First Non-Stress Test (28 weeks, 5 days)

March 28, 2012. We had our first NST this morning. "The test involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes." Our test lasted about an hour because as expected, not all the babies felt like cooperating :) The babies reported a-okay but I was having so many contractions that they were causing the babies to shift after each one and the nurse would have to search for the heartbeat and reposition the belt. I could feel she was becoming concerned and waited for my doctor to arrive at the office to show him the contraction monitor. He wanted me to receive a shot of Terbutaline, used to relax uterine muscles. Before I left, I was also given a prescription for Indocin to take for two days to help with contractions at home. I have since finished that and will continue the Procardia (and hopefully nothing else!!), untill we deliver. On to our next goal: 32 weeks!

27 weeks 6 days

On March 22nd, I had what would hopefully be my first and last glucose screening for gestational diabites. The next day, I was so relieved to have gotten word that I passed with flying colors! I could have also been a tad bit excited about still being able to enjoy a Slurpee or two :) We also visited Dr. Huang for a growth ultrasound and were so grateful that the babies are doing well! Savannah now weighs 2 lbs 7 oz, Baby B weighs 3 lbs, and Baby C weighs 2 lbs 5 oz. I asked Dr. Huang if we should be concerned that Baby B continues to widen the weight gap between himself and his brother and sister, and he said absolutely not. Upon birth, the average triplet weighs 3 lbs 12 oz., so for now...go Baby B! :)  He also told me that it is often the heaviest baby who spends the most time in the NICU. Since they typically do not display any stress in the womb, they become completely comfortable and are oblivious that their time in there is nearing and don't practice doing the things that they should be. The babies who are more in distress (weight or otherwise) are continually feeling the need to prep themselves for life outside of the womb and are more easily able to adapt to things like breathing on their own. Interesting! I am so proud of all 3 of them.As for me, my cervix checked out great despite a large increase in contractions. In fact, the previous Sunday, Reginald and I spent the day in the hospital because they were far too regular. While I was there, they performed a fetal fibronectin to test my suseptibility of going into labor within the next two weeks. It returned negative, thank goodness! Four Procardia pills later and with contractions 5-6 min apart, they let us go home. I now take medication 'round the clock to control them and have accepted that the better days I have experienced occured because I was in bed. So for now, I try to spend as much time in it as I can.
I wish I had some good pictures to post from the growth scan but they all look like a mosh pit of arms and legs :) Hopefully I will have some soon!

24 Weeks

We have reached a small milestone :) And have received good news after our 24 week appointment. The babies are doing great! In fact, they are now a bit bigger than the average singleton baby at their gestational age. Savannah, Baby A, is weighing in at 1 lb. 10 oz. Baby B (one of the boys) is apparently the bully of the bunch (as the sonographer calls him) and weighs 1 lb. 14 oz. Baby C (boy) shares the same weight as Savannah, 1 lb. 10 oz. The babies had echo's done on their hearts during this appointment and they are looking great! My cervix measured 4. 75...holding up wonderfully! In fact, Dr. Huang said he didn't need to see me for 3 weeks. At this point in time, most triplet pregnancies are visiting the doctor once a week so I consider this news to be a blessing! Dr. Huang feels that my cervix has pretty much ruled out pre-term delivery despite the many contractions I experience during the day, and is confident that letting the babies grow 3 weeks without a checkup is a good thing. Yay for the triplets! Our next appointment will be March 22nd. I will be almost 28 weeks at that point, reaching the first "major" goal on our journey! If born at 28 weeks, the triplets would have a very good chance of surviving without any lasting health problems. This is a relief to know, but does not replace our goal of delivering after May 5th :)
Here are some pictures from our appointment! The sonographer was able to catch Baby C with the 4D ultrasound machine! He looks JUST like his daddy!