Calling all twin mamas :)

[Nanette56]

Hey ladies!!! Just wanted to check-in on everyone and see how things are progressing for ya'll.

Also, I had a question, and figure you all might know the answer. Nothing serious, just curious

Does fundal height mean anything in a twin pregnancy? I mean in singleton pregnancies, I know it can be pretty relevant- transverse baby, too little amniotic fluid, too much amniotic fluid...etc, but with a twin pregnancy, it just seems pretty useless? My M/W still checks it- I was between 22 and 23 cm at 16 weeks 3 days (Monday). I just don't get the relevance, and forgot to ask Anyone know?

PS- We can keep this thread going if ya'll want, so we can keep track of one another and ask some twin-related questions There seem to be a lot of us in this DDC!!

[Liora]

I would love to keep a thread like this up!

I don't know about fundal height since they aren't even measuring mine. I see a maternal-fetal specialist so they must not think it matters.

How is your pregnancy going? I've been SOOOOO sick. I've been in the hospital twice for fluids. It has kind of been hell (albeit a happy hell).

I'm also having horrible heart palpitations called benign PVCs. They are really scary but not dangerous I guess.

I keep waiting for that second trimester energy boost. Nope. I'm sick less (like once per week) but I'm still tired all the time.

How about weight gain?

[Nanette56]

Yeah, that's my guess too, it's not really reliable for anything.

I never imagined carrying twins would be this hard this EARLY. I mean the m/s was one thing- I was seriously spiraling into a depression there for a while. I'm with you on the vomiting- now down to about 1-2 times per week, and really only when I don't eat frequently. But everything else too- the back and rib pain, the swollen feet, the emotional craziness- are you getting any of that? The heart palpitations sound like they suck! Hopefully they won't last the whole pregnancy.

I have not gotten the energy boost either! WTH? I got home yesterday and said I was going to sit down "real quick" before doing the laundry and woke up on the couch two hours later . Have you been able to get anything done? Like nursery-wise or shopping-wise? I don't even feel like going out! As for the weight, I've gained about 20 pounds so far But m/w is happy with that, so I guess it's ok.

I keep reminding myself how WORTH it this will be in the end! I'm normally not whiny and can suck it up, but damn this pregnancy is HARD!

[Liora]

I'm totally with you. I've been just miserable compared to my first pregnancy. I'm so thrilled to be pregnant with twins but it is really hard!

Headaches? I'm getting them every day!

Are you going to find out sex? I have and u/s 11/9 and we can't wait to find out. We know ours are DZ so we could have bb, gg, or bg.

[Nanette56]

I'm just getting over a 3-day headache- it was horrible- I didn't have these with my last pg. Thought it may have been BP, but that was normal. Weird!

Mine are also DZ! We have our sono right on the 18 week mark- 11/5! I'm so anxious, even though it really doesn't matter much to us I can't wait to hear your results mama!

[Liora]

Oh, btw, I haven't gained any weight and I'm concerned. I'm overweight to begin with and I lost weight while pregnant with DD but it seems like a bad thing with twins. I'll be talking to my OB about it at my next appt. I'm sure I'll be able to eat more if I could just NOT feel sick for 5 minutes.

[babygrey]

ooo, I wanna come play in the twin mama thread, too!
I'm really bad at posting these days- I mostly check MDC from phone in bed and it really isn't worth the effort to try to post my phone typos.

Nanette- I'm seeing MFM right now and they don't measure my belly, either. I'm pretty sure it means nothing this early on. I can feel my fundus right above my belly button, tho.

I agree w/ you both- carrying twins is HARD WORK. I feel like crap. all. the time. I'm still puking daily, but they upped my Zofran again last week and it has been a bit better (but, oh wah, the constipation). It makes me sad, bc I really enjoyed both of my other pregnancies and this one, blah. Liora, I've also been in the hospital a handful of times for fluids and IV meds. No fun, sorry you've been there, too. PVCs sound terrible!

Nanette, I've been waiting for that energy, too. My house and my kids could sure use it. I haven't done ANYTHING to prepare for these babes yet, TBH. and we have some serious re-arranging of the house to do. I'm kinda scared to do anything this early. Personally, think I'll feel better preparing closer to viability. Also- since I've been neglecting everything in my life for, oh, 16 weeks :P, I've plenty to keep me busy.

I have the headaches, too. I can't find ANYTHING to help. Supposedly r/t rapidly increasing progesterone- like, during a fetal growth spurt.

Liora- I haven't gained any weight, either. I'm still under pre-pregnancy wt. You and I both read the same book in the beginning, I remember, (tho I don't remember what it is called...) the one that really stressed nutrition and whatnot? I was really stressed about weight gain as well. I talked to the peri about it last week and he basically said he doesn't care what the scale says. He knows the studies I'm talking about and he doesn't think their demographic is balanced and that, basically, there are too many factors to consider (pre-pg nutrition status being the biggest) to worry. So, I'm trying to not worry.

We have DZ twins, too. Baby A is a We were told B was a girl at one US, then a boy a the next one... soooo... our next US is at 18-19weeks. We'll hopefully have an answer then

My quick ? for you mamas, then gotta run- what are your birth/careprovider plans?

I was planning to switch to a HBMW a few weeks ago, but bailed on it bc I'm still so sick and I was bleeding. I really, really, really wanted a HB this time, but, IDK In my state, only unlicensed MWs can do twins, and there's really only one who will and she has all sorts of rules about position for delivery... we can't really afford either a transfer or shadow care, and it seems like the possibilities for needing to transfer to OB care, either in the 3rd tri or in labor are way higher and less predictable with twins... I'm thinking we may just birth w/ my MFM doc. He's pretty much the only one in my state who'll consider a breech vag twin B... even then, you have to deliver in the OR and it is against policy to not have an epi in place (tho you can sign the waiver for general). I'm just bummed is all. I have pelvic adhesive disease and, for real, the LAST thing I need is more abdominal surgery.... (with the, of course I'm all for c/s if it is necessary disclaimer )

okay, this is turning into a long question- basically, I would love to hear how you arrived at your care/birth decisions if you're there and don't mind sharing...

[babygrey]

okay, one more question-

Both of you have home dopplers, yes? Can you find both HBs? How can you tell you have two different beats?

I can only find one HB. I've only ever been able to get one HB. My MFM doesn't try bc they've just ultrasound me instead, so I don't know if it is me, or baby position or what.. but it is kind a bummer bc it actually stresses me more to hear one than not hearing any and assuming they are both there.

[Nanette56]

Originally Posted by babygrey

My quick ? for you mamas, then gotta run- what are your birth/careprovider plans?

I was planning to switch to a HBMW a few weeks ago, but bailed on it bc I'm still so sick and I was bleeding. I really, really, really wanted a HB this time, but, IDK In my state, only unlicensed MWs can do twins, and there's really only one who will and she has all sorts of rules about position for delivery... we can't really afford either a transfer or shadow care, and it seems like the possibilities for needing to transfer to OB care, either in the 3rd tri or in labor are way higher and less predictable with twins... I'm thinking we may just birth w/ my MFM doc. He's pretty much the only one in my state who'll consider a breech vag twin B... even then, you have to deliver in the OR and it is against policy to not have an epi in place (tho you can sign the waiver for general). I'm just bummed is all. I have pelvic adhesive disease and, for real, the LAST thing I need is more abdominal surgery.... (with the, of course I'm all for c/s if it is necessary disclaimer )

okay, this is turning into a long question- basically, I would love to hear how you arrived at your care/birth decisions if you're there and don't mind sharing...

I was wondering where you were mama! Well I got some shi$$y news today, which prompted THIS decision on care/birth decision made AS OF TODAY. I cried and cried and cried and realized the stress just wasn't good for the little ones. Once I'd set my mind to U/C HB, everything in me just calmed... Anyway, read this thread if you want my plans. I feel like I'm making the right decision. If circumstances change, I'll go back to hospital birth, but for now, I'm stickin' with this: http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1276152

Originally Posted by babygrey

okay, one more question-

Both of you have home dopplers, yes? Can you find both HBs? How can you tell you have two different beats?

I can only find one HB. I've only ever been able to get one HB. My MFM doesn't try bc they've just ultrasound me instead, so I don't know if it is me, or baby position or what.. but it is kind a bummer bc it actually stresses me more to hear one than not hearing any and assuming they are both there.

I do have a doppler, and I guess I'm lucky in their positioning. I am able to find them both on the doppler, because I know exactly where they are. One h/b is a lot faster than the other. But from what I understand it's sometimes pretty difficult to find two h/b's according to my m/w. One is likely just in a weird position that doesn't enable you to hear him/her properly. I know it's hard not to stress about it though. If it takes me longer than a few mins to find one of them I start freakin' out. Who the hell invented dopplers anyway?!

[Nanette56]

I have a question for you ladies. What's your Blood Pressure like?? I have to go in tomorrow for a BP check because I did it today (at home) and it's 141/87. It has been steadily increasing since August 116/74 September 124/74 October 132/84, and then today's high reading. We want to nip it in the bud right now, so I'm putting myself on a strict diet of fruits, veggies, no processed or fried foods or white starches. Do you all have any BP concerns with the amount of blood we're all carrying?

[Liora]

Mine has been high both times I was in the hospital (like 146/99 yikes!) but it went down with fluids/pain relief. At the doctors it is high for me but not dangerously high. I think last time I was 133/91 which is high for me (I've had readings of 80/74) and honestly so much other stuff was going on I didn't ask about it and she didn't say anything. At my next appt. I'm going to ask about it.

I also got the Twin hypnobabies MP3 last night! I really like it. They have a hypnosis one (the one I got) and an affirmations one. I think meditation really brings down my bp and helps me envision positive outcomes. They are 9.95 each if you want to check them out.

[babygrey]

Nanette, I'm sorry you got backed into a corner by your careproviders. I'm SO GLAD you have found an option you have peace with- I really think that's one of the most important factors to a good birth outcome. Frankly, that's where I'm struggling- I can't find peace w/ any of my options.
As a side note- why in the world were they testing your urine for gbs @ 17 weeks?!?! Do you have a uti or was it a random check? If it was a random asymptomatic check, I'd sure be worried they were trying to risk you out, anyway.
Doesn't it seem like the whole twin thing amplifies the issues with birthcare in America? I hear you on the no one trained for breeches- that's part of my issues here, too. The peri I'm seeing right now I chose specifically bc he's really the only OB in my state who will do them. That said, he only delivers ~80% of his clients (call) sooooo... anyway, that's my problem... I'm glad you've found an option that works for your family.

-----
ahh, blood pressure. Mamas, blood pressure is my secret nemesis. For real. Here's the RD version:
I was dx last pg as having PIH after my BP spiked post-abruption @ 17weeks. I got sent thru the medicalized pg wringer: hospitalization, mag, meds, bedrest, blahdeblah. No one would listen to me that my BP was FINE when I was at home, and it was FINE when I relaxed. It was all related to stress. They told me my baby wasn't going to be viable after my abruption and had me preparing for a preterm stillbirth. Every time I went to an appt, I thought they were going to make me stay and she would die. I was streeeessssed out.
Finally, at 30 weeks, they were planning to deliver DD w/o any real indicators besides my BP number when I was at my appt. So. I quit my CNM and OB and my meds. I got out of bed. I found a HBMW who believed me it was stress and my BP went down w/o meds. It was fine the rest of my pg. It returned to normal after birth, but it still spikes pretty badly when I'm ill or in pain.

However. I had a life-threatening hemorrhage at DD's 41week birth likely d/t high blood pressure. My BP was sky high during delivery (pain). If I hadn't been at home, I most certainly would have been on mag or a c/s birth.

So, did I really have blood pressure problem? Not sure, TBH.
I had a whole plan w/ previous MW about how we were going to handle my BP this pg... except she doesn't do twins. of course.

Fastforward to now- my BP the first time in hospital was icky 160/100ish, but went back to normal after fluids. My BP at my appt last week was creeping up, like 130/90ish. I basically broke down and told OB that if he dared med me over one or even a few numbers I wasn't staying. He was actually great about it.
So, IDK. I know PIH/pre-e are much more common w/ twins. I know pre-e is a REAL SERIOUS thing for some moms. I know I have at least a predisposition to BP issues. I also think pre-e is overdiagnosed and the treatment is insanely aggressive for those moms on the borderline. But, IDK how it is going to play out this pg. I'm trying to keep my mind open about it. I was doing LDA in hopes of prevention, but I stopped w/ my bleed for obvious reasons.

Liora- I'm going to try those tracks. I have some tracks we made specifically for me last pg, but they are really specific to DD's pg. Thanks for the advice.

*whew* I'm gonna go destress now.

[poopzmom]

Hey not in your due date club I am due in may, but as a twin mama I wanted to come cheer you on Being pregnant with twins is not fun, but mine are 2 now and they are the best of friends so it was so worth it. Keep growing those healthy babies and don't let anyone tell you the negative. I got so tired of people telling me that i was going to have small preemie babies by c section. I was discouraged the whole time. And in the end I had an awesome natural birth with great weights. Take care of yourselves and eat lots of protein!

[Nanette56]

Ok, you guys have made me feel better. Liora In the hospital, did they take it with a machine or by hand? It just seems a lot more accurate when they do it by hand. And hospitals stress me out, so could that be part of it? Thanks for the info on hypnobabies. I'm doing hypnobirthing, but I can afford $9.95 for the mediation CD, I could really use it. I just got the "you're going to endanger your babies" speech from my mother, and now she's not talking to me. This isn't gonna help them, or me. I just don't need that kinda negativity right now.

BabyGrey Holy Blood Pressure Batman! Mine was high at the end of my last pregnancy, which was why they induced It really wasn't high enough to warrant inducing, but I didn't know any better. I was only 38 weeks. And THAT is why OBs bother me so much

Poopzmom Thanks for the encouragement mama! It's nice to hear from someone who's BTDT. If I hear another person say, "oh you'll have a c-section" or "you'll never make it to your due date" I'm going to shoot them.

AFM- I went to see my m/w this AM, and it appears that the home bp machine I was using was not calibrated correctly. She checked it, and my BP was 122/74 (yay!) I checked the other arm on my portable machine right after, and it said 145/97! She wants me to go to the fire station and have it checked once a week.

As for the GBS thing, they were checking to make sure the UTI I had a month prior was completely gone, so no sabotage there, I'm really already "risked out" because of the twin thing, but she's going to keep me as long as possible. I'm going to see an OB, register with the hospital, get my pediatrician on board to see them first thing (I don't want the resident ped. seeing them AT ALL). But hopefully will just labor at home until it's "too late" KWIM?

[~Adorkable~]

DDCC to invite you all over the parenting multiples section where we keep a thread going all the time for all ladies currently preggo with twins. It's nice to band together since there is just a handful in each month, it gives us all a chance to learn from each other, please join in!

[babygrey]

had kind of a scare today

Quick AAM update
Had an appt today. Had been feeling "decreased movement" (if you can have that at 17 weeks?) for a week or so. Wasn't super concerned, also, like I mentioned, I've only been able to get one HB... well, turns out it isn't me- CNM and OB could only get one HB, too. They looked for a long time and it was a nail-biting stressful quiet.

They shipped me in for a quick US- can I tell you, the 10 mins of waiting were insanely stressful and made me glad I was at a medical office. Anyway, I just have one naught babe. They're both fine in there. Baby B's placenta is half anterior, and they think that's why I can't feel much lately and why we can't get good tones. Scary tho.

In other news
- still one boy, one shy babe (tho, they only gave a courtesy glance at the "parts" since it was more of a emergent thing)
- My BP was awesome!
- I've gained 6lbs in 10days. Guess that new high calorie Ensure I'm drinking like water is working out for me

k. back for personals later. I'm just needed to share.

[JoyfamMama]

So glad the baby was ok *hug*

[Nanette56]

That's GREAT babygrey! U/S's are so freakin' comforting sometimes. The one I had yesterday was just so great. The sonographer recorded the whole thing again, and gave us like over 100 pics. He's the best! Seeing those little beans wigglin' around in there is easy peace of mind. My little girl was also very very modest, and we had to spend some time waiting for her to flip before he could reassure us it was a little girl. The little boy had it all hangin' out lol. I'm guessing your little "hidey bean" is a girl

And it's good to hear you've gained some weight and you BP is good, those are two of the most important things for us!!

[babygrey]

back for the persies

Thanks, JoyfamMama, it was scary, but I feel totally reassured now. Naughty ones!

poopzmom, so sweet of you to offer such kind words. I actually was feeling really overwhelmed by the negativity and fear issues, and I posted a thread on the Multiples board- all the moms there had such sweet, amazing things to say. Here, if any of you haven't seen it, it is a tear-jerking sweet post:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1275291

Nanette- I LOVE seeing the pink and blue stork in your siggy. Normally, I'm not one for assigning colors, but it is just. so. cute. Secretly, I hope my hiding babe is a girl babe. Originally, I felt BB, but lately I've felt BG and I know you said the same thing, so I'm crossing everything I get to have pink and blue bundles as well!
What an awesome tech you have- they recorded one of my scans (the 15week, the longest) for me, but printed only ONE picture! It seems, this twin pg for me, is lightened by little joyful things like that.
are you going to share some pics with us??
At the scan I had yesterday (16w6d), they told me babes were too big to get good shots of the together anymore. Bummer. Was that the case for you? There's just something magical about seeing them both in the same womb. (Shameless fetus picture sharing- these are two of my favs from my twins together 13 1/2 weeks, almost 15 weeks)


speaking of- Liora, your scan is SOON!! Do you have any B/G hopes or guesses? Besides healthy and perfect, of course

Adorkable thanks for popping in! I totally agree and hear you on the need for community for us pg twin mamas- thank you for setting that thread up. I actually joined the aug chat thread, but didn't get any responses to my intro- I noticed a lot of the early pg moms weren't really involved in the thread and I felt kind of like I was crashing a thread of mamas whose concerns were later pg things and I'm just not there yet and didn't really know what to contribute? IDK, possibly this is all my issue and I just need to get better at inserting myself into discussions

Anyway, April 2011 twin mamas, I totally love this thread bc it is like a mini twin mama DDC. I'd love to keep it up, but I also would be happy to come back over and check in on the twin thread.

[Liora]

Anyway, April 2011 twin mamas, I totally love this thread bc it is like a mini twin mama DDC. I'd love to keep it up, but I also would be happy to come back over and check in on the twin thread.

AGREE!!

My u/s is Tuesday and I'm so excited to find out the sexes. I'm hoping b/g because I LOVE girls and DH wants his boy. Either way though will be wonderful.

The hypnobabies mp3 is really helping with my heart palpitations! They are still triggered by ANY exertion though. When this pregnancy is over I'm going to be SO out of shape!

Nanette, Yes, they use a machine. I wonder if I should request manual? They do manual at my OB office and it has never been high. And Babygrey - I agree with the over diagnosis of pre-e. I don't think they should intervene with only ONE symptom. I mean if you have high BP and protein in the urine or edema then ok. I feel the same way about gestational diabetes. I really don't think I had it last pregnancy. I tested 4 times a day for the last 14 weeks of my pregnancy and I NEVER had a bad number even when I ate sweets. I don't think that drinking glucola on an empty stomach is indicative of my pancreatic health, you know?

poopzmom - Thanks for the words of encouragement. I could use them because this pregnancy has been so much worse than my last. I mean I'm thrilled to be having twins but I"M SO SICK! Ugh!

I'm still concerned that I haven't gained any weight so I'm going to ask about that at my appt. on Tue. But I'm still so nauseous.

AND THE HEADACHES!!! I've had a headache for 2 months. I'm not a pill taker normally (I'm on zoloft) but I've been taking tylenol daily. She gave me a pain killer called fioricet - which is tylenol + caffeine + a barbituate. I'm so disappointed I guess that I'm so medicated this pregnancy (I'm taking phenegren too) but I need to eat for the babies too, right?

Ok, ladies - how about names??? Go!