Second Appointment with Perinatologist/MFM

Friday, my husband and I went to my second appointment with our perinatologist.  I was originally planning on going by myself, but we were going through a rather intense snow storm.  He ended up taking the day off and came with me.

At the appointment, they did an ultrasound.  I was, of course, secretly hoping they'd magically find a membrane separating our two identical babies, but no such luck.  We were very pleased, however, to hear that all three babies are measuring where they should be (even a little ahead) and they're all comparable with one another.  So despite the fact that I've only gained 3 lbs, these babies are apparently getting what they need!  The doctor did notice that we have some mild twisting of the cords already.  There's nothing we can do about that at this point and hopefully it doesn't turn into a problem.  I'm kind of just trying not to think about it too much.

He also told us he was going to have us meet with a neonatologist to learn more about the developmental stages of premature babies, since we're definitely going to be having preemies.  More specifically, he wanted us to meet with one, so we could make the decision about when I will be admitted to the hospital for 24/7 monitoring.  They said they recommend between 24 and 28 weeks, but that it's really up to me.  Obviously if we go in at 24 weeks and have any complications and have to deliver right away, then the chance of survival is less than if we waited another couple weeks.  So basically, we have to decide...at what point are we willing to deliver these babies.  If we go too early, we could potentially lose all three of them and/or have to deal with some major life-long health issues.  While if we wait, the two identicals may not make it.  It's going to be a tough decision to make.  I think maybe we're leaning towards going in earlier just to be safe...maybe not right at 24 weeks, but possibly 25 or 26?  We'll have to see what the neonatologist says.  My doctor also asked us if we were interested in exploring the option of selective reduction.  It's crazy to me that this is an option past 14 weeks.  We both immediately agreed that that wasn't something we were interested in.

I guess the highlight of the appointment was during the ultrasound when the doctor looked at us and asked, "Do you guys know the sex?"  I was like, "No....do you?"  He said, "I believe so, would you like to know?"  We, of course, did.  So....

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!  It appears we are having 3 boys.  He found a little something in between each of their legs.  Granted, we're only 14 weeks along, and it's still very early.  We're not going to go out and buy blue everything quite yet, but we DID see something there.  So it looks like I'm going to be outnumbered in the house.  The dog and I are going to have to stick together!