33 Weeks

It seems like the last few weeks flew by. It's probably because of all the appointments my OB has set me up for, along with the phone calls when he asks me to go in to give blood samples, urine samples, take my blood pressure and weigh me. Since my migraines can be confused with symptoms of pre-eclampsia my OB wants to make sure he stays on top of it. So far, so good.

I am so ready for these babies to be here, but I know they aren't, so I'll just help them cook as long as they need to. I can't believe what a difference one more baby makes in a pregnancy. I am so wiped out most of the time. I guess the sleeplessness is just a prelude to what is to come once they finally get here! There are times when I still can't believe I'm going to have two babies, it just seems so unreal. I keep saying, "twins, me, how did that happen? Why am I the one that it happened to? How did I get so lucky?" I am so excited though, I can't wait until I get to hold them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

32 Weeks

11 Weeks

I'm just a few weeks away from finally delivering my sweet babies. I appreciate all your thoughtful comments. I've enjoyed reading all your blogs as well.

Thanks so much again and Happy Holidays to you all!!!

32 Weeks and dragging....

I'm so tired I can barely sit up to write this. I am so done, I wish these babies were too. My back hurts, my sides hurt, my front hurts, my top hurts and my bottom hurts....that pretty much covers it all....oh! and my insides hurt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just want to scream sometime. I can hardly get up to go to the bathroom it hurts so bad. I didn't realize how hard it would be toward the end, now I know. My brother was over 10 pounds, but my Mom said she didn't feel like I look, so I'm guessing one big baby isn't the same as 2 smaller ones, even if they don't add up to 10 pounds......YET!!! I'm sure they are getting there though. People who haven't carried twins just don't know how hard it is. They think I should be able to move around like I did when I carried my other two babies. It makes me so mad, they just don't get it. Don't get me wrong, there are people around me who know how I'm feeling, but for those who don't get it, I just want to scream at them sometime! I'm thankful I can always count on my Mom for understanding and help, she's always here to help me.

Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you all have a good holiday season!

31 Weeks......Yay!!!

I'm so excited I made it to 31 weeks so far. I am getting so close now. My OB said I won't go past 38 weeks. I'm just hoping Baby B turns head down again by the time they decide to come. Less than 7 weeks to go. I'm excited but nervous all at the same time. I know Christmas and New Years will fly by, after that I will have less than 4 weeks, unless the little "ditto sisters" (that's what my Mom calls them) decide to come sooner. I know the longer they cook, the better, but I'm just getting excited to finally see them and hold them. Woooooo!!! Whooooooo!!!

Clean Bill Of Health

We are happy to report that our babies have been given a clean bill of health regarding the two vessel cord!!! Yay!

I had my genetics scan in San Francisco yesterday. After a thorough look over of both Baby A and Baby B, they were given a clean bill of health. Baby A of course has a two vessel cord, but there are no other genetic markers indicating any abnormalities. She has two working kidneys, no problems with her heart and her bladder was full. Her growth rate was right on target and both baby's fluid levels were great. Oh, and they have lots of hair on their heads! It looks so cute.

Here are the final measurements for the day.....

Baby A

Weight 3 lbs. 6 oz.

Abdomen 30 Weeks

Head 32 Weeks

Baby B

Weight 3 lbs. 9 oz.

Abdomen 30 Weeks

Head 30 Weeks

It's great to see that Baby A has caught up with Baby B in weight. She even overtook her on her head size. I hope that head slows down a little bit, especially if she is coming out naturally!

While checking the babies out the sonographer asked if we knew if they are fraternal or identical. We told her that no one has offered up that information to us. She told us my reports say that I have one anterior placenta. She said she would take a look to see if she could determine if they are identical or fraternal. When she scanned the placenta, she said it looks like there is one large placenta. She believes them to be identical. At my OB appointment today he said once they are born, the placenta will be sent to pathology to try and determine whether they are fraternal or identical.

The only downside to the visit is that Baby B has decided to turn. Her head is on my left side and she is laying straight across my stomach under my breasts. I'm sure this is why I've been feeling awful under there, her elbow was under a rib. I'm still hoping for a vaginal delivery, so I hope she turns her head back downward.

Doctor Visit today...12/10/08

My blood pressure is down and my swelling is at a minimum. I've been having migraines and my doctor is still concerned about me getting pre-eclampsia so I had to do more blood work today which turned out well. He also has set me up to start my NST's next week, I'll be 31 weeks at that time.

My cervix is closed up like Ft. Knox and it appears long. I've been experiencing menstrual like cramping, but it isn't changing my cervix at all so far. I just feel like I'm ready to have these babies. I'm tired and wore out, but I know I need to keep them in as long as possible. My OB told me he would like to see me make it to 36 weeks and that he would not let me pass 38 weeks, so at least I have an end in sight. That would mean I will have my babies no later that 7 and 1/2 weeks......YES!!! That's great news, we should have babies by February 1st then. It seems so far away when I put it like that, but what can I do? I want them to be healthy, so I'm not going to try and rush it.

So, here is how the rest of my pregnancy will go.....

OB Visit w/ultrasound 1 per week

NST Visit 1 per week

Ultrasound 1 every two weeks

With a schedule like this, time is sure to fly by.

Welcome, Elianna..... my new niece! Isn't she beautiful?!

On a brighter note….

My brother and his wife welcomed their 3rd daughter on Saturday (12/06/08). I have another beautiful niece!!! She was almost 8 pounds, and three weeks early...if she made it to full term she probably would have been over 9 pounds (my brother was over 10 pounds! We grow 'em BIG in my family!)

My sister-in-law’s water broke about 4 a.m., Arizona time and my Mom got a call from my brother at 4:25 a.m., California time, informing her she has a new granddaughter! That’s about right for my sister-in-law once she gets started it progresses quickly for her. She woke up at 4 a.m., turned over and felt her water break, she didn't waste any time getting into the car, she beat my brother, that's a surprise. They sped off toward Tucson (about an hour away from their home); passed a Sheriff at 80 miles an hour….of course they got pulled over. My brother stepped out of their vehicle and explained that his wife’s water broke and she was in labor. Believe it or not, he said “Okay, go ahead and go”! That’s right he let them go without a ticket!!! Unlike the couple who have been in the news the past few days...the ones who were ticketed on their way to the hospital! My sister-in-law thinks he let them go because my brother was in his uniform (he’s in the Army Reserve and was getting ready to go to drill when her water broke). Anyway, my niece was born just over an hour after my sister-in-law’s water broke. They made it to the hospital with just a few minutes to spare, she was born shortly after.

They knew once her water broke they would have to rush since my sister-in-law has a history of having her children quickly. She had my first niece in the car on the way to the hospital, she delivered her while my brother drove, with a bus load of people watching (it was passing by right then!). Their second daughter was induced because the doctor didn’t want a repeat of how my first niece was born.

30 Weeks.....Wooooo......Hooooooooo!!!!

I'm so happy I made it to 30 weeks. Each day that passes makes me feel better. This may be TMI, but last Friday night I had diarrhea and didn't feel well. I was cramping and just not feeling well at all. All day Saturday, it was the same thing, cramps, diarrhea and not feeling well. Sunday was the same thing except for the mucus on my toilet paper when I wiped. All these things made me concerned so I called L&D for advice and they told me they weren't too worried about it. They would worry if I were having more than 6 contractions each hour. All these signs are pointing to at least one thing.......I'm getting closer to that wonderful day of delivery! Today I've been feeling period type cramping, my whole body feels like I'm going to start my period as a matter of fact. Plus, I started my day with a migraine. Now, doesn't that just round off my week with a bang?!



For sure I will be watching for more signs in the coming weeks. I have an OB appointment on Wednesday, so I'll be discussing with him all the issues I had this past weekend. I want to try and do all I can to keep from delivering my babies too soon. I know they need as much time to cook as possible.


Tomorrow I will be going to San Francisco for an ultrasound with the Genetics Department. I'm a little worried about it, but I'm pretty confident all will turn out well. I'm thinking it's just a mishap of the umbilical cord while it was developing. I hope I will know something by the time I leave there tomorrow.

29 Weeks

I'm getting closer to the 30's. One more week, I can't wait. I've started to feel pain in my upper uterus, and boy does that hurt, it's so hard to get comfortable. I have to eat small amounts at a time so it won't hurt as bad. These little girls still have to grow a few more inches and pounds before they are ready to meet this world. My poor uterus!!! Thank goodness I only have a few weeks left, at least no more than 11 at the most. I belong to Kaiser and the way my OB talks it that I may have the babies before 36 weeks, so I'm not sure if they will let me go beyond that point or not. He also said that they don't deliver in their/my Kaiser before 35 weeks, so I have to make it that far if I want to be able to deliver there. Otherwise I will have to go to San Francisco Kaiser. I'm hoping I/we make it past 35 weeks, I don't want to have to drive an hour away, who knows what could happen in that hours time. I guess our local Kaiser isn't set up for babies that are that premature.

My last ultrasound with my OB a few days ago showed both babies are still head down. I'm hoping they stay that way, I'll see on Tuesday when I see my OB again. I've got my fingers crossed.

I have my genetics appointment on the 9th of this month. I'll be over 30 weeks at that time. I love these small milestones that I have to reach and get past, it helps my pregnancy to go faster. So far the weeks seem to be flying by. My due date isn't until February 14/15, it seems so far away, but so close. I still have to go through December and January to get there, I know it's better to have the babies stay in as long as possible, but I can't wait until the time gets here.

28 weeks...and back to having a two vessel cord!

We're moving closer to that magical 36 weeks, eight weeks to go. I'm happy to know I have under 12 weeks. After my last ultrasound and OB visits, I received a call from my OB telling me I passed my 3 hour glucose test, but I'm anemic and need to take more iron...I can do that. Then he went on to tell me that he has done some research on the two vessel cord that Baby A has. I have been referred to the Genetics Department for further testing. Also, everything looks good on my last ultrasound report. My OB also mentioned that it could be a possibility that I may have to have -a c-section because of the two vessel cord. I've done some research on this, I think there can be some complications during childbirth with the two vessel cord. I'm still holding out for a vaginal birth.

On Thursday I received a call from the Genetics Department at Kaiser and they set me up with an appointment for December 9th with specialist in San Francisco so they can do a more detailed ultrasound on Baby A. They assured me that it doesn't have anything to do with down syndrome. I'm praying that's the case, they are more concerned with her kidneys than anything it seems. So far all the ultrasound reports have been in her favor, but they want to check her over.

At my last ultrasound Baby A is measuring at 27 weeks, 3 days (right on target) and Baby B is measuring ahead at 28 weeks. So, the sonographer said that's a good sign since Baby A is growing on target. Baby B is just a little pork-er. Hopefully it isn't a sign that Baby A is going to fall behind, but I guess as long as she is measuring on target, then she's growing as she should.

My next OB appointment will be this week so I'm sure he will be discussing the ultrasound and if I will be having other tests.

I'm just not sure what to think about this whole situation about how the two vessel cord report came out. I know I've posted about it before, but it bothers me that someone dropped the ball. This information should have come out at my 19 week ultrasound when it was found. I'm not sure if my OB didn't see it or if it wasn't reported to him until later. The sonographer at my 19 week ultrasound was in such a hurry I don't know if she left it out of her report until later or if my OB missed it in the report. At my 24 week ultrasound is when I was told anything about a two vessel cord and then after it was mentioned the sonographer told me it was up to my doctor to discuss it with me. I'm not sure if anything is seriously wrong with Baby A, but if there is, then earlier detection would have been better it seems. At this point all we can do is pray. I'm trying not to worry, at least not until we see the specialists.

Ultrasound update:
At my last ultrasound (at 27 weeks) Baby A is measuring 27 weeks, 3 days and weighs 2pounds, 3 ounces. Baby B is measuring 28 weeks and weighs 2 pounds, 11 ounces.
I asked the sonographer if she could tell if the girls are identical. She looked at how the membrane entered into the placenta and she said it looks like they are identical, as it didn't show the lambda sign, it has the T-sign.

27 Weeks....Third Trimester!

I suppose this is considered the beginning of my third trimester. Whatever it is, it feels good to make it to 27 weeks. I haven't had any problems to complain about yet. I did have some major swelling in my ankles and legs, but when I woke up the next day, the swelling was down. I am swelling almost on a daily basis, just that one day it was really bad. It is getting harder to walk, especially after I sit for awhile and then get up. My feet hurt so bad when I walk. I'm still tired a lot and I'm always hunger still. I also exhaust very easily.

At my last OB appointment, he told me if Baby A's head is down but Baby B's is not, then I will be looking at a c-section. They were both head down when he took a look on the ultrasound machine. I know it's a little too early to hope they will stay this way. Unfortunately, the have the time and the room to move. He also told me he considers 36 weeks to be full term and if I started labor around 34 weeks, he wouldn't stop it. But, he did say our goal is 36 weeks. With that said, that would mean my babies will be here sometime at the beginning or middle of January. It seems to far away, but it really isn't, it's less than 8 weeks. Wow, I want to have them already because I am in pain, but they need to cook longer. I know the time will come....eventually!

OB Visit.....strange information

Everything went well at my OB visit. The babies looked good, and my OB told me they are growing at the same rate, which is good. At the end of my visit he took me into his office and told me he saw on my ultrasound reports that a 2 vessel cord was mentioned. I asked him what it meant and he said it could be that the third vessel just wasn't seen. Anyway, I have another ultrasound next week, so I'm hoping they will be able to settle this once and for all. All measurements of the baby involved are good, organs etc. I'm praying all is well. Of course I've read so much online and it really is upsetting....I need to stop the searching on that subject and trust my OB. I'm glad I'm informed though and I will have a few more questions for him at my next visit. Even if she only has two vessels, I don't think anything is wrong with her since there are no other indications of abnormalities or defects (so far). I'll watch the ultrasounds much closer now. One of the main things that has scared me, is the stillborn issue associated with 2 vessel cords. That will be one of the questions I ask my OB next visit.

26 Weeks

Last week went by so fast I can hardly remember it. Yeah, it was that eventful. I know I've been having migraines though. I'm just happy that I'm not feeling the full effects. I've been having the hangover headaches that come after a migraine. At least something is working to stop them. I'm so happy about that. If I had to go through my whole pregnancy having migraines, I would be more miserable than I already am. I know I could have more problems as I progress, but at least I know there will be an end in site, we can't stay pregnant forever.

25 Weeks

I can't believe I'm at 25 weeks with only 15 weeks left at the most. This week has been uneventful except for the good news about the two vessel cord. I'm so happy my OB told me that all the ultrasound reports state that both baby girls have three vessel umbilical cords. I did make a trip to Labor and Delivery because I was having a pushing pressure on my cervix all day so by the end of the day I decided to go in and have it checked out. I was monitored for awhile, but they couldn't get their heartbeats so they did an ultrasound to check them and all was fine. The doctor also checked my cervix and all was good with us. They sent us home and told me to take it easy for the next day or so and then I could return to normal activities. This happened on Halloween, so my kids Auntie took them to her place to go and trick-or-trick. At least they had a good time that night. Next Halloween will be better.

Good news from OB

I had my OB appointment today and I asked him about the 2 vessel cord on Baby A. He took me into his office so he could read over the ultrasound reports that he has gotten so far during my pregnancy. He said that every one of the reports stated that both babies have a 3 vessel cord! Yay! So, why did the technician bring this up? If she didn't say what she did it would have saved me a lot of worry. From now on I'm not going to listen to what they have to say about the ultrasounds. I'll only listen to the doctor.

Anyway, everything looks good. I'm measuring right on target and so are the babies. It's great because I get to see them every two weeks in his office and then every four weeks in the Ultrasound Department.

I am very happy now. I'm just hurting. I've starting the kick counting and I'm spending an hour or two a day checking on the hardness/softness of my tummy. What's also great is I get a phone call from a nurse once a week, she asks me questions about how I'm feeling and she gives me advice. I love belonging to Kaiser!

24 Weeks

I'm twenty four weeks now and I can't wait until I'm forty weeks. I feel like my tummy doubled in size this week, I'm getting huge!!! I haven't had a migraine for a week now, so I'm hoping the medication combination is working.

Nothing new to mention this week yet. I have my two week OB appointment this Wednesday, and I'm hoping all is well with my ultrasound dealing with the finding of the two vessel cord. I've been researching on the subject and it scared me so much that I decided I better not research anymore. I did read that most cases end up with no problems reported with the affected baby. I've also read the results in testing is a little biased since not all babies that were born without problems are being reported. So, I'm assuming that there is a small chance that something is wrong with my baby. I know during my last ultrasound, the babies are measuring maybe one day apart. The baby with the two vessel cord seems to have all it's organs working properly so far. Her fluid levels are good and her bladder was full. We got to see both babies during our 3D/4D Ultrasound the other day and we could see them from head to toe and all looks good. It looked like all their limbs are there. Here are a few shots from that day.




Can't wait to hold my little ladies!

Good news.....and maybe not so good news! Baby B gender finally exposed!!

We're going back to the 3D/4D company tomorrow (I think it's today already), and I'm a little worried about going. We were there a few weeks ago and the babies looked fine, they looked healthy. I had some news today(or is it yesterday) when I went to my regular ultrasound. When I got there they seemed to be confused why I was having another ultrasound so soon. My last one was at 19-20 weeks and I'm 24 weeks now. At the last one they told me I was to be seen every 4 weeks now, so I made an appointment and that's why I was there. When we got to the room, the sonographer was a bit confused as to why I was there also, so she quickly read my file and said it was because at my last scan they didn't get the measurement for one of the baby's head. Now that I think about it, I think she was reading when I had my 19-20 week scan that it wasn't complete and I had to come back in to take a few more measurements. Well, I went in the next day for those measurements, I guess they didn't note that, oh well. Before I even laid down the sonographer asked me if anyone discussed the "two vessel cord" with me. I told her nobody has discussed any of the ultrasounds, as a matter of fact the doctor told me my last ultrasound report came back fine and that everything looked good. At that point I tried to ask her about it, but she clammed up and said that's something for the doctor to discuss with me. That sure left me feeling worried. She told me she would go ahead and measure both heads and since I was there she decided to take other measurements and take some pictures that they needed. I noticed she measured their heads, bodies, the crl, and their femurs. One measured 23 weeks, 3 days and the other one measured 23 weeks, 4 days, not a big difference at all, that's a good thing. During the ultrasound she showed us Baby A's umbilical cord and said it had only two vessels and she showed us Baby B's cord and she said it had three vessels. I'm thinking, "hmmm....that can't be good". I remember thinking, I'll find out all about the two vessel cord when I get home and look it up online. Well, now I wish I didn't know so much. It can be a sign of chromosome abnormalities, possibly Down Syndrome, or maybe even organ disease such as; heart, kidney etc. Great, now I know too much. While I was reading I remembered some things about the scan. I remember her typing Choroid Plexus Cyst and while she was looking at Baby A's pelvic area, we could see her bladder looked really full, but that could be normal. I don't know if that really matters, or if it's a sign of TTTS. Regardless of what all this means, I think I'm going to stop reading about it and talk to my OB next week at my next appointment. I'm not so sure it would be Down Syndrome at my age (25), but I guess there's always a possibility. Maybe I'm making too much out of this scan, but I can't help but worry whether Baby A will be born healthy or born with some sort of birth defect. I'm praying for her good health. I did read that Choroid Plexus Cyst's usually spontaneously dissolve before about 32 weeks, so it may not be a reliable factor for determining abnormal chromosomes. Knowledge may be power, but at this point......naivety is bliss, at least until I get some facts.

That's the reason I'm a little apprehensive about the 3D/4D ultrasound today. I'm afraid that we will see something wrong with Baby A. I did read that with a two vessel cord, a cleft palette is possible. Not that I wouldn't love my baby any less, but I would feel so bad for her. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Now for some good news. The sonographer said she would look for the gender of Baby B after she finished her measurements. We told her we were hoping she could get it since, after 4 tries it wasn't an easy task. But, once she moved the wand over the correct area, we could see right away that Baby B is a girl. I knew she had to be, because I still think they are identical. At least now I won't have to take any of the clothes back that I bought a few weeks ago.

23 Weeks and Migraines are back!

Yes! Twenty three weeks! I am so happy time is going by so fast lately. I started having migraines on Friday and they were nonstop from then until Sunday. Finally when I couldn't get any relief from at all I went to labor and delivery. Once I arrived there I was hooked up to the fetal heart monitor. During the course of my stay I was given a dose of nephedipine, oxygen treatment, a can of coca-cola and a shot of demeral. Whatever, or which ever of the medications including the cola must have done the trick, the pain in my head was not as bad as it had been all weekend. Of course the demeral help a lot I'm sure. I don't like to take pain medication, especially while being pregnant, but I've been assured that pain killers are safe to take while pregnant. I'm hoping what brought on the migraines was the lack of nephedipine, I stopped taking it once I started taking the magnesium oxide. The doctor in labor and delivery told me to take both the magnesium and the nephedipine. So, I'm hoping it will block the migraines from coming back. Today I am so tired, but no migraines so far!!! Yay! I'm still having my hangover headaches, but that's it. I describe them as hangover, but I don't drink and I've never had a hangover, but it's what I'd imagine a hangover would feel like. Anyway, it's my migraine hangover headache. I can take those, I just can't take the migraine pain, especially when it lasts for days, one migraine after another. I just have to tell myself it will be over when the babies comes, in no more than 17 weeks.
While in labor and delivery I asked if they would be giving me an ultrasound and the nurse said probably not because the reason that brought me in wasn't related to obstetrics. I was a little bummed about that. After I was given all the medications etc., and it was almost time to go, the nurse came in wheeling an ultrasound machine. She said the doctor wanted to take a quick look because she couldn't get the heartbeats externally. The doctor checked their heartbeats and then he asked if I knew what the babies are. I told him Baby A is a girl, but Baby B is uncooperative so we haven't been able to get a good visual in the gender department. He looked around and he looked and he looked, but still nothing definite with that little one. Finally he said "see this area right here, that's what I'm looking at, I can't be 100%, but I'm thinking boy". Oh my!!! Now what? I don't mind having another boy, I would love one, but my mindset has already adjusted to two girls. I've even gone out and bought matching outfits. Which can be returned or exchanged anytime as long as I have my receipt. Maybe Baby B is going to be a modest one."I LOVE CARTER'S!" This Friday I'm scheduled for another ultrasound and Saturday I return for another session for my 3D/4D ultrasound. Hopefully one of those days we will get a 100% answer, otherwise we may just have to wait until they are born.
It's hard to think that they may be fraternal since the early ultrasounds looked like they may be identical. Either way it doesn't matter, I was just kinda set on them being identical for some reason. When I first found out I was pregnant with twins, I wanted boy/girl, but then when I was told at my 12 week ultrasound I had one placenta and there is a good possibility they may be identical; and at my 19 week ultrasound Baby A was seen as a girl, well that's when I started thinking they may be identical then. I just want to know for sure before the babies come so I can be prepared for them, gender appropriate items anyway.
Well, I better rethink those names. The one name we agree on is Ally, their Daddy doesn't really like Keily. So, it may turn out that their names will be Ally Jae and Damon Richard Wayne, we want to get both grandfathers names in there. I don't know, we still have time to think about it. At least if we knew for sure, we would have time to choose the names before they are born.

My first public belly bulge picture............22 Weeks and Growing!

I think we have come up with baby names, at least I have!

I have come up with baby names that I like, at least so far. Anything can change until I have to name them legally. In California I think I have 7-10 days after they are born. I like these names, I'm just hoping I don't have to argue with their Daddy too much. We'll see if I get my way or not.

Anyway, this is if they are both girls, and if they are I'm not going to attach a name to them until I see them. I want to see which name fits which baby.

These are what I came up with.



1. Kiely Jae (Jae is for my brothers, their names both start with J)

Kiley Jai (not sure about the spelling of both names yet)



2. Ally Rae (Rae to stand for Reina, that's their great Grandmother's name)

Ally Rai





I'm just hoping their daddy won't fight me too much on the Rae name since it's his Grandmother's and his sister's name. I just think it Rae/Rai fits better than Reina.

(I'm hoping they are both girls, if not I have to come up with a boy name...hmmm, I can still use Ray)

I'm putting a poll up to see what everyone thinks. Don't forget to voice your opinion. Thanks

22 Weeks

Each week that passes makes me happy, I'm getting closer to 40 weeks. I can't believe that I'll see my babies in less than 18 weeks. I'm just hoping to get as close to 40 weeks as possible, I want them to be as healthy as possible.
I'm still wondering if my twins are di/di or mo/di, none of the sonographers nor my OB have mentioned what they are. I will try and remember to ask my OB at my next visit. I'm really happy my OB visits are every two weeks now. I'm not sure if this is standard with all multiple pregnancies, or if it's standard just for mo/di pregnancies. However, it puts my mind more at ease since he administers an ultrasound at each visit.
My next ultrasound visit is on the 24th, so I will also ask the sonographer if they now if the babies are di/di or mo/di. I know at my 12 week ultrasound they only saw one placenta and then at my 16 week ultrasound they said there are two placentas. That's the reason I'm confused about what kind of twins I'm carrying. I know if they are di/di, I don't have to worry about TTTS, but if they are mo/di then there are more complications that can arise. It is reassuring that I'm having more ultrasounds than before.
I'm beginning to feel their movements more now. It's so different from when I carried my other children. I feel Baby A just above my pelvic bone and Baby B is just under my stomach area. I love it!!! Now that I'm not having migraines on a regular basis I'm finally able to enjoy my pregnancy. I know that I will get more uncomfortable the further along I am, but at least (fingers crossed) I hopefully won't have the migraines on top of it. I think the magnesium oxide is working! Yay!!!

21 Weeks

I'm starting to feel like the time is passing by more quickly now. My doctor visits will be every 2 weeks now. I have an appointment next week already. The after that I have an ultrasound, they are every 4 weeks now.
The holidays are right around the corner, so next year doesn't seem so far away now. I'm in so much pain I can't wait until this half on my pregnancy passes. I am happy that I haven't had a migraine in awhile......yay!!! It must be the magnesium oxide. This week I'm suppose to add another dose, as long as it doesn't irritate my stomach. Thank goodness something seems to be helping.
Today when I went shopping I could hardly walk or should I say waddle! It's the first time I had to use on of those electrical carts to do my shopping. It helped, but once I got off, my butt and hips were hurting bad. Oh well, at least I was able to do the shopping I needed without being in so much pain. I fear now that I will have to send my Mom out to do all my shopping for me since not all of the stores have the electric carts. I feel bad that I have to put so much on my Mom so soon, she's willing to do it for me, but I still feel bad about it.
My next ultrasound is October 24th, first I hope my babies are healthy, next I hope we will find out what Baby B is for sure. I have an OB appointment before then, but he won't look for the gender. That's okay, he looks for the more important things like; sizes, fluid levels etc. I'm always a little nervous just before an ultrasound. I just want them to continue to grow into healthy little babies that will have a healthy start at life. So far they seem to be doing just fine, they look good at every visit.
I've been doing research on my type of twinning. I was under the assumption that my babies are in 2 sacs, 1 chorion sac with one placenta. But, after the last ultrasound when the sonographer told me I have two placentas, I got confused about it. I'm going to make another post on that subject later on. I still believe I'm having identical twins, mainly because it looks like their is only one chorion sac. I know this isn't the most important thing, but I find the subject of twins very fascinating.

20 Weeks

Finally I made it to the halfway point. I've gotten some of the items I need for the babies. I still need to get a lot more.
The babies seem to be growing right on target. I'm really happy about that. I'll be going this week for another OB visit. I like to see the sonograms, they are all soooo precious. It's nice to be able to see that they are okay. The one problem with my OB, he doesn't spend a lot of time on the ultrasound and he won't look at the genders.
I'm feeling more pregnant every day now. I'm getting bigger and I'm finally feeling them move a little more now. I know they are moving around even if I don't feel them. On the sonogram, they move around a lot. Baby A seems to be hitting or kicking Baby B all the time. Poor little baby!

Migraines...new information

My last migraine was a week ago. Two days before that I had an appointment with neurology and I was given a mouth piece to clinch my teeth down on while having a headache or migraine. The doctor also told me to take magnesium oxide to see if it will help with the migraines.
I started taking it the following monday and so far I haven't had a migraine.
I think it may be working because I'm experiencing the aura (seeing light spots etc) and feeling like I need to throw up, also being very tired. It seems like a migraine is trying to happen but something is stopping me from having a full blown migraine.
I'm just praying we've found something to keep the migraines away.

3D Ultrasound.....I'm so confused now!!!

September 27, 2008
We went in for a 3D Ultrasound and now I'm more confused about my babies genders. Not so much about Baby A, she's a girl at least that's what all the technician have said.
Then when the technician was trying to check Baby B, well it turned out to be so funny. She spent so much time on that baby. That baby must be shy or modest. At one point Baby A was in front of Baby B, hiding it's gender. Then another time Baby A had a leg in the way, then Baby B had it's own hand in the way. After looking all around Baby B in every direction possible, the technician asked me to take a walk, and try to go to the bathroom so maybe Baby B would move around some. When I came back she started looking again, and Baby B moved alright, now it's legs were crossed! The technician didn't want to give up so she kept looking and finally she said, I don't think I can tell you the gender 100% at this time, but it looks like it may be a girl only becuase I don't see any boy parts. Then she did one more look and said, "oh, I see something that might make me change my mind". Okay, now what?! She said she can't be certain, but she may see something that might be boy parts. Well, by now I've gotten used to the idea of having two girls and the possibility they may be identical. Great! Does this mean I'll have to take back half the clothes I bought and exchange them for boy clothes?
The technician told me to make another appointment because she couldn't get the gender of Baby B and because she couldn't get a face shot of Baby A. So, I'll be going back in about 3 weeks to see if we can see the gender of Baby B once and for all! That little one must be really shy or it's just playing with us.
Well, this is confusing. I'm I having two girls or am I having a boy and a girl? I guess I'll find out one day. I may not know until they are here.

Also, I was told during my 19-20 week scan that there are two placentas. How is that during my 12 week scan the technician said he only saw one placenta and at my 20 week scan the technician said it looks like two placentas? So, how do you go from one placenta to two placentas? I don't know now. I was thinking I'm probably having identical twins, but now with that said about the two placentas I'm not sure. I know they can still be identical even if there are two placentas, but now there may be a possibility they are fraternal. Well, once we find out Baby B's gender and if it is a boy, then we know they are fraternal.
I'll be having more ultrasounds, so I'm sure I'll be finding more out each time.

Another Ultrasound

September 25, 2008
I went to the next ultrasound and everything looks good still. The sonographer today said she believes that Baby B is also a girl. It's funny because Baby B is trying hard not to show off it's gender.
I hope Baby B is a girl because I went shopping for baby clothes at Carter's, I love Carter's clothes. We bought tons of matching girl outfits, blankets, etc. Everything is sooooooo cute.
I kept saying I wasn't going to dress them alike if they were the same sex. Yeah, right! When I got to Carter's I started picking matching outfits and my Mom laughed at me and said, "oh, I thought you were'nt going to dress them alike"? I told her I can't help it, now that I know they are two of the same sex. I want to dress them alike some time, at least while they are little, but when they get bigger I don't think I will be doing that. They can decide if they want to dress alike then.
When I got home I hung all their little dresses and outfits up and put blankets and onesies on a shelf. I can't wait until they get here.

Do we know what we're having yet??? I think so!

Our 19-20 ultrasound went really well yesterday. The babies are looking good. I have to go back again today because the technician forgot to measure a couple of things because of all the talking we were doing.
Anyway here is what we found out about the genders. Baby A is 100% a GIRL and Baby B is probably a GIRL. The technician couldn't say 100%, so she said she is pretty sure it's a girl.
So, that's what we are going with. I think they are identical so of course they would be two girls. That means I will have 1 boy and 3 girls! Oh boy, or should I say oh GIRL!
I'm happy they are looking good.

19 Weeks

Well, happy 19 weeks to me....with a migraine. There isn't much else to report this past week except the migraines I've been suffering. I am getting larger and so are my feet. They are so fat and they hurt when I walk. Everyone laughs at me because I'm waddling when I walk already and I don't look that far along yet. I'm not looking forward to what I know will happen when the babies really get big.
My Mom keeps reminding me that since I have two in here I measure as if I'm further along. So I'm thinking 19 weeks with twins is about the same as being over 23 weeks with a singleton. Plus what a difference twins make. They take so much more out of you than when you carry one baby. I guess since there are two babies everything is doubled. Two pregnancies at one time, oh how it hurts.
I'm just hoping the migraines stop at some point. I thought they would possibly end after my first trimester, but no, I'm still having them in my second trimester. So, now I'm hoping they stop once I reach my third trimester. When I first found out I was pregnant (around 5 weeks), the migraines came on strong and lasted for over 3 weeks, averaging 1-2 daily. I'm so thankful I'm not having them that often now. With everything else women who are pregnant with twins have to go through, coupled with migraines, I just can't wait until time passes and these babies are here. I'm grateful I have help with my other two children, otherwise I don't know how I would get through this. It's funny how people step up to help when there are twins/multiples being born, but when it's a singleton you're basically on your own. I'm not complaining, I'm stating how things seem to be. I am very grateful for the help that everyone is extending to me and my family.
I need to go and rest now, this migraine is killing me and it's hard to see what I'm writing, I hope it makes sense.
I have my 19 week ultrasound this week...finally! I'll let you know how it goes. First off I'm praying the babies are healthy with no problems and second I'm hoping they are in the right position to see their genders. Also, I hope I don't have a migraine that day, I've waited too long for this ultrasound, I don't want to have to reschedule it.

Migraine...Here we go again!

I went to a migraine specialist on Friday. He has prescribed a vitamin medication for me and he also gave me something to put between my teeth and clinch down on when I get a migraine. Of course I didn't feel to well yesterday so I didn't pick up the medication. Just my luck, I woke up with a migraine today and I wasn't prepared, no medication and no teeth clincher with me. I've been helping my Mom house/dog sit for my brother and sister-in-law while they are on vacation. I do have my other medication with me, my vicodin and tylenol, so I took that. I'm able to handle the pain a bit better now, but the vision problem is what's really frustrating. I also get nauseated when I'm having a migraine, I try and keep from throwing up, so I lie still until it goes away.
The migraine doctor also said I should go in when I have another migraine and they will put me on some oxygen. I tried that with one of my other pregnancies and it didn't seem to help, so I'm not sure I will even go in and try it again.

18 Weeks

Well, we're getting there, one week at a time. I'm considered being at the halfway point now. Next week I go for my "BIG" ultrasound, I can't wait! I'm praying the babies are healthy especially with my migraines and the medication I've been taking. I'm also anxious to find out what we're having. I hope they will be in the right position to get a good look!
I am so wiped out from having migraines. They put me flat on my back for a few days. Every time I talk to my OB about my migraines, he tells me they should stop after about 5 months. Another doctor told me that most conditions won't carry on to the next trimester. Well, he was wrong about that. I've had migraines since I was 5 weeks pregnant, all through my first trimester and now I'm having them into my second trimester. With my other pregnancies the migraines didn't start until my third trimester, so I knew the end was close in site. With this pregnancy the end isn't all that close. I hope they don't continue until the end of this pregnancy.

I haven't been able to really enjoy any of my pregnancies it seems like. I hear other people say how much they loved being pregnant, even my Mom said the same thing. Why couldn't I have taken after her, no morning sickness, just enjoyable pregnancies. I guess that's never going to happen for me since this will probably be my last pregnancy. I don't think I could go through this again. If these babies are fraternal then I have a chance to become pregnant with twins again. It's funny how some women can get pregnant with multilple mutliples. Just my luck, that would be me. So, I better quit while I'm ahead!

Migraines are back with a vengeance

I can't believe this, seven migraines in less than three days. It started on Thursday afternoon with two migraines, then on Friday by noon I had another one. Friday night about 9:30 another came on and they kept coming throughout the night and early this morning. By 4 a.m. I went to the emergency room to see if I could get something stronger for the pain, I had been taking vicodin and tylenol. When I got there the nurse treated me as if I were having a bad headache. She asked me about my pain level and I told her it was at a 10. She couldn't believe it, she said "for a headache? You mean it's just as bad as labor pains?" I told her yes it is. I guess she has never suffered from a migraine. It made me mad that she kept referring to it as a "headache" and not a migraine. I know the difference between the two.
Anyway, all they did for me is give me an IV drip with saline solution to rehydrate me. I didn't feel like I was dehydrated because I drink plenty of fluid day and night. I think the next time I have a series of migraines, I will just stay home and take care of myself.

Naming Twins??? This is a tough one for me.

I'm having a hard time trying to decide on names. I know it may be a little soon since I don't know what their genders are yet, but I know I need to think about it. I have a hard time with names, I don't really like too many for some reason. I thought I had at least a girl name, which was Jaelyn, but then my sister-in-law said the same thing without knowing I kind of picked it out. She is due December 25, 2008 with their 3rd daughter. Now, I dropped that name off my list and I think she did too. I don't know what names she still has on her list but I have come up with three others now. Right now I like Allie, Hallie, Kylie and Jayden. The only boys names I've come up with so far are; Dominic and Damon. I'm just having a tough time trying to come up with anything I really like so far. I've looked and I've looked so I may just wait until I know what their genders are before I try and decide. I'll have until a few days after they are born to make a final decision.
This subject tires me out so I'm going to give it a rest for now. I'll get back to looking after a couple of weeks once we know what they are.

17 Weeks

Wow, 17 weeks and how many more to go? I feel like I've only just begun and I'm already feeling like I need it to be done. I want the time to fly by, but I don't. I want them to be here, but I know they need to grow as much as they can to be healthy. Last week I had some migraines, I'm hoping this week I can get by without having any.
Two more weeks until I go for my "BIG" sonogram. I hope the babies are growing healthy. I'm concerned about TTTS. I know I'm not sure if they are identical, but I still think about it. I'm trying to eat as healthy as possible. I drink lots of water and I try and get as much rest as I can, it's hard with two other children running around. Now with my son in kindergarten I have to change things in the household. Everyone has to be on a schedule, this should also help when the babies come. I never really had my other two kids on schedules when they were babies, but I know with twins, I will have to make sure we all stick to one.
I need to start keeping a journal about my migraines. I know it's usually what has occurred the day before that will bring on a migraine. Then again I have to remember that my hormones are rushing at any given time and with two babies it's worse. I just pray I don't go through the same thing I did while pregnant with my daughter. I was at labor and delivery constantly trying to get relief. I need to make an appointment with my regular doctor so we can try and find another medication for the migraines. The nephedipine isn't stopping them all together, so I need to try something different.

Migraine....AGAIN! When will they end?

I can't believe this, another migraine. That's about 5 in one week now. I must be having a hormone rush this week! My OB told me to contact my primary care physician and talk to her about changing my medication for migraines. I'm not sure if the nephedipine is working at all. It may be working somewhat, but I'm still getting migraines. I know there is other medication out there, I've looked it up online, but now I can't remember where I saw it. So, back to researching to see what I can come up with.
On another note...I fell yesterday right on my behind with one leg twisted under me. Oh do I hurt!. Of course one of my kids dropped ice on the floor and didn't pick it up and I slipped on it and down I went. Just what I need, my sciatic nerve is flaring up, my ligament in my crotch is killing me and now this. I am soooooo sore I can hardly walk, I so do not look forward to the next few months. The only bright side....my babies are growing and they seem to be healthy. I know I can handle the pain, I just don't look forward to it that's all. As bad as I'm hurting now, I hate to feel how bad it will get the bigger they get. The doctor told me I'm almost to the halfway point...I hope so!

OB Visit Today

Well, first everything is okay with the babies. But, I was disappointed that my OB doesn't do gender checks. He said the machine as good as the ones where they do ultrasounds. I can give him that, it did look small and older. Anyway, now I have to wait until my 19 week ultrasound on September 24th. I'm happy I got to see them again and their little hearts beating away. They were real active, but I'm not feeling all the movements they are making. Not yet anyway. I'm sure it won't be too much longer though. I was a little sad that the sonogram he did was quick and I didn't get any pictures this time. He did say all is well with both of them and that I didn't need to come back in for four more weeks.
Now I have to wait three more weeks until I know what genders they are! I want the time to fly by, I'm in so much pain already. I asked if I would be able to get a temporary disability placard for my car and he told me I would have to go through my regular doctor for that. I'm thinking I will need one soon. My crotch ligament is killing me and now my sciatic nerve is getting on my last nerve. I'm only 16 weeks and I'm having a hard time walking already. I'm doing the duck waddle, I never did it this early before.
One good thing he told us about labor and delivery. We labor in a regular labor room and then it depends on how the labor is going. That's when they will decide if I will be able to give birth vaginally or if I will need a c-section. I'm hoping and praying for the vaginal birth!!!
I asked if they knew if they were identical or fraternal and he said they didn't know. That possibly the sonographer may know when I do the "BIG" ultrasound. And then he said, we may not know until after they are born. So, we'll have to leave it at that.

Just Wondering???

I don't understand how some women are told they are having identical twins before they are born. I can't figure it out. I understand how twins are made and how fraternal twins have all their own everything and identical twins can also have all their own everything.
But, at what point can the doctor or sonographer say for sure the babies are identical???
I had my first sonogram at 10 weeks and all I could see was two babies next to each other. Also they had a thin wispy line (membrane) between them that was visible at times but not at all times. My second sonogram was at 12 weeks and the membrane wasn't very visible at all. Also there was no lambda sign, it looked like the membrane made the T sign. The sonographer said it looks like one placenta and 2 sacs and there's a possibility they are identical.
I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on this?
I go to my OB this afternoon and I'm hoping we will find out the genders and if the doctor will be able to tell if they are identical or fraternal.

Migraines make me feel awful

I can't believe this, if my ligament pain and my siatic nerve pain aren't enough. I'm having back to back migraines again. I hope they don't last for 3 weeks like when I was 5 weeks pregnant. I had two migraines last night. One was just after midnight and the other one was around 5 a.m. How long will this last. I guess at least I'm off my feet and getting a lot of rest. Migraines are painful, but the worse part for me is when it affects my vision and my face and arms go numb. Not to mention the next day, I feel hungover, at least that's what I think a hanover would feel like. I don't drink and have never been drunk so I have nothing to compare it to, but that's what I imagine a hangover feels like.

Tomorrow is the first day of kindergarten for my 5 year old and I'm hoping I feel well enough to be able to take him and pick him up.

I'm only 16 weeks and I can't wait for this to be over all ready. But, I don't want to rush it, the babies need their time to develop properly. I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining and I'm sure others are suffering just as much if not worse than I am. I feel for all you pregnant moms out there.

16 Weeks

I'm 16 weeks today. I've read that between 16 and 20 weeks is the halfway point for twins. So if that's true, I could have my babies in 16 weeks! That's amazing, they will have to grow a lot the second half of my pregnancy.
I had a migraine yesterday and then another one early this morning. I guess I am just going to have to get used to the idea that I will be having migraines during this pregnancy. I was hoping that I was finished with them, but I guess not. They not only hurt, they make me feel awful for at least 24 hours after the onset of a migraine. I'm just hoping I'm not going to have multiple migraines in one day like I did during my 1st trimester. I had horrible migraines when I was pregnant with my daughter, but they didn't start until my last trimester some time and they lasted until she was born. So, I'm hoping they don't start up daily in my 3rd trimester. I've been doing research on pregnancy and migraines, but I haven't been able to find much information on the subject. I just keep suffering through and tell myself they will end after the babies come. I know I will still have migraines because I've suffered with them most of my life. They eased up as I got older, but they are awful while I'm pregnant. But, that hasn't stopped me from getting pregnant again.

I don't see a lambda sign, do you?

12 Week Sonogram
I placenta, 2 sacs. Are they identical or fraternal? What is your opinion? Vote in my poll please.

Another Migraine, Of Course......August 30, 2008

Not one week can pass by without having a migraine. But, it beats having them every day. I am glad about that. I just pray I don't get them in my third trimester like I did with my other two children. I'll be 16 weeks tomorrow so I'm getting close to being half the way to my babies birthday. I kinda can't wait, but I know I have to. I know it's best for the babies to stay in long enough to be healthy.
This Wednesday I have my second OB appointment. I'm hoping I will get to see the genders of the babies....woooo....whooo! I'm hoping they will be in a good position to see their gender area.
My ligaments are hurting real bad and it's hard for me to get in and out of my car because it's so low to the ground. I'm hoping to be able to buy a mini van by the time the babies come. No matter what, we will have to get a larger car since we will be a family of six. I'm hoping to that my doctor will sign papers so I can get a disability placard until after the babies are born. It's already getting harder to walk, I wish I had something that would help me get around easier. My doctor told me he would prescribe something for me, but I don't think I want crutches because they would hurt to use. So, I either hurt in my crotch area from my ligaments or hurt my shoulders and arms from the crutches.
I think I will tackle baby names on my next post. I'm having a hard time with choosing names.

15 Weeks....August 24, 2008

I'm at 15 weeks today. I'm still having morning sickness some. I do get nauseas and I still throw up, but not like I did in my first trimester. The other day I had another migraine. It's hard to take care of two kids and be pregnant with migraines. I'm more exhausted with this pregnancy than I was with my other two. I'm hoping the tiredness will pass soon. So far during this pregnancy all I want to do is sleep, I'm even more sleepy after every meal. I know I'm only 1/3 of the way to my due date, but from what I've read, I could be 1/2 way there. I'm just praying I can hold them in until at least 36 weeks.
So far I've felt a few flutters, but no movements yet, just what I thought was movement at 11 weeks.  I'm sure it will be soon though.
I'll be having another ultrasound in a week and a half, I can't wait so I can see they are okay. I'll be 16 weeks by then, so maybe my OB will be able to tell me the genders of the babies. Then 3 weeks after that I will have my 19 week ultrasound. If I don't now the genders at this ultrasound at least I'll know by 19 weeks. I can't wait until I find out so I can start buying gender specific items.

Facts about Twins, Fraternal vs. Identical....August 24, 2008

~Fraternal vs. Identical~

Hopefully, most parents have a good understanding of where babies come from.

But what about twins?

Do you know why you are expecting or have had twins?

Was it is surprise? Did you have fertility treatments? Does it run in the family?

That last one is a common question when people discover that you are expecting twins.
Does it run in the family?

Expecting parents often become indifferent to that question after being asked it the first 40-50 times, but after you actually have your twins and you discover how much work it is, you start thinking about it again.

Do twins run in the family? If so, then those family members are partly responsible and should come on over and help out!

The other big question you get is 'are they identical or fraternal twins?' And answering this question can help you answer the other one about the genetics of twin births.

In general, it is believed that having fraternal (dizygotic) twins can be genetic and that this predisposition can cause women to be more likely to release more than one egg at a time, offering the chance for more than one egg to be fertilized at a time. Other factors that can increase your chances of having fraternal twins include using fertility treatments and a mother being over 35-40 years old when she becomes pregnant.

The chance of having identical (monozygotic) twins is usually not thought to be genetic.
Although it is possible to do genetic testing to determine if you have had identical or fraternal twins, you can sometimes tell by the pattern of development of the placenta(s) and its inner (amnion) and outer (chorion) membranes.

~Fraternal Twins~
~Fraternal twins are the result when two different eggs (ova) are fertilized by two different sperm. This leads to the development of two separate placentas, each with its own chorion
and amnion.
~Fraternal twins are more common than identical twins and account for about 2/3 of twin pregnancies.

~Identical Twins~
~Identical twins develop when a fertilized egg splits. Depending on when the split occurs will determine if the twins share a placenta, with either one or two chorions and amnions, or if they each develop their own placentas. In general, the later the split occurs, the more likely that the twins will share one placenta.

~Fraternal vs. Identical Twinning~
~Even after they are born, it is sometimes difficult to know whether twins are identical or fraternal. It can be easier if they:
~share one placenta (identical)
~are different sexes (fraternal)
~have different blood types (fraternal)

It is harder to know if they are the same sex, have the same blood type, or if there are two placentas, since they could then be either fraternal or identical twins.
Don't be fooled by a fused placenta (fraternal twins), which can look like it is just one placenta, or if the twins don't look alike. Sometimes, factors during the pregnancy, especially twin to twin transfusion syndrome, can lead to identical twins that have very different birth weights and are mistakenly thought to be fraternal. And sometimes, fraternal twins can look enough alike to be confused with identical twins.

If you or your doctors aren't sure of the zygosity of your twins, you can consider having DNA testing done.

~Higher Order Multiples~
The same factors occur with higher order multiples, with either multiple eggs being fertilized or one or more fertilized eggs splitting.
For example, in the case of triplets, you could have:
~three separate eggs being released and fertilized by three different sperms (fraternal triplets)
~two separate eggs being released, with one splitting after it is fertilized (2 of the triplets will be identical and the other fraternal)
~the last type is the most rare, with one egg being released and splitting three times after it is fertilized (identical triplets)

Source~http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/twins/expecting_twins.html

Another Migraine.....August 21, 2008

I don't know why I got another migraine today. I haven't been getting them very much, but when I do, I'm laid up for at least the day. I've been able to handle them better though. I just wonder if it's the medicine (nephedipine). Whatever it is, I'm glad it's working.
On a more positive note...just to let everyone know, I have a strong feeling I'm carrying identical twins. I've been doing a lot of reading on the subject of identical twins and from my ultrasound and the ones I've seen of other identical twins, it sure looks like mine must be identical. One placenta and two sacs with a very thin membrane between the two babies. Everything I've been reading says that the membrane between identical twins is very, very thin. During my ultrasounds I could hardly see the membrane at all at times, and other times during the ultrasounds, I could just see parts of the membrane.
I see my OB in less than two weeks, so he may be able to tell me what the gender of my babies are. I don't know if I'm in such a big hurry maybe because I want to know what to buy for, boys, girls, or boy and girl.
I know they need time to grow and develop, but I can't wait to see them already.

14 Weeks.......August 17, 2008

This pregnancy seems to be going by soooo slooooow. I'm finally 14 weeks, it's only been 9 weeks since I found out I'm pregnant and only 4 weeks since I found out I'm pregnant with twins. I've been having some nausea and a little vomiting, but not too bad. My next ultrasound is scheduled for September 24th, I believe this will be my level 2 ultrasound. My next OB appointment is in 2 weeks, and I think he will do another ultrasound at that time. I will be 16 weeks, so I'm hoping he will be able to tell me the gender of the babies.
I wish time would fly now, it's just taking forever. I want to at least get to the 24 week mark. I've read the survival rate is much high after that. I'm hoping I make it past 36 weeks before I deliver, the longer the better for the babies. I know I will be a bit nervous about taking home such tiny babies (that's if they are tiny). I'll have help from family, but it will be different with two babies.

When I was giving birth to my first child, I pulled a ligament in my groin area. I don't know what the area is called, but it's where my leg meets the groin. Anyway, after he was born I was on bed rest for 4 weeks, I couldn't walk it was so painful. Then with my second child it hurt during my pregnancy, but after I gave birth I was okay. Now with this pregnancy the pain has already begun, it started more than 2 weeks ago and it hurts really bad at times. I realize that it will get worse because I will be getting a lot bigger and there is going to be more pressure. I don't look forward to that. My OB told me he would prescribe anything (crutches etc) I need to help me....I like this doctor!

Do I dare say it? I haven't had a migraine for almost 2 weeks. What a relief, I just hope they don't come back. I was in such pain I don't know how I made it through those 3 weeks without going crazy. I'm just trying to focus on how to prepare for two babies. I was gearing up for one baby and then....all of a sudden I have to prepare for two. It's going to be a hard road. Not just for me, but for my whole family. I worry about being able to give enough attention to my older kids while not neglecting the babies. I know I can do it, I will just have to have a lot of patients.
My OB told me to plan on a lot of bed rest after about 22 weeks...that's only 8 weeks from now. How will I ever get things ready if I'm always in bed? I know that I have to do it so I will have healthy babies.

Is it twins? 10 Signs That You're Having Twins/Multiples

This is a list of symptoms that made me feel I was carrying twins.

My list of my symptoms of being pregnant with twins:

1. Morning sickness at five weeks was very severe and intense
2. Migraines starting at 5 weeks and lasting 3 weeks straight (1-2 times per day)
3. Extremely tender breasts
3. Extremely Tired
5. Exhausted
6. Constantly hungry
7. Last but not least....I had a stong gut feeling I was carrying two babies

And a few more symptoms that may indicate twins/multiples:
1. Weight gain earlier in pregnancy
2. Feeling movement earlier than expected
3. Family history of twins (only on the expectant mother's side of the family)

Remember everyone and every pregnancy is different.
For more information check out some of these sites:
http://multiples.about.com/cs/pregnancy/a/twinsigns.htm
http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/pmultiples/topics/0,,4rsf,00.html
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/mult_pregnancy.html
http://www.babycenter.com/0_when-and-how-to-find-out-if-youre-carrying-twins-or-more_3579.bc

13 Weeks on August 10, 2008

I'm in my second trimester...YAY!
I had another migraine last week. It happened the day before my second ultrasound. I woke up with a migraine and felt sick all day long. I'm glad I felt better the next day for my ultrasound, I was so looking forward to that.
I'm praying that the migraines are over for this pregnancy. I'm just hoping they don't come back at the end of my pregnancy. I know that being pregnant with twins can come with more ails than with a singleton pregnancy, so I don't need to have migraines on top of everything else. I'm already hurting in my pelvic region, I know it will be getting worse. I'm still so tired all the time, I hope that doesn't last my whole pregnancy.

I had my 2nd Sonogram (August 6, 2008)

The placenta is at the right and the membrane is coming straight out of it, it's not very visible, it's above Baby A's body. This more than likely means they are mono/di twins. Yay!! Identical!!!

I had my second ultrasound the day before yesterday. We now know that there are only two babies in there, at least that's what the sonographer said. The babies are growing as they should. I found out during the ultrasound that there is only one placenta, but the babies are in their own sacs. So, what does that mean? It could mean that they are identical, but it also could mean they are not identical. Very confusing! Either way, I think my pregnancy just stepped up to a higher risk one. I pray the little babies develop at an even rate.
We asked the sonographer if he could see the gender of the babies, but he said he wouldn't want to try and predict what they are at this time. He said he didn't want to make a mistake, so he makes it a practice not to find out this early in a pregnancy (12 weeks, 4 days). We just wanted a little preview, but he wouldn't do it. Maybe with the next ultrasound, which isn't scheduled for another 7 weeks, I'll be 19 and a half weeks along by then. We did have some nice views of the babies. Baby A, looked like it was waving to us and Baby B looked like it had the hiccups. We could see their hearts beating as plain as day. Baby A's heart rate was 165 and Baby B's heart rate was 161...I'm thinking girls, but the sonographer said that you can't tell by the heart rate this early on. He said that later on, when it's closer to delivery time, then the heart rate is different in boys and girls, girls being the faster one. Everyone is placing bets as to the genders and if they are fraternal or identical. For myself, I want a boy and a girl, but if they are identical I would say boys, but I'm just praying for healthy babies.

August 7, 2008

1st Official Doctor's Visit

I had my first Doctor's visit today. He told me my ultrasound looked good and he also talked about what to expect during my pregnancy. I'm not looking forward to the bed rest he said I will have to get plenty of after 22 to 24 weeks. He didn't seem to be concerned that there is only one placenta, I guess because they are growing at an even rate. I have another appointment with him in four weeks, maybe I will get another ultrasound. He said to expect ultrasound every 4 weeks. I've been reading a lot about TTTS (Twin To Twin Transfusion) I pray my babies won't develop this, it scares me. I found a great website on the subject with a lot of helpful information; http://www.tttsfoundation.org/

This is a bit of what I found out on the subject of Twins To Twins Tranfusion Syndrome:
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a disease of the placenta (or afterbirth) that affects identical twin pregnancies.
-TTTS affects identical twins (or higher multiple gestations) who share a common monochorionic placenta.
-The shared placenta contains abnormal blood vessels which connect the umbilical cord and circulations of the twins.
-The common placenta may also be shared unequally by the twins
-The events in pregnancy that lead to TTTS are all random.
-TTTS is not hereditary or genetic, nor caused by anything the parents did or did not do.
-TTTS can happen to anyone.

I can't wait until my next appointment so I can be reassured that everything is still going well with my babies.

Another Migraine......August 5, 2008

Today I had another migraine and had to take some vicodin and reglan suppository. My migraine was accompanied by vomiting as usual. I was hoping I wouldn't have anymore migraines for the rest of my pregnancy. Now I'm sure it won't be my last one. I think the nephedipine is helping because I'm able to tolorate the migraines more than I had before taking it.
I'm getting closer to my 2nd trimester and I'm looking forward to it. I hope my morning sickness will go away soon. I'm not sure how different my morning sickness will be this time, since I'm carrying twins.
Tomorrow is my 2nd utrasound. I can't wait to see that the babies are doing well. I'm just over 12 weeks now and I feel like I've only just begun. I'm only about a 3rd of the way there. I can't wait to get to at least 24 weeks, I think I would feel a little more reassured about their wellbeing.

A Good Day

Today was a good day, but I can tell I am very emotional, I seem to get upset about everything lately, I cry easily. I'm always hungry and very tired all the time. I don't really eat a lot at one time, but I eat more often.
Last night I had brown bloody discharge. It worried me at first, but then I realized what it was. All is okay today.
I'm almost through my first trimester, I can't wait to pass this critical part of my pregnancy. Today I am 12 weeks pregnant and this Wednesday I will go in for my anatomy sonogram. I'm praying all is well with my babies. I've been reading way too much online about twin pregnancies. The one that bothers me the most is the "vanishing twin". I want both of my babies, and I want them to be healthy babies. I think sometimes it does more harm than good when we read too much online. There is useful information online, I just don't like to read the bad things, but I can't help what I accidentally stumble on to.
I had my first ultrasound when I was 10 weeks pregnant, that's also when I found out I'm carrying twins. It was a shock to see two babies, but mostly because I had such a strong feeling I was carrying twins and the ultrasound confirmed it. So, I had that "I knew it" sort of shock. I pray they both grow to healthy size babies before I give birth. I know we will know more about them after this ultrasound, whether they are in two sacs or one, and possibly if they are identical. Of course I pray they are healthy.

Another Migraine, First One In Four Weeks

The other morning (July 30th) I had my first migraine in four weeks. When I went to bed I had a terrible neck ache, so I took vicodin and slept most of the night. I woke up around 6 a.m. with a migraine. Of course my migraine was accompanied by nausea and vomiting. I stayed in bed for most of the day, getting up occassionally to eat and throw up.
In the evening I stilll didn't feel well, I felt warm, so I just went to bed early. The next morning I felt better, but I didn't really get up until mid-morning.
Tomorrow I will be 12 weeks pregnant and on thursday (August 6th) I will go for my 2nd ultrasound. This one will be a fetal anotomy exam. I am excited about being able to see the babies again. I keep looking online for websites with gestational fetal growth charts. I want to see how my babies are changing from week to week. I've found a few sites where I can see what I'm looking for, but most of them focus on singleton births. I want to find websites that only focus on twins and mulitiple births.
I wonder if anyone pregnant with twins had an ultrasound at 12 weeks (and 3 days) and was able to see the gender of their babies. Also, if they could see the gender, and if the sonographer was correct about what they saw. If my upcoming sonogram is an anatomy exam, will they be looking for gender? This is all new to me, so I don't really know what to expect. I am excited and can't wait to see what I'm having. I want to go shopping so badly, but I want to wait until we know what we are having. We kept looking at the chinese gender calendars, but they were all so conflicting. Some calendars said, boy and some said girl, this made us laugh and say, they must be twins, a boy and a girl. I think it will be a boy and a girl, that's what I really want, but their daddy wants them to be boys, our son wants boys and our daughter wants girls...go figure. Of course we want two healthy babies no matter what they are.

11 Weeks...I felt babies moving last night?!!.....July 29, 2009

I'm 11 weeks 2 days and I felt my babies move last night. I felt them in two different places, it was at one side and one was at the other side. It felt different than when I was pregnant with my other two children. I'm pretty sure it saw the babies moving but then again it is a little early, so not for sure.
I want to know if anyone else had migraines at 5 weeks pregnant. About 16 days after conception, I began having migraines. Day after day for almost three weeks I had migraines. Finally they just stopped and I felt so much better. I was still having morning sickness, but no migraines. I still have an occassional headache.
I'm also wondering if there is any relationship between these migraines in early pregnancy and being pregnant with twins. We just knew it had to be twins, at least that's what we felt. But, it was still a surprise to see them on the screen when I had my first ultrasound at 10 weeks.
Now everyone is saying...watch there be another one in there. My three year old daughter was given her own ultrasound picture of the twin babies and the other day she was showing it to my sister-in-law and she told her to look at her babies. This is what she said, "see, there's one, two and one baby in the dark". She was referring to the dark area around the babies. That was a bit spooky. But, I don't feel like there are three, not like I had a gut feeling that I'm having twins. I'm happy with twins, I get more excited every day. I'm a little scared, but I'm happy. When I'm at the store, I'll look at something and say, "I can't believe I have to buy two of everything.

Websites for Twins Pregnancy Information!.....July 23, 2008

I'm looking all over the internet to find any website that will tell me everything I can learn about twins. I can't believe it still. I'm really carrying two babies. I'm so looking forward to my next ultrasound. I can't wait to see those two little babies again. August 6th is when I will have my next ultrasound....yes!...twins! I almost still can't believe I'm carrying two babies!
I'm going to need all the advice about twins as I possibly can get. And I know I will need all the help I can get once they arrive.
I am a bit nervous about possibly having to have a C-section delivery. I really want to have vaginal births.
This pregnancy is going to be so different. I just pray I don't get any more migraines.
Gathering as much information about twins is going to be my mission for the next few months. I need to get all the twin or mulitiple births information as possible.

10 Weeks Ultrasound.....Guess what we saw? Double! That's right....Double as in Twins!!

I went for my first ultrasound today...and to our surprise we saw two babies. That's right we are having twins! What a surprise, kinda since we've been joking about it for the past year and mostly since  5 weeks of gestation when I started getting migraines so soon in this pregnancy. We kept saying, "must be twins or one big baby girl!"
After the shock wears off I know that I will have a lot to think about. Like....two of everything!
I'm so tired already.
I'm wondering if that's why I had migraines so early in my pregnancy. I haven't had migraines lately, thank goodness. I'm hoping I don't have them later on, but it's a real strong possibility.
I am so excited about having twins. I've been looking at as many twin websites as I could today. I want to get as much informaiton as I can.
We kept saying it has to be twins since my migraines started so early (5 weeks) and they were worse with this pregnancy. They hurt a lot more and I had them basically on a daily basis. I am curious to know if the twins are what caused me to have the migraines so strong and so early on. I would be interested in knowing if anyone else has experienced this with a twin or multiple pregnancy.

No Migraines for Awhile....July 18, 2008

I'm doing well so far. I haven't had a migraine for a long time now. I have had a few headaches. I've been having morning sickness, but not much.
I hope the rest of my pregnancy will go this well.
I can't wait until Monday afternoon. I'll have my first ultrasound. I'm anxious to see my little baby.

I Can't Wait for My First Ultrasound.....July 15, 2008

Well, I haven't had any migraines lately. I do have headaches and I'm still experiencing some morning sickness. I am extremely tired. I feel like I can just sleep all day and night.
I almost feel like I'm not pregnant at this point. That worries me a little bit. I can't wait until my sonogram so I can see a little heart beat. Once that happens, I will be relieved to know things are going good. I do worry how the pain killers I took will affect my baby's growth. All in all I don't really think I used that much.
I will be over 10 weeks when I have my ultrasound, so I should be able to see a good sized figure in there. I wish that I could see the sex, but I know it's early for that. I'm sure I will get another ultrasound around 20 weeks and then we will see if I'm carrying a boy or a girl. That's always exciting.
I'm hoping the migraines don't come back during my pregnancy. I would like to be able to enjoy the rest of the pregnancy. It would be a first to be able to enjoy most of my pregnancy. The migraines always overshadowed the good parts of my pregnancies.
I'm hopeful this pregnancy.

9 Weeks Pregnant.....July 12, 2008

Nine weeks today. But I can't wait to get to my second trimester.
No migraines for over a week now! I am so happy about that. I've been having morning sickness and I've felt like sleeping a lot though. I can enjoy spending time with my family a little bit more now. I'm hoping I won't develop more migraines in this or the next two trimesters. I think I can handle that.
We are going to take the fairy across the bay into San Francisco this afternoon. I sure hope the water isn't too rough. I should have taken something just in case. We'll see how it goes.

Morning Sickness Sucks

I'm still feeling very exhausted, mostly from morning sickness. No migraines again. I can get used to this. But, I can't just assume I won't get anymore during my pregnancy. One day at a time.

These headaches hurt....July 8, 2008

I felt very tired today, but no migraines. How nice. I'm praying they have stopped for now.
Possibly the nephedipine is working. I still have headaches and don't feel good. I think the not feeling good is mostly from morning sickness.

8 Weeks Pregnant...July 6, 2008

Today I'm 8 weeks along. Seven more months to go....it seems so far away.
Two more weeks until my first appointment. This appointment is usually when the first ultrasound is performed. I'm looking forward to this day. I sure hope I don't have a migraine that day.
I felt mostly nauseated today and very weak. I hate it when I feel like I have to throw up and nothing happens.
I want to enjoy my pregnancy, but I can't with morning sickness and migraines happening on a daily basis. One doctor told me that when something like migraines happen during pregnancy, that it doesn't usually happen for the whole pregnancy. So, I have hope that the migraines will stop by my next trimester. I only have 4 more weeks until I'm in my second trimester.
I can't wait until these migraines are gone.

I am so exhausted....July 4, 2008

I woke up around 6 a.m. with a migraine. I sure hope they stop soon, I am so exhausted. I took a vicodin and went to back to bed.
I felt well enough to go out and light fireworks with my family. I wore my sunglasses for added protection and I didn't look directly at the bright fireworks. I hope those things will help me in preventing a migraine.
I've noticed lately if I don't eat small meals throughout the day, I feel really sick and weak. I'm trying to eat, but it doesn't want to stay down all the time. I felt nauseated most of the day.
By bed time I hadn't had another migraine.

Migraines while I sleep

I woke up this morning feeling like I had a migraine while I was sleeping. My arm was numb and my head hurt, but I didn't feel all the same things I usually feel when I have a migraine. I feel like I'm getting over them faster or at least I can stand them a bit more than usual. I wonder if it's the nephedipine that I'm taking.
I'm trying not to focus on my next migraine, but to focus more on each migraine free day that comes along.
We went to the fair last night for a few hours and they had fireworks when they closed. I'm just hoping the lights don't bring on a migraine.
I'm taking my kids to see fireworks on the 4th of July and I'm hoping they don't bother me. I'm going to wear my sunglasses anyway, I hope it helps.
I'm still getting some morning sickness throughout the day. I can't wait until that stops.
I'm still hoping for more migraine free days.

No Migraine Today...July 3, 2008

Another day and no migraine. I am having some headaches though. I'm just happy they aren't migraines.
I'm starting to get more morning sickness now. It helps to drink ginger ale and have saltine crackers on hand, they are lifesavers. I'm tired all day long it seems. I can't wait until this trimester ends.
I'm hoping that the migraines stay away for the rest of my pregnancy so I don't have to take any more painkillers.
I'm almost 8 weeks along now and I can't wait until I get to have my first ultrasound. It should be in a couple more weeks or so.

Another Migraine Free Day....July 2, 2008

Ahh, another day with no migraine so far. I'm beginning to feel like I might have a normal pregnancy.
I can finally start to feel excited about the baby on the way. I've even been able to take some time to look online at baby items and stories. I've even added a baby ticker on this blog. I'm optimistic now.
I wonder if anyone has checked out the chinese gender chart. I've looked at a few different ones and they are conflicting. Some say boy and some say girl. I wonder if they are different years or what. I know you are suppose to add 2 years to the mother's age, but some of the charts don't tell you when you're suppose to do that or not.
I haven't decide if I want to find out the sex of the baby/babies or not. I knew with my other two, but I may want to be surprised this time. I may change my mind when I have a sonogram around 18 weeks or so.

Happy to have no migraine today...July 1, 2008

Another day without a migraine. I woke up around 7 a.m. and about an hour later I developed a headache. I'm just happy it wasn't a migraine.
I was able to function today and have a relatively good day.
Today was the first time I could actually drive without worrying about my sight.
I hope I can finish my pregnancy without having a migraine. I've been able to go through the past few days without taking any kind of medication except my daily dose of nephedipine. Maybe it's the nephedipine that is keeping me from getting migraines or maybe not. Whatever the case, I am happy to be migraine free, for now.

7 Weeks Pregnant

A full day without a migraine. I almost hate to say for fear it may jinx me. But, I figure no matter what, if I'm going to get one, I'll get one.
I'm praying I won't have another one for the rest of my pregnancy, but I'm sure I will have one at some point.

A Migraine Hangover

I have had a total of 10 migraines in 12 days. And of course I woke up about 6 a.m. with a headache. I've heard that headaches after a migraine are common.
I've been feeling real weak for the past few days. I am drinking lots of fluids, (mostly water) getting a lot of bed rest, but not very good sleep. My eyes are bothering me also. I'm just trying to get through this pregnancy one day at a time. I just wish the days would go by a little faster now.
At least today I was able to get up and go outside and play with my kids for a little while. I just hope that some of the things I did today don't show up in a migraine tomorrow. I realize that most of my migraines are from hormones at this point. I can't help but wonder about the hormones. With all the migraines I've been getting and how often they come, I have a feeling I'm pregnanct with twins.
I'm still going to try and avoid any of the triggers that cause them otherwise. I made sure when I was outside that I wore sunglasses, so I hope that helped.
By the time I went back to bed this evening I had no migraine. I'm hoping I won't be awoke by one during my sleep tonight.

Another Migraine, Another Day of Pain

I had another migraine today at about 12:15 pm
At the first signs of this migraine, I immediately took a dose of vicodin and a compazine suppository and went to bed.

Another migraine at 1:30 p.m. By 3 p.m. I took another dose of vicodin.
I slept for the rest of the day.

I've been told that these medications won't harm the baby. I'm praying the doctors are right.
Sometime the pain is so severe I just want to end this pregnancy, but I've already bonded with the little one. I hope the migraines will stop soon so I can enjoy the remainder of my pregnancy.
I know there must be other women who have or are suffering the same as I am, and I wonder what they are doing to get through the pain. I would love to hear from anyone who is pregnant with migraines.

Another Migraine, Another Dose of Pain Killers

I woke up feeling tired today, so I pretty much rested mostly.
I thought I was going to feel fine for awhile. I even got up and talked with my family.

Then about 6:00 p.m. I got a migraine. I put my hands in hot water for awhile to see if it would help to stop my migraine, but it didn't seem to help.

I then took my daily nephedipine along with a vicodin and a compazine suppository.

My migraines are hurting behind my eyes, they never did that before. But, something seemed to help tonight because I'm not feeling too bad.

I'm still waiting for a referral to the neurologist from Kaiser. I'm hoping it comes through soon.

Another Migraine, Another Trip to the Emergency Room

I went to bed last night still feeling wiped out from the migraine I had early in the morning.

I woke up around 9:00 a.m. with another migraine. It felt so bad I had to call Kaiser to see what can be done to relieve the pain. The advice nurse told me the doctor said to go to the emergency room to get my pain under control and he would work on getting a referral to see a neurologist.

The doctor I saw today had a different take on the situation. He wants me to take more of a natural approach to dealing with the pain. He believes that I should exercise and eat a healthy diet.