Monday – August 22, 2005
I’ve been very groggy the last few days, more than usual. I have lots of post-nasal drip but found out from the doctor today that I really shouldn’t be taking any decongestants until I’m at least 16 weeks along (oops)
My Doctor appointment was good, it was nice to see Dr. Carter one last time before I start seeing an OB. I know she can’t answer any of the questions on my long list about twin pregnancies, but she always makes me feel like she’s truly glad to see me and so excited about the twins. I know that by seeing an OB I will get the best care for my situation, and finally get my list of questions answered – so I really am looking forward to meeting Jennifer Smith, but I’ll miss Dr. Carter
The questions I have for the OB are:
- Is there a certain week that they automatically limit activity or advise bedrest or do they decide that individually (case by case). I’ve heard of many situations where there are drs who automatically put their twin patients on bedrest at 29 weeks regardless of how the pregnancy is going.
- How often will I have appointments – same as singleton pregnancy or more frequently? (Again, I have heard that often you go in twice as often as with a singleton pregnancy)
- How often will I have ultrasounds and blood draws?
- Any other differences with a twin pregnancy?
- What do they consider “term” for twins? (Most feel that term for a twin pregnancy is 37 to 38 weeks rather than the usual 40 weeks – the placenta gets old faster with twins)
- How do they feel about vaginal delivery? Do the assume twin deliveries will be c-section or not? What fetal presentations are acceptable for a vag. delivery?
This is the list I have going now. It’s kind of funny to realize (my sister and I were talking about this today) that with all of my other pregnancies my first prenatal appointment was between 10 & 12 weeks and then I would have had a dating ultrasound set up for after that. In other words – I wouldn’t have known for at least another week that I was pregnant with twins!
My prenatal appointment today was fairly basic. They had me give the customary urine sample, my blood pressure was fine (whew!). Dr. Carter came in and we discussed my sinuses for a few minutes and decided that although I have a lot of pressure and draining it doesn’t seem to be an infection. She spent a lot of time listening for the babies, she did eventually hear a heartbeat on the upper right side and then on the lower left side though there is no way to be definite that it wasn’t the same baby (seems pretty far from each other to me but who knows). According to her, “They’re big enough to float around in there, but too small for me to corner.” A statement I found very amusing! We talked for a few more minutes and that was it. She’ll be sending all of the hard copies to Dr Smith before my Sept. 9th appointment. It really pays to have a great physician!
Well, that’s about it this time.