relief & new docs

Ah, Fridays. I like hitting the new mark - it's an awesome feeling to reach another week in the pregnancy. With my past experience of first trimester losses, every week is a gift. Today marks THIRTEEN WEEKS - I think this means I'm officially in the second trimester.

I really debated whether or not to write the scary stuff in this blog. I have found the records kept by other pregnant women, especially those with twins, to be so informative and helpful, so I'm just going to tell it like it is.

Week 12 kicked me to the curb. On Tuesday, I had a very scary bleeding episode, which now, three days later, is resolved. Even knowing as much as I do about normal bleeding during pregnancy, it was a terrible, terrible time. I spent three days on the couch (and doctor's offices), missed those days of work, and finally returned to work today.

I did get to see the twins on ultrasound twice, and they're looking perfect. Twin A's placenta, however, has taken up residence right over my cervix, which is called a complete placenta previa. This early in pregnancy, it's a concern, but not as serious as it would be at the end of pregnancy. The likelihood is that, as my uterus grows, it will lift the placenta off the cervix. This was the only explanation they could come up with for the bleeding.

Because of all this hubbub, I was also (finally) seen by an OB - in fact, I went into the city on Wednesday to meet the high-risk pregnancy team. Fortunately or unfortunately, they are not going to discharge me back to a regular obstetrician, as I have several issues that qualify me as high risk: a multiple pregnancy, a genetic condition called osteogenesis imperfecta (type 1), hypertension, and a history of pelvic fracture (which doesn't appear to be problematic). Shoot, hearing them list this stuff out (and some other things), I actually felt sort of judged for even getting pregnant. I know they didn't mean it that way, but actually, I'm pretty healthy, so it was kind of shocking to be treated as such a serious case.

I was also pretty shocked when the resident sat down to do my intake, and told me that I'd be having a c-section. I think I shocked her back by saying that wasn't really in my plan... Anyway, after talking for a while, they said it was a good thing I was moving to Oregon, because, in her words "they're a little more crunchy out there, and might consider a vaginal delivery." For crying out loud, can you imagine if I was staying here? Not even having the OPTION of a vaginal birth? I mean, I get the risks, and I won't compromise the babies' health, but if the stars align properly, then a regular delivery IS the best option for the health of the babies.

Ok let's move on from that malarkey. The good news this week is that I can now totally feel my uterus! It's SO COOL. The top of it is now right under my belly button, so I expect that my whole belly look will really start to change in the next few weeks.

Next up: 13-week belly pics to be posted this weekend! Woo-hoo!