The worst part of all of this was having a catheter at the same time as contractions. 

If my contractions turn into full blown labor, it will be up to my OB/GYN to decide if he will deliver the babies or try to hold off a little by putting me on a magnesium sulfate IV drip. 

Right now the contractions are varying significantly!  At times, they are only five minutes apartment and at other times (like right after meds), they are thirty minutes apart.

Dr. Shah recommended that the NICU Doctor come to my room to talk to me about 30 week preemies since I haven't spoken to them since 24 weeks, and the difference is huge.   I may get a tour of the NICU as well.

I had a visit with ATU today and saw Dr. Bolognese.  They measured each babies' fluid level and both were around 2, which is too low, so I was taken off the Indocin today.  Let's hope that doesn't bring on the contractions!

Both babies were measured today and are doing great, each having gained 19 ounces in the last 21 days!  Our baby boy now weighs an estimated 3 lbs and 4 ounces (52nd percentile) and our baby girl now weighs an estimated 2 lbs 14 ounces (23rd percentile)!  Keep up the good work little ones!

Baby Supermart is delivering our baby furniture tomorrow!  Check back later this week for some photographs!

Our little baby boy's fluid has increased just a little to 2.61, which is good enough for now!  Our little baby girl's fluid has almost doubled to 4.5!!!  Thank you to everyone who has been praying for these two precious babies!

I went to ATU today and saw Dr. Shah.  The babies look great, but the fluid has gotten lower in their amniotic sacs.  I have to go back for another visit on Friday morning to check the fluid again.  If it gets any lower, I will be taken off the Indocin.  Wish us luck!

I go to ATU tomorrow and will keep everyone posted after that!

After the very painful process of checking me, Dr. Zinsky told me that I was only a little more than one centimeter dilated and 70-80% effaced tonight!  That is a far cry from the ten centimeters and 100% effaced they thought I was a few weeks ago!  Dr. Zinsky said that either I really do have a dynamic cervix (which opens and closes fully) or that I was so much effaced when the last internal ultrasound was done, I only "appeared" to be fully dilated due to being so thinned out.  Either way, we'll take it as long as the babies are safe!

Dr. Zinsky ordered them to get an IV ready in case things got worse during the night since there is a chance that this is the start of real labor and delivery.  The other possibility is that the baby boy is in a very funny position and pressing on things that don't feel so good!  Oh and the doctor could feel the baby boy's head!

I had an appointment with ATU today and saw Dr. Librizzi.  The baby boy's fluid went down slightly from 4.2 to 3.7.  The baby girl's fluid went up a little bit from 2.5 to 3.1.  This means at least one more week of Indocin! 

Both babies had a diagnostic test today called a biophysical profile to measure their breathing, number of movements, development, etc.  Both of them received an eight out of eight on the singleton scale (rather than having to use the twin scale)!  I guess that means they both got an A!  Mommy and Daddy are very proud of them both!

Chip and I saw Dr. Bolognese at ATU today.  The fluid level around the babies actually seemed the same as last week, so I do not need to go off of the Indocin quite yet.  He did change my other medication since he feels it is not as effective once you have been on it for so long.  I am now back on Procardia instead of Terbuteline Sulfate/Brethene.

The Baby Boy now weighs two pounds and one ounce!  He is growing very well and is in the 46th percentile for his gestation.  The Baby Girl is growing a little bit slower.  She now weighs one pound and eleven ounces and is in the 23rd percentile for her gestation (She must take after Mommy!)  The is about a 25 percent discordance between their weights, which is very normal for twins.

We have had many visitors since the last listing of visitors!   Cousin Evan, Aunt Diane (Aunt Di Di to the twins since this is what I grew up calling her!), Aunt Debbie, Aunt Lynn, Jennifer Niblick (visiting from Germany), Veronica Niblick, Maryann Niblick, David Niblick, Barbara Overholt, Madison Overholt, Karen Hodges, Amy Viehweger, Angela Brophy, Carol Mitchell, Kelly Simer, Colleen Black, Liz Clune and Alexis Rupprecht have all visited in the last three weeks (in addition to lots of repeat visits from friends and family whose names I listed on July 20th!  Thank you to everyone to has visited, called or prayed for us during this time!

I visited Dr. Librizzi at ATU today.  I had an ultrasound done to check the level of fluid around the twins.  It has decreased a little bit, but not significantly enough to take me off the medication.  I will most likely have to be taken off of it next week though.  Since I am still pregnant a full week after finding me fully dilated, ATU now believes I mostly likely do have a dynamic cervix. 

Both babies looked great on the ultrasound!  We are hoping to be able to stay pregnant for another week!

Dr. Rosen told me today and Gwen (midwife) told me yesterday that they think I may actually have a dynamic cervix, which is a cervix that opens and closes.  They both feel there is no way I would still be pregnant if my cervix was truly 10 centimeters dilated on Wednesday and has stayed that way without me delivering.  If that buys me more time, we'll take it!  At this point, we have no way of knowing since the doctors agree that examining me will risk breaking my water, which we do not want.  So, it could be hours, days or weeks.  Its anyone's guess! 

Aunt Kimberly brought Cousin Evan to the hospital for a visit for the first time!  He was very good and even helped open presents (that is, until he unwrapped a rubber ducky and then only wanted to play with ducky!)  Grandmom and Aunt Danielle sorted some of them items to make it easier for Mommy when she gets home. 

Oh, I also found out today that the twins will be delivered by c-section if possible to minimize any stress on their little bodies.  This should be interesting!

I saw Dr. Shah at ATU today and got some very bad news.  My cervix is fully dilated and 100 percent effaced.  This means that the babies could be born any hour or any day now.  Hopefully, not for a long time!  If I get a fever or show any signs of infections, or if my water breaks, the twins will be delivered immediately.  Let's pray for as many days as possible!

Since the fluid level for both babies has returned to normal, I was put back on the Indocin with the hope that this might help my cervix.

For now, I am on complete bed rest in the hospital.  No more showers or sitting up :(  I am still allowed short toilet breaks.

Daddy also got to take Mommy outside for the first time in a wheelchair!  It was very nice to be outside in the fresh air despite the heat and humidity.  We got to stay outside for about an hour!

I was also weighed today for the first time since being in the hospital.  I have gained two pounds for a total gain of 16 pounds!

No contractions today - hooray!

July 22

I received my second and last injection today of the steroids that will help the babies lungs.  The needle wasn’t so bad, as it is much smaller than the ones that I had to have for the progesterone during the IVF.

Today we figured out how to connect my laptop to the internet here at the hospital, so I can feel connected to the outside world once again!  Since it’s dial-up, I am sure it will be slow, but at least I will be able to play on the internet, talk on AIM (HeatherAnn817) and update this web site!  I will still be checking email at my Villanova account.

Tonight, Grandmom felt one of the babies kicking my tummy from the outside.  She was the first person to feel this!

July 21

We are 24 weeks and 1 day today and had our weekly visit to the ATU.   We saw Dr. Bolognese.  This was a very long visit since they were doing growth scans on both babies, a cervical check and a Fetal Fibronectin Test (fFN).   Once again, we got some very good news and some concerning news.

Good news first!  Both babies look great.  Baby A (boy) now weighs approximately 1 pound and 7 ounces and Baby B (girl) now weighs approximately 1 pound and 6 ounces.  Both babies look Great! 

My cervix is also the same as last week.  Having no change two weeks in a row is wonderful!

Dr. Bolognese took me off the Indocin since the amniotic fluid in the sacs of both babies was a little too low, which is a side effect of the medication.  In the meantime, if I need another medication due to an increase in contractions, they will try Procardia in combination with the Brethene.  On Wednesday of next week, the fluid level will be checked.  If it returns to normal, the Doctors would switch me back to Indocin if I need additional medication at that time.  The next thing in line would be a Magnesium IV drip, which I hear is no fun and makes you feel like you have the flu.  Hopefully, I will not need that any time soon!

The Fetal Fibronectin Test came back this afternoon.  If this test is negative the babies 99% certain not to be delivered in the following two weeks.  If the test is positive, however, you are likely to go into labor and deliver within two weeks.  The problem with this test is that is has a 40% False Positive Rate, according to the Doctors at ATU (the internet shows many varying statistics).   Not all that unexpectedly, my test came back positive, so I guess there is a 60% chance that the babies will be born in the next two weeks.  Hopefully, we will fall into the 40%, as many of these women stay pregnant for many more weeks!

Just in case, I was give a steroid shot today to help the babies lungs develop more quickly.  I will get the second and last dose of it tomorrow.   I also met with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Doctor to learn about potential problems with babies born at 24 weeks gestation.  She was very nice and very informative.  I am trying not to worry too much, but it’s nice to know what we are up against.  The Doctor also offered me a tour of the NICU, but since I am still feeling sick from my cold, I told her I would visit next week.

July 20

We made it to 24 weeks!   Hooray!   I have been here for about 2 ½ weeks and have had lots of visits which has been very nice.  Let’s see if I can remember everyone ~ Daddy, Grandmom (Heather’s Mom), Mom Mom (Chip’s Mom), Pop Pop (Chip’s Dad), Nanny (Heather’s Grandmother), Aunt Kimberly, Aunt Danielle, Aunt Desiree, Cousin Olivia, Aunt Tracy, Aunt Myoung-Hui, Traci Connor, Haley Mae Connor, Joanne Legler, Marci Ramos, Kelly Hodge and her Dad Ken, Cara and Mia (all names from the Babies’ perspective.)   Tons of others have called with good wishes!  Thank you so much to everyone!  Feel free to call or visit if you are bored!

July 17

Dr. Rosen and I had a little disagreement about bathroom privileges today.  He wanted me to start using a bed pan, which made no sense to me given my great appointment three days ago.  We worked it out after much crying on my part and help from the nurses ~ I still have bathroom privileges.

I seem to be developing quite a cold, so the doctors are ordering me some Flonase, cough syrup and throat lozenges.

Chip bought our puppies, Cara and Mia, to see me today!  It was so nice to see them and I can’t wait until they come back.

Physical Therapy came, but did not think I needed therapy right now since I still have bathroom privileges.

July 15

Since I spend so much time in bed these days Dr. Rosen ordered me some lovely T.E.D. Anti-embolism stockings (can you sense the sarcasm here?).  He also ordered physical therapy, so that should be interesting

Today was the first time that both babies stayed on the heart monitor for the full hour!   (Usually, they only stay still for a few minutes since they are so little.)

July 14

I visited Dr. Broth at ATU today.  It went very well, as there has been no change in my cervix since last week.  I am still having daily contractions, but they are under control.

Dr. Broth gave permission for our Puppies Cara and Mia to come to my room to visit me, so they will be coming on Saturday.  Dr. Broth also said that I can now sit up in a reclining chair sometimes to watch television and that I can go outside twice a week in a wheelchair for some fresh air!

July 7

I saw Dr. Broth at ATU today.  Good news for a change!  Everything is status quo from Tuesday and I am 22 weeks and 1 day!  We are making progress!  Dr. Broth is guessing that I have about a 50% chance of making it to 28-30 weeks.

July 5

Today, we took at trip to the ATU to see Dr. Librizzi.  Even though the contractions are under control, the news was not great.  In just a few days, my cervix has gotten considerably worse.  I am now one centimeter dilated and the funneling has advanced so that my cervix is only one centimeter in length. 

Dr. Librizzi welcomed me to my new home here at Virtua Health West Jersey Hospital.  I may have to stay here until the twins are born, but there is a chance that I may get to go home at 28 or 32 weeks gestation if things go really well.  It’s pretty boring, but I do feel much safer here where they can watch the babies closely.

July 4

July 2

Two days have gone by and I am back at Labor and Delivery at 21 weeks and 3 days.  I thought I was having some contractions at home, so Dr. Brandwine, who is on call for Drs. Rosen and Zinsky, told me to come in.  I thought I was having about five contractions an hour (on Procardia no less!), but it turns out that I was having one contraction every three to four minutes.  Dr. Boyle, the resident here tonight found that I was still only one fingertip dilated, but now 50% effaced.  I was given an IV drip, put on two medications to stop the contractions (Indocin and Terbuteline Sulfate/Brethene) and admitted to the Antenatal Unit here at the hospital. 

The Indocin, which I have every 12 hours and the Terbuteline Sulfate/Brethene, which I have every six hours, seems to be getting the contractions under control.

I will be monitored for contractions twice a day over a period of one hour.  If I have any more than four contractions in an hour, additional intervention will be needed.  The babies’ heartbeats will also be checked twice a day.

I am to stay in bed laying down as much a physically possible, but am allowed bathroom privileges and showers since there is a bathroom in my room.

I will see ATU at least once a week.  My OBs, Dr. Rosen, Dr. Zinsky or my Nurse-Midwife, Gwen, visit my room every day as do at least one of the Hospital’s Resident Doctors.

June 30

Tonight, I had my first trip to Labor and Delivery – yikes!  At 21 weeks 1 day, I am now having contractions.  Dr. Laughingwell is the resident here this evening.  I am on fingertip dilated, but he was able to get the contractions under control.  I was given several bags of IV fluid and a prescription for Procardia to manage the contractions.  I have to take this medication every six hours around the clock.

June 27

My visit with Dr. Rosen went well.  He confirmed that my cervix is still closed on the external portion by a manual exam.    My blood pressure was good at 114 over 62.  I gained two more pounds this week for a total gain of 14 pounds.  I’m up to 120 pounds!

June 27

Today, we saw Perinatologist Dr. Librizzi at the Antenatal Testing Unit (ATU) at Virtua Health West Jersey Hospital.  Our appointment was a mixture of good news and bad news. 

We were able to confirm the babies’ genders, which was very nice!  Baby A is a boy and Baby B is a girl!  The baby boy weighs approximately 13 ounces and the baby girl weighs approximately 14 ounces ~ both are exactly where they should be and looking very well! 

The bad news is that I am already showing signs of pre-term labor at only 20 weeks and 5 days gestation.  My cervix is already funneling and beginning to dilate at the top portion of the cervix.  Luckily, the bottom or external portion is still completely closed. 

I will be seen twice a week now, once by the Perinatologists (Maternal Fetal Specialists) at ATU and once by my OB/GYNs Drs. Rosen and Zinsky.  I am now on complete bed rest at home, and must be lying down as much as possible (no sitting up).  Luckily, I can still use the bathroom and get up for 15 minutes to get myself something to eat. 

My next appointment with the OB is today and the next with ATU is July 7, 2005.

My blood pressure was 110 over 58 and I gained 2 1/2 pounds in the 8 days since my last appointment!  That brings the total weight gain to 12 pounds!  My uterus is still measuring four weeks ahead, so even though I will only be 20 weeks pregnant as of tomorrow, my uterus measures 24 weeks!  Judy checked my cervix which was still long and completely closed. 

Judy loves to check the twins on the ultrasound machine, so she brought that in to take a look at the babies.  The ultrasound showed that both babies heartbeats' were very strong.  I do not know the number of beats per minute since we did not use the Doppler.  Baby A loves the camera and did a few little poses.  Since this was a regular ultrasound, it was a little grainy and difficult to see the genders, but it does look like Baby A had a little something between the legs!  Baby B is very camera shy.  We tried to get some pictures of this little one, but baby moved every time before the shot took.   This baby had its legs very close together, but Judy thought it was mostly likely a girl.  Mommy and Daddy are really hoping that both babies give us a peak next week at our Level II Ultrasound with the Perinatologist. 

Our next two appointments are both on Monday, June 27th.  We will see Dr. Bolognese in the morning and Dr. Rosen in the afternoon. 

Daddy also got his first "Father's Day Tie" from his Goddaughter Olivia Lane.   Cousin Olivia, who is two and a half, says the babies are inside "cook" and asks them to "pease fall out".

We also asked Uncle John to be the Baby A's Godfather today!  Uncle John was very excited and said yes!  Now we just have one more Godfather to ask, but we're going to keep that a secret until we ask him!

My weight is up to 115 1/2 pounds, a gain of 9 1/2 pounds!  My uterus is measuring approximately four weeks ahead of my current 18 weeks and 5 days gestation, which is normal for a twin pregnancy.  My cervix is still completely closed as it should be!

I got to hear both babies' heartbeats on the Doppler.  Baby A's heartbeat was 141 beats per minute and Baby B's heartbeat was 148 beats per minute!

Next appointment is Tuesday, June 21, 2005.

Cousin Evan who is only 16 months old is very excited about the babies and likes to look inside Aunt Heather's belly button to see the babies!

Dr. Zinsky checked my cervix, which was still closed up tight.  He also used the Doppler for the first time!  I got to hear both babies heartbeats for a couple minutes.  Baby A's heartbeat was 142 beats per minute and Baby B's heartbeat was 147 beats per minute!

Next appointment is Monday, June 13, 2005.

They were also finally able to find the source of my bleeding, which is a fluid filled sac inside my uterus.  Dr. Bolognese will be keeping a very close eye on it to make sure that it does irritate my uterus too much and cause me to go into labor.   The good news is my cervix was completely closed up tight!

Both babies were moving around a great deal, so it was very hard to see what genders they are for sure.  The ultrasound technician could not be certain, but based on what she saw we are pretty sure of the babies genders!

The baby on the bottom is Baby A.  This baby was moving around so much that we only got a short glimpse of the genital area.  It looks like Baby A is a BOY!!!

The baby on the top is Baby B.  This baby crossed legs throughout the entire ultrasound.  We were able to get a good underneath view though.  It looks like Baby B is a GIRL!!!

We will be having another Level II Ultrasound on June 27th to finish the remaining 20-30 percent of the anatomical measurements, so we should be able to confirm the babies' genders at that time!  We are thrilled that it looks like we will be having one girl and one boy!  I hope this holds up at the next big ultrasound!!!