Twin pregnancy: week 33 in review

How far along? 34 weeks today!

Weight gain: Weighing in at 188lbs, I'm up another three pounds. And I've discovered the reason for my rapid gain over these last two weeks! Read on to discover more.

How are you feeling? Where to begin?? Lots to tell you about this week! In my last update I talked about how I was swelling. Well, on Thursday (the day after my post) I really, really started to swell. I went to bed that night almost horrified at the size of my ankles. Knowing I have an increased risk for pre-eclampsia due to carrying multiples I called my OB's office the next morning and asked if I could come in to have my blood pressure checked.

I saw a nurse and she read 126/80: perfectly fine.

I went about my weekend as usual, or "as usual" as one can when both one's belly and one's feet are 33 weeks pregnant with twins. On Monday- yesterday- I had a pre-scheduled OB appointment. When I saw my weight at that appointment I knew something was up. I have gained over 10 pounds in two weeks. I know I haven't eaten that much nor have my babies suddenly turned into beasts!

The nurse measured my blood pressure (still okay, but creeping up) and tested my urine (found a little protein).

When my OB walked in the room she had her nose in my chart and even before looking at me said, "You must be pretty swollen because I know you didn't eat enough to gain 10 pounds since I saw you last!"

I laughed and said, "Yep," holding out my ankles for her to see.

"Those are impressive. I'm going to send you right to the hospital for some monitoring. I think we're catching you at the beginning stages of pre-eclampsia."

So off the the hospital I went where the babies and I were monitored for a couple hours and I had a bunch of "levels" checked.

The babies are perfect- praise God- but my blood pressure was borderline for a few reads and I defiantly have protein in my urine. Combining those two things with my swelling, by the end of my afternoon my diagnosis was clear: I have mild pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia is one of those things that can develop quickly or slowly and it is only relieved by delivery of the babies (or, more accurately, the placentas).  I am receiving steroid shots to mature the twins' lungs in case of preterm delivery but my OB is still hoping I will make it to term at 37 weeks. I would love for you to join me in praying that my condition is slow to develop I can safely keep these babies inside for another 3 weeks!

I am doing a 24 hour urine collection test to give my OB a more specific read on how mild/severe my case is. I told John I was starting this test last night but probably should have specifically said something like, "There's a big orange jug in the fridge with my pee in it," because he definitely pulled it out excitedly thinking- in his words- that I had purchased "some kind of hip juice drink" for us! Ha! What a disappointment. Thankfully it was clearly labeled so he put it back before it reached a glass.

I'm on modified bed rest which essentially means I have to take it very, very easy. I'm allowed one "errand" each day, like going to church or picking Arie up from school. For the one millionth time in my life I am thankful for my husband John who sweetly told me, "I don't mind waiting on you until you deliver. Just tell whatever you need."

I'm making a list. ;-)

Let me segway here into my Get a Little Spiritual section here: When I married John at 21 years old I knew he was a good man but boy I did not know just how important his character and integrity would prove to be be over the first 8 years of our marriage. He has been my partner for most of it, but through our infertility treatments and now with this diagnosis he has been my caretaker. It is a very humbling thing to be taken care of in the way John has cared for me and is taking care of me. I depend on him for so much and he bears that weight with such kindness and strength. I love that man! I thank God for guiding our two young hearts and minds together in marriage 8 years ago. I could not ask for a better mate!

If there are any young unmarried women reading this blog who hope to find a spouse someday let me just tell you that the character of your partner is so very important! None of us is perfect so don't look for a perfect person, but do look for someone who is kind and compassionate, patient, quick to serve others, and hard-working. These traits in John have been some of the most important in our marriage and family life.

Noteworthy Moments: Small one, but something that made me smile: You might remember I told you a few weeks ago that Baby B has been head butting me right above my belly button, to the point where I felt like I was almost bruised inside? Well the nurse at the hospital put a monitor right there to measure if I was having any contractions and Baby B kept bumping it so hard it almost fell off! Ha! It made me smile to see my wirey little guy wiggling away inside.

Bump Shot: 

xo