me, she had to use the ultrasound to detect the babies' heartbeats.  They were moving like crazy and I was so happy to be able to see them.  Baby A was at 136 and Baby B was 150-something. 

 

Movement:  None that I can feel, but getting anxious to feel them!

 

Food Cravings:  Nothing this week.
 

Things Making Me Queasy or Sick:  Nothing

 

Looking Forward To:  Next week, I meet with the MFM Doctor, Dr. Paul.  I'm super excited to be in the care of someone who knows what they're doing.  And even more excited to hopefully find out the babies' gender. 

14 weeks

 

How Far Along:  14 weeks. Our babies’ necks are getting longer and their ears are on the side of their heads. They are between 3.2 – 4.1 inches long and their bones are getting stronger.  For twin baby boys the prostate glands are developing and for twin baby girls ovaries are moving to the pelvis.

Total Weight Gain:  Still sitting at 134.

Maternity Clothes:  Trying to avoid switching to maternity clothes until I absolutely have to.  I think I have about one more week left though.

 

Sleep:  Sleeping through the night, but still constantly tired. 

 

Best Moment This Week: Nothing really spectacular happened this week.  In fact, it was pretty low key. 

 

Movement:  None that I can feel.

 

Food Cravings:  Nothing this week.
 

Things Making Me Queasy or Sick:  Nothing

 

Looking Forward To:  Next week I have an appointment with Dr. Reining.  It will be my second appointment with her, and my last.  In fact, I'm not really looking forward to it - she's not doing an ultrasound, just going to listen to our babies' heartbeat.  Seems like a waste of time to me.  But I'm going to the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) doctor in two weeks, and he (Dr. Paul) told me to keep this last appointment as he doesn't want me to wait another week before a checkup.  At least at his visit, he'll do an ultrasound and hopefully (**fingers crossed**) he'll be able to determine the babies' genders!