Home Sweet Home

I'm home! We had a great time traveling and playing, but I think we're all happy to be back home.

I'm feeling well. :-) Today is 12 weeks and BabyCenter says the twins are now the size of limes. I can feel how my uterus has grown and it's beginning to be uncomfortable to sleep on my stomach. Here's a pic from BabyCenter.

Graduation!

Today I graduate from the care of our IVF doctor to that of an obstetrician. And no more shots! I have one delestrogen tonight, but that is the last! I will continue Prometrium (oral) until Thursday; Vivelle patches are done.

I will see Dr. Biter for my first regular OB appointment on July 13th. !! Dr. Biter has a wonderful reputation in the San Diego area as THE doctor to see for women who want a natural birth. He is nicknamed "Dr. Wonderful" and referred to as a 'midwife in doctor's clothing'.

We are going on a family vacation for the next week - traveling north to visit family and hit waterparks along the way. :-)

Double Dose

I saw Dr. Smotrich again on Monday, an extra appointment because I've had issues with ongoing but intermittent spotting. Both babies are developing fine and are doing the wiggle dance. It seemed that any increase in my activity level (just extra walking, nothing crazy) caused spotting. Dr. Smotrich checked to be sure that the babies are fine and doubled my Progesterone dose to 2cc daily. This has stopped the spotting. :-) I know some surrogates begin weaning off medications at 10 or 11 weeks. I'm 10 weeks and INCREASING my meds! I will see Dr. Smotrich again on Monday the 28th and will find out about the weaning schedule. I have no idea about his typical protocol.

If this had been a singleton pregnancy I would have pursued a homebirth with a midwife because I believe a healthy pregnancy has the sweetest ending in the comfort of my own home. But, twins does complicate the issue and my insurance does not support a homebirth (very few do) so I've asked for and received a referral for a high-risk obstetrician who is supportive of vaginal delivery of twins. I know he will have a list of criteria that must be met and will find out more after our first meeting/interview (to be scheduled).

Latest Ultrasound

Baby A and Baby B are both measuring perfectly at 8weeks,6days. We had a minor scare this weekend with some spotting, but all is well. Friday night's Progesterone injection leaked out and apparently caused the spotting. !! Dr. Smotrich advised me on Saturday afternoon to take an extra shot of Progesterone and that returned everything to normal. I will make certain future injections get all the way into the muscle. :-)

Here's the twins!

8 Weeks Today

I'm subscribed to a weekly pregnancy newsletter at Babycenter.com and today we are 8 Weeks! Perhaps due to the rise in IVF pregnancies the website has added information and diagrams for fraternal twins at 4 weeks intervals. Here are fraternal twins at 8 weeks; they are the size of a kidney bean.

I'm still feeling "normal". The only indications of pregnancy are needing a nap at noon and sore boobs. Oh! And I've been more moody and my sense of smell is through the roof! I don't have any problem with cooking food or eating, but afterwards I have a REALLY hard time cleaning the kitchen because of the leftover food odors. My husband has been great and has helped out with the after-dinner mess. Sandwiches have been a good solution too; the clean-up is easy and non-smelly.

:-)

What a day!

I did three loads of laundry.
I shampooed my carpets (non-toxic formula of hot water and vinegar).
I went to La Jolla for an ultrasound.

TWINS!
And their due date is January 18th.

Two days 'til Ultrasound

I'm still feeling fine. We have our ultrasound this coming Thursday to check on the pregnancy (how many, location, etc ?). I don't "feel" pregnant. I get tired mid-day, and I've been moody, but I haven't had any morning sickness. Which is good, of course! With my own pregnancies I had only the mildest occasional nausea but I was worried that IF this is a twin pregnancy that I would be overwhelmed by sickness. So far, so good!

I sent an update of my medication inventory to La Jolla IVF this morning. I'm getting low (again) on Vivelle patches and Progesterone. Their pharmacy is conveniently located downstairs from the IVF office, so it is easy to pick-up on the day of appointments OR they are happy to mail it to my door. I happily and without hesitation recommend La Jolla IVF to anyone needing their services. They are a great group of friendly people and Dr. Smotrich is wonderful. :-)