Arrival

For those of you that have been following me, I apologize for my lack of posts.  Things went a little crazy.  I can't really remember each week and what the events were, but I can give you a quick overview.

I was admitted to Labor & Delivery twice with preterm labor.  I think the first time was week 29 and then the second was week 32.  Both times, the labor was able to be stopped.  However, they don't attempt to stop labor after 33 weeks.  Stopping my labor required an IV of magnesium sulfate, which makes me feel AWFUL!!  Needless to say, this was not fun and just added to my wanting this pregnancy to hurry up and be over.

Sometime after I hit the 33 week mark, I was called by one of the Ob/Gyns.  I had gotten some labs and  tests done and she didn't like the results.  I had high blood pressure, protein in my urine, and low platelet counts.  All of these are signs of preeclampsia, which I don't know a whole lot about, but I know that if it's bad enough, they have to get the baby out.  Mine was mild at this point, but they decided to admit me for monitoring...for the remainder of my pregnancy.  UGH!!

My Dr was hoping that I would make it to 34 weeks...and so was I.  There is much less risk to the baby if you make it to at least 34 weeks.  Anyway, on Wednesday June 19th, I was just shy of 34 weeks.  I was not feeling great and early that morning, I felt small amounts of leaking fluid.  I called Jeff to let him know that I thought my water was close to breaking.  He didn't answer his phone...6 times.  He's a heavy sleeper.  I then called my mom and had her swing by our house to wake up Jeff.

The day progressed much like all the rest.  I spent it in bed.  Around 2p.m., my water really broke and the fluid came out.  Shortly after that, the contractions started.  It wasn't long before I was wishing for a c-section because I was so uncomfortable.  I had asked for an epidural, but the Dr wouldn't let me have one until I was dilated to at least 4 cm.  Being a first time mom, an epidural was likely to slow my labor progression.

I think it only took a couple of hours before I was dilated enough and they gave me the epidural. AAHHH!  Shortly after that, I was wheeled into the OR for delivery.  I am not sure how long I had to push before the first twin arrived, but I don't think it was long.  Most of the rest of the day was a bit foggy. 

Avery Grace was born at 5:40 p.m. on June 19th, weighing 4 lbs. .05 oz.

Sophie Ann was born at 7:40 p.m. weighing 4 lbs. 6.3 oz.

I was not able to hold Avery, but they showed her to me when she was cleaned and wrapped.  Two hours later, Sophie arrived and they put her on my belly.  WOW!  That was emotional.  She was small, but not too tiny.  She was beautiful.  Both girls were then taken up to the NICU.  Jeff followed to make sure they were okay.

I wouldn't get to see them again until the following day.  There were some complications during the delivery of the placentas.  The doctor had trouble getting them out.  In the end, she got them out but I hemorrhaged and needed blood.  Of course, I didn't find out any of this until later.