Well the next part of our lives went so quick. As soon as Kane arrived the next day i was excited to see him i was losing my pain relief machine which i was nervous about. I was able to shower and get to the wheelchair i dont think my smile was any bigger i was so relieved that finally i would get to spend some time with my babies.
Arriving in the NICU was overwhelming so many machines going so many tubes, i felt so helpless they were my babies except i was unable to hold them or touch them. Even being in the wheel chair was sore but i pushed the pain aside to watch my babies every move. It was time for the doctors rounds so back up to the ward. The babies were tube fed their milk (colostrum) each received 1ml every 3 hours. Doesn't seem like much but when i was only hand expressing about 2-3mls each time it was as precious as gold! Unfortunately i didnt quite have enough for one feed so babies each ended up having 2-3mls donor breast milk the whole time the rest i was able to provide.
I spent as much time as i could by their sides, was hard at times as they were each in separate rooms at points so would spent limited time with each baby.
Was nice still being in hospital as i was able to go down whenever to see the babies i was still in a lot of pain and the constant moving also made it worst however i knew my babies needed me more. On friday i got discharged, we spent the whole day in the hospital and packing up my room which i spent a total of 7 weeks in was a relief. Although i was so nervous about being separated from my babies. The drive home was weird i hadn't been in a car for such a long time as well as my home. I was sore tired and sad, i was expressing every 3 hours so even though the babies weren't home i had to get up i found this hard as i could hardly walk far and getting in and out of bed was hard.
My mum, dad, sister her partner and kids arrived that night was so nice to see my family and was overjoyed although the constant pain from surgery and being parted from my babies was constant. The first week was the hardest week of my life not only was i overjoyed my babies were here but i was so tired from the long days spent at nicu, recovering and learning to establish my milk by expressing.
The babies were on CPAP which was the next step to breathing on their own, its like a mask over the babies face with nozzles into their nose, they were breathing on their own although this provided assistance so they didn't over work themselves. Kane was able to start changing the nappies in the second days he was nervous as they were so little. But was such an enjoyable time for him bonding with his 3 newborn babies. My first cuddle was with Indigo when she was 3 days old i was so nervous but as soon as she was placed on my chest it felt right and in the that moment i was in love all over again .. I was lost in the moment it was so precious and i finally got my first contact with one of my babies. As they were little and needed assistance they could only be handled when the nicu nurses thought they were up to it. The next cuddle i got was with miller and same again overwhelming love and joy. Esmae i got to cuddle when she was 7 day old. She was the most fragile and they were worried about her, but she loved having the cuddles and coped really well with them.
Miller was such a fighter he managed to be off CPAP on day 5 and proceeded into special care nursery on day 7, Esmae and indigo however were still having CPAP assistance.
When we would arrive home we both felt like we weren't parents as it was so hard my emotions were all over the place, i felt so complete at the hospital and then so empty at home. I really understood the phrase unconditional love and how much love i had for each of my babies. Kane also got a cuddle with Indigo in her first week which he loved and as they got stronger we got more cuddles! It made it all worth it. By the end of their first week i was finally starting to manage a lot easier with the pain and recovery i just couldn't wait to be able to have all my babies to myself. I knew we would be a few weeks away from that but that hope was what kept me going and talking to all the other mothers and fathers going through what i was in the hospital i made some great friends.
Thursday, 21 November 2013
The day that changed everything - 30 weeks
What an accomplishment i felt to make 30 weeks! I was so proud of my three little troopers for hanging on. Reality was on our door stop at this stage as we knew this was the last couple of days before the babies would arrive and our lives would be changed forever!
So many emotions, i was getting more and more nervous not so much about the surgery but about their arrival what condition they would be in and of course becoming a triplet mum! Kane like always was a great support would help me through the times i wondered if we had made the right decision with delivering them on tuesday.
It was almost like time was in slow mo leading up til the big event .. Yet it also looking back went a lot quicker than i ever imagined. Looking back over my pregnancy which was soon to be ending i felt a sense of sadness as i knew i was protecting them as much as i could now but once they are out it is up to them to work.
TUESDAY 6th AUGUST 2013 - the most memorable day of our lives
With having a c section i was not aloud to eat 8 hours b4 the op so at midnight the night nurse brought me in a milo and some toast to keep me going til after the op. I managed to sleep off and on although the constant toilet visits and then trying to put aside all my thoughts made it difficult. At 5am the nurses came in to tell me to start getting ready, icant describe how i felt although putting my gown on and feeling my tummy and my precious cargo kicking i remember thinking enjoy those last few kicks babies coz soon youll be starting your fight to survive.
I called kane and said they were taking me down early, he rushed up to the room and managed to met me at the door b4 heading down to theatre. All of the nurses on wished me well although i have on another planet. Amazingly i felt calm and relaxed, when we got down there we were prepped and had the last moments as a couple. Our lives were about to change... A LOT!!
Next stage was the epidural and spinal block wasnt that pleasant but i thought it would be lot worst the inly annoying thing was i had to get it topped up 3 times as it wasnt taking affect .. This meant more waiting and freaking out, i could see some of the theatre and they had described to me what to expect. But as soon as i entered the room (without kane as he had to wait not sure what for) i looked around and seeing 3 set areas for MY bubs and justa mountain of nicu nurses doctors and midwives it really hit me.
As kane finally entered the sheet was up and he looked pale, i think this was when it become surreal for him too. They asked if i wanted to know when they started, i said no they said we already have! Thank goodness for the epidural! My head started spinning i felt cold i was shaking and i was about to throw up, i kept telling them i felt sick, they had a warm towel across my chest to keep me warm, i really was worried about that. They told me that i would start feeling pressure and they were right it actually felt like i was getting run over by a truck or getting kicked in the stomach my body keep jerking and i felt so uncomfortable and sore that they decided to top me up again as needed to keep me still and calm. They started the surgery at 10.05am and at 10.13 our first beautiful girl entered the world. Baby A was here and in that first moment of when kane and i become parents it was an overwhelming experience that i just cried and cried, in the spilt second of her entering she was gone, my baby girl taken to her crib to be assessed i think she made a slight sound but then nothing my heart was in my throat i now felt sick with worry is she ok is she breathing? But i had no time as it was now 10.15am and Baby B was here another baby girl my heart filled with more love it is understand to say how much love i felt to this new baby, she too was taken to her bay although if i tilted my head to the side i could kind of see them working on her. Although that was just as hard as all i could see was this little baby girl struggling to breathe. The neonatal doctor that was in charge kept telling me that they were good they were having some difficultly breathing on their own so needed extra assistance. Then the surgeon said i can only locate a leg, eeek where was my baby hiding .. But at 10.17am our baby boy (Baby C) arrived and he actually let out a little cry what a nice relief although like the others he was taking to his area and had them working on him. Kane was able to go around to see each of them although he said those first moments he felt sick with worry as our little babies really were working hard to breathe. The doctor came back to tell me that they were all doing well and were all on ventilators to let them rest (this machine worked as their lungs and keep them breathing).
Kane left as the babies left the room and went to nicu the neonatal intensive care unit. I was in the room full of strangers as they finished the c section. I felt alone upset and every other emotion as well my babies were gone kane was gone i just cried and cried and cried.
After they had finished i felt weird, although i was still highly drugged my tummy had gone down a lot and i just felt empty. I went through to recovery where kane met me after and explained that our babies were all doing well and had been weighed.
Baby A who got named Esmae Michelle weighed 1354g (2p 15oz)
Baby B who got named Indigo (Indi) Jane weighed 1351g (2p 15oz)
Baby C who got named Miller Benjamin weighed 1483g (3p 4oz)
And i finally got to see some pictures of beauties, even with all the tubes they were simply perfection! After awhile i was getting transferred back to the ward, i was able to bipass nicu and quickly see my bubs, i had vaguely seen miller and indigo but hasnt seen esmae since she arrived. It was surreal seeing them in the humidity cribs they looked so small but prefect. They were mine, i just wanted more then anything to hold and nurse them but i knew i couldnt. Then they said i had to go up to the ward i was thankful for those precious minutes. Back on the ward was weird it was like the world had changed except all i had was three photos reminding me my babies were downstairs fighting!
A few hours later and learning to hand express i thought i was ready yo go back down i was dying to see them again, the nurse said if u can shower and get in the wheelchair you can go down. Easy i thought.. However my body had a different opinion i managed with help to walk to the shower and had one, after trying to get dressed was when i went blank. I fainted thankfully in the arms of kane. And that was me for the next hour i remember trying to make my body listen to me but it was interested. I wasnt going anywhere in the shower chair kane holding my head i just wanted to get to the wheelchair. After fainting again that was it the nurses said what i knew was coming bed was the only place i was going. My babies would have to wait to tomorrow. Kane was able to go down every now and then to check them and give me updates. Then he went home i was having to wake every 3hours to continue hand expressing. Which was so hard without my babies although i knew it was for the best. What a day!!
So many emotions, i was getting more and more nervous not so much about the surgery but about their arrival what condition they would be in and of course becoming a triplet mum! Kane like always was a great support would help me through the times i wondered if we had made the right decision with delivering them on tuesday.
It was almost like time was in slow mo leading up til the big event .. Yet it also looking back went a lot quicker than i ever imagined. Looking back over my pregnancy which was soon to be ending i felt a sense of sadness as i knew i was protecting them as much as i could now but once they are out it is up to them to work.
TUESDAY 6th AUGUST 2013 - the most memorable day of our lives
With having a c section i was not aloud to eat 8 hours b4 the op so at midnight the night nurse brought me in a milo and some toast to keep me going til after the op. I managed to sleep off and on although the constant toilet visits and then trying to put aside all my thoughts made it difficult. At 5am the nurses came in to tell me to start getting ready, icant describe how i felt although putting my gown on and feeling my tummy and my precious cargo kicking i remember thinking enjoy those last few kicks babies coz soon youll be starting your fight to survive.
I called kane and said they were taking me down early, he rushed up to the room and managed to met me at the door b4 heading down to theatre. All of the nurses on wished me well although i have on another planet. Amazingly i felt calm and relaxed, when we got down there we were prepped and had the last moments as a couple. Our lives were about to change... A LOT!!
Next stage was the epidural and spinal block wasnt that pleasant but i thought it would be lot worst the inly annoying thing was i had to get it topped up 3 times as it wasnt taking affect .. This meant more waiting and freaking out, i could see some of the theatre and they had described to me what to expect. But as soon as i entered the room (without kane as he had to wait not sure what for) i looked around and seeing 3 set areas for MY bubs and justa mountain of nicu nurses doctors and midwives it really hit me.
As kane finally entered the sheet was up and he looked pale, i think this was when it become surreal for him too. They asked if i wanted to know when they started, i said no they said we already have! Thank goodness for the epidural! My head started spinning i felt cold i was shaking and i was about to throw up, i kept telling them i felt sick, they had a warm towel across my chest to keep me warm, i really was worried about that. They told me that i would start feeling pressure and they were right it actually felt like i was getting run over by a truck or getting kicked in the stomach my body keep jerking and i felt so uncomfortable and sore that they decided to top me up again as needed to keep me still and calm. They started the surgery at 10.05am and at 10.13 our first beautiful girl entered the world. Baby A was here and in that first moment of when kane and i become parents it was an overwhelming experience that i just cried and cried, in the spilt second of her entering she was gone, my baby girl taken to her crib to be assessed i think she made a slight sound but then nothing my heart was in my throat i now felt sick with worry is she ok is she breathing? But i had no time as it was now 10.15am and Baby B was here another baby girl my heart filled with more love it is understand to say how much love i felt to this new baby, she too was taken to her bay although if i tilted my head to the side i could kind of see them working on her. Although that was just as hard as all i could see was this little baby girl struggling to breathe. The neonatal doctor that was in charge kept telling me that they were good they were having some difficultly breathing on their own so needed extra assistance. Then the surgeon said i can only locate a leg, eeek where was my baby hiding .. But at 10.17am our baby boy (Baby C) arrived and he actually let out a little cry what a nice relief although like the others he was taking to his area and had them working on him. Kane was able to go around to see each of them although he said those first moments he felt sick with worry as our little babies really were working hard to breathe. The doctor came back to tell me that they were all doing well and were all on ventilators to let them rest (this machine worked as their lungs and keep them breathing).
Kane left as the babies left the room and went to nicu the neonatal intensive care unit. I was in the room full of strangers as they finished the c section. I felt alone upset and every other emotion as well my babies were gone kane was gone i just cried and cried and cried.
After they had finished i felt weird, although i was still highly drugged my tummy had gone down a lot and i just felt empty. I went through to recovery where kane met me after and explained that our babies were all doing well and had been weighed.
Baby A who got named Esmae Michelle weighed 1354g (2p 15oz)
Baby B who got named Indigo (Indi) Jane weighed 1351g (2p 15oz)
Baby C who got named Miller Benjamin weighed 1483g (3p 4oz)
And i finally got to see some pictures of beauties, even with all the tubes they were simply perfection! After awhile i was getting transferred back to the ward, i was able to bipass nicu and quickly see my bubs, i had vaguely seen miller and indigo but hasnt seen esmae since she arrived. It was surreal seeing them in the humidity cribs they looked so small but prefect. They were mine, i just wanted more then anything to hold and nurse them but i knew i couldnt. Then they said i had to go up to the ward i was thankful for those precious minutes. Back on the ward was weird it was like the world had changed except all i had was three photos reminding me my babies were downstairs fighting!
A few hours later and learning to hand express i thought i was ready yo go back down i was dying to see them again, the nurse said if u can shower and get in the wheelchair you can go down. Easy i thought.. However my body had a different opinion i managed with help to walk to the shower and had one, after trying to get dressed was when i went blank. I fainted thankfully in the arms of kane. And that was me for the next hour i remember trying to make my body listen to me but it was interested. I wasnt going anywhere in the shower chair kane holding my head i just wanted to get to the wheelchair. After fainting again that was it the nurses said what i knew was coming bed was the only place i was going. My babies would have to wait to tomorrow. Kane was able to go down every now and then to check them and give me updates. Then he went home i was having to wake every 3hours to continue hand expressing. Which was so hard without my babies although i knew it was for the best. What a day!!
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Reality hits... - week 29
I know my time being pregnant will end soon as we get closer and closer i am thinking how much i want to met these babies but also how i would love them to stay and grow inside a but longer. The doctors were now referring to me as a ticking time bomb and with having 3 babies so were the baby doctors. My doctor came to see me to work out a plan of attack they said with my history and all of their medical knowledge they didnt think my body would last much longer than the 30 weeks and even reaching that could be very tricky. Til this point they always said until 32 weeks they wont do the c section, but with my body not coping as well in the last couple of weeks they had to re think their plan.
They say to me if i get to 30 weeks they will plan to take the babies ... Hearing this is like finalising everything!! So many questions and thoughts run through my head yet i was unable to think past the fact that these babies could be here in a week. The consultants and the baby docs all had to have a meeting to discuss the plan and what they all agreed was the best approach. A baby doc came to see me also to explain if babies were born now or 30 weeks what to expect most of it was positive statistics so i felt reassured. Waiting to hear the decision was nerve racking although i put my trust they knew best.
The come to see me the next day to explain the plan and what was considered.. They all believed my body was close to the point that next time i got contractions it would be enough to put me in full labour meaning emergency c section and also being 3cm dilated and my membranes ready to burst. I knew my body was also to this point as i could hardly move had to shower sitting down and my walks were very limited b4 i felt huge pressure. They said they agreed if i get to 30 weeks it would be the safest time to take babies ... The baby docs also said they would prefer them to arrive in a planned operation as it lessens the chance of babys getting distressed if i labour again and the difference in babys born past 30 weeks is minimal to 31. They also told me they do not have a crystal ball they are going on medical knowledge and my notes. He said tuesday the 6th of august will be the date.
Both kane and myself knew that if i could make that date it was it the babies were gonna be here!! Reality hit us
The days leading up to it went by fairly quickly as i stress about my upcoming operation ive heard so many things i was more worried about that. I had full faith my babies would all be strong and healthy. This was also when the guilt sets in should i try push out the date what is best for the babies do the doctors know. The decision we made to go with the doctors is the one both kane and myself agreed would be the right one.
I am now massive, my tummy is huge and the babies are moving and kicking lots. They make my tum look like its been taken over by aliens it was sometimes hard to watch the movements and when i got braxton hicks it would shape very weird. Ive now made it through week 29 and on the home stretch til d day.
Saturday, 27 July 2013
The main goal - Week 28
Making 28 weeks meant the world to myself and Kane and on the eve of turning over I was hopeful to make it to the next goal of 30 weeks. However my body had other ideas for me, the doctors had made it very clear to me that any changes, pain, cramps etc I had to buzz straight away for the doctors to decide what was going on. I was so happy about making it to 28 weeks after Kane left I wrote a few notes in my diary about feeling positive. When I settled into sleep I started getting a couple of Braxton hicks, this wasn't unusual as I have these most nights, as I wait for these to pass I start noticing one with some pain. I remember what my doc had said so I buzz for the midwife. Thinking it was a once off I thought I would be back to sleep with no time. As the midwife assessed me I started getting more contractions with pain. The doctor said to get me down to birth suite asap and the nurse told me to call my partner. I was happening so fast as I called Kane and woke him I was feeling nervous. I got down to birth suite and Kane arrived not long after, the contraction were getting stronger and closer together beginning to take my breathe away. They had to do another internal and I was round 2cm dilated now, everything was happening so fast they then put 2 cannulas (not sure how it is spelt) one for fluid and the other for magnesium sulphate (this is to help stop labour progression and assist with the babies brain development to lower chances of brain bleeds and cerebral palsy in babies less than 30weeks). I was then given a jab of morphine to help with the pain and to relax my uterus from contracting, followed by nefediphine (to stop pre-term labour). The doctors said there main goal was to get me through to day light hours if they could so were trying everything to stop it. It was incredibly stressful and sore and scary!!! The babies were constantly monitored to ensure they weren't going into fetal distress and then I had to get a catheter put in from being on the magnesium your urine needs to be monitored and they didn't want me standing up as the pressure could be too much. I was so uncomfortable and just hoped that all the drugs would work. Trying to sleep was proving rather difficult, I was exhausted and my obs were check every 30min or so it felt. I was lucky that I got a lovely midwife who had to sit with us the whole night. After the long and antagonising night the doctor came in the morning with the drugs they had managed to calm down the contractions so after another check I hadn't dilated any further!! I had to spend the whole day still in birth suite as the drip had to go through for around 24 hours for it to be as effective as they hope. I just slept off and on and was very glad to go back up to my room that night, even though they still had to check my obs every few hours it was at least in the comfort of what was my room.
The next few days I felt a lot of pressure when standing and could tell that my ever expanding stomach was growing more and more now. Everyday the doctors saw me told me how well I was doing to hold on and to keep it up. They also were reminding me that it could be any time soon and the chances of making the next week or 30 weeks were getting slim. I was still hanging in hope we would make it a little longer.
I was sent for another scan on Wednesday and I was nervous about the babies, I just hoped they were still doing well I wasn't planned for a growth check but after being in preterm labour I think they had to prepare a little more so they checked that also. The babies were doing great in their weights which made me feel very happy, Baby A was 2lb 9oz, Baby B was 2lb 8oz and the boy Baby C was 2lb 11oz :) all good sizes and for being triplets they were very happy! the blood flow through the cord of Baby B and C were not as good but as they had such good growth so they were not concerned. I phoned Kane he was so happy that all his babies were growing well and especially his wee boy :)
That night I felt good and positive knowing that the babies were doing so well, I went to sleep only to be woken at 3am with some pain. I was half asleep and wasn't sure what was happening, I laid down for the next 3o drifting to sleep and then waking, I noticed the pains weren't easing and feeling a little regular. I buzz the midwife who comes to check and does my obs, which are all good. She sits besides me to feels my tummy for the next 10-15 mins. Another midwife comes to check and they say contact the docs shes having 4 contractions in ten min. I phone Kane again by now its closer to 4am warning him Im back in labour.. by the time I get down to birth suite they had increased in intensity and after an internal they think im 3cm dilated ... Is this is? Im thinking again...
They give me a dose of endo which is just a form of morphine to try and settle things out and wait to see what will happen. They were getting a lot stronger and more painful although the time apart was getting further. About 9am they had started easing and then after 10 they completely stopped. Another false alarm, I was thinking yah I can get a little further along although I knew I was on a short time frame. I got to go to my room after lunch as nothing had happening, It was great to get to my bed again. The next day the docs were surprised I was still sitting there pregnant I think the babies are playing head games with the docs as they stress a little knowing im on such a thin line. They told me being 3cm dilated and with the pressure of 3 babies Im doing really well and everyday from here out is a bonus. I knew Id make 29 weeks just hoped I could make the date ive always thought Id have them which is the 2nd of August, ive now made a countdown of each day as I know these babies will be here before we know it. Lets hope they take a back seat for me, I can tell they are a lot bigger as the movements are strong and forceful and my bump is constantly on the move. Kane now gets grossed out by their wriggling under his hands.
Well Ive made it to the end of week 28, lets hope there are a few more days before the babies arrive. I am now very very very uncomfortable, every movement, standing, eating and sleeping is proving rather difficult and the pressure I feel from my bump is incredible. Lucky these babies are loved so much as otherwise you would just want to give up.
Photos bump progress a couple when im in birth suite
The next few days I felt a lot of pressure when standing and could tell that my ever expanding stomach was growing more and more now. Everyday the doctors saw me told me how well I was doing to hold on and to keep it up. They also were reminding me that it could be any time soon and the chances of making the next week or 30 weeks were getting slim. I was still hanging in hope we would make it a little longer.
I was sent for another scan on Wednesday and I was nervous about the babies, I just hoped they were still doing well I wasn't planned for a growth check but after being in preterm labour I think they had to prepare a little more so they checked that also. The babies were doing great in their weights which made me feel very happy, Baby A was 2lb 9oz, Baby B was 2lb 8oz and the boy Baby C was 2lb 11oz :) all good sizes and for being triplets they were very happy! the blood flow through the cord of Baby B and C were not as good but as they had such good growth so they were not concerned. I phoned Kane he was so happy that all his babies were growing well and especially his wee boy :)
That night I felt good and positive knowing that the babies were doing so well, I went to sleep only to be woken at 3am with some pain. I was half asleep and wasn't sure what was happening, I laid down for the next 3o drifting to sleep and then waking, I noticed the pains weren't easing and feeling a little regular. I buzz the midwife who comes to check and does my obs, which are all good. She sits besides me to feels my tummy for the next 10-15 mins. Another midwife comes to check and they say contact the docs shes having 4 contractions in ten min. I phone Kane again by now its closer to 4am warning him Im back in labour.. by the time I get down to birth suite they had increased in intensity and after an internal they think im 3cm dilated ... Is this is? Im thinking again...
They give me a dose of endo which is just a form of morphine to try and settle things out and wait to see what will happen. They were getting a lot stronger and more painful although the time apart was getting further. About 9am they had started easing and then after 10 they completely stopped. Another false alarm, I was thinking yah I can get a little further along although I knew I was on a short time frame. I got to go to my room after lunch as nothing had happening, It was great to get to my bed again. The next day the docs were surprised I was still sitting there pregnant I think the babies are playing head games with the docs as they stress a little knowing im on such a thin line. They told me being 3cm dilated and with the pressure of 3 babies Im doing really well and everyday from here out is a bonus. I knew Id make 29 weeks just hoped I could make the date ive always thought Id have them which is the 2nd of August, ive now made a countdown of each day as I know these babies will be here before we know it. Lets hope they take a back seat for me, I can tell they are a lot bigger as the movements are strong and forceful and my bump is constantly on the move. Kane now gets grossed out by their wriggling under his hands.
Well Ive made it to the end of week 28, lets hope there are a few more days before the babies arrive. I am now very very very uncomfortable, every movement, standing, eating and sleeping is proving rather difficult and the pressure I feel from my bump is incredible. Lucky these babies are loved so much as otherwise you would just want to give up.
Photos bump progress a couple when im in birth suite
Midwife trying to find babies heart beats
checking the babies heart beats hard to find them all at once
28 weeks
selfie - 28 weeks
Saturday, 20 July 2013
The good, the bad and the ugly - Week 27
Well we were into another week, and after being here a long time I was beginning to get used to life here and always think about the outside world. Taking small things for granted a trip to the supermarket/shopping centre, driving in a car, sitting on the couch etc were all things I missed since being tucked up in here. I was still feeling pretty comfortable most of the times, although sleeping at night was still proving to be a little difficult. It was also nice for Kane to have some time out with his friends in the weekend getting to dreamworld for a day of fun and laughs, I was glad he was able to go because I often feel slightly guilty for him spending all his spare time in here. (I know that if he was in the same position I would do the same). He doesn't really complain about all the time he spends in here and even before work he dropped of goodies I had requested from the supermarket :)
My days were still the same and I knew that this would be the case for the next few weeks or when the babies decide to arrive. I am very positive of making it til 32 weeks or close to that I just hope my body and the babies can agree on that as well. I thought I might not be getting scanned this week as last week they said it was all so good they only recommended one in another two weeks, my doctor however said they want to see the weekly progress so booked me in again for thursday, I was confident that things would still be the same. Talking to Kane at night I said to him I'll be here til 34 weeks I can see it now spending over 10 weeks in hospital, he said dont get ahead of yourself thats still 6 1/2 weeks away. Time was still going rather quick and 27 weeks marked the beginning of the third and final trimester of pregnancy (eeeeeeeeeeek)!
My diabetes was still be closely monitored and was doing well to maintain it without the need for insulin, some doctors would say I'll be on insulin within a day or two and then they reconsider, so id like it to be like that as long as possible as I already have to thighs covered in bruises from my other injections. I was given another dose of steriods to boost the development of the babies lungs and this one hurt more than ever today. With steriods comes high sugar levels so I had to be even more mindful of this. For people that no me I really struggle with the little amount of treats im allowed :( especially when Im hungry 24/7.
My dietican is happy with me or so it seems, still putting on weight consistnly and Ive just hit the 15KG weight gain. I thought by this stage through I would have put on a lot more and by 34 weeks they would have expected me to put on 25, so not sure how I would manage putting on 10KG in 7 weeks although with these babies growing anything is possible :)
My stomach is now huge!! I can hardly bend down and I can see it growing more round by the day. Also with the growth comes stretch marks and lots of them, they are starting to get thicker and redder by the day (sorry for the indepth description - you will see this in photos to come)... I expected these although still get a fright when I see my reflection in the mirror, as does Kane. As long as I can grow these babies as big as I can I would be happy with any amount of stretch marks as i'm sure 99% of the time they will be worth it. 1% when ive had no sleep and three screaming babies.... (trying to be realistic)
Kane and I had talked about getting out and going on a wee outing/date this weekend, just had to confirm with doctors that I can get out and not overdo it while Im not in hospital. They told me I could which was so exciting I txt Kane straight away to inform him that we could go out on Saturday!! Was looking forward to a gourmet burger and fries :)
That night I had a few more tightenings and hadnt felt the babies move as much, a little bit of cramping and felt very tired. I got the nurse to come in and did my obs she checked tghe babies and they were all ok and started to move a lot more, think the tiredness had just got to me a little. The scan day had came around oh so fast and I was fairly confident my cervix would be still stable. As the scan started I always lie in suspence, as she looked at the screen she started asking some questions, have u had many tightenings and/or pains recently.. I explained yesterday and she said ohh yes, Is something wrong I asked? Not wrong just not as good as we hoped. Your cervix is showing it has completly shortened well measuring about 0.7 of 1mm. I Knew this wasnt good and she said I was needed to be seen by a doctor ASAP... Heading back the room I felt really calm, I had to call Kane and explain to him and then get a visit from my doctors. Kane was pretty calm about it to and wanted to find out what the doctors had to say so I had to call him back after they had visited. My doctors explained what the scan report had said and that they need to do an internal to find out what is going on. There findings were my cervix was full effaced (think thats the term they used?) and I was dilated 1cm... with buldging membranes. Then they went to say strict bedrest for the rest of the day and only 1 or 2 laps around the ward from now on.
The doctors came around the next morning and I confirmed what I knew no trip for me this weekend unfortunatly I was to remain close as labour is just around the corner and they said they need to act fast when it happens. Talking to Kane he believes our wee trio are coming within the week however I am being positive that they will get closer to the 30week mark. The doctors are now watching me very closly and the peds, NICU and other people involved have been made aware of my progression towards the babies coming. Time will tell what these babies have in mind, although I am not ready for them to take that journey into our world just yet... Have a scan early next week so may know more then. The nurses organised myself and Kane to have a visit down to the NICU area (intensive care for babies) we got a tour and explained what will happen in detail when our babies arrive. They will be in seperate rooms as they are triplets they are going to be high needs and need the extra attention of staff until they all stabulise. Was quite scary seeing all the machines in action and the many babies that are in the care at the moment. Although for both Kane and I we dont think it will hit us until it is our babies in the machines with all the tubes. I know that is staffed exceptionally well and they will be in the best care. I just hope all babies do well and cant wait til the moment I can hold one or all three of my babies!! Times getting closer and although I am very excited to met them I want them as big and as strong as possible.
Photos this week.... some included from week 26 :)
My days were still the same and I knew that this would be the case for the next few weeks or when the babies decide to arrive. I am very positive of making it til 32 weeks or close to that I just hope my body and the babies can agree on that as well. I thought I might not be getting scanned this week as last week they said it was all so good they only recommended one in another two weeks, my doctor however said they want to see the weekly progress so booked me in again for thursday, I was confident that things would still be the same. Talking to Kane at night I said to him I'll be here til 34 weeks I can see it now spending over 10 weeks in hospital, he said dont get ahead of yourself thats still 6 1/2 weeks away. Time was still going rather quick and 27 weeks marked the beginning of the third and final trimester of pregnancy (eeeeeeeeeeek)!
My diabetes was still be closely monitored and was doing well to maintain it without the need for insulin, some doctors would say I'll be on insulin within a day or two and then they reconsider, so id like it to be like that as long as possible as I already have to thighs covered in bruises from my other injections. I was given another dose of steriods to boost the development of the babies lungs and this one hurt more than ever today. With steriods comes high sugar levels so I had to be even more mindful of this. For people that no me I really struggle with the little amount of treats im allowed :( especially when Im hungry 24/7.
My dietican is happy with me or so it seems, still putting on weight consistnly and Ive just hit the 15KG weight gain. I thought by this stage through I would have put on a lot more and by 34 weeks they would have expected me to put on 25, so not sure how I would manage putting on 10KG in 7 weeks although with these babies growing anything is possible :)
My stomach is now huge!! I can hardly bend down and I can see it growing more round by the day. Also with the growth comes stretch marks and lots of them, they are starting to get thicker and redder by the day (sorry for the indepth description - you will see this in photos to come)... I expected these although still get a fright when I see my reflection in the mirror, as does Kane. As long as I can grow these babies as big as I can I would be happy with any amount of stretch marks as i'm sure 99% of the time they will be worth it. 1% when ive had no sleep and three screaming babies.... (trying to be realistic)
Kane and I had talked about getting out and going on a wee outing/date this weekend, just had to confirm with doctors that I can get out and not overdo it while Im not in hospital. They told me I could which was so exciting I txt Kane straight away to inform him that we could go out on Saturday!! Was looking forward to a gourmet burger and fries :)
That night I had a few more tightenings and hadnt felt the babies move as much, a little bit of cramping and felt very tired. I got the nurse to come in and did my obs she checked tghe babies and they were all ok and started to move a lot more, think the tiredness had just got to me a little. The scan day had came around oh so fast and I was fairly confident my cervix would be still stable. As the scan started I always lie in suspence, as she looked at the screen she started asking some questions, have u had many tightenings and/or pains recently.. I explained yesterday and she said ohh yes, Is something wrong I asked? Not wrong just not as good as we hoped. Your cervix is showing it has completly shortened well measuring about 0.7 of 1mm. I Knew this wasnt good and she said I was needed to be seen by a doctor ASAP... Heading back the room I felt really calm, I had to call Kane and explain to him and then get a visit from my doctors. Kane was pretty calm about it to and wanted to find out what the doctors had to say so I had to call him back after they had visited. My doctors explained what the scan report had said and that they need to do an internal to find out what is going on. There findings were my cervix was full effaced (think thats the term they used?) and I was dilated 1cm... with buldging membranes. Then they went to say strict bedrest for the rest of the day and only 1 or 2 laps around the ward from now on.
The doctors came around the next morning and I confirmed what I knew no trip for me this weekend unfortunatly I was to remain close as labour is just around the corner and they said they need to act fast when it happens. Talking to Kane he believes our wee trio are coming within the week however I am being positive that they will get closer to the 30week mark. The doctors are now watching me very closly and the peds, NICU and other people involved have been made aware of my progression towards the babies coming. Time will tell what these babies have in mind, although I am not ready for them to take that journey into our world just yet... Have a scan early next week so may know more then. The nurses organised myself and Kane to have a visit down to the NICU area (intensive care for babies) we got a tour and explained what will happen in detail when our babies arrive. They will be in seperate rooms as they are triplets they are going to be high needs and need the extra attention of staff until they all stabulise. Was quite scary seeing all the machines in action and the many babies that are in the care at the moment. Although for both Kane and I we dont think it will hit us until it is our babies in the machines with all the tubes. I know that is staffed exceptionally well and they will be in the best care. I just hope all babies do well and cant wait til the moment I can hold one or all three of my babies!! Times getting closer and although I am very excited to met them I want them as big and as strong as possible.
Photos this week.... some included from week 26 :)
one weeks growth from 26 to 27 weeks
kane measured to see how thick my cervix was...
bump update 26 weeks
braxton hicks getting a little stronger
27 week bump photo
Thursday, 11 July 2013
Cabin fever + growth scan - Week 26
Time is ticking away and with that I get some relief as I know the babies are growing and developing. With making adjustments from having diabetes I was trying to manage my new food intake. Although I was doing well with my sugar levels I still was closely watched as carrying triplets my insulin needs can change and I need to be prepared for what might happen. The doctors who visited me daily were pleased with all my obs they were very stable, also talked about my c-section, they told me until I get to 30 weeks they won't make a date for it as high chance I will need an emergency one once I go into labour. I also had to sign my c section forms so they have them on record. I have known from round 12 weeks that this is how the babies will be delivered but the whole thought makes it so real. I think I am a bit nieve about things sometimes like that it would be crazy for me to have these babies any time soon however I think that medical team are trying to prepare me, the ped doctor came to talk with me about preterm babies which to them is being born prior to 35 weeks gestation. She was very professional and upfront about statistics of babies born at my length of pregnancy, 2 out of 10 babies born at 26 weeks don't make it compared to 4 out of a 100 at 28 weeks. Also prior to 32 weeks there can be significant eye problems, brain bleeds and breathing troubles. I was pretty taken by this information and even though I feel like I've come so far 28 is the biggest goal we need to achieve. I am positive that I will be able to get past this date I'm just hoping my body agrees. Also on Sunday ill be 27 weeks this is the start of my third trimester maybe this will be the one that is kind to me.
Magazines, tv series, Facebook and game applications help me fill in my days, the meals are now getting repetitive and I often talk about all the food I would love to eat (some of the food items I'd love is real pasta, pad Thai, pizza, nachoes, chicken pie and lots others). Visiting my neighbor also helps fill in my day, I've now spent 3 weeks in the maternity ward and time is going by quicker than I thought I still know that I'm here for up to another 7 weeks and with each day being rather similar I'm getting a little restless.
I got another dose of steroids to help the babies prepare for the outside world, the only thing now with the steroids is it affects the way your body can process sugar levels. After my jab my reading started to go really high they did expect this but I had to be given a couple of insulin needles to help get down the levels. Which worked so they were happy.
Well another week had gone by so was time for another scan, I was really excited to find out how big our bubbAs were and if course what my cervix was doing. I get picked up by wheel chair and get taken to the scan, while in the waiting room I was sitting beside another couple and her sister, not talking to them I overheard them talking about multiples I think she was having twins and they obviously thought that was enough, they started saying how they had known someone who had triplets, the response was stuff that, I feel sorry for her, don't know how people cope with that etc I was a little offended by this but decided ill just sit back it's their opinion. They then went onto to find a photo of her on Facebook to show how big she got, and were saying imagine her stretch marks, would take so long to get your body back. I felt like saying to them at least with a big belly her babies are growing is that not more important but I didn't. I just rubbed my tummy why thought how lucky I was to have my 3 no matter how many stretch marks I would get and how long it would take me to get my body back. What's more important at the end of the day?? When my doctor/sonographer came to get me jokingly said oh I need 3 hands for this with a big smile. I hope they clicked and realised maybe b careful what you say around other pregnant woman. (Rant over sorry!)
Everything looked great with the babies Baby A is head right down as far as she can go at this stage so was really hard getting her measurements, they said they tried to be as accurate but her weight maybe less than what they estimate. Close by baby B was is in a good position even got to see her cute face makes it seem so real, then up the to laying directly across my top belly under my ribs is baby C he too was posing for the camera and got a nice pic of him :) the estimated sizes of the babies are Baby A - 2 lb 2oz, Baby B - 1 lb 15oz and baby C - 2lb 1oz = just over 6lb of baby at 26 weeks no wonder I'm huge!! Plus the three placentas + fluid! As for my cervix it was stable and unchanged :) :) :) yah please get me past 28 weeks I told it!! I was so happy 3 healthy bubs growing nicely what more could a mum want.
This morning my dietician came to see me and ask about my eating and diabetes. She still thinks I need to eat more through the day and at my meals. I'm no sure how cos I already seem to feed my face :) with the babies now starting there main growth fattening up stage they said I need to fuel them. Also working with my diabetes to ensure I'm not eating to many carbs or sugar..
Sorry no photos this week due to my writing this on my iphone, so there maybe some sentences that don't make sense quite hard to navigate on here .
Magazines, tv series, Facebook and game applications help me fill in my days, the meals are now getting repetitive and I often talk about all the food I would love to eat (some of the food items I'd love is real pasta, pad Thai, pizza, nachoes, chicken pie and lots others). Visiting my neighbor also helps fill in my day, I've now spent 3 weeks in the maternity ward and time is going by quicker than I thought I still know that I'm here for up to another 7 weeks and with each day being rather similar I'm getting a little restless.
I got another dose of steroids to help the babies prepare for the outside world, the only thing now with the steroids is it affects the way your body can process sugar levels. After my jab my reading started to go really high they did expect this but I had to be given a couple of insulin needles to help get down the levels. Which worked so they were happy.
Well another week had gone by so was time for another scan, I was really excited to find out how big our bubbAs were and if course what my cervix was doing. I get picked up by wheel chair and get taken to the scan, while in the waiting room I was sitting beside another couple and her sister, not talking to them I overheard them talking about multiples I think she was having twins and they obviously thought that was enough, they started saying how they had known someone who had triplets, the response was stuff that, I feel sorry for her, don't know how people cope with that etc I was a little offended by this but decided ill just sit back it's their opinion. They then went onto to find a photo of her on Facebook to show how big she got, and were saying imagine her stretch marks, would take so long to get your body back. I felt like saying to them at least with a big belly her babies are growing is that not more important but I didn't. I just rubbed my tummy why thought how lucky I was to have my 3 no matter how many stretch marks I would get and how long it would take me to get my body back. What's more important at the end of the day?? When my doctor/sonographer came to get me jokingly said oh I need 3 hands for this with a big smile. I hope they clicked and realised maybe b careful what you say around other pregnant woman. (Rant over sorry!)
Everything looked great with the babies Baby A is head right down as far as she can go at this stage so was really hard getting her measurements, they said they tried to be as accurate but her weight maybe less than what they estimate. Close by baby B was is in a good position even got to see her cute face makes it seem so real, then up the to laying directly across my top belly under my ribs is baby C he too was posing for the camera and got a nice pic of him :) the estimated sizes of the babies are Baby A - 2 lb 2oz, Baby B - 1 lb 15oz and baby C - 2lb 1oz = just over 6lb of baby at 26 weeks no wonder I'm huge!! Plus the three placentas + fluid! As for my cervix it was stable and unchanged :) :) :) yah please get me past 28 weeks I told it!! I was so happy 3 healthy bubs growing nicely what more could a mum want.
This morning my dietician came to see me and ask about my eating and diabetes. She still thinks I need to eat more through the day and at my meals. I'm no sure how cos I already seem to feed my face :) with the babies now starting there main growth fattening up stage they said I need to fuel them. Also working with my diabetes to ensure I'm not eating to many carbs or sugar..
Sorry no photos this week due to my writing this on my iphone, so there maybe some sentences that don't make sense quite hard to navigate on here .
Saturday, 6 July 2013
My daily routine in hosptial :)
Just so you can get a feel for what a day is like for me being in hospital and the events that are now part of being in here..
This is if I don't have any special tests or scans :)
6.45 - get delivered a fresh jug of water (always wakes me up)
7.10am - check my blood sugars before breakfast arrives
7.15am - breakfast arrives and menu plan for lunch, tea and next morning
7.30am/8.00am - get my morning obs done (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and babies heart beats)... then get my morning hepron injection in my upper thigh (blood thinner to prevent blood clots while im on bed rest)
8.15ish - Doctors Visit (check my progress feel my belly ask lots of questions)
8.30-10.00am - morning rest sometimes read or play games or have a wee sleep
9.15am - check blood sugars 2 hours after I have started to eat breakfast
10.00am - morning tea time
10.30- 1.00 - more rest time usually get up and walk around the ward see whats going on.
Get next set of obs done again by the nurse/midwife
1.00pm - lunch time
1.30-3.00 - rest time, read, relax
3.00pm - check after lunch time sugars
3.15pm - afternoon tea time
3.30-5.00 - rest time again :) :)
5.00ish - Kane arrives once he has finished work
5.45pm - tea time
6.00-7.30 - spend time with kane until he goes home
7.45pm - check my blood sugars from dinner
8.00pm- time to get my obs done again, and my night time medication. another Hepron injection, iron, vitamin C and Metamucil ...
8.30pm- if Im still a little hungry have a late snack before settling in for the night, and usually go and visit the other lady on the ward who is also having triplets and in for the same reasons as me.
9.00pm - set up my dvd player watch some tv series
10.30pm - Sleep time
How much am I eating???
Breakfast - bowl of porridge, banana, small juice (110ml), hot option (eggs, baked beans, pancakes, omelets, or what ever else is on the menu)
morning tea time - flavoured milk, crackers and cheese/peanuts/sandwiches/fruit/yoghurt one or 2 of those things
Lunch - Soup, Hot option (fish, chicken meal, roast, omelet, many other options as well depends of the menu), sandwiches (sometimes can eat some or all of these), fruit, and small desert
afternoon tea - same as morning tea
Dinner - Hot option (can also ask for 2x the amount if im feeling really hungry :).), sandwiches, and desert which changes daily
Late snack - milo, toast, fruit or crackers etc
I eat lots and often I am always hungry the dietician says my weight gain is good so far am on around 13-14 KG since falling pregnant they are expecting me to put on around 25 KG so have to keep eating to fuel the babies!!
This is if I don't have any special tests or scans :)
6.45 - get delivered a fresh jug of water (always wakes me up)
7.10am - check my blood sugars before breakfast arrives
7.15am - breakfast arrives and menu plan for lunch, tea and next morning
7.30am/8.00am - get my morning obs done (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and babies heart beats)... then get my morning hepron injection in my upper thigh (blood thinner to prevent blood clots while im on bed rest)
8.15ish - Doctors Visit (check my progress feel my belly ask lots of questions)
8.30-10.00am - morning rest sometimes read or play games or have a wee sleep
9.15am - check blood sugars 2 hours after I have started to eat breakfast
10.00am - morning tea time
10.30- 1.00 - more rest time usually get up and walk around the ward see whats going on.
Get next set of obs done again by the nurse/midwife
1.00pm - lunch time
1.30-3.00 - rest time, read, relax
3.00pm - check after lunch time sugars
3.15pm - afternoon tea time
3.30-5.00 - rest time again :) :)
5.00ish - Kane arrives once he has finished work
5.45pm - tea time
6.00-7.30 - spend time with kane until he goes home
7.45pm - check my blood sugars from dinner
8.00pm- time to get my obs done again, and my night time medication. another Hepron injection, iron, vitamin C and Metamucil ...
8.30pm- if Im still a little hungry have a late snack before settling in for the night, and usually go and visit the other lady on the ward who is also having triplets and in for the same reasons as me.
9.00pm - set up my dvd player watch some tv series
10.30pm - Sleep time
How much am I eating???
Breakfast - bowl of porridge, banana, small juice (110ml), hot option (eggs, baked beans, pancakes, omelets, or what ever else is on the menu)
morning tea time - flavoured milk, crackers and cheese/peanuts/sandwiches/fruit/yoghurt one or 2 of those things
Lunch - Soup, Hot option (fish, chicken meal, roast, omelet, many other options as well depends of the menu), sandwiches (sometimes can eat some or all of these), fruit, and small desert
afternoon tea - same as morning tea
Dinner - Hot option (can also ask for 2x the amount if im feeling really hungry :).), sandwiches, and desert which changes daily
Late snack - milo, toast, fruit or crackers etc
I eat lots and often I am always hungry the dietician says my weight gain is good so far am on around 13-14 KG since falling pregnant they are expecting me to put on around 25 KG so have to keep eating to fuel the babies!!
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