I've been having contractions more frequently, and mostly in the late afternoon and evening after a day at the office. "It's time to stop working," the perinatologist said. For once, even the workaholic in me knows she's right. I've been expecting those words and didn't fight them, but it still came as a shock since I've been doing pretty great.
She wants me to lie down (hard to do when you're at the office) and drink plenty of water whenever I feel a contraction. If I'm having more than four an hour, feel "different" or if the contractions are becoming more painful, I should call and go to L&D. "I have a very low threshold for admitting high risk patients." (Read: you've been warned.)
We discussed meds to control contractions, preterm labor, and other concerns. Basically, the next few weeks (through 28 weeks) are critical. I already knew that, but it was important for my peri to reinforce that while reassuring me that things are still looking good.
My cervix is now at 2.3 cm, but still stable despite the more frequent contractions. Phew.
My wonderful boss will allow me to work from home for as long as I want or can keep up, and then I can start scaling back my hours over the course of the next month or so. This works great, because I need to wrap up a few projects to make things easier for everyone at work, I need the mental stimulation, and it will definitely make the time pass faster than staring at the walls and feeling caged in. Besides, disability benefits suck and with triplets on the way, we need the money.
Our baby girls are doing great. Their next measurements will be in two weeks' time, but we did get a quick heartbeat check:
Baby A: 138 bpm
Baby B: 142 bpm
Baby C: 143 bpm
My fundal height is now at 36 cm, the equivalent of 36 weeks gestation with a singleton. The nurse practitioner measured me three times, because she couldn't believe it had increased 6 cm since she measured me two weeks ago. The girls are indeed growing, which makes us really happy.
Baby C is pressing on my lungs, so that would explain why I've been struggling to breathe. I'm at the point now where I pant just from walking a few feet, I can't stand more than a few minutes at a time and it feels like I'm constantly gasping for air as I'm trying to catch a good, deep breath. Having a conversation leaves me breathless and exhausted. It's pretty funny, actually, and I keep reminding myself that this is only the beginning of the "uncomfortable" phase. It will get a whole lot worse before it gets better, and that's okay. I know it's temporary.
It only takes one baby kick to remind me that this pregnancy is still the most miraculous event in my life. Ever.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
23w3d - The viability countdown has begun
On Monday I'll be 24 weeks along and celebrating the first of many survival milestones. Viability is generally believed to begin around 24-25 weeks. Although micropreemies born at this stage often face lifelong challenges, they do have a shot at survival with prolonged intensive care. Since babies born before 23 weeks often don't survive, I'm looking forward to crossing the 24-week threshold.
I'm obviously aiming for 28... 32... and ultimately 35 weeks gestation to give our girls the best possible start in life, but I also realize that much of this is beyond my control.
At most, I have about 11-12 weeks or 85 days to go.
I'm obviously aiming for 28... 32... and ultimately 35 weeks gestation to give our girls the best possible start in life, but I also realize that much of this is beyond my control.
At most, I have about 11-12 weeks or 85 days to go.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
22w4d - Triplet measurement scan & updates
Our baby girls are all doing well and already weighing in at more than a pound each! The great news is that they're on target in terms of length and weight. This is even more terrific given that they are triplets. The average for singletons at 22 weeks is 15.17 ounces and at 23 weeks is 1.10 pounds.
Baby A: 1 lb 4 oz
Baby B: 1 lb 5 oz
Baby C: 1 lb 4 oz
For those of you not interested in doing the math, that's 3 lb 13 oz of baby!
The mothership is doing well too, despite a few issues. I've been diagnosed with ta.chycardia, which is a rapid heart rate. Mine is often above 120, and it obviously makes me feel even more short of breath and exhausted (if that's possible.) When the heart palpitations start, I feel wired and out of it. It's awful, and often wakes me up in the middle of the night, but it's not uncommon in pregnancy. Just another joy of having triplets, I guess. Everything is in overdrive.
My thyroid also can't make up its mind on whether it's hyper- or hypo-. I'm taking Syn.throid at the moment and given the see saw thyroid hormone levels, it's probably no wonder that I'm feeling hyper one second and sleepy the next. Going with the flow is my motto right now. At the moment, I can still tolerate it and work full time, but who knows for how long. I'm thankful for every day that I'm pregnant, every day that I'm not on bed rest, and every day that I'm able to keep them safely inside.
My cervix is still at 2.5 cm which is alarmingly short, but fortunately stable. (Trying hard not to freak out about it, can you tell?)
In terms of the bump: my fundal height is 29 cm! Yikes. At five and a half months, I'm measuring at the equivalent of 7 months. That's a point of pride, actually. ;-) So far I've gained 22 lbs and the belly circumference is a whopping 43 inches. Go belly go.
Baby A: 1 lb 4 oz
Baby B: 1 lb 5 oz
Baby C: 1 lb 4 oz
For those of you not interested in doing the math, that's 3 lb 13 oz of baby!
The mothership is doing well too, despite a few issues. I've been diagnosed with ta.chycardia, which is a rapid heart rate. Mine is often above 120, and it obviously makes me feel even more short of breath and exhausted (if that's possible.) When the heart palpitations start, I feel wired and out of it. It's awful, and often wakes me up in the middle of the night, but it's not uncommon in pregnancy. Just another joy of having triplets, I guess. Everything is in overdrive.
My thyroid also can't make up its mind on whether it's hyper- or hypo-. I'm taking Syn.throid at the moment and given the see saw thyroid hormone levels, it's probably no wonder that I'm feeling hyper one second and sleepy the next. Going with the flow is my motto right now. At the moment, I can still tolerate it and work full time, but who knows for how long. I'm thankful for every day that I'm pregnant, every day that I'm not on bed rest, and every day that I'm able to keep them safely inside.
My cervix is still at 2.5 cm which is alarmingly short, but fortunately stable. (Trying hard not to freak out about it, can you tell?)
In terms of the bump: my fundal height is 29 cm! Yikes. At five and a half months, I'm measuring at the equivalent of 7 months. That's a point of pride, actually. ;-) So far I've gained 22 lbs and the belly circumference is a whopping 43 inches. Go belly go.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
21w3d - Kicking up a storm
The trio's movements have been much more noticeable this week. After months of anticipation, I finally know what a true baby kick feels like!
Baby A has been practicing karate kicks this week and it's the most miraculous feeling in the world. No longer do I just feel the occasional flutter or squirm when I lie down at night, but I'm feeling true, discernable kicks.
On Sunday night, I was lying on my left side in bed when Baby A gave me a strong kick that made me jump. Holy moly! That was cool and unexpected and ticklish and bizarre. I lay still to see if she'd do it again and just as I got distracted she obliged.
Since then, I've felt all three of them kicking me in different spots at different times. Sometimes they'd do it in the middle of a serious work meeting, or in the middle of the night, or after I've eaten. Last night, I had my hand on my stomach and could feel it from the inside and outside. Weird! When I removed my hand, I could see my stomach moving as the babies kicked. BabyBump-TV is absolutely mesmerizing.
We haven't been able to time it so hubby can feel one of the really hard kicks, but he has felt the lighter ones, which amazes me. With six little hands and feet in utero, I'm sure we'll have ample opportunity to watch interactive BabyBump-TV in the weeks to come. I can't wait to feel their hiccups!
Baby A has been practicing karate kicks this week and it's the most miraculous feeling in the world. No longer do I just feel the occasional flutter or squirm when I lie down at night, but I'm feeling true, discernable kicks.
On Sunday night, I was lying on my left side in bed when Baby A gave me a strong kick that made me jump. Holy moly! That was cool and unexpected and ticklish and bizarre. I lay still to see if she'd do it again and just as I got distracted she obliged.
Since then, I've felt all three of them kicking me in different spots at different times. Sometimes they'd do it in the middle of a serious work meeting, or in the middle of the night, or after I've eaten. Last night, I had my hand on my stomach and could feel it from the inside and outside. Weird! When I removed my hand, I could see my stomach moving as the babies kicked. BabyBump-TV is absolutely mesmerizing.
We haven't been able to time it so hubby can feel one of the really hard kicks, but he has felt the lighter ones, which amazes me. With six little hands and feet in utero, I'm sure we'll have ample opportunity to watch interactive BabyBump-TV in the weeks to come. I can't wait to feel their hiccups!
21w3d - Bigger is better
I've gained 21 lbs so far and couldn't be happier. As someone who loves to eat and who usually gains weight by just looking at food, I could never have imagined that it would be a struggle to add pounds to my frame.
With triplets, it's important to add the weight early as it will be hard to find room to eat larger meals later in the pregnancy. Higher birth weight will also help to give the babies a fighting chance in case they arrive early.
It's interesting how my body image is changing, because despite the discomfort, I'm loving the bump. I'm proud of the bump. It symbolizes everything I've always wanted and dreamed about, and the long road to get to this point. The bump reminds me of all of my friends who are still struggling to conceive, or who have conceived but suffered devastating losses.
But sometimes, despite all that, I can't help but feel fat and sluggish. I have to remind myself that I'm incubating three little munchkins. When I feel especially huge, it helps that my husband tells me I look sexy, and that he puts his hands on my belly and talks to our baby girls.
I've always been kind of average height, average weight, average shoe size. Suddenly, I'm carrying around a 42.5" waist on plump feet that refuse to fit into my usually comfy shoes. I was also amazed to discover that my bump is about the same size as a friend of mine's who is seven months pregnant with a singleton. I'll have to remember to ask the midwife to measure my fundal height at the next appointment.
With triplets, it's important to add the weight early as it will be hard to find room to eat larger meals later in the pregnancy. Higher birth weight will also help to give the babies a fighting chance in case they arrive early.
It's interesting how my body image is changing, because despite the discomfort, I'm loving the bump. I'm proud of the bump. It symbolizes everything I've always wanted and dreamed about, and the long road to get to this point. The bump reminds me of all of my friends who are still struggling to conceive, or who have conceived but suffered devastating losses.
But sometimes, despite all that, I can't help but feel fat and sluggish. I have to remind myself that I'm incubating three little munchkins. When I feel especially huge, it helps that my husband tells me I look sexy, and that he puts his hands on my belly and talks to our baby girls.
I've always been kind of average height, average weight, average shoe size. Suddenly, I'm carrying around a 42.5" waist on plump feet that refuse to fit into my usually comfy shoes. I was also amazed to discover that my bump is about the same size as a friend of mine's who is seven months pregnant with a singleton. I'll have to remember to ask the midwife to measure my fundal height at the next appointment.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
21w0d - Peri visit update
The sonographer did a quick heartbeat check and all three of our baby girls are doing great. We have to wait another two weeks to see them again in detail and for the next set of measurements to be taken.
My cervix is still holding at a short but stable 2.6 cm - it's even 0.1 cm longer than the previous measurement two weeks ago. That's not much, but I'll take it. At least it's not shortening, funneling or dilating!
I've finally started to gain weight. For the first time ever gaining 24 lbs by 24 weeks seems doable. Hooray for the food aversions and nausea starting to let up. The heartburn is pretty intense, but papaya enzyme chew tablets have helped.
My blood pressure is beautifully low, but my heart rate is constantly elevated and there may be some irregularity so an echo.cardiogram will be performed to check for issues. It may be something, or it may be just the normal additional blood volume and stress on my heart of carrying triplets. Either way, I'd rather be proactive and know what's going on.
I've also been diagnosed with hypo.thyroidism and will be taking Syn.throid, so we'll see how that goes. For now, everything is still good, I'm still working full time, and although I'm physically more exhausted, I'm still feeling strong.
My cervix is still holding at a short but stable 2.6 cm - it's even 0.1 cm longer than the previous measurement two weeks ago. That's not much, but I'll take it. At least it's not shortening, funneling or dilating!
I've finally started to gain weight. For the first time ever gaining 24 lbs by 24 weeks seems doable. Hooray for the food aversions and nausea starting to let up. The heartburn is pretty intense, but papaya enzyme chew tablets have helped.
My blood pressure is beautifully low, but my heart rate is constantly elevated and there may be some irregularity so an echo.cardiogram will be performed to check for issues. It may be something, or it may be just the normal additional blood volume and stress on my heart of carrying triplets. Either way, I'd rather be proactive and know what's going on.
I've also been diagnosed with hypo.thyroidism and will be taking Syn.throid, so we'll see how that goes. For now, everything is still good, I'm still working full time, and although I'm physically more exhausted, I'm still feeling strong.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
19w5d: It's a numbers game
Every time I see a reflection of myself it makes me smile. On some level, I guess I keep forgetting that I'm actually quite pregnant. Then I see a photo of myself, or I accidentally brush a door against my belly and realize, "Hey, wait a minute, there's another inch there that wasn't there yesterday."
My body's perimeter is changing rapidly. The belly is growing by the day, prompting mirror double takes and many moments of baby bump awe. At last week's peri appointment (18w4d), the fundal height was 25 cm, the equivalent of a mom 25 weeks pregnant with a singleton.
Since then, my belly circumference has increased at least one more inch, from 40" to 41" earlier this week. When I measured last night, it was almost 42". So I'm not imagining it. When I said to my husband the girls must be going through a growth spurt, he concurred, saying empathetically, "Yes, I can definitely see that!" It's very reassuring to know that they're growing.
In terms of weight gain, it has finally started to pick up. I've gained 18 pounds so far. The nutritionist said last week that I was doing great, and that I should aim for 24 pounds by 24 weeks, which finally seems like a reachable goal. It's much less than Dr. Barbara Luke's recommendation, but I feel like I'm eating as much as I can, eating whenever I'm hungry (and trying to squeeze in as much protein and nutritious food as one human being can handle, even when I'm not all that hungry).
On Monday, I will be 20 weeks along. Wow, five months. Although not the halfway mark as in a singleton pregnancy, it gets me that much closer to my first of many milestones: 24 weeks. Thereafter the goal is 28 weeks, 32 weeks, and then 36. For now, it's one week at a time. I'm sure the day will come where it will be one day, and one hour at a time, but I can't think about that yet.
My body's perimeter is changing rapidly. The belly is growing by the day, prompting mirror double takes and many moments of baby bump awe. At last week's peri appointment (18w4d), the fundal height was 25 cm, the equivalent of a mom 25 weeks pregnant with a singleton.
Since then, my belly circumference has increased at least one more inch, from 40" to 41" earlier this week. When I measured last night, it was almost 42". So I'm not imagining it. When I said to my husband the girls must be going through a growth spurt, he concurred, saying empathetically, "Yes, I can definitely see that!" It's very reassuring to know that they're growing.
In terms of weight gain, it has finally started to pick up. I've gained 18 pounds so far. The nutritionist said last week that I was doing great, and that I should aim for 24 pounds by 24 weeks, which finally seems like a reachable goal. It's much less than Dr. Barbara Luke's recommendation, but I feel like I'm eating as much as I can, eating whenever I'm hungry (and trying to squeeze in as much protein and nutritious food as one human being can handle, even when I'm not all that hungry).
On Monday, I will be 20 weeks along. Wow, five months. Although not the halfway mark as in a singleton pregnancy, it gets me that much closer to my first of many milestones: 24 weeks. Thereafter the goal is 28 weeks, 32 weeks, and then 36. For now, it's one week at a time. I'm sure the day will come where it will be one day, and one hour at a time, but I can't think about that yet.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
18w5d - Naming our girls
After years of name picking, digging into 12+ generations of genealogy, wanting our babies to have names that have a family connection and are meaningful to us, sound good together, and are easy to pronounce and spell in our country of origin and the US, we've finally settled on names both my husband and I love.
Contrary to what many people think, picking 6 names is MUCH harder than picking 2. At least we've narrowed it down to one gender!
We didn't want our babies to have names that rhyme or have the same initial (SSN nightmare!) or sound too "match-y," yet we wanted them to "belong" together (both the combination of first, middle and last names, and when called with their siblings' names.)
A.da Is.abella
Ju.lia El.izabeth
E.mma Cha.rlotte
I'm writing the names with periods just to make it a little more challenging for it to be searched and indexed online, since very few people who know me IRL have read my blog (or at least acknowledged that they've found this blog.)
Do let us know what you think of the names.
Contrary to what many people think, picking 6 names is MUCH harder than picking 2. At least we've narrowed it down to one gender!
We didn't want our babies to have names that rhyme or have the same initial (SSN nightmare!) or sound too "match-y," yet we wanted them to "belong" together (both the combination of first, middle and last names, and when called with their siblings' names.)
A.da Is.abella
Ju.lia El.izabeth
E.mma Cha.rlotte
I'm writing the names with periods just to make it a little more challenging for it to be searched and indexed online, since very few people who know me IRL have read my blog (or at least acknowledged that they've found this blog.)
Do let us know what you think of the names.
18w4d - Level II anatomy scan results
Oh boy! It's confirmed: we are expecting three girls! I'll post the u/s images as soon as we've scanned them in. All of your comments eased my mind as we headed into a day of unknowns and revelations. Thank you for being there, and for your caring comments.
Oh, how we loved every second of peeking in on them.
Our elusive little baby girl C very clearly has my profile and lips! Baby B was lying like I always do, on my side, with my knee pulled all the way up. Weird and amazing to see their body language, even at this early stage.
Hubby squeezed my hand throughout the (very long!) u/s - he is simply smitten with his little girls. The sonographer showed us silicone, anatomically correct, appropriately weighted models of a fetus at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 20 weeks and 40 weeks. We couldn't stop staring and holding the 20 week "baby." The 20 weeker is surprisingly heavy, and about the size of my hand from wrist to the tip of my middle finger (when its legs are curled up).
All three of our babies cooperated beautifully and are measuring beautifully for their gestational age. The sonographer said it was the first time in her 18 years of work that she was able to get all of the measurements for all 3 babies in one appointment! (I doubt they'll remain this cooperative until they reach adulthood, but I do hope it's a good sign. Dh laughed and said they're lulling us into a false sense of calm!) They weigh 9/10oz each, with heartbeats between 139 and 150.
Baby A: Weight - 254g, 0lb 9oz, HB - 139 bpm
Baby B: Weight - 262g, 0lb 9oz, HB - 146 bpm
Baby C: Weight - 276g, 0lb10oz, HB - 150 bpm
My cervix is still measuring the same, thank goodness. It's not great, but at least it's stable. No funneling, cramps, contractions or other changes. I asked about reducing activity levels, and the doctor said it's up to me. Although I agree that I know my body best, it's frustrating that there's no real consensus in the medical community about modified bedrest and bedrest. I'm taking it easy regardless and we'll re-evaluate the situation every two weeks. At least there's a measure of comfort in that.
Alyssa asked how I know which baby is kicking me: Baby A is lying at the bottom, closest to my cervix with an anterior placenta, meaning her placenta is cushioning her kicks, and although I do feel her move from time to time, it's not as strong as Baby C.
Baby B is higher up, on my right side, also with an anterior placenta and I feel her a little stronger and more often than Baby A, but not by much.
Baby C is higher up, on my left side, with a posterior placenta, so there's not much cushioning between her limbs and my belly. She is the most active, tallest (not by much) and I feel her more consistently and distinctly than I do the others. It was Baby C that my husband could feel moving the other night. I could feel her kicks while seeing her kick me on the ultrasound. Completely surreal!
Even though they turn within their amniotic sacs, they don't switch places, which makes it easier for me to keep them straight and to know which baby is up to what.
Oh, how we loved every second of peeking in on them.
Our elusive little baby girl C very clearly has my profile and lips! Baby B was lying like I always do, on my side, with my knee pulled all the way up. Weird and amazing to see their body language, even at this early stage.
Hubby squeezed my hand throughout the (very long!) u/s - he is simply smitten with his little girls. The sonographer showed us silicone, anatomically correct, appropriately weighted models of a fetus at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 20 weeks and 40 weeks. We couldn't stop staring and holding the 20 week "baby." The 20 weeker is surprisingly heavy, and about the size of my hand from wrist to the tip of my middle finger (when its legs are curled up).
All three of our babies cooperated beautifully and are measuring beautifully for their gestational age. The sonographer said it was the first time in her 18 years of work that she was able to get all of the measurements for all 3 babies in one appointment! (I doubt they'll remain this cooperative until they reach adulthood, but I do hope it's a good sign. Dh laughed and said they're lulling us into a false sense of calm!) They weigh 9/10oz each, with heartbeats between 139 and 150.
Baby A: Weight - 254g, 0lb 9oz, HB - 139 bpm
Baby B: Weight - 262g, 0lb 9oz, HB - 146 bpm
Baby C: Weight - 276g, 0lb10oz, HB - 150 bpm
My cervix is still measuring the same, thank goodness. It's not great, but at least it's stable. No funneling, cramps, contractions or other changes. I asked about reducing activity levels, and the doctor said it's up to me. Although I agree that I know my body best, it's frustrating that there's no real consensus in the medical community about modified bedrest and bedrest. I'm taking it easy regardless and we'll re-evaluate the situation every two weeks. At least there's a measure of comfort in that.
Alyssa asked how I know which baby is kicking me: Baby A is lying at the bottom, closest to my cervix with an anterior placenta, meaning her placenta is cushioning her kicks, and although I do feel her move from time to time, it's not as strong as Baby C.
Baby B is higher up, on my right side, also with an anterior placenta and I feel her a little stronger and more often than Baby A, but not by much.
Baby C is higher up, on my left side, with a posterior placenta, so there's not much cushioning between her limbs and my belly. She is the most active, tallest (not by much) and I feel her more consistently and distinctly than I do the others. It was Baby C that my husband could feel moving the other night. I could feel her kicks while seeing her kick me on the ultrasound. Completely surreal!
Even though they turn within their amniotic sacs, they don't switch places, which makes it easier for me to keep them straight and to know which baby is up to what.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
18w3d - The night before the anatomy scan
This is the most exciting, petrifying journey of my life. I'm sure the emotions will only intensify as the weeks progress and after the babies arrive.
Tomorrow, we find out if my cervix is still at 2.5 cm or whether it is shortening. Very scary. We also hope to see our babies in more detail. So exciting. We have only had heartbeat checks since the 12 week mark, and a quick scan to guess at genders two weeks ago, but no other measurements or details. With tomorrow's level II scan, we hope to get confirmation of Baby C's gender, and to take a look at how their lengths have increased and how their organs have formed. I can't wait to see our babies again.
Since triplets are considered full term around 36 weeks, we're pretty much halfway now. Wow, the time is flying by. The babies have had several growth spurts recently as evidenced by my belly growing by the day. Several of my colleagues have commented in recent days, some more tactfully than others.
"Jeez, you're getting big." Why, thank you.
"Your ankles are already starting to change." Ahem, so glad you noticed.
"I can't imagine how huge you'll be when I get back from my 2-week vacation." Yeah, well.
I've also had the sweetest comments about my maternity clothes, how great I look despite how exhausted I must be, how beautiful the belly is, how I'm surprisingly small for someone who is expecting triplets (keep lying to me, I love it), and so on. My colleagues keep bringing me food, too. Their concern is genuine, and even though some of the comments are less tactful than others, I know they are excited for me, and mean well.
I've started feeling the babies move much more frequently over the past week or two. Two nights ago, Baby C was having a party in my uterus, and Dh could feel the movement for the very first time. It was magical. No real kicks yet, but the twitches are definitely all baby. Dh hasn't felt the other two babies yet.
I can't imagine 6 little feet kicking me a few weeks from now! Last night brought another vivid dream of Baby C. This time one little foot was making a very visible, protruding "footprint" underneath my skin. The little munchkin showed his beautiful face to me in my dream again. I keep dreaming that Baby C is a boy, despite what the u/s tech said two weeks ago. It's weird. It's freaking me out a little more than it should, since I've often had predictive dreams. We'd be delighted with whatever the confirmed gender of Baby C is, but I guess my subconscious won't believe it until I see distinct boy/girl parts on the ultrasound myself.
When I was four, I dreamed my mother was pregnant with a little boy (before she told me I would have a kid brother.) My mom was pretty flabbergasted that I knew about her accidental pregnancy (at age 38 despite all sorts of contraception!) before she told me.
Yes, the irony of my mom's fertility compared to mine, does not escape me. I had always hoped to get pregnant in my thirties like my mom, and was scared that I had waited too long and wouldn't be able to conceive with Stage 4 Endo, even with IVF. Apparently the joke's on me.
Tomorrow, we find out if my cervix is still at 2.5 cm or whether it is shortening. Very scary. We also hope to see our babies in more detail. So exciting. We have only had heartbeat checks since the 12 week mark, and a quick scan to guess at genders two weeks ago, but no other measurements or details. With tomorrow's level II scan, we hope to get confirmation of Baby C's gender, and to take a look at how their lengths have increased and how their organs have formed. I can't wait to see our babies again.
Since triplets are considered full term around 36 weeks, we're pretty much halfway now. Wow, the time is flying by. The babies have had several growth spurts recently as evidenced by my belly growing by the day. Several of my colleagues have commented in recent days, some more tactfully than others.
"Jeez, you're getting big." Why, thank you.
"Your ankles are already starting to change." Ahem, so glad you noticed.
"I can't imagine how huge you'll be when I get back from my 2-week vacation." Yeah, well.
I've also had the sweetest comments about my maternity clothes, how great I look despite how exhausted I must be, how beautiful the belly is, how I'm surprisingly small for someone who is expecting triplets (keep lying to me, I love it), and so on. My colleagues keep bringing me food, too. Their concern is genuine, and even though some of the comments are less tactful than others, I know they are excited for me, and mean well.
I've started feeling the babies move much more frequently over the past week or two. Two nights ago, Baby C was having a party in my uterus, and Dh could feel the movement for the very first time. It was magical. No real kicks yet, but the twitches are definitely all baby. Dh hasn't felt the other two babies yet.
I can't imagine 6 little feet kicking me a few weeks from now! Last night brought another vivid dream of Baby C. This time one little foot was making a very visible, protruding "footprint" underneath my skin. The little munchkin showed his beautiful face to me in my dream again. I keep dreaming that Baby C is a boy, despite what the u/s tech said two weeks ago. It's weird. It's freaking me out a little more than it should, since I've often had predictive dreams. We'd be delighted with whatever the confirmed gender of Baby C is, but I guess my subconscious won't believe it until I see distinct boy/girl parts on the ultrasound myself.
When I was four, I dreamed my mother was pregnant with a little boy (before she told me I would have a kid brother.) My mom was pretty flabbergasted that I knew about her accidental pregnancy (at age 38 despite all sorts of contraception!) before she told me.
Yes, the irony of my mom's fertility compared to mine, does not escape me. I had always hoped to get pregnant in my thirties like my mom, and was scared that I had waited too long and wouldn't be able to conceive with Stage 4 Endo, even with IVF. Apparently the joke's on me.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
17w6d - World's best husband
So, it's 3 am and I'm wide awake. I'm feeling cranky, tossing and turning, rolling over a million times in bed without being able to find a comfortable position. I adjust the pregnancy body pillow, sigh, and try again.
My husband wakes up from the commotion, gently strokes my back, and asks if I'm okay. I whine about my swollen hands and feet, the heartburn, the uterine pain and how restless I'm feeling. He says, "I wish I could do something to help you. I'll call NASA first thing in the morning and we can go live on the International Space Station." Aaah, weightlessness.
He cracks me up and always seems to know just what to say or do to make me feel better in an instant. I love him. His comment makes me think of the selfless, considerate man that I married. So I get up to write it down instead of staring at the wall. Someday, when the triplets are old enough to understand, I hope I can remember all of this:
I came home from work one day - during the first few weeks of the pregnancy - to find that he had spent his day off redesigning and raising our low platform bed to make it easier for me to get in and out as the pregnancy progresses. At the time, it didn't seem necessary, but now I'm incredibly thankful that I can just swing my feet over the edge of the bed to get up and not have to lift myself and three babies off the floor three times a night as I head to the bathroom.
Without any prompting from me, he replaced our missing stair railing to ensure that I could get down to the basement and back safely.
My husband bought a night light so I wouldn't bump into our bedroom furniture (or the wall!) during my nightly bathroom escapades.
He installed a new threshold over an uneven part where our hallway meets our bathroom floor, "because soon you won't be able to see your feet anymore and I don't want you stubbing your toes."
He is frantically working to finish renovating our 2nd bathroom, nursery, and guest room before the triplets arrive.
Ever since we heard that I'm pregnant and expecting triplets, he has taken over all of the cleaning duties in the house. Vacuuming, cleaning with chemicals, and basically anything I don't feel up to doing. He has never made me feel guilty, and although I often feel like I'm not contributing, he'd just say, "No, you're doing the most important thing. Growing our babies."
He helps to make dinner when I'm wiped out. When I was so nauseous somewhere between week 7 and 10 that I suddenly couldn't stand the smell of the dinner we were preparing, he retrieved a fan from our basement, opened the windows, and solved the problem.
There's much much more, but suffice it to say that he gets it. All of it. And more importantly, he gets me. Our kids are so fortunate to have him as a father.
My husband wakes up from the commotion, gently strokes my back, and asks if I'm okay. I whine about my swollen hands and feet, the heartburn, the uterine pain and how restless I'm feeling. He says, "I wish I could do something to help you. I'll call NASA first thing in the morning and we can go live on the International Space Station." Aaah, weightlessness.
He cracks me up and always seems to know just what to say or do to make me feel better in an instant. I love him. His comment makes me think of the selfless, considerate man that I married. So I get up to write it down instead of staring at the wall. Someday, when the triplets are old enough to understand, I hope I can remember all of this:
I came home from work one day - during the first few weeks of the pregnancy - to find that he had spent his day off redesigning and raising our low platform bed to make it easier for me to get in and out as the pregnancy progresses. At the time, it didn't seem necessary, but now I'm incredibly thankful that I can just swing my feet over the edge of the bed to get up and not have to lift myself and three babies off the floor three times a night as I head to the bathroom.
Without any prompting from me, he replaced our missing stair railing to ensure that I could get down to the basement and back safely.
My husband bought a night light so I wouldn't bump into our bedroom furniture (or the wall!) during my nightly bathroom escapades.
He installed a new threshold over an uneven part where our hallway meets our bathroom floor, "because soon you won't be able to see your feet anymore and I don't want you stubbing your toes."
He is frantically working to finish renovating our 2nd bathroom, nursery, and guest room before the triplets arrive.
Ever since we heard that I'm pregnant and expecting triplets, he has taken over all of the cleaning duties in the house. Vacuuming, cleaning with chemicals, and basically anything I don't feel up to doing. He has never made me feel guilty, and although I often feel like I'm not contributing, he'd just say, "No, you're doing the most important thing. Growing our babies."
He helps to make dinner when I'm wiped out. When I was so nauseous somewhere between week 7 and 10 that I suddenly couldn't stand the smell of the dinner we were preparing, he retrieved a fan from our basement, opened the windows, and solved the problem.
There's much much more, but suffice it to say that he gets it. All of it. And more importantly, he gets me. Our kids are so fortunate to have him as a father.
Monday, July 06, 2009
17w0d - Preliminary news about Baby C
The anatomy scan is next Friday at 18w4d, but we practically begged the sonographer to take a peek at all three babies today. Fortunately, she wasn't too busy, and she checked heartbeats (all good) before proceeding to look for girl or boy parts (at our request). It's been 5 long weeks since the CVS procedure, so we're chomping at the bit to know more about our 3rd little munchkin.
It seems my Dh will need an addition on the shed or a man cave, because our elusive Baby C "also looks like a girl!" So, if you haven't been following closely, let's recap: Baby A is a girl! Baby B is a girl! Baby C is possibly a girl! We'll know for sure after the anatomy scan, but in the meantime, we're delighted either way.
The maternal fetal cell contamination study on Baby B came back negative, meaning they didn't accidentally run the chromosomal tests on my DNA. So we know for sure that Baby A and Baby B are chromosomally normal girls.
We have decided not to pursue an amnio for Baby C, and I thank each and every one of you for weighing in on what you would have done in my shoes. It's really been comforting to read your thoughts on the matter.
The rest of the news is that my fundal height is now 21 cm, the equivalent of a 22 week pregnancy if I was carrying a singleton. Unfortunately, my cervix is measuring only 2.5, which is "at the lower end of normal" according to the peri. The good news is that there's no funneling or dilation. They'll measure it again next week to be sure it's not shortening.
It seems my Dh will need an addition on the shed or a man cave, because our elusive Baby C "also looks like a girl!" So, if you haven't been following closely, let's recap: Baby A is a girl! Baby B is a girl! Baby C is possibly a girl! We'll know for sure after the anatomy scan, but in the meantime, we're delighted either way.
The maternal fetal cell contamination study on Baby B came back negative, meaning they didn't accidentally run the chromosomal tests on my DNA. So we know for sure that Baby A and Baby B are chromosomally normal girls.
We have decided not to pursue an amnio for Baby C, and I thank each and every one of you for weighing in on what you would have done in my shoes. It's really been comforting to read your thoughts on the matter.
The rest of the news is that my fundal height is now 21 cm, the equivalent of a 22 week pregnancy if I was carrying a singleton. Unfortunately, my cervix is measuring only 2.5, which is "at the lower end of normal" according to the peri. The good news is that there's no funneling or dilation. They'll measure it again next week to be sure it's not shortening.
Monday, June 22, 2009
15w0d - Whirlwind peri appointment
Nothing like doing the following in 30 minutes. It was like Grand Central:
- Blood pressure, weight check (nurse)
- Discussion about how I'm doing in general (another nurse)
- Cervical check (midwife with 3rd nurse assisting)
- Providing u.rine sample (it's all me. haha.)
- Fast ultrasound check on heartbeats only (ultrasound technician)
- Consent forms and discussion about ruling out maternal cell contamination on CVS test results for Baby girl B (genetic counselor)
- Blood draw to double check CVS results (4th nurse)
- Discussion about no result on Baby C and next steps (new perinatologist)
Good news: everything is normal so far. My cervix is long and closed, which I'm utterly relieved about. It's the first-ever check after becoming pregnant, so I had no idea what to expect. Let's hope my cervix of steel holds out as this pregnancy progresses, because I'm determined to try and carry them to 32+ weeks. Maybe coming right out and saying that my goal is to carry them to 35-36 weeks is just way too ambitious, but a girl can hope.
After meeting a woman in person who is more slender than I am, about the same height, and who reached 36 weeks with her trio of 5 lb babies (who went home with her within a week!), I'm convinced it can be done.
The baby's heartbeats are 149, 153, and 142 bpm, so they're doing great too.
On the weight gain front, their records show I've only gained 7 lbs, but the midwife, who often sees triplet moms, says it will shoot up after week 20 and not to worry. She is not concerned and said as long as I'm eating healthy, eating whenever I'm hungry, and drinking enough water, I can relax!
This is such a relief, because I've been beating myself up about reaching Dr. Barbara Luke's 35lb weight gain goal by 20 weeks. It just seems impossible, regardless of how hard I try. I've been eating MUCH more than usual, and much more frequently, and some days I'm a pound or two heavier on the scale, only to get on the next morning and realize I've lost it all again. The kiddos are munching! I'm seeing the nutritionist in two weeks, and hopefully she'll help me with some additional tips too.
I've started drinking smoothies and protein shakes, but can't stand the syrupy sweet taste of the shakes. It makes me gag, but I've persisted. What have you tried and what do you recommend? I've tried Ensure, and Special K's shakes.
Our level 2 anatomy scan is scheduled for around 19 weeks, and we're hoping to find out more about our elusive Baby C then. Incidentally, I've been feeling Baby C more than the other two, and I'm just convinced he's a boy. Maybe it's just because we want a little boy in our "mix" so badly. It's as if he keeps telling me he's okay in there.
We've decided not do an amnio on Baby C between 16 to 18 weeks. With two healthy girls, a normal nuchal fold measurement on Baby C, no other risk factors aside from my age, and no family history, we don't want to risk all of their lives for yet another invasive test. It was an excruciating decision, but since an amnio and selective reduction would place all of our babies at risk (and we just can't imagine going through with a SR in the first place), there really is no point.
What would you have done if you were in my shoes?
- Blood pressure, weight check (nurse)
- Discussion about how I'm doing in general (another nurse)
- Cervical check (midwife with 3rd nurse assisting)
- Providing u.rine sample (it's all me. haha.)
- Fast ultrasound check on heartbeats only (ultrasound technician)
- Consent forms and discussion about ruling out maternal cell contamination on CVS test results for Baby girl B (genetic counselor)
- Blood draw to double check CVS results (4th nurse)
- Discussion about no result on Baby C and next steps (new perinatologist)
Good news: everything is normal so far. My cervix is long and closed, which I'm utterly relieved about. It's the first-ever check after becoming pregnant, so I had no idea what to expect. Let's hope my cervix of steel holds out as this pregnancy progresses, because I'm determined to try and carry them to 32+ weeks. Maybe coming right out and saying that my goal is to carry them to 35-36 weeks is just way too ambitious, but a girl can hope.
After meeting a woman in person who is more slender than I am, about the same height, and who reached 36 weeks with her trio of 5 lb babies (who went home with her within a week!), I'm convinced it can be done.
The baby's heartbeats are 149, 153, and 142 bpm, so they're doing great too.
On the weight gain front, their records show I've only gained 7 lbs, but the midwife, who often sees triplet moms, says it will shoot up after week 20 and not to worry. She is not concerned and said as long as I'm eating healthy, eating whenever I'm hungry, and drinking enough water, I can relax!
This is such a relief, because I've been beating myself up about reaching Dr. Barbara Luke's 35lb weight gain goal by 20 weeks. It just seems impossible, regardless of how hard I try. I've been eating MUCH more than usual, and much more frequently, and some days I'm a pound or two heavier on the scale, only to get on the next morning and realize I've lost it all again. The kiddos are munching! I'm seeing the nutritionist in two weeks, and hopefully she'll help me with some additional tips too.
I've started drinking smoothies and protein shakes, but can't stand the syrupy sweet taste of the shakes. It makes me gag, but I've persisted. What have you tried and what do you recommend? I've tried Ensure, and Special K's shakes.
Our level 2 anatomy scan is scheduled for around 19 weeks, and we're hoping to find out more about our elusive Baby C then. Incidentally, I've been feeling Baby C more than the other two, and I'm just convinced he's a boy. Maybe it's just because we want a little boy in our "mix" so badly. It's as if he keeps telling me he's okay in there.
We've decided not do an amnio on Baby C between 16 to 18 weeks. With two healthy girls, a normal nuchal fold measurement on Baby C, no other risk factors aside from my age, and no family history, we don't want to risk all of their lives for yet another invasive test. It was an excruciating decision, but since an amnio and selective reduction would place all of our babies at risk (and we just can't imagine going through with a SR in the first place), there really is no point.
What would you have done if you were in my shoes?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
14w3d - The second trimester
Making it past the first trimester feels so unreal. The days and weeks have inched by more slowly than I could ever have imagined, but I am so thankful to be here, past the 100 day mark.
My next MFM appointment isn't until Monday, but remarkably, I'm feeling calm about the babies and know they're all doing fine. This is the first week that I've felt truly pregnant and not just fat and barfy, with an unwelcome bloodhound's sense of smell.
I'm sure I felt all three babies move earlier this week. A few weeks ago, I felt Baby A (closest to my cervix). It felt like teeny tiny little carbonated bubbles, and I wasn't sure it was real. It disappeared as soon as I felt it, but it was unlike anything I've ever felt before and I knew something was up. Ever since then, I've been more intently tuning into my body.
A week later, I felt a faint flutter, but it was distinct enough that it stopped me in my tracks. Hey, what was that?! I couldn't be sure. Then a few days later, it literally felt like my heart was beating in my stomach. And this week, at different times, and in different spots, I've felt flutters and movements. It's usually most noticeable when I'm lying down on my side. I guess they must be reacting to me squishing them.
Baby C was playing the banjo with his/her umbilical cord or something, because it felt like something was flicking me from the inside. Perhaps it was a foot kicking. I've never been pregnant before, and I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to feel or not feel, but my 6th sense has taken over and I just know when it's my babies.
They must be pretty cramped in there, because I know it's way early to be feeling anything at all.
My next MFM appointment isn't until Monday, but remarkably, I'm feeling calm about the babies and know they're all doing fine. This is the first week that I've felt truly pregnant and not just fat and barfy, with an unwelcome bloodhound's sense of smell.
I'm sure I felt all three babies move earlier this week. A few weeks ago, I felt Baby A (closest to my cervix). It felt like teeny tiny little carbonated bubbles, and I wasn't sure it was real. It disappeared as soon as I felt it, but it was unlike anything I've ever felt before and I knew something was up. Ever since then, I've been more intently tuning into my body.
A week later, I felt a faint flutter, but it was distinct enough that it stopped me in my tracks. Hey, what was that?! I couldn't be sure. Then a few days later, it literally felt like my heart was beating in my stomach. And this week, at different times, and in different spots, I've felt flutters and movements. It's usually most noticeable when I'm lying down on my side. I guess they must be reacting to me squishing them.
Baby C was playing the banjo with his/her umbilical cord or something, because it felt like something was flicking me from the inside. Perhaps it was a foot kicking. I've never been pregnant before, and I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to feel or not feel, but my 6th sense has taken over and I just know when it's my babies.
They must be pretty cramped in there, because I know it's way early to be feeling anything at all.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
14w2d - CVS news, part 2
We found out Thursday a week ago that Baby B is also a healthy girl! Hubby and I couldn't be happier knowing that we have two healthy girls.
So, our Baby A&B who have been snuggling together on the ultrasounds are indeed both girls. Wow, how amazing is it that I just knew intuitively that they are girls?
It's a bit daunting to think of raising two girls, and to think ahead to the teenage years, but at least we have some time before we get there...
Unfortunately, the chorionic villus sample from Baby C wasn't enough to culture in the lab, and we will not receive any results. Although I have this 6th sense that Baby C is perfectly fine, I'm also disappointed with the lack of information, especially given how painful it was to reach Baby C. It's hard not to feel like that was in vain. Having lived through all the waiting that IVF and pregnancy entails, I probably should have known that there'd be more waiting ahead.
I can't complain, though, we are incredibly fortunate to have three babies after infertility and I'm acutely aware of so many of my friends who continue to fight the IF battle every single day.
So, our Baby A&B who have been snuggling together on the ultrasounds are indeed both girls. Wow, how amazing is it that I just knew intuitively that they are girls?
It's a bit daunting to think of raising two girls, and to think ahead to the teenage years, but at least we have some time before we get there...
Unfortunately, the chorionic villus sample from Baby C wasn't enough to culture in the lab, and we will not receive any results. Although I have this 6th sense that Baby C is perfectly fine, I'm also disappointed with the lack of information, especially given how painful it was to reach Baby C. It's hard not to feel like that was in vain. Having lived through all the waiting that IVF and pregnancy entails, I probably should have known that there'd be more waiting ahead.
I can't complain, though, we are incredibly fortunate to have three babies after infertility and I'm acutely aware of so many of my friends who continue to fight the IF battle every single day.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
12w5d - CVS news, part 1
My husband called me at work yesterday to say the genetic counselor called him with news about Baby A. All of the results came back normal, and for once, he knew something before I did. He had the chance to tell me that we're expecting a precious little baby girl! How special is that?
We are so relieved and grateful that our baby girl has no chromosomal abnormalities, and we are obviously beyond excited to know that she's a little girl. It has made this unbelievable pregnancy all the more real. Hubby has been floating on cloud 9.
A pregnant colleague of his told me by email that my husband was "glowing" all day. I thought that was both funny and adorable.
We will have to wait until next week to find out the results for Baby B and Baby C. They had the best sample for Baby A, so it's no surprise that her results came in earlier than the others.
The waiting has been very difficult, but it's comforting to know one set of results already. That will get me through the weekend...
We are so relieved and grateful that our baby girl has no chromosomal abnormalities, and we are obviously beyond excited to know that she's a little girl. It has made this unbelievable pregnancy all the more real. Hubby has been floating on cloud 9.
A pregnant colleague of his told me by email that my husband was "glowing" all day. I thought that was both funny and adorable.
We will have to wait until next week to find out the results for Baby B and Baby C. They had the best sample for Baby A, so it's no surprise that her results came in earlier than the others.
The waiting has been very difficult, but it's comforting to know one set of results already. That will get me through the weekend...
Saturday, May 30, 2009
11w4d - Second perinatologist visit
We had a check-up at my perinatologist 48 hours after the CVS test to see how the trio is doing. The (awesome!) u/s tech did a quick check to establish that all three hearts were still beating (phew!), before listening and measuring each heartbeat individually. She reassured us immediately. I love medical professionals who understand the worry and anxiety, and who do everything in their power to minimize it.
We were too stressed on Wednesday (before the CVS test) to really enjoy the u/s experience and we were grateful to the u/s tech for taking her time on Friday. She pointed out teeny tiny fingers and toes, umbilical cords and other details. We saw our one little baby lying with arms crossed in front of his/her forehead and another lying in what looked like a very chilled position - with the little feet crossed like he/she was on a beach vacation or something! At one point, one of the babies "waved" at us. The little right arm came up and the hand was literally waving. We were mesmerized.
They were bouncing around at times too. I can't get over how fast they spin around and make somersaults. We are expecting fraternal triplets (triamniotic, trichorionic), but since week 5, two of the babies have consistently appeared to be very similar in position, gestational sac size, and with their other measurements. Yesterday, these two, now named Baby A and Baby B, were lying the exact same way.
The tech said she's never seen that before in a triamniotic, trichorionic pregnancy. It is uncanny. She printed an u/s picture for us - which I will scan and post at some point. It reminded me of another tech who commented that it looked like we were having twins and a singleton, even though we all knew at that point that they were from three different eggs and sperm.
I'd like to look back two weeks from now and know if these two kids are the same gender, and years from now, know if they share more facial features and personality traits... and whether Baby C will be the more independent one.
I love how each ultrasound brings us closer to our babies and bonds us with them. Our third perinatologist visit is in three weeks. It's amazing to think we'll know their genders then. Can't wait!
We were too stressed on Wednesday (before the CVS test) to really enjoy the u/s experience and we were grateful to the u/s tech for taking her time on Friday. She pointed out teeny tiny fingers and toes, umbilical cords and other details. We saw our one little baby lying with arms crossed in front of his/her forehead and another lying in what looked like a very chilled position - with the little feet crossed like he/she was on a beach vacation or something! At one point, one of the babies "waved" at us. The little right arm came up and the hand was literally waving. We were mesmerized.
They were bouncing around at times too. I can't get over how fast they spin around and make somersaults. We are expecting fraternal triplets (triamniotic, trichorionic), but since week 5, two of the babies have consistently appeared to be very similar in position, gestational sac size, and with their other measurements. Yesterday, these two, now named Baby A and Baby B, were lying the exact same way.
The tech said she's never seen that before in a triamniotic, trichorionic pregnancy. It is uncanny. She printed an u/s picture for us - which I will scan and post at some point. It reminded me of another tech who commented that it looked like we were having twins and a singleton, even though we all knew at that point that they were from three different eggs and sperm.
I'd like to look back two weeks from now and know if these two kids are the same gender, and years from now, know if they share more facial features and personality traits... and whether Baby C will be the more independent one.
I love how each ultrasound brings us closer to our babies and bonds us with them. Our third perinatologist visit is in three weeks. It's amazing to think we'll know their genders then. Can't wait!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
11w2d - The CVS test experience - not for the fainthearted
The detailed ultrasound scan prior to the CVS test was incredible. We saw all three of them doing acrobatics in utero for the very first time. I always thought that they would move in slow motion through the amniotic fluid, but boy, were they bouncing fast! I promise, I haven't had any caffeine...
The last time we saw them (at 8 weeks), we could see a distinct head and body with limb buds, but no other distinguishable features. This time around, we could see noses, ears, fingers, and toes. Just amazing. My Dh must have whispered, "Wow!" a thousand times. We are in awe.
Here are the (beautiful) vital stats:
Baby A: 4.98 cm, heartbeat: 161 bpm, nuchal fold: 0.007
Baby B: 4.85 cm, heartbeat: 165 bpm, nuchal fold: 0.183
Baby C: 4.74 cm, heartbeat: 165 bpm, nuchal fold: 0.115
Thank you all for your encouraging words about the CVS test. The chorionic villus sampling test is more complex in a triplet pregnancy as the perinatologists obviously need a clear path to access each baby.
If you're having a CVS procedure for a singleton or twins, then there's very little to be concerned about. Like with everything, it's more complex with triplets. We had the u/s technician, and two perinatologists present. The two peris analysed each baby's position on the u/s and worked together in determining the safest route to take for each. Sometimes they can access all three trans-cervically, sometimes all three trans-abdominally, and sometimes they have to use both approaches.
I never luck out in the odds department, so of course they had to use both with me.
They accessed Baby A's placenta through my cervix first, and it was a breeze. I felt no pain whatsoever. It took a little longer than an embryo transfer, but the discomfort was from the spe.culum and my full bladder. I couldn't feel the catheter being threaded through my cervix, or the needle accessing the chorionic villi.
They then had me empty my bladder (phew!) so that they had a better chance of reaching the other two babies.
They accessed Baby B's placenta through my abdomen (no anesthetic, not even topical). The setup for each baby takes about 10-15 minutes as they reconfirm the position of each baby, and plan the best path for the needle. It was quite painful as they have to maneuver the (very long!) needle all the way in, and then move it up and down at least 3 times to get enough of a sample. Baby B's actual procedure was over in about two minutes. If it had gone any longer, I would've bit through my lip.
And then the torture started. They uhmmmed and aahed about how best to access Baby C's placenta. I should've known that this meant trouble. They finally found a safe path, but was nervous that the needle wouldn't be long enough to complete the up-and-down motion to get the sample. (Deep breath.) Some more discussion ensued before they went in. Once the needle went in, there was a long period with lots of incredibly painful maneuvering.
It felt like an eternity. I squeezed my husband's hand to kingdom come while trying to find my happy place as the pain just intensified with each needle movement. I honestly thought it would never end. The nausea crept in, and well, what you don't want to do is throw up with an eight inch needle inside you. And then - thankfully - it was all over. The relief is indescribable. They had me turn on my left side to get the nausea to subside.
After each procedure, the perinatologist uses the syringe to inject the sample into a petri dish, and then they analyse each sample to determine whether they have a sufficient amount of chorionic villi to culture.
The peri who came back to report said they have an excellent sample from Baby A, a great sample from Baby B, and an adequate sample from Baby C. Thank goodness for small miracles, because I sure as hell am not going back for more torture.
It will take the full 14 days to get the results back, so now we wait. Aaah, more waiting! After IVF, we should be good at this, right? Not.
The last time we saw them (at 8 weeks), we could see a distinct head and body with limb buds, but no other distinguishable features. This time around, we could see noses, ears, fingers, and toes. Just amazing. My Dh must have whispered, "Wow!" a thousand times. We are in awe.
Here are the (beautiful) vital stats:
Baby A: 4.98 cm, heartbeat: 161 bpm, nuchal fold: 0.007
Baby B: 4.85 cm, heartbeat: 165 bpm, nuchal fold: 0.183
Baby C: 4.74 cm, heartbeat: 165 bpm, nuchal fold: 0.115
Thank you all for your encouraging words about the CVS test. The chorionic villus sampling test is more complex in a triplet pregnancy as the perinatologists obviously need a clear path to access each baby.
If you're having a CVS procedure for a singleton or twins, then there's very little to be concerned about. Like with everything, it's more complex with triplets. We had the u/s technician, and two perinatologists present. The two peris analysed each baby's position on the u/s and worked together in determining the safest route to take for each. Sometimes they can access all three trans-cervically, sometimes all three trans-abdominally, and sometimes they have to use both approaches.
I never luck out in the odds department, so of course they had to use both with me.
They accessed Baby A's placenta through my cervix first, and it was a breeze. I felt no pain whatsoever. It took a little longer than an embryo transfer, but the discomfort was from the spe.culum and my full bladder. I couldn't feel the catheter being threaded through my cervix, or the needle accessing the chorionic villi.
They then had me empty my bladder (phew!) so that they had a better chance of reaching the other two babies.
They accessed Baby B's placenta through my abdomen (no anesthetic, not even topical). The setup for each baby takes about 10-15 minutes as they reconfirm the position of each baby, and plan the best path for the needle. It was quite painful as they have to maneuver the (very long!) needle all the way in, and then move it up and down at least 3 times to get enough of a sample. Baby B's actual procedure was over in about two minutes. If it had gone any longer, I would've bit through my lip.
And then the torture started. They uhmmmed and aahed about how best to access Baby C's placenta. I should've known that this meant trouble. They finally found a safe path, but was nervous that the needle wouldn't be long enough to complete the up-and-down motion to get the sample. (Deep breath.) Some more discussion ensued before they went in. Once the needle went in, there was a long period with lots of incredibly painful maneuvering.
It felt like an eternity. I squeezed my husband's hand to kingdom come while trying to find my happy place as the pain just intensified with each needle movement. I honestly thought it would never end. The nausea crept in, and well, what you don't want to do is throw up with an eight inch needle inside you. And then - thankfully - it was all over. The relief is indescribable. They had me turn on my left side to get the nausea to subside.
After each procedure, the perinatologist uses the syringe to inject the sample into a petri dish, and then they analyse each sample to determine whether they have a sufficient amount of chorionic villi to culture.
The peri who came back to report said they have an excellent sample from Baby A, a great sample from Baby B, and an adequate sample from Baby C. Thank goodness for small miracles, because I sure as hell am not going back for more torture.
It will take the full 14 days to get the results back, so now we wait. Aaah, more waiting! After IVF, we should be good at this, right? Not.
Monday, May 25, 2009
11w0d - CVS test this week
We've decided to have a Chorionic Villus Sampling test performed this week to check all three babies for chromosomal abnormalities. Since I'm over 35, we would like to know what we're up against.
Although I'm not looking forward to the test at all and I'm nervous about the miscarriage risk, I can't wait to see the babies again. We hope to see them wiggle around on the u/s. Since we last saw them at 8 weeks, they have now almost doubled in size, have elbows and knees, and have developed distinct fingers and toes. In fact, there should be 30 fingers and 30 toes now - no wonder I'm so exhausted!
Aside from receiving the chromosomal analysis results, the upside of this test is that we'll know the gender of all 3 babies in 7-10 days. Given the abundant blessing we've received, I know I'm in no position to ask the universe for any more favors, but having a boy/girl mix would be an absolute dream come true.
Although I'm not looking forward to the test at all and I'm nervous about the miscarriage risk, I can't wait to see the babies again. We hope to see them wiggle around on the u/s. Since we last saw them at 8 weeks, they have now almost doubled in size, have elbows and knees, and have developed distinct fingers and toes. In fact, there should be 30 fingers and 30 toes now - no wonder I'm so exhausted!
Aside from receiving the chromosomal analysis results, the upside of this test is that we'll know the gender of all 3 babies in 7-10 days. Given the abundant blessing we've received, I know I'm in no position to ask the universe for any more favors, but having a boy/girl mix would be an absolute dream come true.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
How we spilled the beans
A while back, one of my IRL friends asked if/how we've told my parents the big news. Before I tell you the story, you need to know that in yet another strange twist of fate, my due date falls EXACTLY on my birthday.
This is just one of many, many signals we couldn't avoid picking up on. Of course, since we're expecting triplets, they will obviously arrive long before my birthday.
So here's how we spilled the beans at five weeks (yes, major leap of faith required): I called my mom, who lives about 12,000 miles away, and chatted with her for a little bit. You know, to make things seem like our "normal" weekly calls. I had her on speaker phone so Dh could listen in, then I said, "Now mom, do you realize that 36 years ago this week - EXACTLY - you found out you were pregnant with me?"
She had no clue where I was going with this, but she thought about it, did the math and then agreed. And then I said, "It seems history will be repeating itself..." There was a stunned silence before she realized what I was saying and then a whole lot of happy, excited, tearful laughter interspersed with, "Really? You're not kidding? But it can't be. Did you do another round of IVF?" She knew about the first failed IVF, but not that we attempted another cycle back-to-back.
By this time, she was telling my dad to pick up the other phone in their house. He had been outside and didn't hear the earlier conversation, so we got to do the same thing all over again - this time with my mom listening to my dad's stunned reaction. What fun.
A week later, we called them again and said it looks like we're having triplets. It was around April 1 and my mom thought we were playing an April Fool's joke on her. She just wouldn't believe it. She must have asked me about ten times whether I was joking before she finally relented and congratulated us.
This is just one of many, many signals we couldn't avoid picking up on. Of course, since we're expecting triplets, they will obviously arrive long before my birthday.
So here's how we spilled the beans at five weeks (yes, major leap of faith required): I called my mom, who lives about 12,000 miles away, and chatted with her for a little bit. You know, to make things seem like our "normal" weekly calls. I had her on speaker phone so Dh could listen in, then I said, "Now mom, do you realize that 36 years ago this week - EXACTLY - you found out you were pregnant with me?"
She had no clue where I was going with this, but she thought about it, did the math and then agreed. And then I said, "It seems history will be repeating itself..." There was a stunned silence before she realized what I was saying and then a whole lot of happy, excited, tearful laughter interspersed with, "Really? You're not kidding? But it can't be. Did you do another round of IVF?" She knew about the first failed IVF, but not that we attempted another cycle back-to-back.
By this time, she was telling my dad to pick up the other phone in their house. He had been outside and didn't hear the earlier conversation, so we got to do the same thing all over again - this time with my mom listening to my dad's stunned reaction. What fun.
A week later, we called them again and said it looks like we're having triplets. It was around April 1 and my mom thought we were playing an April Fool's joke on her. She just wouldn't believe it. She must have asked me about ten times whether I was joking before she finally relented and congratulated us.
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