Wednesday, March 5, 2014
I Am Never Alone!
I know it has been a while since I posted, even life pre-triplets is hectic! Between my last post and now I have had my baby shower, several US and my 1st high risk appointment. We can get into all of that later. Now I just wanted to make a post about the most amazing part of being pregnant with my 3 sweet babies. Sometimes it gets really hard to do this! By that, I mean, being pregnant with triplets. I am in a lot of pain and have been for weeks now. And even though it is manageable, it never really dulls. It actually has gotten worse lately because of how big I am growing. Sometimes I get discouraged. But then something happens that changes my mood. One of my sweet babies kick or move or punch. In that moment, I know I'm not alone. It's while I'm working tirelessly, trying to figure out why I keep coming to this place every day. Then I feel a movement and I know it's because I have to provide for my babies as long as I possibly can. Being tired isn't an excuse because I have years of tired ahead of me. This also happens when I'm awake at night stressing. Or counting baby clothes! Just a little reminder that my whole life now revolves around these babies! Being pregnant with triplets is no cake walk but I am blessed. Besides the growing pains, I have had a complication-free pregnancy so far! I know there will come a day when I won't be able to say that but I know it could be worse and could get worse! I promise to post some updates. Maybe even tonight if I can't sleep again!!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Halfway There: Week 17 Recap!
Hello! Welcome to the halfway mark (all 40 fingers and toes crossed) of triplets. Our birth plan is to get to 35 weeks. Let me just say, pregnancy flies by. I mean just yesterday we found out we were pregnant and now, in 17 weeks they will be here! And I know I have fallen behind and haven't posted the genders yet. I am still working on the post and I'm hoping to have it posted this week!! So here is how week 17 went :)
What’s going on with baby?
- Boo babies should be measuring 5 inches and weighing 5 oz. Even though at 16 weeks, all 3 babies were weighing in at 6 oz. So they are already bigger than they "should" be at 17 weeks. YAY for chubby babies!
- The babies are starting to suck and swallow this week.
My details:
Weight gained: Have no idea. Last weigh-in, I was up 13.2 lbs. I don't have a scale at home (on purpose) so they only weight checks I get are at the doctors' appointments. But my stomach def. stretches more and more every day!
Workouts: Sadly, none since about week 5. I haven't really had the desire to do anything other than yoga and I still haven't taken the initiative to do that. I feel like between work and everything I am doing at the house, working out is the last thing on my mind. Plus, with all of the pelvis pain I am having, I don't think any extra "hard" workouts would help. But that's not to say I don't miss it and don't look forward to the first run I will have after the babies are here and I'm all healed up!
Labor Symptoms: None and hopefully there are none any time soon!!!
Movement: These babies are movers, for sure!! I've been feeling them move since about week 15 but it gets stronger and stronger every week.
Food Aversions/Cravings: No real aversions still. Craving; muffins. I don't care what kind of muffin, I just want a muffin every day. Also, peanut butter and banana shakes!
Sleep: This week was actually ok sleep wise. A few nights I had to get up to use the bathroom but other than that sleep was ok. Even with my cold!!
Fun Things from the week: Going out this weekend and playing darts and watching the Superbowl!
Belly Button In or Out? ALMOST OUT!! If I take a deep breath, it comes out!
Wedding Rings on or off? On still but getting a little snug.
Happy or Moody most of the time? Happy for the most part.
New Baby Items: The crib came in along with the mattress. Mesh bumpers for all 3 cribs. Lots of breast storage bottles. A few packs of pacifiers. 2 huge boxes of wipes and 4 packs of diapers. The baby shower is on Feb 16th so we will have a lot more then!!
I will be making another post tonight with belly pictures and some pictures from the 16 week US!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Week 16
How Far Along: 16 weeks 5 days
Sleep: Some nights is more restless than others. Also, getting more uncomfortable to lay on my back. Indigestion is another huge issue that is starting to effect me, mainly when I am trying to get to sleep.
Symptoms: Pelvic pain (still waiting on my SI belt), indigestion, severe congestion, and the constipation is back. This week I also developed a boil on my ear lobe that has been taken care of. Hopefully we only have one more week of treatment before it is completely gone. Also, surprise surprise, a yeast infection has arrived. This is the first one I have ever had, and let me tell you I pray it's the last. I started the Monistat 7 yesterday and then will start a round of antibiotics to clear everything up. To put it into perspective, I will be on 5th straight week of antibiotics at that point, 6th week total in pregnancy so far. I've had 2 UTI's and the for the boil I was prescribed a 10-day round, and then for the yeast infection will start as soon as I'm done with the ones for the ear. With pregnancy comes a weakened immune system which brings along infections. I;m not happy about it because I hate taking all this medicine for fear of the babies but I know it is helping them and keeping all the bad germs away!
Cravings: More sweets than savory. Does a craving to do yoga count? And this week it's been muffins. And not being able to decide what I want to eat, ever.
Gender- Wait for the next post!!
Movement: Still very minimum. Sometimes I'll feel stronger ones but still nothing major yet!
Maternity Clothes: Shopping for them this weekend. The belly band is still serving its' purpose over fully unzipped and unbuttoned pants. Not the coolest look but hey, it works and it has gotten me 2 full months without having to buy any extra maternity clothes. But hubby's sweat pants aren't fitting anymore and nothing of mine fits anymore, so it's time to break down and start my new wardrobe!
Best Moments this week: Seeing my babies! They are getting so big (weighing 6 oz a piece!) It's so nice to have Moses at all of the appointments and to share those moments together, like finding out the sex of the babies! Seeing his excitement when he sees his babies makes me fall in love with him all over again. He has warmed up to the idea of triplets really fast, faster than I did actually.
What I'm looking forward to: Our 20 week appointment with the high risk doctors in Iowa City. And then 3 days after that, we fly back home for the baby shower. I am so excited, the guest list keeps growing and his sister from New York is driving all the way down to be there! I can't wait to see my family, my amazing friends and celebrate our babies with everyone. I am torturing my mom and sister because I told them they could see pictures of my stomach again until we fly down. I want it to be a surprise.
Milestones: Making it this far. I never thought about how hard this would be and is going to be on my body and mind but I am so happy to get to experience this journey. I know there are so many women who would trade places with me, I used to be one of those women! I am trying to enjoy every minute, even the rough days.
Size of babies: From out appointment Monday, all 3 babies are measuring 6 oz. :) That's a total of 18 oz in my belly now. This week's fruit/vegetable is a dill pickle!
Total Weight Gain: 13.2 lbs. Def. time to start buying maternity pants! The doctor says I look around 26 weeks pregnant.
Symptoms: Pelvic pain (still waiting on my SI belt), indigestion, severe congestion, and the constipation is back. This week I also developed a boil on my ear lobe that has been taken care of. Hopefully we only have one more week of treatment before it is completely gone. Also, surprise surprise, a yeast infection has arrived. This is the first one I have ever had, and let me tell you I pray it's the last. I started the Monistat 7 yesterday and then will start a round of antibiotics to clear everything up. To put it into perspective, I will be on 5th straight week of antibiotics at that point, 6th week total in pregnancy so far. I've had 2 UTI's and the for the boil I was prescribed a 10-day round, and then for the yeast infection will start as soon as I'm done with the ones for the ear. With pregnancy comes a weakened immune system which brings along infections. I;m not happy about it because I hate taking all this medicine for fear of the babies but I know it is helping them and keeping all the bad germs away!
Cravings: More sweets than savory. Does a craving to do yoga count? And this week it's been muffins. And not being able to decide what I want to eat, ever.
Gender- Wait for the next post!!
Movement: Still very minimum. Sometimes I'll feel stronger ones but still nothing major yet!
Maternity Clothes: Shopping for them this weekend. The belly band is still serving its' purpose over fully unzipped and unbuttoned pants. Not the coolest look but hey, it works and it has gotten me 2 full months without having to buy any extra maternity clothes. But hubby's sweat pants aren't fitting anymore and nothing of mine fits anymore, so it's time to break down and start my new wardrobe!
Best Moments this week: Seeing my babies! They are getting so big (weighing 6 oz a piece!) It's so nice to have Moses at all of the appointments and to share those moments together, like finding out the sex of the babies! Seeing his excitement when he sees his babies makes me fall in love with him all over again. He has warmed up to the idea of triplets really fast, faster than I did actually.
What I'm looking forward to: Our 20 week appointment with the high risk doctors in Iowa City. And then 3 days after that, we fly back home for the baby shower. I am so excited, the guest list keeps growing and his sister from New York is driving all the way down to be there! I can't wait to see my family, my amazing friends and celebrate our babies with everyone. I am torturing my mom and sister because I told them they could see pictures of my stomach again until we fly down. I want it to be a surprise.
Milestones: Making it this far. I never thought about how hard this would be and is going to be on my body and mind but I am so happy to get to experience this journey. I know there are so many women who would trade places with me, I used to be one of those women! I am trying to enjoy every minute, even the rough days.
Look at that belly!!
I will be posting US pictures in the next post as well as the gender reveal so look out for that this weekend!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Pictures!!
This was around 9 weeks. :) we had just found out about the triplets!
This was at one of my "unscheduled US"
Baby A! Baby A is on the top right.
And Baby C. Baby C is on the top left.
Baby C's profile :)
They were all measuring bigger than the due date! Baby A and C HR was 162 and Baby B HR was 148.
All 3 together! See Baby A kissing Baby B on the head :D
By week 11 I was already wearing a belly band and pants were unbuttoned. Now, the belly band is still in use but maternity pants are in the very near future. None of my pants zip at all and I love in sweat pants unless I'm at work. And fingers crossed we still 19 more weeks to get to the desired 35 week mark!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Pregnancy After Loss
Today, I just want to touch on something I read about yesterday.
http://doublerainbowtwins.blogspot.com/2012/11/pgal-pregnancy-after-miscarriage.html
This is the original post that I found by googling blogs about multiples and reading it brought back so much and also opened my eyes to some things I think I was hiding from myself.
Last year I lost two babies, one in April and one in June. Before April, I never knew the statistics of miscarriage. 1 in 4 pregnancies result in a miscarriage. That is such a high and shocking number! To know there are that many women out there that feel the same pain I felt and still feel every day. She also said there are different ways women handle TTC (trying to conceive) after a miscarriage. Some women will need time to heal and mourn before trying again. Then there are women like me, who start trying again right away. (Even against doctor's orders.) In some ways, I wish I would have fallen into the first category. Although I did mourn and still do, I don't think I ever came to full grips of the situation. There's no sense in looking at it like that though, because I can't go back and change how I handled the situation. But there are several things that are so different from this pregnancy than with my first.
First, I don't look forward to going to the doctor for the same reason. With the first, it was excitement..oh what are they going to tell me new about the baby. Now, I only look forward to them to make sure my babies are ok. My ultrasound tech has even learned as soon as we start to tell me there are three heartbeats. That way I can start to enjoy seeing my babies. With multiples, I think it raises the terror for me. I was high risk before we knew there were three.
Next, every ache and pain is a cause for concern. The first time, I never worried about these things because they were part of being pregnant. Now every little cramp, stretch or kick sends me to the doctor. I have been to 3...yes 3 unplanned US because of one thing or another. One time I ALMOST fell and thought I was cramping more than I should. The other, I passed out at work when my blood pressure fell and rushed to the ER. The third time, I was just uncomfortable and wanted to go. I'm pretty sure the nurses at my doctor's office watch for my number to come across the phone at least every week for some sort of freak out call from the triplet mom!
One of the most important differences, at least to me, between this pregnancy and last is that I can't enjoy it. I don't plan anything for the future. Even buying baby stuff scares me because in the back of my mind I keep thinking, "And what if we don't need any of this." Actually just talking about this point makes me emotional...pregnancy is meant to be enjoyed. Your body is performing a miracle, the miracle, of life. Mine is just doing 3-in-1. And this is what I've wanted for so long. But I can't enjoy it. I can't let go of the worry long enough to enjoy what I'm going through and it's sad. I keep telling myself if we make it to this number of weeks, everything will be ok and I will be able to relax. I know that isn't true it is just something I tell myself to feel normal.
Being pregnant also brings to my attention all the women out there that are still struggle TTC. My heart breaks for them. I have been there, I know your pain. I also know you hidden hatred for pregnant women. Having struggled with infertility and dealt with losses, I know it all too well. I know the thoughts and the comments and I feel so bad. I know women who will secretly say why does she get 3 and I get none. I've had those same thoughts. I know I can't look at it that way and I want to be an inspiration to women. YES it is possible. I know when you are in the struggle you don't believe it but I am slowly reaching the other end of the struggle. I look back at where I was only 16 weeks ago, praying for that plus sign, hoping I didn't have to do another round of fertility drugs! And then when the plus sign comes, then your world fills with doubt and horror. But I know if we make it to the end, it will all be worth it. All of the tears, the loss, the heart breaking agony! When I get to hold my sweet babies.
I count down the days, keep track of it on the calendar and know that every day we get through is another day closer to the goal! Appointments mean so much to me....and I know I am so lucky to get so many. Some women only get to see their babies once before giving birth and I just couldn't imagine that! Every day gets a little better, never easier, but better. And none of this would be possible without the love of my life beside me, holding my hand, and being the optimistic one. He calms me when I become....irrational!
There is HOPE...just don't give up. You never know when you will get your rainbow babies!
http://doublerainbowtwins.blogspot.com/2012/11/pgal-pregnancy-after-miscarriage.html
This is the original post that I found by googling blogs about multiples and reading it brought back so much and also opened my eyes to some things I think I was hiding from myself.
Last year I lost two babies, one in April and one in June. Before April, I never knew the statistics of miscarriage. 1 in 4 pregnancies result in a miscarriage. That is such a high and shocking number! To know there are that many women out there that feel the same pain I felt and still feel every day. She also said there are different ways women handle TTC (trying to conceive) after a miscarriage. Some women will need time to heal and mourn before trying again. Then there are women like me, who start trying again right away. (Even against doctor's orders.) In some ways, I wish I would have fallen into the first category. Although I did mourn and still do, I don't think I ever came to full grips of the situation. There's no sense in looking at it like that though, because I can't go back and change how I handled the situation. But there are several things that are so different from this pregnancy than with my first.
First, I don't look forward to going to the doctor for the same reason. With the first, it was excitement..oh what are they going to tell me new about the baby. Now, I only look forward to them to make sure my babies are ok. My ultrasound tech has even learned as soon as we start to tell me there are three heartbeats. That way I can start to enjoy seeing my babies. With multiples, I think it raises the terror for me. I was high risk before we knew there were three.
Next, every ache and pain is a cause for concern. The first time, I never worried about these things because they were part of being pregnant. Now every little cramp, stretch or kick sends me to the doctor. I have been to 3...yes 3 unplanned US because of one thing or another. One time I ALMOST fell and thought I was cramping more than I should. The other, I passed out at work when my blood pressure fell and rushed to the ER. The third time, I was just uncomfortable and wanted to go. I'm pretty sure the nurses at my doctor's office watch for my number to come across the phone at least every week for some sort of freak out call from the triplet mom!
One of the most important differences, at least to me, between this pregnancy and last is that I can't enjoy it. I don't plan anything for the future. Even buying baby stuff scares me because in the back of my mind I keep thinking, "And what if we don't need any of this." Actually just talking about this point makes me emotional...pregnancy is meant to be enjoyed. Your body is performing a miracle, the miracle, of life. Mine is just doing 3-in-1. And this is what I've wanted for so long. But I can't enjoy it. I can't let go of the worry long enough to enjoy what I'm going through and it's sad. I keep telling myself if we make it to this number of weeks, everything will be ok and I will be able to relax. I know that isn't true it is just something I tell myself to feel normal.
Being pregnant also brings to my attention all the women out there that are still struggle TTC. My heart breaks for them. I have been there, I know your pain. I also know you hidden hatred for pregnant women. Having struggled with infertility and dealt with losses, I know it all too well. I know the thoughts and the comments and I feel so bad. I know women who will secretly say why does she get 3 and I get none. I've had those same thoughts. I know I can't look at it that way and I want to be an inspiration to women. YES it is possible. I know when you are in the struggle you don't believe it but I am slowly reaching the other end of the struggle. I look back at where I was only 16 weeks ago, praying for that plus sign, hoping I didn't have to do another round of fertility drugs! And then when the plus sign comes, then your world fills with doubt and horror. But I know if we make it to the end, it will all be worth it. All of the tears, the loss, the heart breaking agony! When I get to hold my sweet babies.
I count down the days, keep track of it on the calendar and know that every day we get through is another day closer to the goal! Appointments mean so much to me....and I know I am so lucky to get so many. Some women only get to see their babies once before giving birth and I just couldn't imagine that! Every day gets a little better, never easier, but better. And none of this would be possible without the love of my life beside me, holding my hand, and being the optimistic one. He calms me when I become....irrational!
There is HOPE...just don't give up. You never know when you will get your rainbow babies!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Week 15
How Far Along: 15 weeks 2 days
Sleep: I fall asleep relatively fine, around 9PM every night. I would say I actually sleep 5 hours on average. The congestion has been really bad.
Symptoms: Severe pelvic pain, sore back after sitting, difficulty climbing stair, shortness of breath, congestion.
Cravings: Cupcakes! And I am determined to get one today!!
Gender- We know 1 but will not reveal until we know all 3 next week! :)
Movement: A little. It feels like little flutters and Baby A is usually the one doing it. It's nice, for now!
Maternity Clothes: Only my belly band and some longer shirts. I notice my winter jacket is getting more and more snug. Maternity pants are in the very near future since the belly band is now covering my completely unbuttoned and unzipped work pants.
Best Moments this week: Going out with Moses and watching the football game. It was nice to go out and do something that didn't revolve around the babies. Also, getting the baby shower invites printed off and ready for mailing. I will be sending those today for our baby shower on Feb. 16th! :)
What I'm looking forward to: Finding out what we are having next Monday! Hopefully they can get all the babies to cooperate! Also, Going back to NC to see my family and friends and celebrate my babies. I know 20 Weeks is a little early for a baby shower but with having to fly, I would rather go sooner than later. I'm already very nervous about flying, even so early!
Milestones: No accidents or unplanned trips to the ER in 2 1/2 weeks!! :) Plus being able to keep the house cleaned up, even though I would rather sleep than clean. It's the little things that count these days.
Size of babies: The size of a navel orange! Each baby weighs 2.5 ounces and measures 4 inches. That's a total of 7.5 ounces of babies!
Total Weight Gain: It's been about 2 weeks since the last weight check but then we were at 8 pounds. I will guess 10 pounds so far.
Symptoms: Severe pelvic pain, sore back after sitting, difficulty climbing stair, shortness of breath, congestion.
Cravings: Cupcakes! And I am determined to get one today!!
Gender- We know 1 but will not reveal until we know all 3 next week! :)
Movement: A little. It feels like little flutters and Baby A is usually the one doing it. It's nice, for now!
Maternity Clothes: Only my belly band and some longer shirts. I notice my winter jacket is getting more and more snug. Maternity pants are in the very near future since the belly band is now covering my completely unbuttoned and unzipped work pants.
Best Moments this week: Going out with Moses and watching the football game. It was nice to go out and do something that didn't revolve around the babies. Also, getting the baby shower invites printed off and ready for mailing. I will be sending those today for our baby shower on Feb. 16th! :)
What I'm looking forward to: Finding out what we are having next Monday! Hopefully they can get all the babies to cooperate! Also, Going back to NC to see my family and friends and celebrate my babies. I know 20 Weeks is a little early for a baby shower but with having to fly, I would rather go sooner than later. I'm already very nervous about flying, even so early!
Milestones: No accidents or unplanned trips to the ER in 2 1/2 weeks!! :) Plus being able to keep the house cleaned up, even though I would rather sleep than clean. It's the little things that count these days.
Week 9-14
This will be the 2nd and last recap post before we get on to regular, up-to-date posting.
Week 9: Oh my the exhaustion. I had forgotten how exhausting making human life was. With my 1st pregnancy (the ended in a miscarriage), I was so tired getting through 8 hours at work was a chore. Take that, multiply it by three and you may come close to how I felt. Sadly, I don't work at a place that allows cat-naps on the desk but you can bet I tested that out. Some days the exhaustion was so bad, I headed home early just to sleep. Craving: Chocolate milk and sour gummi worms. Not the healthiest but I was drinking about a quart of chocolate milk a day. Even at 15 weeks, I have some every day. Other than that, no real cravings. Maybe if I saw a commercial, I had to have whatever it was. Lol...that was fun. Raisin Bran one time, cupcakes the next. Hamburger Helper...it was like I didn't know I wanted it until I seen it!
Week 10: Same cravings and same feelings this week. My migraines seem to be getting worse and worse. These started back around week 5 and have just gotten worse and worse. I am the type of person who refuses to take any medicine so I just suffer through these. One day this week (I think it was 10W3D) I wasn't feeling good at all and was just concerned overall, so I called the doctor and the squeezed me in for an US. The babies were fine, just my nerves running all over the place. At this point, we know Baby A and Baby C are on the front and Baby B is on the back. Also, they are all measuring BIGGER than my due date! Which is not only shocking to me but to the doctor also! Baby B is measuring the smallest and has the slowest HR of the three but all were in normal ranges. Seeing my babies makes me the happiest woman in the world, even for 15 minutes. I can finally stop stressing and worrying about how they are for just a little while. Also, at this appointment we went ahead and did the pelvis exam and blood test that they usually do at 12 weeks. I got to ask the doctor a few questions I had. How much weight does she want me to gain was one of them. 55 lbs was her answer. I know this sounds like a lot but with a single baby you gain between 25-35 lbs. Then you add 10 lbs per baby.
Around week 10 I began looking into a specialist to handle the babies and I. Not that there was anything wrong with my OB, but OB's shouldn't handle suck high-risk cases. Iowa City had been highly recommended, so I began looking into that.
Week 11: We had a regularly scheduled appointment at 11W2D. This week we did the NT scan, which was the only abnormality test that my doctor felt safe doing. It didn't take long with all babies cooperating and they were perfect :) We then did the measuring and again, they were all measuring bigger than the actual date:
Baby A: Measuring 12W. HR: 162
Baby B: Measuring 11W2D HR: 148 ( my little runt)
Baby C: Measuring 11W4D HR: 162
They were all looking fantastic and going strong. The only issue was I had lost 3 lbs since the last visit. The doctor wasn't too concern, gave my a few pointers on things to add to my diet and said we would keep monitoring it. After that, I went and got Boost Protein Plus powder to mix with my milk. I drink one every few days just to keep up on my protein. I was weighed around week 13 and I had gained back 5. That puts me up to a 8 lb total gain. This was the last time I was weighed since I do not have a scale in the house! Quite a ways from 55 but any progress is good progress.
Week 12: There were really no physical changes this week. I did start feeling some sciatica nerve pain this week so the doctor referred me to a physical therapist. I had 2 sessions this week and we are just starting out slow. Doesn't seem like something I need but I have continued to go just to see. PT is harder with pregnant women because they can't use machines or heat to help with the problem. So you get to do good ol' fashioned exercise to strengthen everything up. Mentally, I am super excited to almost be in the 2nd trimester. This is the longest my body has carried babies and every day I get closer to being in the clear. Also, the shock has really worn off at this point and I am more comfortable with the fact that I'm going to be a mother to 3 babies. How? i haven't figured that far out yet but I know it will all work out. Remember, I won't know any different. My whole child raising experience will be with 3 babies...always.
Week 13: There was a little mishap this week. While attempting to use the bathroom, I got a little light-headed and then passed out. Of course I rushed right to the hospital, thanks to an amazing co-worker for driving me. After 3 hours of test, all they could determine was my heart rate fluctuated in a huge range, but I was told that was ok in pregnant women and I just had to be more careful whenever I stood up or sat down. Also, they found my 2nd UTI of this pregnancy. I have had UTI's pretty frequently in my life, so having them in my pregnancy is no shock. Just a round of antibiotics and makes sure to push MORE water. I went in for an US just to check the babies out. All were doing fine. No measurements just a quick look at their hearts. We also looked at their stomachs because this week their intestines finally descended back into their stomachs from the umbilical cord. Everything looks like it went smooth. Also, we found out the sex of 1, possibly 2 babies but I will keep that a secret until we know all 3!! :) Other than that, this week also marks the beginning of...THE SECOND TRIMESTER!! YAYAYA! I am so excited to say we have made it this far. This week I could def. feel the exhaustion lessening. That's because this week the placentas also start doing more work for the babies so I'm not doing all the work for 4 people. Which is very exciting! The migraines are still hanging around. Some days they only happen after lunch or some days I wake up with them and they are around for 2 days. I wouldn't say I have gotten used to them but I have learned to continue my life with them. I still do not take medicine unless it's Tylenol. And I take this as little as possible.
Week 14: We're almost caught up. We were supposed to go in for another US and appointment at 14W1D but I pushed it off 2 weeks so we could be sure to see the sexes of the baby. Plus with the passing out spell, I got to see them only a few days before. It was a tough decision to give up a chance to see them, but it is for the best. Also, we we go to out 16 week appointment, we will only be 3.5 weeks away from our level II US in Iowa City. We also have the consult with the high risk doctors and we will be determining where we are going to deliver!! But back to week 14. Congestion Congestion Congestion. I have been congested most of the pregnancy but it seems to be getting worse the further I go. The doctor told me to take 1 benadryl, at night, to help. Well it does help, until about 5-6AM and then I am awake and can't breath. At the 16W appointment, I will ask the doctor how much is safe and how much I can take to help. I also developed some sort of swollen, itchy rash on my hands this week. The doctor said since it didn't start on my abdomen, which would be PUPPS, to just use unscented lotion and hydrocrtisone cream. This has helped clear it up. The migraines have started to decrease this week. So all-in-all it's been a great week. My stomach seems to expand just as I'm sitting. I'm still going to physical therapy but honestly there is nothing they can do for the worsening pelvic pain so I had to order a belt. http://www.protherapysupplies.com/Shop-by-Brand/Saunders-Group/Saunders-Stork-Sport-Maternity-Support?gclid=CPLTtIO677sCFeg-Mgod9WMA6Q&source=googleps (This exact one.)
This will hopefully help keep my pelvis from separating as much and keep the horrifying clicking noise from happening. But I do like going because I get to do strengthening moves that are safe for pregnancy. I miss working out so much; running, lifting, yoga! I know I will get plenty of that in when the babies are here but for now I just feel like my job is to gain the weight, eat a healthy balanced diet and keep the babies healthy!
To recap: Symptoms- nausea (severe), migraines (severe but getting better at the end of week 13), sciatic pain, pelvic pain, hand rash, dizziness, light-headedness, overall general worry.
Cravings: Chocolate milk, orange juice, sour gummi worms, cupcakes, Doritos, Cheerios, Raisin Bran...basically if I saw it, we wanted it.
Goals: Make it to 24 weeks and slowly continue to increase my veggie intake (we aren't huge fans of them right now!) Also, I am going to start looking into prenatal yoga classes because I miss doing yoga so bad!
I will be posting pictures from these weeks tonight!!
Week 9: Oh my the exhaustion. I had forgotten how exhausting making human life was. With my 1st pregnancy (the ended in a miscarriage), I was so tired getting through 8 hours at work was a chore. Take that, multiply it by three and you may come close to how I felt. Sadly, I don't work at a place that allows cat-naps on the desk but you can bet I tested that out. Some days the exhaustion was so bad, I headed home early just to sleep. Craving: Chocolate milk and sour gummi worms. Not the healthiest but I was drinking about a quart of chocolate milk a day. Even at 15 weeks, I have some every day. Other than that, no real cravings. Maybe if I saw a commercial, I had to have whatever it was. Lol...that was fun. Raisin Bran one time, cupcakes the next. Hamburger Helper...it was like I didn't know I wanted it until I seen it!
Week 10: Same cravings and same feelings this week. My migraines seem to be getting worse and worse. These started back around week 5 and have just gotten worse and worse. I am the type of person who refuses to take any medicine so I just suffer through these. One day this week (I think it was 10W3D) I wasn't feeling good at all and was just concerned overall, so I called the doctor and the squeezed me in for an US. The babies were fine, just my nerves running all over the place. At this point, we know Baby A and Baby C are on the front and Baby B is on the back. Also, they are all measuring BIGGER than my due date! Which is not only shocking to me but to the doctor also! Baby B is measuring the smallest and has the slowest HR of the three but all were in normal ranges. Seeing my babies makes me the happiest woman in the world, even for 15 minutes. I can finally stop stressing and worrying about how they are for just a little while. Also, at this appointment we went ahead and did the pelvis exam and blood test that they usually do at 12 weeks. I got to ask the doctor a few questions I had. How much weight does she want me to gain was one of them. 55 lbs was her answer. I know this sounds like a lot but with a single baby you gain between 25-35 lbs. Then you add 10 lbs per baby.
Around week 10 I began looking into a specialist to handle the babies and I. Not that there was anything wrong with my OB, but OB's shouldn't handle suck high-risk cases. Iowa City had been highly recommended, so I began looking into that.
Week 11: We had a regularly scheduled appointment at 11W2D. This week we did the NT scan, which was the only abnormality test that my doctor felt safe doing. It didn't take long with all babies cooperating and they were perfect :) We then did the measuring and again, they were all measuring bigger than the actual date:
Baby A: Measuring 12W. HR: 162
Baby B: Measuring 11W2D HR: 148 ( my little runt)
Baby C: Measuring 11W4D HR: 162
They were all looking fantastic and going strong. The only issue was I had lost 3 lbs since the last visit. The doctor wasn't too concern, gave my a few pointers on things to add to my diet and said we would keep monitoring it. After that, I went and got Boost Protein Plus powder to mix with my milk. I drink one every few days just to keep up on my protein. I was weighed around week 13 and I had gained back 5. That puts me up to a 8 lb total gain. This was the last time I was weighed since I do not have a scale in the house! Quite a ways from 55 but any progress is good progress.
Week 12: There were really no physical changes this week. I did start feeling some sciatica nerve pain this week so the doctor referred me to a physical therapist. I had 2 sessions this week and we are just starting out slow. Doesn't seem like something I need but I have continued to go just to see. PT is harder with pregnant women because they can't use machines or heat to help with the problem. So you get to do good ol' fashioned exercise to strengthen everything up. Mentally, I am super excited to almost be in the 2nd trimester. This is the longest my body has carried babies and every day I get closer to being in the clear. Also, the shock has really worn off at this point and I am more comfortable with the fact that I'm going to be a mother to 3 babies. How? i haven't figured that far out yet but I know it will all work out. Remember, I won't know any different. My whole child raising experience will be with 3 babies...always.
Week 13: There was a little mishap this week. While attempting to use the bathroom, I got a little light-headed and then passed out. Of course I rushed right to the hospital, thanks to an amazing co-worker for driving me. After 3 hours of test, all they could determine was my heart rate fluctuated in a huge range, but I was told that was ok in pregnant women and I just had to be more careful whenever I stood up or sat down. Also, they found my 2nd UTI of this pregnancy. I have had UTI's pretty frequently in my life, so having them in my pregnancy is no shock. Just a round of antibiotics and makes sure to push MORE water. I went in for an US just to check the babies out. All were doing fine. No measurements just a quick look at their hearts. We also looked at their stomachs because this week their intestines finally descended back into their stomachs from the umbilical cord. Everything looks like it went smooth. Also, we found out the sex of 1, possibly 2 babies but I will keep that a secret until we know all 3!! :) Other than that, this week also marks the beginning of...THE SECOND TRIMESTER!! YAYAYA! I am so excited to say we have made it this far. This week I could def. feel the exhaustion lessening. That's because this week the placentas also start doing more work for the babies so I'm not doing all the work for 4 people. Which is very exciting! The migraines are still hanging around. Some days they only happen after lunch or some days I wake up with them and they are around for 2 days. I wouldn't say I have gotten used to them but I have learned to continue my life with them. I still do not take medicine unless it's Tylenol. And I take this as little as possible.
Week 14: We're almost caught up. We were supposed to go in for another US and appointment at 14W1D but I pushed it off 2 weeks so we could be sure to see the sexes of the baby. Plus with the passing out spell, I got to see them only a few days before. It was a tough decision to give up a chance to see them, but it is for the best. Also, we we go to out 16 week appointment, we will only be 3.5 weeks away from our level II US in Iowa City. We also have the consult with the high risk doctors and we will be determining where we are going to deliver!! But back to week 14. Congestion Congestion Congestion. I have been congested most of the pregnancy but it seems to be getting worse the further I go. The doctor told me to take 1 benadryl, at night, to help. Well it does help, until about 5-6AM and then I am awake and can't breath. At the 16W appointment, I will ask the doctor how much is safe and how much I can take to help. I also developed some sort of swollen, itchy rash on my hands this week. The doctor said since it didn't start on my abdomen, which would be PUPPS, to just use unscented lotion and hydrocrtisone cream. This has helped clear it up. The migraines have started to decrease this week. So all-in-all it's been a great week. My stomach seems to expand just as I'm sitting. I'm still going to physical therapy but honestly there is nothing they can do for the worsening pelvic pain so I had to order a belt. http://www.protherapysupplies.com/Shop-by-Brand/Saunders-Group/Saunders-Stork-Sport-Maternity-Support?gclid=CPLTtIO677sCFeg-Mgod9WMA6Q&source=googleps (This exact one.)
This will hopefully help keep my pelvis from separating as much and keep the horrifying clicking noise from happening. But I do like going because I get to do strengthening moves that are safe for pregnancy. I miss working out so much; running, lifting, yoga! I know I will get plenty of that in when the babies are here but for now I just feel like my job is to gain the weight, eat a healthy balanced diet and keep the babies healthy!
To recap: Symptoms- nausea (severe), migraines (severe but getting better at the end of week 13), sciatic pain, pelvic pain, hand rash, dizziness, light-headedness, overall general worry.
Cravings: Chocolate milk, orange juice, sour gummi worms, cupcakes, Doritos, Cheerios, Raisin Bran...basically if I saw it, we wanted it.
Goals: Make it to 24 weeks and slowly continue to increase my veggie intake (we aren't huge fans of them right now!) Also, I am going to start looking into prenatal yoga classes because I miss doing yoga so bad!
I will be posting pictures from these weeks tonight!!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
This won't be the happiest of posts
First off, we made it to week 15. I am so happy every week we get to cross off because we are that much closer to getting our babies to a healthy stage and to seeing them. But today I need to rant. This doesn't mean that I don't want my babies or love them with all of my heart. We all have days we're things are off and I deserve those too. Just because I vent doesn't mean I wouldn't do this all over again! In a way I feel bad for ranting but I also think these feeling should be expressed and not kept bottled up. That will only cause more harm than good.
I am tired of living in sweat pants. Nothing else fits right now and maternity clothes haven't found a way into the budget yet. As I put on my work pants every day, unable to even zip at this point I get frustrated. My belly band has become my best friend.
I am tired of not being able to have a bowel movement without passing out. My blood pressure drops and so do I and it is frustrating. Times like these is where I want to feel normal again.
I am tired of not being able to stand in the shower and actually shower without having to sit down. Early on I am having huge pelvic problems and sciatic nerve pain, this makes it difficult to walk or stand sometimes. And of course bathing during pregnancy is a no-no. The water has to be less than warm and you can only sit for 10 minutes. Not my idea of relaxation.
I'm tired of feeling like I'm not doing it right. Whether there is a right way to carry triplets or not, I don't know but I feel like I'm doing it wrong. I read blogs of other triplet moms and they don't complain, they have no pain and I feel like the outcast even in the triplet mom world. I know this is ridiculous.
I'm tired of feeling like someone always needs to be with me, just in case something happens. I don't want to go grocery shopping alone because what if I pass out? Or get sick? Or both? Freedom is no more and maybe that more my own worries more than what is needed.
I stress about these babies so much I have nightmares. Especially if it's been a while since I got to see them. We have an appointment a week from tomorrow and it can't come fast enough. The months go slow when I just want to see them and know they are ok.
I know being pregnant is hard. I know I will suck it up and move on but I had to get it out there. Pregnancy isn't all beautiful, especially for a woman carrying 3. And if they say it was perfect, I can guarantee you aren't getting the whole truth. Please wish my babies luck, let's get as far as possible and I'll do everything I can to get us there. My world is inside my stomach right now and I can't wait to meet them! A bad day doesn't mean I have a bad life, just a bad day!
Here a 14W5D picture for you all!! :)
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Let's Get Caught Up
We Hello!! For starters, I'm Liz. I'm 21 years old and if you read the title of my blog you know I have some big news: I'm having triplets!! That's right, 3 boucing beautiful babies! This blog will be my journey through my pregnancy :) so welcome and take a seat for an intense journey through pregnancy with triplets!
Three times the joy and love.
Let's begin with catching up:
Week 4: missed period and surprise surprise, the positive pregnancy test! 
I took 2 just to be safe but here it was, the moment I had been waiting for for a long time! :) We were so excited, not a nervous bone to be found. Starting a family was the dream and we were finally at the start of that!
Week 5-7: relatively smooth sailing. Nausea started kicking in around week 7 and oh my, I have never been so tired. Because we were high risk, we had an ultrasound scheduled for 8 weeks. I lived on chocolate milk and saltines through this time!! Through this week, we were still think it was a single baby and we're planning for such.
Week 8: I was so excited for this week to get here!! I get to see my baby, make sure he/she was ok and finally breath a sigh of relief! When you lose one child, you never get over the fear that you won't be able to carry another. So we get to the appointment and I'm so excited. My fiancé, his mother and I all in the waiting room. Nervous was the biggest feeling before we went in for the US. Will there be a heartbeat, will my miracle baby still be there. We get in the room and because we were doing the US so early it was being done vaginally. As soon as we get situated and the tech starts, it was immediate to see something was off! Where there is usually 1 sac, there was something else. The tech then says, well it looks like there's 3 heartbeats, 3 babies, and 3 placentas. Wait let me make sure there was ONLY 3. At this
point I cannot speak. I keep saying do what over and over again. As my fiancé explains to his mom what is going on. The world seemed to stop, my ears weren't working and I had stopped thinking. There was no way to process this...pure shock was my emotion. After she checked all 3 babies and made sure they were perfectly fine, we went and talked to my OB. She was just as shocked as we were. We talked about how things would be different with triplets and scheduled the next few appointments. One moment that will always stay in my mind is when we were waiting on the doctor to come in, A Thousand Years started playing. This was going to be our 1st dance song at our wedding. I tear up when I hear the song...it was our sign that everything was going to be ok! :)
I'll be back with the next post week 9-15 and then I will be posting weekly or whenever something happens. Any triplet resources are hard to come by so I want to share my experience so other triplet moms can help and learn!!
Here's the 1st picture of our little tots!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)