Things looked good so to speak... she isn't ready. Being stubborn is more like it if you ask me. I had another NST today... Abigail's reading was great... my reading showed a lot more activity than previous times... but still no contractions. I only gained a pound since last Tuesday and I had a big lunch today, 2 glasses of water and half a milk shake (the last item) was to ensure more movement on Abigail's part today. So I am not sure if lunch weighed me down or if that weight is pretty acurate. They didn't check iron levels today ~ said the iron level won't change that much in a weeks time... Yeah for no needle pricking today!! He did move my due date up, but nothing for me to jump up and down about... The due date is now May 20th... WOW!!! a whole days difference. He also guessed for her to weigh about 6.5 to 7.25 lbs as of right now. LOL Even with things looking good I do have two appointments next week. (I hope that doesn't mean anything is serious) I have an appointment on May 6th @ 2:30 PM and on May 8th @ 10:00 AM. Even though I want Abigail here now I am trying to focus on other things to pass away the time till she makes her debut.
My sister-in-law is doing well. She has an appointment this Thursday. Can't wait to know the outcome of her visit. She is due Nov. 24th.
On May 10th, I have another baby shower to attend. My father-in-law's step daughter is due to have a little boy and she is due July 13th. So there will be a baby shower for her and her soon to be son. I am so excited for her.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Well ... today is another day
I will have another Dr.'s appointment today at 1:45.... I wonder what he will say. I am hoping for excellent news... News of Abigail being here soon. It is becoming increasingly difficult to move about and I feel so very sore and also so very tired most of the time. Sleep exists of small catnaps whenever I can get them, including at night. If I am not up because I have to pee, well then I am up due to being in pain, or an uncomfortable position to find to sleep in because of the size if my pregnant belly. Even with all this, and me wanting her here so badly... I know that the longer she is in there the better chance she has even if she is considered full term...Will update when I get home.
Friday, April 25, 2008
News... Good and Bad
I posted here earlier that my sister in law (Brian's sister and her husband) was expecting twins. For those that read my blog here is what is now taking place. Please keep Johnna and Edward in your thoughts and prayers.
I had my second ultra sound today 4/24/08 and we found out I am only having one baby. Baby A is doing really well with a heart beat of 182. Baby B however isn't growing and had no heart beat. I was told that it is a "Vanishing Twin." Edward and I are still excited and we hope that our family and friends are still just as excited. Please keep us in your thoughts and in your prayers.
Answers to frequently asked questions about Vanishing Twins
In recent years, enhanced use of ultrasound early in pregnancy has increased the frequency of diagnosis of twin pregnancy, and unfortunately, has produced a heightened awareness of the phenomenon of Vanishing Twin Syndrome
Here are the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about this condition.
What is Vanishing Twin Syndrome?
Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs when one of a set of twin fetuses apparently disappears from the womb during pregnancy, usually resulting in a normal singleton pregnancy.
What really happens?
One of the fetuses in a twin pregnancy spontaneously aborts, usually during the first trimester; the fetal tissue is absorbed by the other twin, the placenta, or the mother, thus giving the appearance that the twin "vanished."
How is it diagnosed?
Here's a typical scenario: A mother undergoes a routine ultrasound early in her pregnancy, for example at six or seven weeks gestation. Two fetuses are detected. The mother is told she is having twins. When the mother returns to the doctor six weeks later, only one heartbeat can be heard with a Doppler scan. Another ultrasound is performed. Only one fetus is identified.
In other cases, a pregnant mother experiences symptoms that would seem to mimic miscarriage; however the single baby in her womb remains unaffected.
How often does it happen?
Scientists have confirmed that the number of twin conceptions greatly outnumbers the number of actual twin births. Some estimates offer that 1 in 8 people started life as a twin, while in reality only 1 in 70 actually are a twin. In "Having Twins," author Elizabeth Noble claims that 80% of twin pregnancies result in the loss of one or both babies. Other studies predict that Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs in 21 - 30% of all multiple pregnancies in the United States. It is estimated that Vanishing Twin Syndrome will play a role in 50% of assisted ovulation pregnancies.
Why is it happening more frequently?
Although it would seem that incidences of Vanishing Twin Syndrome are increasing with alarming frequency, it is simply that the detection of the phenomenon has increased. Advancements in ultrasound technology allow modern doctors (and parents) the exciting opportunity to peek into the womb. As more doctors routinely use ultrasound in the first trimester, more multiple pregnancies are identified. And a certain percentage of those will be affected by Vanishing Twin Syndrome. In the past, many women experienced VTS without ever knowing it.
What causes it?
Just as there is no clear attributable cause for most miscarriages, there aren't always reasons or explanations for the loss of a fetus in a multiple pregnancy. In some cases, the fetus is in viable due to chromosomal or placental abnormalities. Some studies suggest that because these abnormalities are more common in older women, Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs more often in mothers of advanced age. Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs with equal frequency in mono zygotic and di zygotic twins, although the complications of sharing a placenta between monochorionic mono zygotic twins may contribute to the condition.
What are the symptoms?
There might not be any symptoms. However, some mothers experience some mild cramping, bleeding or pelvic discomfort, similar to miscarriage. Decreasing hormone levels may also indicate that one fetus has been reabsorbed.
What is the treatment?
Generally, neither the mother nor the remaining fetus will require any kind of medical treatment. When VTS occurs in the first trimester, the mother usually goes on to experience a normal pregnancy and delivers a healthy singleton. However, in situations where a fetus dies in the second or third trimester, the mother may experience pre-term labor, infection or hemorrhaging. In those cases, doctors will prescribe treatment appropriate for those conditions.
I had my second ultra sound today 4/24/08 and we found out I am only having one baby. Baby A is doing really well with a heart beat of 182. Baby B however isn't growing and had no heart beat. I was told that it is a "Vanishing Twin." Edward and I are still excited and we hope that our family and friends are still just as excited. Please keep us in your thoughts and in your prayers.
Answers to frequently asked questions about Vanishing Twins
In recent years, enhanced use of ultrasound early in pregnancy has increased the frequency of diagnosis of twin pregnancy, and unfortunately, has produced a heightened awareness of the phenomenon of Vanishing Twin Syndrome
Here are the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about this condition.
What is Vanishing Twin Syndrome?
Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs when one of a set of twin fetuses apparently disappears from the womb during pregnancy, usually resulting in a normal singleton pregnancy.
What really happens?
One of the fetuses in a twin pregnancy spontaneously aborts, usually during the first trimester; the fetal tissue is absorbed by the other twin, the placenta, or the mother, thus giving the appearance that the twin "vanished."
How is it diagnosed?
Here's a typical scenario: A mother undergoes a routine ultrasound early in her pregnancy, for example at six or seven weeks gestation. Two fetuses are detected. The mother is told she is having twins. When the mother returns to the doctor six weeks later, only one heartbeat can be heard with a Doppler scan. Another ultrasound is performed. Only one fetus is identified.
In other cases, a pregnant mother experiences symptoms that would seem to mimic miscarriage; however the single baby in her womb remains unaffected.
How often does it happen?
Scientists have confirmed that the number of twin conceptions greatly outnumbers the number of actual twin births. Some estimates offer that 1 in 8 people started life as a twin, while in reality only 1 in 70 actually are a twin. In "Having Twins," author Elizabeth Noble claims that 80% of twin pregnancies result in the loss of one or both babies. Other studies predict that Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs in 21 - 30% of all multiple pregnancies in the United States. It is estimated that Vanishing Twin Syndrome will play a role in 50% of assisted ovulation pregnancies.
Why is it happening more frequently?
Although it would seem that incidences of Vanishing Twin Syndrome are increasing with alarming frequency, it is simply that the detection of the phenomenon has increased. Advancements in ultrasound technology allow modern doctors (and parents) the exciting opportunity to peek into the womb. As more doctors routinely use ultrasound in the first trimester, more multiple pregnancies are identified. And a certain percentage of those will be affected by Vanishing Twin Syndrome. In the past, many women experienced VTS without ever knowing it.
What causes it?
Just as there is no clear attributable cause for most miscarriages, there aren't always reasons or explanations for the loss of a fetus in a multiple pregnancy. In some cases, the fetus is in viable due to chromosomal or placental abnormalities. Some studies suggest that because these abnormalities are more common in older women, Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs more often in mothers of advanced age. Vanishing Twin Syndrome occurs with equal frequency in mono zygotic and di zygotic twins, although the complications of sharing a placenta between monochorionic mono zygotic twins may contribute to the condition.
What are the symptoms?
There might not be any symptoms. However, some mothers experience some mild cramping, bleeding or pelvic discomfort, similar to miscarriage. Decreasing hormone levels may also indicate that one fetus has been reabsorbed.
What is the treatment?
Generally, neither the mother nor the remaining fetus will require any kind of medical treatment. When VTS occurs in the first trimester, the mother usually goes on to experience a normal pregnancy and delivers a healthy singleton. However, in situations where a fetus dies in the second or third trimester, the mother may experience pre-term labor, infection or hemorrhaging. In those cases, doctors will prescribe treatment appropriate for those conditions.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The last of the Baby Showers
At 3:30 yesterday, I had the last of my baby showers. This was a diaper shower thrown by the Freshman Academy at Crescent High School. There were lots of diapers given and Abigail got some more clothes, toys, a bumbo, a gift card, a gift from India, and a photo album, as well. The principle stood up and gave a speech and then Brian did and then I was asked to (not my forte at all ~ giving speeches, but I think I did OK). The outpouring of love that Brian and I have received at all three baby showers is very overwhelming for me at times and also very emotional (in a good sense). I know that Abigail is loved and wanted and it shows in part through all the things she has received, the well wishes for her dad and I and the involvement shown through family, friends, and coworkers.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
News from Dr. Rivera...
Several things are starting to take place:
My weight still looks great.... 16 lbs gained during the total pregnancy
My iron ~ not so great; it dropped from 10.1 to 9.1 (I guess this is part of the reason I am tired).
Abigail has started to come down and right now seems to be head down... YEAH (hoping for a vaginal birth). This was the pelvic exam... these will start coming more often too.
He said, "May is just around the corner," and he is so right.... She can come now though. I am starting to have Braxton Hicks...
I had a NST (non stress test) this was good this time around too... she was a little stubborn about moving the number of times she needed to within the time frame... Abigail~ your mama is telling you it is uncomfortable to lay for 30-40 min in that position on those beds/tables. Next week you better act right.
My weight still looks great.... 16 lbs gained during the total pregnancy
My iron ~ not so great; it dropped from 10.1 to 9.1 (I guess this is part of the reason I am tired).
Abigail has started to come down and right now seems to be head down... YEAH (hoping for a vaginal birth). This was the pelvic exam... these will start coming more often too.
He said, "May is just around the corner," and he is so right.... She can come now though. I am starting to have Braxton Hicks...
I had a NST (non stress test) this was good this time around too... she was a little stubborn about moving the number of times she needed to within the time frame... Abigail~ your mama is telling you it is uncomfortable to lay for 30-40 min in that position on those beds/tables. Next week you better act right.
Well, I have another Dr.'s visit today. I do know I will be required to watch the C-section video. (Joy joy)... I am so not wanting one if I can help it, and I would be thrilled to go into labor after midnight tonight if that could be at all arranged ~ Abigail. I am sure I will have another NST (non stress test) today... I have been having them weekly for quite some time now. I guess they will check my iron levels too. I am praying for a good result there, but unless I am supposed to be this tired; I am guessing my iron levels are down again. Either today or next Tuesday ~ I will find out when they will start doing the pelvic exams... Great...! One more thing to look "forward" to. Abigail get here quick please....
I have my last baby shower today... It is at 3:30 and this baby shower is being thrown by Brian's coworkers at Crescent High school. Every baby shower has brought Abigail plenty of wonderful and nice things... Even things for us (the new mom and dad to be). Family, Friends, clients, and coworkers have been so very gracious. I don't know how to thank them all enough. For those of you reading this blog that do not know us personally or the trials and tribulations we have been through (six miscarriages) you need to know one thing for sure. Abigail as been a prayed for, prayed over baby and her mom and dad are overjoyed by the abundance and outpouring of prayers, thoughts, well wishes, and gifts.
I have my last baby shower today... It is at 3:30 and this baby shower is being thrown by Brian's coworkers at Crescent High school. Every baby shower has brought Abigail plenty of wonderful and nice things... Even things for us (the new mom and dad to be). Family, Friends, clients, and coworkers have been so very gracious. I don't know how to thank them all enough. For those of you reading this blog that do not know us personally or the trials and tribulations we have been through (six miscarriages) you need to know one thing for sure. Abigail as been a prayed for, prayed over baby and her mom and dad are overjoyed by the abundance and outpouring of prayers, thoughts, well wishes, and gifts.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Dr. Hart
Brian took the day off today so the we could go meet with the pediatrician... WOW what a great guy/Dr. He took about an hour of his time to go over plenty of things with us and made sure if we had any questions to answer them. He went over family history with us and really made us feel at ease. Here's to hoping that he is good with Abigail, as well.
Brian also headed to St. Marys today to get the needed paperwork for us to attend the baptism class May 13th. So on his day off he is trying to get lots of work done along with all the grading he has to do today. LOL ;)
Brian also headed to St. Marys today to get the needed paperwork for us to attend the baptism class May 13th. So on his day off he is trying to get lots of work done along with all the grading he has to do today. LOL ;)
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