Monday, May 23, 2011

I'm about there...maybe?

Hey Everyone,

  31 weeks and 4 days...I could probably count up how many hours and minutes pregnant I am at this point, any pregnant lady would tell you the same once they have made it this far. Being anxious and nervous makes these last weeks agonizingly long!

July 1st is my new CSection date, but me nor the doctors believe I will make it to that date, and the surprise factor is killing me! I'm the kind of person who, even at 26 still begs to know what I got for Christmas weeks (even months) in advance...so not knowing when theses girlies are going to make their debut has me crazy with anticipation, especially after last week!

Last week I spent 2 nights thinking "tonights the night" while being stuck in a hospital bed away from my family (which was very difficult for all of us). I was sent to the hospital due to regular contractions coming every 5 minutes. I have began to dilate but we determined this was preterm labor rather then the real thing. I was given an injection to stop labor, the side effect was rapid heart rate. If you read my last blog you know that I need no help raising my pulse, so this medication sent me in to a full on panic/anxiety attack...these attacks also have occurred due to Chloe' being so high. So after wearing an oxygen mask, and various medications we got everything under control! While there I was also given steroid injections (oh my, I would take months of hormone injections over the 2 steroid injections I received) these were very painful but well worth it. They were given to boost lung development in both girls incase of a preterm delivery, which is looking likely.

I'm finally home and with the help of a handful of medication for the contractions, anxiety, iron problems and acid reflux things seem to be under control. I spend a lot of time in bed, trying to relax due to doctors orders but it's difficult with everyday life is going on around you. 

My husband has been tremendously amazing throughout this difficult time and has proven again and again to be my rock. My girls hated having mommy in the hospital so even at 2 and 3 they take it easy on me (most of the time) I can't wait until these twins are born and I get that pay off of two smiling daddies and a normal summer spent with my family...I miss trips to the zoo and the park, but for now I'll take it day by day and hope for the health of these beautiful baby girls they stay safe and snug for a few more weeks!

My next doctors appointment is Wednesday followed by an ultrasound next week, I'll keep you informed!

*as most know, there was a devastating tornado that hit Joplin, MO. During the beginning stages of this surrogacy process I relied heavily on a woman, wife, mother of 2, surrogate who resides in this town torn by a deadly tornado. Please pray her and her family is safe and surrounded by help during this time of disastrous weather!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Unexpected turn!

Hey Everyone,
  Finally, I have reached the 3rd trimester...and like the beginning of this pregnancy, things have proven to take a turn for the worst! 
  2 weeks ago I was experiencing contractions, so after my routine check up I was sent to the hospital for some fetal monitoring as well as blood test. Everything came back fine...just dehydrated. The blood work showed that I am in fact anemic ( I was a 6, normal is 12). Other then a daily iron pill I was instructed to go about my day to day life, no biggy!
  A week later I had a standard ultrasound, the babies looked good, but once again baby A is showing her stubborn side and is slowly slipping off the " average " size scale. There was no immediate threat, just something we would "keep an eye on" I left feeling pretty good and very anxious to have these two perfect babies and be reunited with their dads!
  Today, well today there was a twist! I went in for a weekly routine visit, the doctor was pleased with how things had turned out. I measured 39 weeks (typical for a twin pregnancy), both fetal heart rates sounded great, and finally we had a CSection scheduled for July 7th at 7:30 a.m.  Before leaving the doctor noticed that  even a small task like holding a conversation made me winded. He asked if I had am problems breathing and I mentioned that just walking to the bathroom made my heart race as though I just ran a marathon. I figured having two babies inside me, and being so large at 30 weeks this was pretty normal. He, as a precaution decided to do an oxygen intake count. My oxygen levels were great (90) but my resting pulse was extraordinarily high (200, 150, 140...normal for a pregnant woman is 90-100) he then explained that the iron pills weren't working fast enough, and with the anemia my heart is working extra hard to pump my very thin blood causing a shortness of breath. If I am struggling the babies are struggling, so this is pretty scary stuff. I am at high risk for heart failure, and a emergency CSection would usually be the next step...however, due to the anemia it's not safe to undergo surgery. So, what do we do now...

I have been ordered on strict bed rest (impossible with 2 toddlers). And I'm can not so anything that my raise my heart rate! I go to the hospital next Wednesday for a Biophysical ultrasound to check the vitals of both girls, followed by an appointment to discuss what needs to happen from this point forward. The scheduled CSection will likely be moved up a week or two, and we will decide what needs to be done in the meantime. As of now I am shaking in my boots and hoping among all hope for the best possible outcome...after all, this pregnancy went from awful to perfect in a matter of weeks, maybe that same luck will strike once more?!

  I have a wonderful group of friends, and a terrific husband, with their love and support I know the next few weeks will work in the favor of all involved. I am in close contact with the dads too and their main concern at this point is my health and well being...the compassion and understanding they willingly lend me is all the more reason I feel so great about giving them this gift of responsibility and parenthood!      

Thanks so much for your kind and caring words! I am eager to update you on this situation so keep following this amazing and unexpected journey!