35 Week Update!

Well, I have mixed emotions today. Here's the scoop...

The NST was very good. Dr. Holmes said it was the best reading they had gotten so far on the babies heartbeats. Yay! I had a couple contractions, but nothing too major. I was glad to know that what I was feeling and thinking were contractions was correct. Fooey on that goofy nurse last week at L&D who told us my uterus was just irritible!

They also removed the cerclage today. Thank goodness. However, it wasn't the most pleasent experience I've ever had. It was a little tough for him to get at because it was placed so well, but that's a good thing since it has definitely served its purpose. My mixed emotions are due to the fact that last week one doctor said typically labor begins within two to four days of that being removed and today the doc that removed it said it could happen quickly or take another two or three weeks. Physically, I just don't think I can make it two or three more weeks. I'm in so much pain (back and hips) and feeling so much pressure and sleep? Forget about it! On the rare occasion I do manage to fall asleep it's not for more than a half hour or so before I wake up because either 1-I have to pee, 2-my hips are throbbing, or 3-my back is hurting. Millions of women have done this before me, so I know I can do it if I have to, but I'm certainly ready to just be done already!

One more thing--my blood pressure was up today and there was once again protien in my urine (could mean something, could mean nothing). So they did some blood work and I have to collect my urine for 24 hours (sounds exciting, huh?). Tomorrow I have to go back to have my BP checked again, another draw of blood work, and to drop off my urine. Then, I'll go back to see the doc on Friday for all the results. They're checking for something called pre-eclampsia. If you know anything about it, it sounds pretty scary. Just keep in mind that we are at the end of the pregnancy and even if, and that's a really big if, they determine I have it we are really at minimal risk. The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the babies, but since we're at 35 weeks and know that their weights and heartbeats are great, delivering them now shouldn't be anything to worry about. If you want more info about it, you can go the Mayo Clinic website at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/preeclampsia/DS00583/DSECTION=1. Please DO NOT be alarmed or worried. Again, the testing is precautionary. I've had protien in my urine the entire pregnancy (remember all the UTIs?) so the BP is really the only new factor to make them think it's a possibility. And quite frankly, with all the pain I'm in right now, I'm not at all surprised that my BP is higher than normal.

So, all that being said, the babies still look great. If they're gaining what the average baby does at this point then they should be weighing in at somewhere in the 5 1/2 lb range and they should be PLENTY healthy to make their grand entrance into the world whenever they decided they're ready. I'm ready whenever they are!!! :o) I'll be sure to post on Friday after we see the doc.

Lots of Love to You All!

Erika, Brian, Drake, & Twins