♥FEBRUARY♥ Third Trimester... 27 weeks to delivery!

[leeann38]

Welcome to February, girls!

[monthlyhopeful]

Hey ladies I was wondering if anyone who's done this before remembers how long it took the epidural to kick in? I plan on asking the anesthesiologist to wait with me until I know he got it right (I won't say that of course) but if it takes a while I know he probably won't. I know doctors pretty well and especially those that specialize their bedside manner typically leaves something to be wanted...that's putting it nicely :) Anyone been induced with IV Pitocin and have words of wisdom? I'm starting to get pretty nervous.

KT, tomorrow you meet your son and I am so excited for you! I will be praying for you and your DH and LO! :) It will be wonderful!

[Tink]

monthly- no experience w/ pitocin, sorry. But, the epidural kicked in really quickly. My anesthesiologist stuck around for a while after it was done to make sure 1) it was working and 2) I had no bad side effects from it.

Easier said then done, but don't be nervous! Your body knows what it's doing!! Good luck!

Good luck kt!

[Lizzy83]

monthly~I was induced and had no issues other than having a c-section in the end. I had two epidurals mostly because I have a sciollios (sp?) and it took for half of the induction and quit working on one side. I remember them working fast and not being in huge amts of pain after getting them.

AFM~My body is ready to be done with this pregnancy. I'm in so much pain with my right leg and right side of my back. I just wish it would all go away cuz i'm not doing anything around my house and it's showing.

[crys20]

kt- Thinking of you for tomorrow! I hope it all goes well and I can't wait to see pictures of your little one! Good luck!

monthly- my whole experience is kind of a blur from the magnesium I was on, but I know at one point they switched me to internal monitoring because the external one was not picking up my contractions well. So I think I got the highest dose of pitocin they give you for awhile because it looked like my contractions weren't that strong on the monitor. So my advice would be that if you feel like your contractions are really strong maybe internal monitoring would be better. But if it makes you feel better I really didn't feel like the contractions were all that bad with the pitocin. The pitocin was easier for me to deal with than the magnesium.

[Cac0115]

monthly- can't help on the epidural since I didn't get one with Alex, but since my water broke and I was only 2cm dilated, they put me on pitocin, and it wasn't so bad. I also had gotten switched to internal monitoring, but bc they had a hard time keeping his hb on the monitor-possibly bc I was laying on my side sleeping!

[lighthouse830]

The epidural I had for my first daughter never worked (and I thought having the epidural put in hurt a lot- especially for no relief afterwards). The anethesiologist (who was a real witch) didn't stick around at all to see if it took and after they did the epidural they wouldn't give me any other pain meds. I didn't get one with the second because of the experience I had the first time around. I had a shot to help take the edge off of the contractions. I refused the epidural. With the twins, I am almost required to have an epidural in place at least so that if the second one goes by c-section I'm already ready and they can just give me the meds. That is what is scaring me most about this time around. My experience is unique I think- most people have a great experience with an epidural. I would definitely request the anethesiologist waits around to make sure it works. I should have done that in the first place.

[monthlyhopeful]

Ok sounds like some honest experiences. Thank you so much ladies. :) I will be asking some more specific questions of the doc tomorrow. The last little bit of me that is foolishly optimistic hopes to hear some progress has been made but more than likely I will be induced one week from today...to think this is my last week without my baby...crazy!! I hope KT is doing well :)

[leeann38]

I had a spinal, which is a little different but I was having a c-section. There is no catheter put in. I had about enough time to swing my legs up on the table and get into position then I couldn't feel a thing. It was a strange feeling! Because it was a c-section, my anesthesiologist stayed by my head the entire time and monitored me. He was AWESOME. He had this hat on with some crazy print and kept talking my ear off. When I got nauseated, he was right there to shoot some meds into my IV. He was great! LOL!! I still feel kinda bad that when they first showed me Makenna, the only thing I could say was "I think I'm gonna throw up." LOL!!!! It will make a funny story for her someday! This time around, I'm making them stock pile my IV with whatever anti-nausea meds they use. haha

[lighthouse830]

leann- if I end up in a c-section, I'm definitely asking for the anti-nausea meds. I puke very easy too!

[fingers_crossed]

I hope you don't mind me stepping in w/my input.

I have had two epidurals and a spinal (none for birth, it was for knee surgery).

They all worked very quickly and weren't too painful when being administered. The anesthesiologist 'should' wait to make sure it worked (so if they seem as if they are leaving ask them to wait, imo).

I get very sick from anesthesia and for me the one thing that worked was a patch that went behind the ear, but since you are giving birth I'm not sure that would work since I'm not sure what medicine is in the patch.

Best of luck to you!!

[monthlyhopeful]

It's funny you guys should mention nausea b/c my mom told me that was her reaction the first time she saw me...not b/c of a bad thing but she just had so much emotion that she nearly puked, lol. Your daughter will love that story, trust me ;) Yeah the patch behind the ear is scopolamine which is for motion sickness as well and should be pretty harmless. I know there is a standard order set for the nurses when an epidural is used and IV Zofran and Phenergan are on there so I will be sure to ask if it gets to that.

Thanks again for the input! :)

[leeann38]

I also got really shaky and I had hot flashes like the whole day I had her. lol It didn't bother me. What bothered me was the 12 family members that just sat around my room all day/evening and hogged my new baby. LOL!!!

[Cac0115]

lol Leeann! I think my dh will be more nauseated(sp?0) than me since he gets so grossed out with even seeing it on tv- we both agreed he will NOT be looking down there when the baby comes out!

I know she's gotta be tired and possible still in pain- but I'm anxious for kt's story and to hear all about that little baby of hers!

Monthly- I can't believe you're still hanging in there! I hope you will have had some progress! and as far as the nausea goes..like I said I was sleeping, so I didn't really feel the nausea until I threw up, but I had a dose of new morphine put in through my iv and an empty stomach- so you know how that goes....but after emptying whatever I didnt have in there to begin with, I didn't feel nauseas at all

[monthlyhopeful]

yeah how are we supposed to handle all the visitors? DH isn't confrontational at all and I don't want to be the one to say "Ok, you're all great but can I have my 12 hour old newborn back so I can breastfeed? Thanks." I guess we'll just have to be as polite as we can. I'm definitely a stickler about the first hour or so to bond with him and try breastfeeding. After that, they can come see us in postpartum and bring me food haha.

On the way to the doc's. Hopefully I'll have something positive to update. How's everyone else doing?

[Tink]

monthly- good luck! Hope you've made some progress! Sometimes the nurses are great and kick others out when it's time to bfeed. For me, my family members found it uncomfortable, so they stepped out on their own. If yours aren't like that, I'd just say to them that bfing is a bit of a challenge and you want to concentrate w/o getting frustrated, so if they could wait outside til your done.

Also- for the first hour or so, have dh go to the waiting room to tell them everyone is ok and he'll come back and let them know when they can come see. This is a special day for your new family, so don't worry about hurting others feelings!!

Good luck!!!

[monthlyhopeful]

Ok I am so happy. Definitely made progress. 3 cm dilated, 80% effaced and anterior cervix (?) so he says that induction will definitely be successful!! I also think I lost my mucus plug after he checked me b/c when I got home, there was a hard thing on the tissue paper and now my d/c is pink tinged. So, unless Grant is coming on his own before Monday, we are for sure going to meet him in less than 6 days. hurrah!

Thanks for the advice Tink. I have a feeling I will find the willpower to be somewhat firm when it comes to having privacy to breastfeed b/c I'm insecure about it anyway so no one will be allowed in the room except for DH and mom.

I'm off to catch up on Season 4 of Lost. Hope you girls have a great day :)

[lighthouse830]

great news monthly! Hopefully something happens soon!

[leeann38]

Yay monthly!

I'm the same as you about being confrontational. I seriously considered having dh ask visitors to not come on the first day, but I feel bad doing that because I always like to go see babies in hospital. LOL Since I'm having a c-section, I can't eat until I fart or have a BM... had Makenna on a Monday, finally allowed to eat breafast on Wednesday. And dh's parents brough me cookies from a local restaurant that are really good - how thoughtful!!! LOL I had to stare at them enviously and chug water and broth. hahahaha

We still aren't sure what we are doing about dh. Since this is our 2nd, we have a 2 year old at home. I'm not sure if he should sleep in the hospital because I don't want her to feel left out, but I also don't want him to miss out, either. I figured at least one of us should be well-rested, though, and it's not going to be me!

[Cac0115]

monthly that's great! you should also be able to tell the nurses about wanting privacy at certain times and they can kick everyone out for you! "hospital policy" could be the excuse, or I'm sure they have another good one they could use!

Leeann- idk if dh knows he can stay with me overnight, but if I have ds in the middle of the week he wont be able to stay most likely since we probably won't have someone else to take alex to school

[Lizzy83]

monthly~I breastfed DD and I didn't want anyone in the room except for DH. When I had DD it was 5:02, I didn't get to see her or be around her till almost 8:40. When I got into our regular room to stay it was 8:40. I finally told them I would like to see my daughter and feed her, as all the grandma/pa's were around her and I still had only seen her for a second before she left after delivery. They finally listened after I repeted myself a couple of times. I was getting upset as the hormones are crazy at that time. Dh was great and helped with the pushing of everyone outside while I fed her.

[Fi29]

Wow, this thread's been busy! Just a quick update, my best friend had a wee boy on Monday 9lbs 4oz, his name is Miller and he's gorgeous! She was due 2 days before me, so was 4 days overdue.

I'm still here!!!!! aargh! Had appt yesterday, and baby is still not engaged, cervix is closed, not looking like anything gonna happen anytime soon. I've to go in for induction on Tuesday if nothing happens by then, I'm getting soooo frustrated!!

[monthlyhopeful]

Fi - You are such a trooper! Hang in there! You and I will be in the hospital at the same time next week. :)

Yes I can see how having to repeat yourself to ask people to leave so you can breastfeed would be frustrating. I had a talk with DH yesterday about what to expect from me and a game plan. I clearly told him I wouldn't be myself b/c I would be tired and hormonal and possessive since they pretty much whisk the baby to the nursery as soon as you have him. I will be adamant about people washing their hands before touching him. I will also ask my nurse to help me by setting up a code word like "apple" or something and if I use the call light and say "apple" she can come in and ask everyone to leave so they can "examine" me. That ought to do it, right? :)

DH will stay at night but he will have to go back to work the first day after delivery so we don't use up his time off. We're wanting to go see family in another state in March (let the great grandma meet LO) so my mom is staying with me during the day. From what I hear/read, babies are pretty sleepy the first day or two so maybe we'll get some rest. The hospital promotes "rooming in" so they don't take the baby to the nursery unless you ask.

Is anyone planning on going to work after the baby is born? My maternity leave will be up in mid-April and I am very nervous about it already.

[dizzyliz]

Monthly- that sounds like a good plan with the nurse. May I ask where you are delivering and was the decision because that is where OB is affiliated. I have a ways to go yet before delivery, but had to fill out pre-register forms today. I will be at Harris Methodist Southwest. My dd was born at All-Saint's southwest, but they are closing the maternity ward there I was told today. Actually wasn't looking forward to there again, was hoping to get to deliver at a downtown Ft.Worth hosp., But this is where my OB will be delivering. So trying to find out info.

Thanks,
Liz

[leeann38]

Fi - hang in there, lady! I totally know what you are going through and how frustrating it is!!! :) I'm hoping that you go into labor before then. Enjoy the extra few days of extra sleep! :)

[Fi29]

Monthly - sounds like you've thought everything through and have a good plan. I'm sure it'll be fantastic!

Leeann - Thanks for the words of encouragement! I'm so hoping I can avoid induction on Tues but what will be will be!

Sleep seems to be evading me right now! I've developed a case of PUPS and itching is keeping me awake at night, on top of that I seem to have a problem with toothache too! I was at the dentist for a check up a couple of weeks ago and it was bothering me a bit then, but the dentist said my teeth were perfect, and it was probably just sensitivity. But the last few days, it's just got worse and worse and I have no idea what I can do about it. Beginning to think it might be my sinuses, so I'm going back to the dentist this afternoon hopefully he can help me out!

[crys20]

I have been thinking about kt all week and wondering how she is doing. I hope everything went well!

monthly- that sounds like a good plan. I didn't have to worry about visitors at the hospital so I have no words of advice, just want to say I hope you can get your privacy that you want!

fi- I hope this baby makes an appearance soon so you can avoid an induction! Good luck with the dentist as well. I get a lot of tooth pain from sinuses because of allergies and sinus infections and for me it is a dull, constant ache that comes from the top of the tooth down. I hope you can find some relief.

Can't believe it is February! Good luck to all you ladies having babies soon!

[Cac0115]

monthly-that sounds like a plan that can work!

Fi- I hope you find some relief with your tooth. Hopefully you wont have to wait until tuesday to be induced!

[Fi29]

Thanks girls! It turned out it was the start of an abcess, so he managed to drill my tooth and get to the source of the problem, what a relief!! Maybe not the best timing to have my first ever major dental work done, but I feel sooo much better now! A temporary relief from pain until I go into labour anyway:p

I've been wondering about KT too, hope all went well on Monday!:)

[dizzyliz]

Monthly- sent you a pm, but not sure it went through. Database error in the middle of sending it. Thanks for the info.

Liz

[kt_meehee]

Hi everyone!

So, remember how we had all joked that baby Isaiah had pretty much the worst sense of humor ever? Well he pulled another fast one on us...we had the C section scheduled for this past Monday, and last Friday I woke up at 5am b/c my water broke! AHHHHHH!!!! I couldn't help but laugh b/c we had all joked that it would most definitely be HIM calling the shots about when he was coming into the world! (apparently Monday was NOT a good day for him, lol)

I ended up having very strong contractions after my water broke and went directly to the hospital. The attending OB decided that we would proceed with the C section and not force me to go through labor when we were pretty convinced he was going to be too large to fit through my pelvis. His head was also barely engaged and they thought labor wouldn't be productive. It was painful to prep for surgery while contracting, but it finally numbed out after the spinal.

The C section itself was kind of rough--the attending OB didn't get along with the anesthesiologist and at one point while I was throwing up (the spinal made me so queasy!) the two of them were arguing b/c apparently my throwing up was causing muscle contractions that were making the surgery difficult and the OB was blaming the anesthesiologist for it...I was crying b/c I was so overwhelmed. It felt really unprofessional...I think I ended up trying to apologize for throwing up or something (I was REALLY out of it) Eek. It was not the greatest birth experience. I barely was able to nuzzle the baby b/c I was so sick and out of it.

But when I was finally wheeled to recovery and was able to hold Isaiah, I felt so much better. He was born on Fri Jan 29 at 8:45am and was 8lb 4oz, 20 inches long and has a huge head of hair! He looks like he wears a big black wig!

I think the most meaningful part for me is that he looks exactly like me--I'm Korean adopted and have never had anyone in my life that resembles me. When I look at him, I practically start to cry every time b/c it's like looking in the mirror and I've never had that before.

Then things started to spiral downwards. My hemoglobin started steadily dropping. I came in with a level at 11.2 (I was anemic during pregnancy and had taken iron supplements to compensate) but I dropped to 8.1, then 6.6, and finally the lowest 6.0 on Sunday night. The weird thing was that I didn't think I felt THAT bad. I had a really high heart rate (like around 150 at one point) but I wasn't dizzy or overly weak...I was just having very bad abdominal pain. The attending OBs all had conflicting opinions about what I should do (transfusion or no, extending my hospital stay or not, etc etc) but the consensus was that I was going to be released on Monday afternoon if I my HG steadied.

On Monday afternoon, I was all set to be discharged...I took a shower, went to the birth center gift shop to purchase a breast pump and nursing bras. On my way back, I felt a horrible stabbing pain in my side. I collapsed and my poor father and DH had to drag me off the floor and carry me into bed. I don't really remember a lot of what happened, but the attending OB scheduled a blood transfusion. She figured that since my HG was so low my body was so weak that it couldn't tolerate any pain or stress and I finally collapsed. I just wish that one of the other OBs I had seen previously would have just told me to have the transfusion done--I didn't know what to do on my own! Sigh...I wish that I could have seen my OB during this crazy time, she would have known what to do! Darn those rotating doctors!

Three pints of blood later, I felt so much better. I don't think I realized how bad of shape I must have been in until afterward. I was finally discharged from the hospital last night (hence my long absence from the boards!) I am back at home and feeling 100 times better--though I know I have a LONG way to go (and that I am kind of at a disadvantage from the two months of bed rest beforehand) It's so weird, Isaiah is already almost a week old and I feel like the three of us are just starting to figure out how to navigate our new little family! I'm just so thankful it's over and we can finally move on!

I missed you ladies so much during all of this! I really can't say enough about how much your support has meant through my pregnancy...I remember telling DH on Monday "I wish I could tell my PCOS ladies about what is going on! They would know what to say/do!"

Anyway, I want to write to you all personally later, but I had to update you on what was going on! Here are a couple pics of baby Isaiah--I will probably post them on the general pregnancy thread too, but I had to tell my 3rd tri ladies first! :)

Good luck to you all during the rest of your pregnancies! I'll most definitely be checking in and keeping in touch.

Fi and Monthly especially: I hope you gals are able to meet your LOs soon!!!

Crys: we must exchange emails so we can keep in touch!

I'll see you all on the moms board too, right?? :D

Much love!

[Cac0115]

he is beautiful kt! and omg what an ordeal! I think I may have demanded my doctor with all those conflicting opinions! I'm glad that everything has settled down for you though and that things are going well. You guys will have the family thing down in no time! congrats!!

[Tink]

kt- congrats!!! He is beautiful!! One of my very good friends is Korean adopted as well...she just had her 1st in Oct. and said the same thing as you did about the baby looking like her.

Sorry you had such a rough experience. Hope you're feeling well now and enjoying that new little man in your life!! Welcome to mommyhood!

[monthlyhopeful]

YAY KT!!! I'm so excited for you! He is the cutest chipmunk-cheeked baby I have ever seen...what a doll! You are so strong and have gone through so much. You deserve some much needed peace and time with that precious little guy.

I would have unstrapped one of my arms from that OR table and thrown something at the surgeon...what an ass. It sounds like they were having an ego war (which happens often in the OR). When you feel up to it, KT make sure you write a letter to the hospital administration about how unprofessional they were. They have to answer to the medical board there at the hospital. You might save another mom the same problem by pointing it out to the higher-ups. Look up their website and call their phone number and ask how to get in touch with someone to make a complaint. The reason those guys continue to behave in such a way is b/c no one ever speaks up.

I am so glad you are well again after such an ordeal. We were all thinking about you this week. Congrats again!! :) ;)

[lighthouse830]

Congrats KT! I'm glad you're feeling better now that you're home! He's so cute :)

[monthlyhopeful]

Well, in less than 48 hours I'll be sitting in L&D with some pitocin in my arm...aaaaahhh!! Trying really hard not to freak out. I just wanted to say that I have so loved this message board and the support we get from here. I hope you gals get through this last stretch quickly and easily. Hopefully I have a positive birth story to post next week... have a great weekend everyone! :)

[kimbree7]

Good luck monthly!!!! Im sure your birth story will be wonderful and I can't wait to hear it!!

[Cac0115]

good luck tomarrow monthly! make sure you try to get some sleep through all yoru excitement tonight!

[kt_meehee]

Cac0: Thanks! And yes, I was thisclose to demanding my regular OB, but I think that my resolve was shaken a lot from how crappy I was feeling...but I'm just so relieved that it's all over and I'm finally back at home.

Tink: I think that a lot of Korean adoptees/transracial adoptees go through a very similar experience when they have their first biological child...it's amazing and I'm so glad that he's here! :D

monthly: LOL @ chipmunk cheeks! Like mother, like son I'd like to say! :) One of the attending OBs actually took one look at him and simply said "CHEEKS!" haha~

And you are totally right about writing a letter to the hospital about the argument that occurred in the OR between the OB and the anesthesiologist...it was a total ego/power trip. The anesthesiologist had even whispered to me afterward (he was sitting right near my head to help me as I was vomiting) that he was totally sorry about how tense things became and how it wasn't my fault at all. I wonder if it's a common experience with this particular OB.

GOOD LUCK with your induction! You'll do great and I'm sure you'll have a great birth story to share with us! ^_^

lighthouse: Thanks for the kind words! How are you doing?

Since coming back home, we've been trying to build a semblance of a routine, but baby Isaiah is throwing us for a loop at every turn! (Which I should have come to expect already!) I'm exhausted but very happy.

I hope the rest of you are doing well! :)

[Tink]

kt- there's pretty much no such thing as a routine when baby is that little...so don't worry! Just keep sleeping when he sleeps and eat when you can. Try to get a shower in each day...it does wonders for your mental health!!!

Monthly- hope all went well!! Can't wait to hear!

[Ishall]

My goodness, I've missed so much! My stupid internet was down (again!) and it's hard to get on the boards on my phone. Anyway, I tried to catch up with Feb at least.
KT, congratulations! Isaiah is beautiful! Sorry you went through so much though, that sucks, but glad everyone's home safe and sound. I agree that you should write a letter to the hospital admin and complain about the whole ordeal btwn the docs. Very unprofessional. Hope to hear more soon!
Monthly, I hope everything went well for you and you and your LO are doing great. Can't wait to hear all about your birth story!
Fi, how are things going? I hope that LO makes an appearance soon for you!
I hope everyone else is hanging in there. It won't be too long for some of you.

Oh, I get my cerclage taken out on 2/25 and my doc says Trent should be making his way out anytime after that. Dh's birthday is 2/28 so I'm thinking maybe a birthday present for him. It feels so weird that for so long I was praying to just keep this baby in for another week, and another week, etc. Now I feel like I'm on a countdown and I can't wait to meet him!
Anyone have any Valentine's Day plans? I will officially be off bed rest a few days after VDay, so maybe dh and I can actually go out to dinner or something. It will be the first time (and probably last) in months. Any low-key ideas?

[Tink]

Ishall! I'd been wondering how you were doing! Sooooo proud of you for making it so far! Congrats! Is there food you've been craving that you and dh could go out for? I had been craving mexican while on bedrest last time so when I was released dh took me to a local mexican place. Can't wait to hear about little Trent! He'll be here before you know it!

[Ishall]

Actually, I've been craving shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster) for months but we're not giving dd any of that yet and its hard for us to eat anything and not be able to give it to her too (I sneak when I eat candy or chips so that she won't ask for it). So, maybe we will go to City Island or something for good seafood. I miss seafood in MD. Btw, where do you live in MD? We lived in Frederick for a while then were in WV before we moved back to NY and I remember getting crabs by the bushel (or maybe 1/2 bushel) and having friends over for a feast! We will probably wait until during the week to go out and not go out on Sunday since technically I won't be off bedrest until Wed. at 36 weeks.

[Tink]

I sort of live in the middle of a triangle between dc, balt, and annapolis. I think I remember when you were in wv when we were ttc sydney and owen.

That's funny about Sydney eating everything...Owen is the same way. I find myself sneaking food so he won't see too!! Glad I'm not the only one! :p When are you planning on giving shellfish to her? We haven't given it to Owen yet either.

[lighthouse830]

Hey everyone over here :) I still can't believe we're in the third trimester!

On the shellfish thing, we waited until our older girls were at LEAST 3 or 4 so that they could communicate if something didn't feel right after they ate it. Their dad's family has shellfish allergies, so we are cautious about it. Even now we avoid lobster because of more allergies in his family to that (and they are now 8 & 11). I always had on hand some benedryl so that if there was a reaction I could call the pediatrician and administer the medicine if I was directed to do so.

I had my 29 week appt yesterday and everything looked great. I am measuring 51 weeks (if it were a singleton) and the babies EACH weigh almost FOUR POUNDS!!!!! The doctor laughed and said, 'these are some BIG babies!'. On the ultrasound, we could see that they both had the most adorable chubby chipmunk cheeks. From my baby emails I get, they should each be about 2 1/2 lbs at this point... but that's what they were at my 25 week scan. They also both have an excess of amniotic fluid but the doctor reassured me that that was no concern (I did some internet research and found some scary stuff about excess fluid, but he said it was perfectly okay with the twins) My glucose screening came back perfect last month, so at least I can rest easy about GD because that was one of my concerns. I hadn't gained any weight since before christmas, but in the last 2 weeks I have gained seven pounds. I was slightly mortified. I'll have to take a belly pic. I haven't done one in three weeks! My fetal fibronectin came back negative, so I'm hanging in for at least one more week. I can't wait to get to 34 weeks! 4 weeks, 6 days... but who's counting?!?!?

Hope everyone else is doing okay!

[Cac0115]

lh- wow 51 wks! atleast you know that when do come they will be a good size each! Thats great that everything went well at your appt-i just passed my 1 hr also!

afm- I'm officially here!!!(and birdling as well when she makes on here!) Time seems like its flying now and I feel that sudden rush to just have everything and to just get it all done!

[birdling]

Just popping in to say hi! Lighthouse, that's amazing that they're 4 pounds each!! Your back must be screaming right about now!

Cac -- haha, you're too funny; I was just thinking, I wonder if Cac has posted on the third tri board yet, and here you are the post before mine! :)

[lighthouse830]

yay cac & birdling for making it over here with us! :)

[Cac0115]

thnx lighthouse, although most just had their lo's!

birdling-- lol I was thinkin when I got over here if you had posted yet!

[birdling]

Hi everyone! How are you all spending Valentine's Day? Hope everyone is enjoying it so far. Hubby and I aren't much on the romance factor (at least not the Hallmark kind, lol), but we are going to the All-Star Game tonight, which is much more our speed! I am so excited!! :)

[Cac0115]

bird-hey it's something tho rite?? we're doing laundry! lol I had posted on the 2nd tri board that my shopping trip had been delayed b/c we discovered that my rides van was broken into last nite and her gps was stolen! My mom found me another ride tho since my last post and I was able to take advantage of the bru sale and all those online coupons that I printed out. Our friend is aslo okay..just shaken and upset that it had happened.

have fun tonight!

[Onemiraclebaby]

Hi, ladies! I don't say much on here...I'm a silent reader :) but I wanted to say hello and express my excitement for being in the 3rd trimester, finally! I'm mentally ready for this little boy, but SOOOO not ready with all the "stuff" yet! How does everyone feel about 2nd child baby showers? My sis-in-law is throwing me one but I feel weird...is it greedy to have a second shower? Anyhoo, congrats to the new and recent additions! I'd love to see some belly pics! I've been comparing my belly pics of this pregnancy to my first pregnancy and I'm MUCH bigger this time around. I'm just shy of 28 weeks but I look at least 30 weeks...crazy! Let's hope this little boy doesn't get TOO big! Well, have a great week, ladies!

[Cac0115]

Hi one! My mom and I are planning a shower for me in april, and this is my 2nd also...but I also didn't have much for this baby and ds1 is already 5!

Hows everyone feeling these days?

[lighthouse830]

Hi everyone! I just got back from a four day stay at the hospital- I went into preterm labor on Saturday night (spotting/lots of contractions) and they had to give me a terbutaline (spelling?) injection because I was contracting every 3 minutes. Within a half hour of arriving at the hospital I was ambulanced to a hospital with a level 3 nicu because I was dilated 1-2 cm. I had to have another terbutaline shot in the ambulance and they started the steroid shots. To make a long story short, they were able to control the contractions over the next few days in the hospital and now i'm home on bed rest again. I lost part of my mucus plug and my cervix is now at 3cm long instead of 4.6cm like it was last week. The worst part of the aftermath of this was when I called my reg OB doc to set up the appointments with the MFM high-risk OB and the lady who answered (maybe the office manager?) questioned me as to why I went to the hospital Saturday night because I had a neg FFN test so I shouldn't have gone into labor. She was very stand-offish and I'm definitely going to let the doctor know her attitude.

Hope everyone else had a better Valentine's Day than I did :)

[chelseaf]

LH, I'm glad they got it to stop!!! That must have been scary having everything happen so fast and being taken by ambulance to another hospital. Good thing those babies are big! And, that is very rude about the office person. You should have told her good thing you did! Keep up the rest and I will be thinking about you!

[Tink]

Lighthouse- how scary!! Glad they were able to stop the labor. How did you handle terb? I had to have 2 injections of it w/ my pg with Owen at 20 weeks. It made me super shakey. And even though it's shorter, 3cm cervix is still awesome! I was actually surprised yours had stayed so long w/ twins! DO they have you on any oral meds now? Hang in there lady....you can keep these two cooking a bit longer...I know it!

[leeann38]

LH - oh my goodness! What an idiot (the office lady)!! Some people should just stay home and NOT work, or a least pick different jobs. LOL Glad everything is ok right now. My SIL went into preterm labor around 28 weeks and she was able to get to 32 weeks before her water broke. My niece didn't even need help breathing or anything. I'm hoping that you make it to your 34 week goal!

[Cac0115]

omg lh! Sounds like you had quite the weekend! I think I would've snapped a little at whoever answered the phone b/c they should know better than to say things like that to patients! I hope you do tell the doctor about her! I hope you can keep those lo's in for a while longer--and it is a good thing they are so big!

[lighthouse830]

I can't sit here too long, so I'm just going to respond to everyone in one long post instead of personals :) I hope everyone is doing great!

I have a doc appt tomorrow with my reg OB, so I'm definitely going to let him know about the attitude I received from his staff while I was in the hospital!

I had a very detailed u/s with the MFM doc and he estimated the babies to each be closer to the fiftieth percentile in weight, or a little over 3 lbs each (instead of a few ounces shy of 4 lbs each), but he still said that they had excellent weights. It wasn't a 3D u/s, but it was so clear that you could see the twisting of the umbilical cord even. She didn't venture down to their genitals because she said we'd definitely see what they were if we looked there LOL...

I have been reading up on preemies a lot since we got home because I'm not sure how far we'll make it. We made it to 30 weeks today (yay!) and I'm taking this 2 weeks at a time for now- so 32 is the next one that I'm looking forward to. From what I've read, 32 is a good mini-milestone because of less issues in the NICU. 34 is our major milestone to reach though.

The terbutaline was terrible. I was shaking so bad from it. I was nauseous from the contractions (that happens to me in early labor) but the shaking and the heart pounding and the ambulance ride didn't make it any better. I started the steroid shots at the first hospital so that could have played a role in the discomfort of the meds. I got the terbutaline & steroid at the same time right before leaving. About 20 minutes or so later I got another terbutaline. After that they said they couldn't give me any more of those injections and they put me on a different med that was a pill form that didn't affect me nearly like the terbutaline! They stopped the pill when the steroid shot had reached its efficiency (24 hours after 2nd shot) and told me that they wouldn't be giving me any more drugs to stop labor. They were going to give me mag sulfate if the pill didn't control them enough, but the pill slowed me down to 4-5 contractions per hour, so I was okay. I had to be off the pills without getting more contractions for the night before they let me go home and I passed. :)

My water has never broken prior to active labor, so I don't know what the odds of that happening are on the 3rd delivery spontaneously. That's a fear of mine now though because they said once that happens, it's game over... babies are here within a day.

[Ishall]

Lighthouse, I'm glad those LOs are staying put. Congrats on 30 weeks! And I agree, your cvx legnth is awesome! I haven't been 3cm since I was like 18 weeks, so I think as long as you stay off your feet, you should be in good shape. Good luck hun. Hang in there!

[RedReba]

LH - Hope you are still doing well and keepin those little babies cooking!!!

Hello everyone!! I am going to join the 3rd tri board now!!!! I am not officially 27 weeks, but I am confused because some books and my Dr. says 25 weeks is 3rd tri and others 27 weeks. I decided based on the fact baby will come almost 2 weeks before my due date, I am in my 3rd Tri!!! So I will watch and post on both boards!!!

[Cac0115]

well either way- yay reba! Did I miss you posting a scheduled cs date?

afm- I had another appt today- pretty much uneventful, I go back to the mfm wednesday for my f/u u/s and she told me in 4 wks I'll be starting nst's once a week to to be sure since I've had so much trouble with my asthma.

[trying hard]

lighthouse - How terrifying that must have been for you!! I'm glad to hear that things have settled down and those little ones are staying put. Take care of yourself over the next few weeks :)

[lighthouse830]

IShall- I am very pleased that we're still at 3cm length :) I started out with almost 6cm, so I'm lucky I was an overachiever with the cervical length from the get go or else I don't know what I'd be at now! I saw the pic of you with your daughter in the pic thread- so adorable! You must be feeling like you're ready to go!

RedReba- Why are they scheduling a c-section? I guess it's great that you won't have to deal with those last two super uncomfortable weeks of pregnancy... or wondering when labor will start :) I always heard 27 weeks is 3rd trimester, but it doesn't matter- you're more than welcome to hang out over here with us! :)

Cac- How's the asthma doing? It's already hard to breathe when you're pregnant, never mind adding that into the mix! I start the regular NSTs at 34 weeks I think. I just started to see an MFM since my hospital stay, so I'm looking forward to the more detailed ultrasounds! :)

Tryin- I'm hoping to get at least to where you are now- 32 weeks :) How are you doing?

[RedReba]

I am having a scheduled C-Section, we will set the official date in 4 weeks after another u/s, but the week of May 16th is what we are looking at. I am having a c-section due to a thin uterus wall and low plecenta. My Dr. is concerned becuase my uterus has had problems for a long time (several cysts, tumors, etc.) and vaginal birth could cause one of the old scars to split.

I am fine with it since this baby is big. Also I just want my health and the baby's health to come first.

Thanks for the welome, I figure I will mix between the 2 boards.

LH - Way to keep those babies in. Also, 3cm for cervix is great!! I saw on the other boards that the nurse may have slipped, but also she could have you confused with someone else. Hope it can be a surpirse till they come.

[leeann38]

I get to schedule my c/s at 28 weeks :) Well, my 28 week appointment, that is. LOL The c/s won't be until 39 weeks, so it will be between May 18th and 25th I guess. I'm trying to think of what a good day will be. I will be in the hospital for 4 days. I had Makenna on a Monday and got out Thursday. I'm not sure if it would be better to have it later in the week or just go for another Monday. I guess it depends on when my doctor is on call. They are a bigger practice and I have gotten to see the same dr (the one that did my last c/s) this entire time instead of rotating through them all again. It's been really nice. I also don't know if I should go with the earliest I can or wait until almost 40 weeks. Makenna was a really good sucker/latcher and I sometimes wonder if that's because she was born almost 2 weeks late. Maybe that had nothing to do with it, though... who knows!

[Cac0115]

lh- 3cm sounds great! My asthma hasnt been as bad lately thankfully! It's just from all the trouble I've had so far that she wants to be careful.

reba- I can see why your doc would want to schedule a cs instead of risking a scar splitting!

birdling-you've been kinda quiet lately! how you been doing?

dh had asked if men get the nesting instinct friday night(his sister and I had told him some men do)! He said he's been getting the feeling of just getting everything done lately himself! I think the most ironic thing is though that I had just gotten an email saying how some men get that feeling also.

[katiejill]

Leeann- Brett came at 38 1/2 weeks and came out hungry LOL. He was a great latcher. We will probably have the baby within days of each other. Almost over here!!!!!

[Lizzy83]

LeeAnn, I'm a scheduled c-section. I didn't get to pick the date they just told me. 1 week exactly early from my due date. April 15 at 7:30 in the morning. It's a Thursday.

[Darlin]

I am officially into the 3 tri now, my how time flys!! i have an appt on Thursday and then will get u/s once a week at 34 wks to check the her size since I have GD. We finally got the baby's room done. I will post some pics later when I get some taken.

[leeann38]

Darlin - so jealous of you getting the baby's room done!! I made some progress cleaning out our extra room today. We have the lumber and drywall for the closet, so that's a start. Dh is laying the ceramic tile in the bathroom today, so I'm hoping the bathroom is done in about a week, then it's time to do Kelsey's room! I just hope that all the work is finished like 4 weeks before she comes so I can organize her clothes and stuff. I have a lot of clothes to go through of Makenna's.

[Darlin]

Leann - I hope that the projects finish in enough timne for you to feel organized. This is my first and all I could do was set up the room, now it seems like forever until my babyshower. Can't wait to see what I get.

Can't wait to see her again. My husband is starting to nest now, gives me a little break. Hope everyone is doing well.

[lighthouse830]

Red- that's a very good reason for the c-section then! I wouldn't want to risk something like that with a vaginal delivery.

Leann- I think for your own sanity you should schedule it earlier rather than later. The last couple weeks of pregnancy are miserable :) Does your hospital have a lactation consultant on the weekends/? Mine doesn't, so if I had the option, I'd rather have the baby on a Monday so that the hospital LC is on duty the whole time I'm there just in case I had issues. Every baby is different (with positioning, latching, etc) , so your experience breastfeeding may not be the same each time you have a baby. I know it wasn't for me. Don't worry, you'll have the nursery done in time- you've still got a couple months. :)

Cac- i definitely think men get the nesting bug a bit too. My hubby has been so concerned about getting the carseats in. We ordered them a couple weeks ago and we were waiting for them to come in and he kept saying, "we need the carseats!" every few days. When we were in L&D last weekend and they thought delivery was imminent, after the docs left he turned to me and said, 'we don't have the carseats yet' and i was like, 'what? we can't take them home for at least a month- that is the least of our concerns!' I called BRU last night and they said that they had arrived and I'm wondering why they didn't call me when they came in?!? It could have saved me from listening to him going on about the carseats for the last couple weeks!

katie- you're almost here! Congrats!

lizzy- a tax day baby! I've seen those cute bibs that say tax deduction- that would be fitting for you guys :) April 15 is my 38 week mark, so that is the end of the pregnancy for me too if I make it to then! (I really hope they come out before then though!)

darlin- congrats on making it to the 3rd trimester and getting the room set up :) I'd love to see pics!

AFM, I go to the docs on Thursday, so I'm excited to see the level II u/s again- it's so much clearer than my regular ones!

[Cac0115]

lh- lol for your dh worrying about the car seats first! My mo got someone to pick up the crib and they put it in the basement-dh HAD to bring it up last night(and we're in a 3rd fl apt!) I can't wait to see the new pictueres of the lo's!

Darlin- congrats on makin to the 3rd tri! we're setting up the baby in our room(in an apt without an extra room!), so really I guess the room is "set up" since the bassinet is together, but I couldn't wait for my shower and bought most of the big items-and some little ones too!

Leeann- you're pretty much here--yay a day in advance! I hope you get enough time to get everything organized without feeling too rushed(but then again nesting always makes you feel rushed!)

afm- I'm flipping exhausted! IDK how monthly did it for so long, but my wonderful standing shifts are wearing me out! It probably doesnt help that I get home at 1am and then I'm at around 630 to get Alex ready for school! Most of us are getting new beds today, so I'm stuck up waiting on them until dh gets back from dropping off ds(we both work evenings). The advantage to the new beds though is I got other people up and helping with the cleaning for a change!! I noticed that dh is starting to feel the itch I've had yesterday- he not only had to bring up the crib but also HAD to but the batteries in the bassinet to play the music and kept telling everyone to go by him so he could show them!

[leeann38]

Lighthouse - you are so smart! I bet you are right about the lactation consultant. I didn't even think about that. Then again, I had Makenna on a Monday. My nurse WAS the LC... they did it that way so I could have help, but I actually didn't need any with Makenna because she did really well. I'm not sure how this time will go - I know it will definitely be different!

[birdling]

Hey everyone! Glad to see all you ladies again. I am so tired all the time and have been reading but not posting. Leeann, Darlin, and Red -- welcome!

I got nothin' lol ... just wanted to pop my head in and say hi! :)

[leeann38]

I'm thinking that dh will finish the bathroom in the next week. Therefore, I think we'll probably break ground in Kelsey's room next weekend. We still need to finish the outside of the bathroom (mud the drywall seams and repaint my entire dining room and up the stairs), but I want to do that once we get most of Kelsey's room done. I'm hoping that will get done before she arrives. It should if I light a fire under dh. :) I don't think her room is going to take long once the closet is in - just some paint and then we'll get carpet installed. Then the ball is in my court to organze away - and boy do I have clothes to organze... all the way up to size 18 months-2t. LOL

[Darlin]

Sounds like you guys are making progress and still have a ways to go too. I hope that you are able to get it all done. All of the changes sound exciting.

AFM - at home with DH toay, he had a reaction to some meds and was having dizzy spells. Figured I needed to stay home with him in case he falls. Seems to be getting better thank goodness. I have an appt tomorrow, nothing major though.

[RedReba]

Leeann - Hopefully the bathroom gets done so you can work on baby room.

So today I found out my blood type I had been told years ago was wrong. Not sure how it was missed but also glad to have it right. I had been told back when I had knee surgery I was O+ (I was 14). Then I had other surgeries and if they recorded something else I was never told. When filling out paperwork I always put O+ and never questioned it. my OB's office ran more bloodwork, it was a test based on being O+ and they came back inconclusive (not sure the tests) so they typed me agian at my last apt. Guess what I am O-!!!! This is a huge deal esp. since my DH is O+. I had to go in for antibody tests today and they are going to call me, but probably on Friday I have to go get my RH shots.

I am glad they caught it now and not later, but I am kind of upset that after almost 15 years I find out there had been a mistake!!!

Sorry to go on, but it is frustrating. If they had not caught it, I could have built antibodies and prevented being able to carry a baby again. I already have enough issues, I don't need more!!!!

Hope every had a better day then me!

[Cac0115]

wow reba- I'm glad they caught it though! So shot time for you I guess!

Leeann- sounds exciting to nearly be able to start on her room! I still hve everything but the bassinet up in a corner!

afm- I had another u/s 2day he's still small for where I'm at but growing at the same rate as before so the doc said he's normal. He's guessing that the baby weighs around 2lbs 11oz! AND I get a 6th u/s in 6 more wks! I know I'm gettin a little ahead of ymself here, but he's also head down already- I hope he stays that way! I also went to go see my friend who just had her baby yesterday, and she asked me to come back with Alex, so I took him to visit after school today, and he was just in love with the baby! So I may only have a hard time getting him not to hold his little brother all the time!

We're also getting snowed on again! We take public transportation almost everywhere(when we dont have a ride or take a cab) and dh got to the bus stop- some people had been waiting for 40 mins already! So he went back to his job and called me..i told him try a cab..hopefully they make it ok!

[lighthouse830]

cac- good luck with that storm! hope all goes well! 2lbs 11 oz doesn't seem too small for 28 weeks- is the doc concerned?

leann- I'm sure you'll get it done in time- it doesn't sound like a lot left!

redreba- wow, that's great that they caught it in time!!! I would have been upset over finding that out!

darlin- hope your dh feels better!

AFM, I have the appt with the MFM docs today, so we get another u/s :)

[Cac0115]

lh- my doc isnt concerned at all he said he's on the same growth pattern so he's good. I hope ur appt goes well today- try to post the u/s pics!

[Darlin]

I had my appt today, was uneventful, hb was 151. I got to schedule my 3d ultrasound. We go for that on Tuesday. I am excited. There is another girl here at work that is 45 days ahead of me and I waited until she had hers done to see if it would be worth it. I am going to the same place that she did since I have already seen the results and her people are cheaper by $40.

DH is feeling much better, things were scary there for a little bit, but they have his medicines figured out now.

[lighthouse830]

My appt went well today. I had a 2 1/2 hour ultrasound. My back was killing me from laying there that long! They did find that there was calcification of the placentas, so they'll monitor that in 2 weeks when I go back to them. They think it's due to high blood pressure. The placentas looked 'older' than 31 weeks according to the doc, which could pose a problem if they are not growing enough. They'll do a growth scan in 2 weeks again. The babies looked awesome and were moving all about. I still have the excess amniotic fluid, but I'm not sure of the volume exactly. The MFM said normal amniotic level is 1 to 2 liters per baby and mine is a good amount above that for both twins, so I'm carrying more than 4 liters of amniotic fluid- that's two big soda bottles- no wonder I feel like a whale :) I have pics of me today at 31 weeks that I'll try to post, but I don't have a scanner so I can't put in the u/s pics. We got some cute ones today though :) I'm on a biweekly schedule with 2 docs now, so I'm going to the docs every week- just alternating them.

Darlin- glad your appt went well! They tried to do a 3d or 4d whatever its called u/s today but the babies weren't facing in the right direction to get good face shots. Hopefully yours is a little less crammed in there than mine are and they get good pics :)

How's everyone else doing?

[birdling]

Reba -- yikes about the blood type, but glad they caught it!

LeeAnn -- awesome about your progress on the home improvement projects. You wanna come do my house after you're done? :)

Darlin and Lighthouse -- yay for good appointments! Lighthouse, are they worried about the calcifications, or is it just something to keep an eye on for now?

AFM -- found out today I passed my 3-hour GTT!!!! YAY!!! All measurements were within normal limits. :) I feel so vindicated -- take THAT, previous OB!! I knew I wasn't GD even though you insisted I was. In other good news, I've also found a doula! Just have to fill out the paperwork (and pay the money, lol). Next up is finding a chiropractor ...

[RedReba]

Birdling - Congrats on passing the 3hr GTT!!!! Chiro are great wne to one yesterday and it felt so much better I slept for almost 10 hours last night!!

Happy for good appointments!!!

Doing well, but think I slept too much yesterday so up late tonight!

[leeann38]

I finally went and had my 1hr glucose screening test done yesterday. LOL I pushed it about as late as I could! That orange stuff gave me such heartburn! Blah!!

Cac - so I just did a search for baby weight. Babycenter says the average baby weighs 2.22 pounds at 28 weeks, which is about 2 pounds 3.5 ounces, so I'm not sure what your doc is talking about! LOL

[lighthouse830]

birdling- congrats on finding a doula AND passing the glucose test! :)

red-How did you sleep for 10 hours without wetting the bed? LOL.... that's great that you got good sleep!

leann- I agree, that orange stuff is nasty. I swallowed it in a few gulps to get it over with!

[RedReba]

Lh - I slept 10 hours in the 12 hours in bed. I got up to pee and fell right back to sleep 3 times and then had to get up and eat cause my tummy was screaming, but wnetback for 2 more hours. I never can fall asleep agian once I wake up but this time it was easy.

Last night did not get much sleep since I started to cough really bad. It is a really deep chest cough, but no other cold symptoms. It is weird and i am not sure if I am sick or just having trouble with breathing.

[lighthouse830]

red- ok, that makes sense LOL- I was thinking you had a bladder of steel :) I hope that your chest cough doesn't turn into anything. I've had the 'pregnancy sniffles' for a long time, but luckily nothing worse in at least a few months.

[RedReba]

Well the cough is now horrible chest congestion to go with the pregnancy sniffles which are not any worse then normal. The chest being tight and the wracking coughs are just miserable. I wich I knew what I could take for it, but the Dr. office has not called back. tomorrow I am going to go to my PCP and see if she can help since my OB is out all week and his PA is not returning calls.