So I know that Ben updated on the details of our latest appointment but I had a couple of things to add. I guess I must be getting stressed out at going to these because every time we've gone (and it's been 4 times now) my blood pressure has been high. This time it was 138/94 which of course they got concerned about. They usually take the BP first before the actual ultrasound and then have me lay on my side and take it again but this time they took it before the ultrasound then again afterwards. It was 130/83 the second time they took it which is borderline but "passable". I hope I don't continue to have these issues on top of everything else!
It was kind of frustrating getting the news we got on Friday. Obviously I was hoping for a little bit of accelerated growth in Baby A and I know stable is the next best thing but it's still difficult to hear that we'll still be in the "watch and wait" stage. It just feels like we're in limbo and it's not really a great feeling. The doctor only talked with us for about 2 minutes this time and I just felt that he wanted us out of there. I guess what else is he going to say though when nothing has changed?
This week we have an OB appointment on Wednesday (my first since before the IUGR was diagnosed) and another doppler on Thursday. On Thursday I'll be asking whatever peri we see about the steroid shots they give to help little lungs develop - I know they often give those at 24 weeks which I'll be next Sunday.
Speaking of which, I'm 23 weeks today! It's flown by. According to Babycenter.com our babies are now more than 11 inches long and weigh just over a pound. They can hear sound from the outside and are very attuned to mom's movement. Blood vessels in their lungs are now developing to prepare for breathing on the outside.
Hi Becky,
Congrats for being 23 weeks and stable - I know you'd rather be at 38 weeks and enormous, but you're right that stable growth is the next best thing to accelerated growth.
I had a thought about the blood pressure being high early into the appointment. I had a therapist once get me into relaxation techniques (deep breathing) and self-hypnosis (going to a happy place). I played around with it a bit and I notice I'm always on the low end of normal BP when I do it. Laying on your side helps, too, as I see you've noticed.
Anyway, I think it's so neat when they've gotten to where they can hear sound from the outside. Have you found music or sounds that the twins especially like?
Yup, Elizabeth, you're right - stable growth is the next best thing! I'm very thankful it's not going in the wrong direction.
I admit I haven't tried going to my "happy place" before they take the blood pressure but usually I'm fairly calm when I get to the appointments (at least I think I am). I'll give it a shot though, it certainly can't hurt!
Regarding the music - I don't know. I haven't noticed a response to outside noise yet but I might just not be putting it together. I'll have to pay more attention and see if anything really sets them a'movin. If they're anything like Maia they'll love to dance. :-)
Hey Becky - I got ben's message on friday, i wasnt expecting it on my work cell, so i didnt see it till saturday when we were on the train. I love you guys, and I am praying for all of you. Keep up the positive thoughts, and try to relax (i know way easier said than done).