We had another great check up yesterday. I am now 14 weeks and 4 days along. All three babies are growing on schedule and as far as they can see at this point, they are healthy and developing normally. Each is approximately 9 cm in length and weighs about 4 oz. The appointment started out a bit rocky though, as we had an ultrasound tech that, while cordial, said almost nothing as she scanned, checked and measured the babies. This was SO different from the previous tech who had been friendly, chatty and had literally nararated our way through the ultrasound. Our standard nerves turned into absolute panic as the tech continued in near silence. I asked, "do they all look okay?" and her answer was, "I'm still working on Baby A." Okay, rephrase. I asked, "Do they all have heartbeats?!?!" Her answer? One word. "Yes." Relief washed over me, but it left Jeff still terrified, and he proceded to spend the remainder of the ultrasound antsy, anxious and as he told me later, praying and bargaining with God about what he would do/give up in exchange for healthy babies! I later learned he nearly offered up coffee! For those of you who know Jeff's love and addiction for coffee, that's big. :-)
Fortunately, the doctor then came in and completely put our fears to rest. He said they're all looking
great. He also told us that our ultrasound tech was "old school" and had been strictly trained by some previous doctors to just get in, do the scan and measurements and get out without saying much to the patients. We're very lucky that the doctor himself is very warm, confident and reassuring, so things ended well at the ultrasound.
I then proceeded downstairs for my other appointment with my regular OB, who monitors everything else...my weight, general health, etc. and will ultimately do the delivery. I've gained a total of 10 pounds, which she said is about right for this point. We discussed at length that I'm still not feeling very good, and eating is a total chore. I learned that during a pregnancy like mine, my stomach empties VERY slowly, about
8 hours for a normal size meal! No wonder I'm never hungry. She instructed me to eat tiny little meals (essentially snacks) every few hours, and gave me pointers on the types of foods that are easiest to digest. She also advised me to drink 4 liters of liquid a day (is that possible???), which aids in digestion but is also important for things like my quickly increasing blood volume, etc. I'm giving that a shot starting today, and hoping that it will help.
We also discussed delivery dates, and that in all likelihood these will be August babies. She absolutely will not let me go beyond 36 weeks, at which point they would be essentially full term and there are really no further benefits to keeping them in...and the risks to me go up exponentially. Assuming all goes well and we continue without complications, we will most likely greet our little ones at around 32-34 weeks - early to mid August.
While both doctors are very happy with my progress, they both warned of the challenges to come. With each week, the risk of spontaneous miscarriage goes down considerably, but the risk of pre-term labor now goes up. No rest for the weary! I was also warned that as the symptoms of fatigue and "morning" sickness improve, they will be quickly replaced by the discomfort of the physical strain of carrying three babies. My favorite quote from one of the docs was, "Your head may be excited about this, but that's only part of your body that thinks this was a good idea." Hmm. While I know it's coming, it's still hard to imagine because I'm barely showing...not even wearing maternity clothes yet. Everything is getting a big snug, though, so I think I'll be doing some shopping this weekend!
We are so very grateful for how well things are going, but will continue to need everyone's prayers each step of the way! We appreciate how supportive and excited you all are for us.
Another check up, another gold star for the three little Burkes! The doctor's assessment was that "All the kids are looking really good." Yippee! They're each now approximately 8 inches long and weigh about 8 ounces. They're in a period of rapid growth at the moment, doubling in size between 16 and 19 weeks. The ultrasound was fun again today, as we had the chatty, friendly ultrasound tech who narrated throughout. Space is tight enough now that we can no longer get a shot of all three babies in one screen, but we got a pretty good look at each one individually. Photos attached.
I am now 17.5 weeks along and feeling much better these days. I continue to have to eat very small, frequent meals to avoid indigestion, but the 1st trimester nausea is all but gone. Whatever I'm doing is working, because I've gained EIGHT pounds since my last appointment 3 weeks ago! I never thought I'd be excited about pouring on the weight like that, but I actually smiled when I saw the number of the scale. The really weird thing is, a few of my pre-pregnancy pants still (sort of) fit, with the use of a rubber band to bridge the gap in the waist. However I really am starting to show, depending on the outfit, as evidenced by the picture I attached. My biggest limitation at this point is energy level. I can really only take a few hours of errands or other activity at a time, and then I need a rest. On average I sleep 9 or 10 hours a night, usually waking up three or four times for a bathroom run or to get more comfortable. I'll enjoy that while it lasts!!!
Since things are going so well, we decided to take what will likely be our last childless leisure trips for a few years. Jeff has a meeting in San Diego next week, and we're going in a few days early for some fun and family time. We'll see Jeff's brother Greg and his family who live there, his brother John and wife Lisa who will conincidentally be visiting there at the same time, and hopefully Deanna's cousins Kelly and Kristen who live in SD as well. We're also considering a quick jaunt up to Minneapolis around Memorial Day to see family and friends. After that, I will likely be staying close to home and doctors for the remainder of the pregnancy.
As I mentioned in a previous update, given the averages, these babies will likely be born sometime in August. We were curious what we're looking at for a hospital stay for the babies depending on when they're born. The doctor said if they're born around 32 weeks (the average), and all else is normal, we're looking at around 4 weeks in the Neonatal ICU (NICU). At 34 weeks, that would decrease to only a week or two (again, assuming no complications). If I can make it to 36 weeks, there's a small chance they could come home when I do, or just a little longer.
So, please pray for a continued smooth road as it has been so far, no complications, the continued growth and strength of the three little ones, and a long gestation! The longer we can keep those babies in, the better the outcome. Our love and thanks go out of all of you for your prayers, emails, phone calls and encouragement. It makes a huge difference!
