I had a standard exam with the Dr. today and it went great. I have gained 17 pounds so far (which he said is right on track with a twin pregnancy) and measured at 22 weeks (naturally I am going to measure bigger since I have two babies rather than 1, but I am only going to be 20 weeks this Wed). Their heart beats were both within normal range.
We discussed the C-Section today and he would like to schedule it approximately 2 weeks before my actual due date, which would be approximately April 8th.
I will post a new belly pic later this week.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
C-Section
So it looks like I will be having a C-Section. We have not set a date yet but the Dr feels it will be the safest way to deliver the twins. The reason is because Derrick has only one umbilical artery. What does that mean?
What is a Single Umbilical Artery?
Normally, an umbilical cord has three vessels. One is a vein and two are arteries. The vein carries blood away from the fetus and back to the mother's bloodstream via the placenta, while the arteries carry mom's nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the developing baby. In a pregnancy with a single umbilical artery, one of the two umbilical cord arteries is missing, leaving only one vein and one artery.
Is a Single Umbilical Artery Dangerous?
Having a single umbilical artery can lead to an increased risk of birth defects, but these are usually associated with other signs as well. Doctors using ultrasound can spot chromosomal abnormalities that may be associated with the loss of an umbilical artery. The pregnant woman will then be referred for further testing through tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. The good thing is that the ultra sounds are not revealing any abnormalities and the Dr has no concerns.
If the fetus doesn't have any other problems seen via ultrasound or through amniocentesis, then problems due to a single umbilical artery are not likely to occur. However, sometimes the doctor will want to order extra ultrasounds (which I have every 3-4 weeks any way, being that I am having twins) throughout the pregnancy just to be on the safe side. This can help rule out instances of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), when the baby's blood supply is not providing enough nutrients for proper growth, which might occur due to abnormal umbilical cord blood vessels.
The reason for the Csection is to decrease the chances of stress on the baby during delivery. With only one artery, and the stress of labor it can decrease the oxygen to the baby. Therefore a Csection will alleviate any stress and concern.
How Common is a Single Umbilical Artery?
One percent of single births and about five percent of pregnancies carrying twins or other multiples have the problem of the fetus developing only a single umbilical artery. The incidence of single umbilical arteries is higher in Caucasian women and in female babies. Mothers older than 40 and those who have had more than three children also are in a higher risk group for their baby to develop this condition. Doctors may wish to follow up more frequently with pregnant women who are in these high-risk groups.
What is a Single Umbilical Artery?
Normally, an umbilical cord has three vessels. One is a vein and two are arteries. The vein carries blood away from the fetus and back to the mother's bloodstream via the placenta, while the arteries carry mom's nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the developing baby. In a pregnancy with a single umbilical artery, one of the two umbilical cord arteries is missing, leaving only one vein and one artery.
Is a Single Umbilical Artery Dangerous?
Having a single umbilical artery can lead to an increased risk of birth defects, but these are usually associated with other signs as well. Doctors using ultrasound can spot chromosomal abnormalities that may be associated with the loss of an umbilical artery. The pregnant woman will then be referred for further testing through tests like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. The good thing is that the ultra sounds are not revealing any abnormalities and the Dr has no concerns.
If the fetus doesn't have any other problems seen via ultrasound or through amniocentesis, then problems due to a single umbilical artery are not likely to occur. However, sometimes the doctor will want to order extra ultrasounds (which I have every 3-4 weeks any way, being that I am having twins) throughout the pregnancy just to be on the safe side. This can help rule out instances of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), when the baby's blood supply is not providing enough nutrients for proper growth, which might occur due to abnormal umbilical cord blood vessels.
The reason for the Csection is to decrease the chances of stress on the baby during delivery. With only one artery, and the stress of labor it can decrease the oxygen to the baby. Therefore a Csection will alleviate any stress and concern.
How Common is a Single Umbilical Artery?
One percent of single births and about five percent of pregnancies carrying twins or other multiples have the problem of the fetus developing only a single umbilical artery. The incidence of single umbilical arteries is higher in Caucasian women and in female babies. Mothers older than 40 and those who have had more than three children also are in a higher risk group for their baby to develop this condition. Doctors may wish to follow up more frequently with pregnant women who are in these high-risk groups.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Some New Pics
We celebrated Thanksgiving with the family this weekend, since it is tradition for Danny and I to go camping over Thanksgiving weekend, so my parents came down to visit from Nevada and Mom got to go with me for my Ultra Sound on Friday. She was very excited to see her grandbabies. They are both measuring at 8oz each.
Elissa
Derrick (he was waving at gma, lol)
P.S. I felt the babies move for the first time this weekend. I think it was because I ate to much Thanksgiving dinner and they ran out of room! LOL. Both Grandmas were there and were very excited!
Elissa
Derrick (he was waving at gma, lol)
P.S. I felt the babies move for the first time this weekend. I think it was because I ate to much Thanksgiving dinner and they ran out of room! LOL. Both Grandmas were there and were very excited!
Monday, November 16, 2009
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