Preterm Prevention Labor Program for twins
I just got back from my appointment at the Parinatal clinic and my first Preterm Prevention Labor Program appointment. These will be weekly appointments from now until 34 weeks when I start seeing my OB weekly. I’ll be working with Laura who is an RN and has a wonderful personality. A few weeks ago I was a bit down about the lack of time with my OB and the way our healthcare process makes you feel assembly line even during a pregnancy. These appointments have just changed that for me. Laura was full of good information as well as took the time to listen to me and even chat a bit. She asked for the babies names and made me feel really good not only by her manner but about the care I’m receiving. The Parinatal Clinic has a much slower pace then the OB’s office and overall I enjoy my visits there more.
I learned about the symptoms of Preterm Labor much further then what I had already found in books and on the web and she helped me better understand at what point to become concerned. She provided me with a copy the signs fom the March of Dimes website: http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/13454_5809.asp and explained that it comes down to when symptoms last for 20-30 minutes and rest and rehydration don’t fix it, it’s time to call.
She explained to me that 32 weeks (Nov. 2nd) is the big goal because despite being in the NICU for several months these babies have the fewest lifelong health problems. Once I reach 34 weeks (Nov. 15) they will not take drastic measures to stop any labor and will not need to give steriod shots for the babies lungs. She reiterated a comment made in passing by my OB that they will probably induce at 38 weeks because the placenta ages faster with twins and there can actually be health problems for twins going full term (this was new information to me).
She gave me 2 books to read and they are both the twins books that I already have! “When you’re expecting twins, triplets, quads” by Barbara Luke and “Everything twins and triplets”. She also recommened “Mothering Multiples” which is out of print so I’m going to look for it at Half Price and online. Turns out that there is also a group in town that has a Breastfeeding Multiples class which I intend to take.
I’ve already noticed the need to cut down on the all day errands on the weekends and Laura reconfirmed that to me.
Each appointment will be a chance for her to check my weight, blood pressure and cervix for effacement and dilation. She took the time to explain the various terms that I’ll hear used and to explain what they are looking for and why. I’ll also be giving urine each week for the protein test to make sure preclampsia is not coming up.
She used a fetal heart monitor so I was able to hear the babies’ heartbeats for the first time. Sounded like both babies were head down today. My uterus is already measuring at 28 weeks! That’s right, at 22 weeks I am the same size as a woman carrying a single baby is at 28 weeks.
I’m feeling really good today after this appointment and meeting Laura.
Tonight we BBQ in honor of selling the house in Bedford. :)
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