Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Unpredictable

Today I went for a biophysical profile (which is a type of ultrasound), cervical length measurement, and a non-stress test (NST). The biophysical profile went well. The babies looked good.

The cervical length measurement was really what Andy and I were most concerned about, considering the last measurement went from 39mm to 24mm in a two week period. Only to add on the ultrasound tech thinking our babies were going to be born in two weeks. Eek! It has been a full week since the last measurement at 24mm. Today's measurement was 22mm!!! This was excellent news to my ears!!! I feared for worse. Only losing 2mm in a week is God looking out for the babies. I go for another biophysical profile and cervical length measurement in one week. I'll keep you posted on how many millimeters are lost next week. This is just so unpredictable. :)

The NST went well too. I don't enjoy these very much. I think because monitoring can take awhile and lying there becomes uncomfortable. Basically three monitors are strapped on to my stomach and the babies heart beats and any contractions are recorded on a print-out graph. Doctors are able to look at the print out over the time period the monitoring took place to see if the babies are good to go or if something else needs to be done or checked out. My NST was good, so I was done with testing for the day. I go for the next NST on Friday.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas 2008

Well, this is the final Christmas that Jennifer and I will be sharing before the twins arrive. We are very excited that our daughters will be arriving in the coming weeks. Jennifer has quite an appointment schedule coming up including a non-stress test tomorrow. I'm guessing she'll get a great parking spot the day after Christmas at 8am.

Anyways, Merry Christmas to everyone and thanks so much for all of your prayers and support. We (and the babies) appreciate it greatly.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Lots of News

Today I went for an ultrasound, non-stress test, and maternal fetal medicine doctor visit. The ultrasound went well. The ultrasound technician estimates that each girl is about 4 1/2 pounds. Both girls are now head down which would allow for a vaginal birth if all other criteria are met at delivery time. Looking at Baby B's profile (Abby), the tech commented that this baby looks like me. Andy commented, "she has a Nelson nose." She also mentioned cervical length was okay. It has definitely shortened. Two weeks ago it was at 39 mm. Today it was at 24 mm. I lost 15 mm in two weeks. If it was at 20 mm or lower, that would have been a different story. She thinks our babies will be born in two weeks, both weighing over 5 pounds.

The non-stress test was interesting. This is used to monitor heart rates and contractions. Everything seemed okay and no contractions were recorded. A clicker was handed to me to record when I felt movement during this testing time.

The maternal fetal medicine doctor thought everything was okay. He has in his mind, moved me from "low" high-risk to "moderate" high risk. I have been having my cervix checked every two weeks. At this appointment he moved it up to one week. He mentioned that if the cervix did seem to thin too quickly, I would be admitted to the hospital and given a steroid injection for the babies' lungs and other medicines if needed.

If the ultrasound technician is right about having the babies in two weeks, I'll be 34 1/2 weeks which is early. However, approximately half of twins are born before 37 weeks (full term). Time will tell. God isn't early or late. He's always on time and I'm trusting that when the babies are born, that is the time God has chosen for them.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Week 32

Today is the beginning of week 32. Both girls should weigh around 4 pounds a piece and are definitely starting to feel cramped. Sources say beyond this point, their weight gain will start to slow down because of the lack of room.

In terms of stretch marks...I have visible marks around my belly button and on the bottom/underneath section of my baby mountain. Yes, were past bump and moved to mountain.

Overall, I feel great. Maternal-fetal-medicine doctor said at the last appointment that we're trying for a 37 to 38 week pregnancy. I see him on Tuesday as well as have my first non stress test done.

Andy and family are very protective of me. They prefer me not to be out with the snow and ice; at least by myself. Falling wouldn't be good. They want me to take it easy and Andy is now doing our grocery shopping. They care. :)

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Rachel and Abby's Mom


Jennifer Lee Nelson

Jennifer was born to William and Norma Nelson on August 18th, 1978 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She entered the world at 3:45 a.m. weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Rachel and Abby's Dad


ANDREW WADE SWARTZ

Andy was born to Gary and Pat Swartz on March 10th, 1975 at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois. He entered the world at 6:18 p.m. weighing 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Doctor Appointment

Today I had a doctor appointment/ultrasound. First, the ultrasound was done. Both babies looked good and cervical length was on target. Then, I had the doctor visit. Weight and blood pressure were good and he didn't seem concerned about anything. I asked about weights of the babies and he said that they're where they should be. On December 23rd, I start going to the doctor twice a week. I also start Non-stress Tests at that time too. Non-stress tests will monitor fetal heart rates.

Only having seen two of the possible doctors that might deliver our babies, I inquired about the "on-call" schedule. During week 36, Dr. Johnson is on-call. Andy and I have never met this doctor. During week 37 (full-term), Dr. Foggie is on-call. We have met her. She is young and newer to the group. We like her very much. I didn't ask for a doctor name for week 38, just figuring I probably will not go that long.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Miscellaneous Info

This past Saturday, I spent time putting all the shower gifts away. I didn't think it would take that long. I was wrong. Our girls received so many things! Andy, myself, and the girls are blessed because of the generosity of so many. These girls are stocked up with clothes, diapers, wipes, toys, bath supplies, etc.

I am 30 weeks and 3 days and have gained 36 pounds. My weight when I found out I was pregnant was 134 pounds. Today I am 170 pounds. I weigh almost as much as the average man! This is a good thing though. :)

Tomorrow I go to the perinatologist. It has been two weeks since I've seen him. Hopefully he will have all good things to say. I'll blog after the appointment and let you know what I find out.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Rash Progress

Well, it's been two weeks now since I noticed that I had developed a rash on my stomach which gradually spread as time went on. I used the calamine lotion like the primary care recommended. I never took the benadryl though. When I saw the doctor on Friday, she was glad the rash was getting much better. She said it wasn't infectious to others or the babies. Therefore, she did not make any referral to a dermatologist. Since Friday, I have been using Dial Hypo-allergenic soap and Gold Bold Ultimate Healing Lotion with Aloe. I must say it appears the rash is going away. My stomach, chest, neck, and arms look great. My legs are on their way to being healed as well. I don't have the intense itching that I was experiencing. The itching in general is practically gone. I am so thankful. I don't know if I had an allergic reaction to something or if the Lord healed me. Either way, I'll take it and I'm grateful.