On Thursday, I had my first appointment with the new perinatologist. Things started as usual, going over medical history with the nurse, and then an ultrasound.
All but one picture I was given are 3-D, so if you find it creepy, sorry. The ultrasound tech guessed the gender of one of the babies, though it’s still really early, and honestly, after a comment we received when we shared Kate’s gender, I’m not sure if we’re going to tell this time, or not.
Babies: both are measuring well, within 2 days of each other (very important) and their heartbeats are great.
The perinatologist was impressive. We covered a lot (most of it was him asking questions and going over the game plan, though he continuously asked me if I had questions, too). Basically every risk with a singleton pregnancy is multiplied 4-5 times with twins. So while there was a great risk of fetal demise with Kate, it’s even worse this time. He wants the twins out by 38 weeks (he said especially because they are IVF twins, which I need to get more clarification on, since I’ve never heard of that before). Though he doesn’t expect me to make it to 38 weeks, anyway. He’ll do the anatomy scan and look for chromosomal issues at my next appointment (17 weeks) and at the 21 week appointment, he’s going to do a fetal echocardiogram. Apparently IVF babies have a slightly increased risk of cardiac issues, again, multiplied risk with twins.
At 32 weeks, if not before, I’ll start BioPhysical Profiles (non stress tests and ultrasounds) once or twice a week. I had them with Kate, and actually found it somewhat comforting to be monitored so closely.
As for travel, the short answer is no. He said that while he doesn’t know what kind of care is offered in Slovakia, he does know what’s offered in the U.S., and it would be too risky for me to travel. We talked about it in detail, but yeah, short answer, I’m not going to Slovakia. He said he “highly recommends against it.” So that’s that.
Tomorrow I see the high risk OB again, and I’m interested to hear her opinion after reading the perinatologist’s report.
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I'm so glad you have such a competent doctor! Its amazing how much stress it takes off of you to completely trust your doc. I'm glad to hear your little twinkies are doing well and sorry to hear you won't be able to head to Slovakia with your husband.
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy all is great and I know it's going to be a bit difficult to be away from DH, hopefully he can come home a bit more frequently. I love the pics and of course you are going to worry every step of the way, but you are in great hands so I'm confident you'll be a mom of three before you know it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great appointment!
ReplyDeleteYou're the 2nd person I've recently read that mentioned IVF twin pregnancies being a higher risk. I'd like to know more about that also.
Sorry that you're not traveling.
Wow, that's a lot of doctor appointments! I've still only had one since coming back to the U.S. and "graduating" from my IVF clinic in Morocco... but while I'm jealous that you get to see your babies so often, I'm obviously not jealous of the risks. (I hope that came out right.) I'm glad that the Slovakia decision has been made, although I still wish that you got to go for at least a few months.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you had another great appointment!
ReplyDeleteGlad the appt went well (sorry about Slovakia). Most of the twins at our hospital are delivered around 37 weeks, earlier if there are complications of course. They are basically term at 36 weeks anyway, so no worries!
ReplyDeleteI am glad your little ones are still doing well.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the continued great progress!
ReplyDeleteGlad the babies are still doing well. Sorry you will have to be apart from your husband for so long.
ReplyDeleteGreat news! Love the pics, the 3D ones always fascinate me :) Hope they both get nice and cosy in there till 38 weeks :) Now I'm curious to know what sort of comment did you get when you revealed Kate's gender lol j/k.
ReplyDeleteAbout Slovakia I'm sorry that you couldn't go with your husband, but of course there are priorities. You were so confused on what to do, so at least now you have a clear answer that can put your mind to rest. Now you can shift your focus to yourself and the babies. Skype, facetime, etc.. are all great ways of keeping in touch with your husband. Maybe the embassy will allow him to travel back home more often?