Hi Everyone,
We had a busy day today with doctor's appointments! First I had another glucose tolerance test (GTT) which tests for gestational diabetes. I had one early at 16 weeks and that was fine, but they still wanted another one done at this point (I'm now 24 weeks). This is the test that they give you a drink with a very high sugar content, then you wait exactly one hour and they draw blood to test. While we were waiting the girls were very active (nice sugar high!). I was reading a book and had it resting on my belly and Twin B kicked and the book moved! She did it again and Buddy saw it, too. That's the first time we've seen movement from the outside - it was really neat! The GTT results will take a few days and hopefully my sugar levels will be fine.
We then had a quick ultrasound to check their heartbeats before my appt. They were very cooperative and the tech got both of their hearts scanned easily this time. I was wondering how they'd be after the sugar rush! Twin A was 144 bpm and Twin B was 141 bpm (the normal range is 120 -160). The tech had time to print some pics and we have Twin B facing out, but Twin A was on her tummy and the tech could only get a shot of her back.
After the ultrasound we saw my regular OB. She had the report from the last level 2 ultrasound and said everything was looking good. She is going to start seeing me every 2 weeks now. After 28 weeks she said we'll start doing non-stress tests (NST). What they do is put a buzzer to my belly and make a loud noise and see how the babies react.
We talked about starting to panic as we approach 27 weeks (the time when we lost Zachary). She said that if I'm ever freaking out about lack of movement that I'm to call the office or go directly there and they will check the girls for me. She also said if I ever feel anything is wrong I'm to go to her office or the hospital immediately and tell them she has said I'm to be seen no matter what the problem. She is such a great doctor! I'm very fortunate to have an OB that cares about my emotional well being as well as physical and wants these little girls here safely as much as we do!
I'll only be working for three more weeks and then I'll be on modified "bedrest", meaning I'm to stay off my feet as much as possible and not do anything strenuous. As long as I take it easy, hopefully I'll avoid having to stay in bed completely. My blood pressure was ok, still on the high side, but still acceptable.
In the afternoon we had another level 2 ultrasound. Twin A is 1 lb. 15 oz. and Twin B is 1 lb. 14 oz. They were measuring about a week to a week and a half ahead, which is fine. The doctor said the anatomy looked good so far and that the amniotic fluid levels in each sac were fine. They were both moving all around - it is so great to get to watch them for over an hour! I will have a follow up ultrasound in 4 weeks to check on their growth.
I've still been having a lot of ligament pain and some pelvic pain, but it is all normal and just the stretching as the babies grow. My cervix is still long and closed which is the way it should be. Hopefully it will stay that way and I won't have pre-term labor. The longer the girls stay inside the healthier they will be!
So now if I can stay sane for the next three weeks, I'm hoping to be able to worry a little less (yeah, right!), but at least once we get past 27 weeks, this pregnancy will be different in another way since I never made it that far with Zachary. We know there are still no guarantees, but I'm hoping to be able to be a little more positive. I think seeing my OB every 2 weeks and having the NST and u/s to check the girls will help.
Buddy has added the new u/s pics to the web page. The address is: http://h006008a5934b.ne.mediaone.net/ultrasounds
One of my "resting" projects is going to be working on a web page for Zachary, too. We did start it, but I haven't had the time to work on it much. I'll let you know the link when we get it up and running.
We hope everyone is doing well. Thank you all again for all your prayers and positive thoughts - they are much appreciated!
Love,
Denise and Buddy, Parents of Zachary Michael born still 7/26/99 @ 27 weeks and Little Ones edd 9/8/00
Click HERE to see the Morning Ultrasound pictures
Click HERE to see the Afternoon Ultrasound pictures