Tuesday, March 23, 2010

At this point we are considering camping out in the birth center parking lot

Just a short update following my 36 week OB appointment today. First, I had the pleasure of scaring the crap out of all the first-time pregnant women in the waiting room who stared wide-eyed at my belly as I waddled by -- no doubt worrying that they too would soon need their own ZIP code. I resisted the urge to smile and say, "Yeah, and I'm only 36 weeks along."

Then I had the ultrasound. The boys are still measuring big, although not as freakishly as at the 32 week appointment.

Twin A: Just under 7 lbs (80th+ percentile)
Twin B: 6 lbs 4 oz (60th-70th percentile)

The sonographer confirmed that there is a 20% margin for error on these estimates, and even more so with twins because they are so smooshed that it's hard to measure accurately. So who knows, perhaps they will fit into their preemie outfits after all, even if just for a week.

My OB is off this week, so I saw another doctor in the practice. I decided to request a cervix check, even though I was afraid that knowing would cause more anxiety for all of us. As it is, I can't take a sharp breath at home without my Mom and DH grabbing for the car keys. "If you are sure you want to know..." the OB said, "...you are 5 centimeters dilated."

My Mom asked the doc if there was any amount of dilation (besides 10 centimeters, natch) that would cause her to admit me sooner for a C-section. "Nope," she responded. "I had a woman who walked around at 8 cm for a week. Even though we are doing really well, it's better for the babies to stay in a bit longer. They are still premature."

Then she added, "It just makes a difference in how fast you drive to the hospital when labor begins."

GULP.

I am debating whether to go to preschool with my Mom and Bean tomorrow morning. I know the more I push myself physically, the more likely I am to go into labor. Everyone is asking me if I'm "ready." As far as nesting goes, I think we have pretty much everything we need for their arrival. Emotionally? Yes and no. I am definitely tired of being breathless and uncomfortable, walking like Gumby and wondering what's happening in the world beneath my giant belly shelf. But I don't want to rush the boys. Obviously their health is my top concern, and I have no problem enduring this for a while longer because it benefits them.

Plus, although I may be excited to meet them, the thought of having major surgery and then bringing home two newborns to care for at the same time... well, let's just say that's a pleasure that I'm perfectly willing to wait for.


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18 comments:

K said...

At 37 weeks you will be full term right? At that point can they schedule your C-section. One of my friends was in a similar situation and they had a scheduled C-section for the day she hit full-term. She ended up going in a day sooner on her own- but the date was already set. a kind of mental date to shoot for.

Glad to hear that the babes are doing well!

Nicky said...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- 13 pounds of baby is a whole lot of baby. I'm amazed that you're still waddling about.

Michelle said...

WOW I am so surprised that you are still pregnant. You are AWESOME!!!!

Coffeegrljp said...

Those are some big boys! Wow! I can't believe you're already 5 cm!! I'm still amazed at what the human body can do!

Kate said...

Hope they decide to join the party soon without extra effort on your part!

Beautiful Mess said...

WOW! 5CM and you're still going strong! Way to go YOU! 13 pounds of baby is A LOT of baby! Glad you're doing well, despite the heavy breathing (you might be able to get a job for that)and the big shelf. Hang in there, love. I can only imagine how hard this is on you mentally and physically. Sending you lots of love!
*HUGS*

..al said...

Congrats on making it to 36 weeks!

Am so happy that the babies are doing good, and I sure hope that continue to stay in as long as it takes for it to be completely okay for them to be out!

You look beautiful.

Erin said...

WHOA!! Hang in there!! OMG 5 cm. When I was 5 cm dialated with my son I already had an epidural in and then gave birth an hour and a half later.

I can't imagine how scary this is for you...the thought of going into labor very fast.

You're doing great!!

AJ said...

You are amazing!!

Nadine said...

I've been wondering so much what is happening with you - M and I (we both read your blog) were figuring you were gone into labour! Hang in there - you're doing FANTASTIC!

MrsSpock said...

Holy crap, to both you being 5cm and still walking around, and to the lady who walked around at 8cm for a week.

Would they schedule a 37-week section?

Mrs. Gamgee said...

5cm??!? Wow! I think I'd be jumping for the keys if I heard you take a quick breath too!

You know, you and Traci (ifOptimist) are my heroes! You guys are just totally rocking the whole twin pregnancy thing with strength, humour, and a ridiculous amount of patience!

Jen said...

I keep stalking your blog waiting for a birth announcement. I'm not sure you can ever be completely ready for a baby's arrival, especially not two when you already have a toddler at home! I'm still 5 weeks away and freaking out...with just one baby and one toddler.

And yeah, if I saw you in the waiting room, I'd probably gasp too.

Lisa said...

I thought for sure you went into laboring! All of that siting and stuff! Those are big, awesome kids!

Sarah said...

Oh how I wish you wouldn't have resisted to say you were only 36 weeks!!! Oh, to see their faces, that would be priceless!!! ;)

Remember how much work it took to get to 5cm with Bean? Man! So if you end up being like that lady and walking around at 8cm, and then went into labor, what are your choices? If the babies are no longer breech and you went into labor, would they allow you to continue delivery vaginally? I mean, worst case scenario, if it happened so fast, could you have them without harming yourself and your babies? Besides already having made the choice to do a c-section, to ease your mind so you don't "park out in the hospital parking lot" - would you be safe if you got caught in traffic and arrived at 9.5cm? Maybe your doctor's answer could help you breath a little easier from now until the labor starts.

Still praying and am thrilled you are on your way to 37 weeks!!!!

Love ya!

Stephanie Faris said...

Eeeek! Having never given birth, I've never experienced that but that would be tough...knowing you were getting more and more dilated but all you could do was wait!

Hollyween said...

Wow, I have to say I'm surprised at how well you're hanging in there and I honestly thought today's entry may be a birth announcement. 5cm?? You must feel like you're about to die.

Hang in there, toots. And yeah... maybe sleeping at the hospital ain't such a bad idea.

Michele said...

WOW!!! At 5cm, I was being prepped for my c-section! I am so impressedthat you are walking around!