This pregnancy has taught me a lot, two of the important lessons- expect the unexpected and breathe.
Just breathe.
Andrew and I have told each other that a lot since the beginning of this adventure.
5 weeks ago we visited a high risk OBGYN, Dr. Berry Campbell. The appointment is standard at 20 week gestation in a twin pregnancy. Up to this point we have had few complications other than ongoing nausea and vomiting. Upon arrival at the appointment We were feeling confident and happy. All of the nurses told me how great I was doing, everyone was kind and complimentary. Andrew and I were excited to see the Ultra sound to say hello to our little babes again. Once we began the Ultra Sound the mood in the room changed a bit. Everything became heavier and Andrew I were both alarmed when the tech texted the doctor to come in.
At that appointment we were told that our girls had something called twin to twin transfusion. Basically, they were receiving uneven amounts of blood from the shared placenta. One baby had too much and the other too little. The condition was in the beginning stages but if it continued to progress baby a would be at risk for anemia and baby b at risk for heart failure.
On top of this terrifying news we were told that my cervix was shortening and that I would need to go on strict bed rest right away.
"You mean, go to work and come straight home and rest for the night?"
Not at all. Go home, lay down and only get up to use the bathroom, take a shower, and make a sandwich for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Devastated does not begin to describe how we felt in that moment. It was all too much.
So, for the last 5 weeks I have been on my back or at a 45 degree angle. Andrew has been waiting on me hand and foot. My mom has become a maid. The school where I work had to scramble to fill my classroom and thankfully they came up with some work I can do at home to earn a little income. I have basically been a shut in besides our on going visits with the high risk OBGYN. It has not been easy but somehow we are all maintaining sanity.
The great news is the girls condition has improved. The fluid levels seem to the leveling out and they are both growing beautifully. Also, thanks to rest my cervix is back to normal and the fear of preterm labor has subsided. We have gone from ultra sounds twice weekly to once a week and we have almost reached a point in gestation where the twins could be born and have a viable chance at life. The midwife told us to focus on 28 weeks and that every day after that is a bonus. We are 25 weeks today.
It has been an emotional roller coaster where all we can do is follow doctors orders and breathe knowing everything will be okay.
In the 25th week:
Weight gain: 30 lbs!
Cravings; bacon, fruit, caramel delights
Sickness: still lingering
