Pregnancy #3, Update #7: Final Lap – 3rd Trimester
It’s unbelievable that I can even type those words: Third. Trimester.
But it’s here. A day away from 31weeks. Only 6 weeks to go.
What a miracle. And, now, it’s getting real.
My blog updates have been scarce, but thankfully, there hasn’t been a lot to report. I’ve been seeing the doctor every two weeks, sonogram and all, and every appointment has shown Baby A and Baby B to be growing on schedule. Heartbeats have been great – usually between 140-150 for each. They are smack in the middle of the growth chart, last time moving up to the 59th percentile (compared to singletons!). Last visit, at 30 weeks, they both weighed in at 3.7 lbs – the high end of the norm, according to ‘The Bump.’ Most times, their weights and heartbeats have been nearly identical – most recently, only a 1% differential (under 20% is considered normal). Amniotic fluid has been perfect – no sign of twin-to-twin-transfusion syndrome. Cervix has been long and closed the entire time.
The sono-tech told me, for mono-di twins, ‘everything looks perfect.’ Good movement, breathing, heartbeats, weight…perfect.
A sigh of relief and a prayer of thanks after every single appointment. Every single one has given a good – no, a great- report about our babies. It never fails to fill me with awe, considering so many risk factors, considering so many possible complications.
As I’ve gotten good report after good report, after holding my breath for months, I’m slowing exhaling – slowly – and believing that this is really going to happen.
I have been really cherishing every part of this pregnancy. I don’t take one second of it for granted. I have the typical pregnancy annoyances – leg cramps when I sleep, shortness of breath, pressure below the belly and on the top, crazy nose bleeds almost daily, waking up every few hours because I can’t get comfortable or I have to go to the bathroom…but I am grateful for it all. You’ll hear no complaints from me. All those things mean is that I’m actually pregnant with a healthy pregnancy.
My favorite part is the end of the day. After work, after dinner, I just lay on the couch and wait for them to move. Best. Feeling. Ever. It’s sometimes hard to know who I am feeling – there are arms and legs everywhere, but I just love feeling them kick and wiggle and bounce around. I seriously could lay there all day just feeling them move. Sometimes they tickle me, sometimes I see them moving and squiggling…but every time it reminds me my babies are doing good.
Babies are good – I’m the one who is having complications. Still on daily Lovenox injections. I failed my glucose tolerance test twice (Grrrr!) and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Apparently, t’s pretty common in multiple pregnancies. Being a mild case, my doctor thought we could manage it with diet and exercise and doing the 4x a day finger-prick blood test. Well, after a week or two of testing, my numbers weren’t crazy high, but they were a little higher than they liked, especially my waking/fasting numbers. So, they started me on Metformin with my dinner to try to bring those numbers down.Basically, I just need to eat more protein with my carbs, and if I walk for about 15 minutes after a meal, that seems to do the trick. Not the end of the end of the world.
The plan for the last weeks is this: At week 32, my appointments will become weekly. Between 32-34 weeks, the babies will likely settle into their positions, and we can start to think about a birth plan. Babies will be delivered between 36-37 weeks. Right now, Baby A is in position – lower than B, head down. Baby B is transverse, with his/her head on the far side of my stomach. The doctor said that as long as A is in position, I can try naturally, and they can try to turn B, either internally or externally, after A comes out. However, there’s a chance B might still be breech, which would require an emergency C-section.
I’ll be honest. That plan doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t want to end up in the scenario where I have to recover from a natural delivery AND a C-section. I just want these babies out in a way that has the least risk possible. If they leave it up to me, I’m going for a C-section unless they can assure me with some high odds that I will be able to deliver both naturally.
Last week, we went checked out the labor and delivery unit at the hospital. (Yikes! Definitely made it all more real!). The hospital has one of the best NICU departments on the island, should we need it. Each room is a private room, so that is definitely a plus. I feel so much better now that I can visualize where I’ll be.
Last Saturday, I had a shower given to me by the ladies at my church. It was the sweetest ever, and those ladies made us feel so loved and supported. On Friday, I had a work shower. All the teachers were waiting at the door when I came in with balloons to surprise me. We had a dress-down day (K-12), and they got all the kids to wear pink or blue in honor the shower! They had food throughout the day that started with ‘A’ or ‘B.’ Completely amazing and so over-the-top. This Saturday is the shower from my family. We have been totally overwhelmed by all the love and excitement for our babies. So humbling to know that our babies are so anticipated and loved already.
I have about 3 more weeks at school and praying I can make it to March 16. I am really big and cumbersome, and I admit, sometimes, I feel a bit like a spectacle with the kids. For the most part, they have been enthusiastic and interested, but I feel a little self-conscious sometimes. However, I am getting tired. My doctor keeps telling me not to push myself, but I sort of wish she would just give me orders to stop working. I think I’ll know when I’m done, though; right now, I have a little more left in me (not losing any pay is also a good motivator).
We are still working on the babies’ room. Lots still to do . My husband hurt his back shoveling snow, so that has slowed us down. But my parents got here over the weekend, his parents are coming from TN for the shower, and we have some other friends on stand-by to help. So, hopefully, we will get it together in time. Honestly, I don’t want this to stress me. As J. says, babies have been born for millennia without showers or nurseries, and the human race has survived just fine. While I roll my eyes, I know he is right. I want my focus just to be on the joy of these 2 little ones making their entrance, and I don’t want anything to rob me of that joy.
Just to give you a visual, this is me at 30 weeks:
Six more weeks of growing to go. They are supposed to add a 1/2 lb. a week…not sure where all that baby is going to fit! But we are on the home stretch. And I just can’t wait to meet these babies.
Congrats! You have made it so far – the happy ending is near! You look beautiful with your twin bump. 🙂
Thank you so much! It’s truly miraculous! Praying for all good news in this go-around! It is so wonderful when everything actually goes as i should! Really praying it is a truly beautiful experience for you!
You really are in the homestretch now – wishing you lots of sleep in the next few weeks as I’m sure you will have your hands full soon enough. 🙂
Thank you so much! I’ve still been reading your blog and following your adoption journey. Praying for the very best for you! xo
Thank you so much. 🙂
Look what the Lord has done! Hallelujah! Congratulations! I am so happy for you and J. You look beautiful. God bless you both and your bundles of joy.
Thank you, Yvonne! Yes – this is something God has done . Just in awe! Thank you for your support and your prayers!
Thank you for this great update!! I’ve been wondering how you’re doing 🙂 praising God with you for his tremendous blessings!! I had gestational diabetes with my first so I feel your pain! 🙂
ALW
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Thanks, AnnieLaurie! I’ve been a little MIA, but it is still all so surreal to me that this is all happening! Just in awe! The GD isn’t so bad. If it is getting me to exercise a little eat better, I shouldn’t complain!! Hope all is well and you are surviving this brutal winter! xo
Girl it is so great to hear from you and see your gorgeous self! I am always thinking of you and praising God for the miracles growing inside of you! Love you lots! Xo
Thanks, Elisha. I can’t tell you how much that means to me! I see your updates on Facebook all the time, and I am in awe in how you hear from The Lord and how so many women are being encouraged by your walk of faith and your SELFLESS ministry to them! I ‘ve been wanting to tell you… I came across a card you sent me – I’m not sure when, but I know it was before I was pregnant, and here is the verse you wrote: “Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will REPAY TWO BLESSINGS FOR EACH OF YOUR TROUBLES.’ (Zech. 9:22). God really heard your prayer – 2 miscarriages, 2 babies. And I am still in awe of how The Lord used you to speak those words to us. Forever grateful, friend.. I am eagerly awaiting your miracle. I know that God will honor your faithfulness!!! I know it! Love and prayers, friend. So grateful to you!
I’m so grateful and happy to hear all is well in the grand scheme despite the challenges along the way. I hope you are able to rest before babies arrive and that delivery goes as you wish. All the very best to you in this home stretch!
Thank you! I am praying the same for you!! I’ve been reading and following and praying you really get the care you need, the peace of mind, and that there are no more health complications. Looking forward to reading your good news in the future!
Thank you so kindly.
Lookin great momma!! So excited for you!! Those first moments are magic!
Thank you, friend! Means so much. I know it will be crazy in the beginning, but I really cannot wait for that kind of crazy!
Am so happy!! God has done amazing things. Praying for you as you await your babies’ arrival (s!)
Thank you so much! Thank you for following our journey and for your prayers! Means so much! xoxo
That picture put a big smile on my face. I remember reading your blog more than year or more ago and seeing someone who was struggling and still looking towards God for direction and as more doors closed and closed again, something was happening behind the scenes. His plan. I can’t tell you how lovely this is. I am so very happy for you all 🙂
Blessings
Paul
Thank you, Paul! It really is so unbelievable to me – and I certainly couldn’t have predicted this. Still a little surreal and hard to believe this is really going to happen. Thanks for following my journey and for all of your support and prayers. Truly helped so much along the way! Looking forward to being back on the blog to catch up on your posts! Thanks, friend!
You’ll have enough to keep ya busy soon enough…lol.
Gah you look beautiful and glowy and wonderful! I am so excited to read the updates and know that these babies are SO blessed to be arriving into this loving home. Praying for you in this final leg and all that it may entail. God is in this my friend, He is being glorified with your faith, testimony, and strength! Xo!
Thanks so much, Chelsea! It truly is surreal and unbelievable. I’m still reading and following, and always so impressed with your faith and tenacity. Praying so, so hard that your day is coming soon. Thanks for being so real and raw and encouraging so many women in their journey. I cannot wait to be celebrating your good news some day! Lord-willing – soon! Keep persevering, friend. I know God will reward your endurance! Much love and prayers!
What a wonderful, uplifting post. I often think of you and wonder how you are doing. Those babies are doing great aren’t they? You must be so excited to meet them both – it is just an incredible journey you have been through. You look beautiful and I am very excited to hear the news of their arrival. Wishing you a safe and speedy birth! xxxx
Thank you so much.. I am always in awe when we have a positive doctor’s appointment. Never take things for granted. Sending you love and prayers!
Oh I am so happy to see this update! You are so beautiful! Enjoy these last few weeks and post pictures as soon as you can! I’ll be praying for all of you!
Thanks, Alexis! Truly miraculous and when I see my big belly, I can scarcely believe it. God has been so gracious to us! i’ll probably be blogging more this last trimester! Hugs to you!
So glad for the update! Not long until we see the actual babies!
Thanks, Lisa. Truly unbelievable, although I still have my moments of fear! i have been looking at your blog for updates to your latest IVF cycle Not sure if I missed it, but you are in my prayers!!! Thinking of you! xoxo
Good to read and update. i’m so happy to hear everything is smooth as can be. You look great!
Oh wow. Kate, you look stunning! So good to hear from you! I’ll be praying for both babies to make their head-down journeys sooner rather than later. My sister-in-law lived your fear – baby A was naturally and 1 hour later, baby B was C-section! Recovery was not pretty, but she is very thankful she has two babies, no matter how they came! Prayers that things go smoothly!
Congrats! You look beautiful… all happy and glowy!
Praying for smooth, safe, uneventful deliveries!!
You look fantastic! So happy to see you so happy!
Congrats…OMG I’m only 14 wks and I’m half ur size….I have much to look forward to….beautiful baby mama u are….again congrats
Oh, this is such good news! Loved reading your update and am sharing your excitement! I wish I had had such a good attitude during pregnancy; you really deserve this and you will be a wonderful mother, all the more because of your previous losses. God bless the four of you!
AHHHHHHH!!!! Kate, it’s lovely yo hear from you! Thank you for the beautiful update and for the picture, as well. You have been on my heart and will continue to be.
With blessings,
Dani
Thinking about you this morning, friend. Not sure if the babies have made their way into the world yet, but either way, I hope you are resting! Love you!
Just came across your blog. Was reading your ivf updates and prayed for you while I was reading them. And was very very happy to read your latest updates. .things finally worked out for you!! Sending More good wishes your way for your lil angels . I am done with 4 failed IUI…had huge hopes from the last one..with 3 follicles n husband’s great sperm count. I am 34. I don’t know what is in store for me and I’m scared. I was touched to see your belief in God and faith in prayer. I stopped praying abt 2 months ago. I have lost faith in prayers though I do believe there is a God. I feel directionless and lost.Does God listen to prayers? Even if he does does he have the power to change our destiny? Why would he do that? Aren’t we destined for things either ways?
Sorry about the long rant.
Oh ive been away from the blog land so long! Congrats congrats a thousand times congrats! Cant wait till your little ones arrive!
Sorry I never responded, but thank you so much!!! It has been quite a ride…so, so blessed! Looking forward to catching up with everyone!