31 weeks, 2 days

Hi Everyone!

We are back from the doctor's office.  Today we had a BPP scheduled (the Biophysical Profile) and a doctor visit.  The BPP ultrasound was a little more painful than usual since Baby A is so camera-shy and I am really retaining fluid at the bottom of my belly (where she is hiding) and the technician's have to push really hard to see anything, but at least she was able to get the readings she needed.  So, for all three, the results were holding steady since last time.  The good news is that Baby C had intermittent end diastolic flow in her umbilical cord - a step up from the previous scans!

We then went to the exam room.  The doctor checked my cervix since I have been having a lot of pressure and a few contractions - all closed!  He also repeated the fetal fibronectin test since it's been more than seven days.  We get the results tomorrow.  He also told us that they had their big full practice meeting yesterday and discussed us.  Everyone was in agreement that unless Baby C demands it (by slowing her growth or reversing her end diastolic blood flow), we will wait to deliver.  They wanted us to meet with the neonatologist at the hospital to discuss the varying risks between delivering at 32, 33, 34 or 35 weeks.  They arranged the meeting for today, so off we went to North Shore.

The neonatologist was very nice and reassuring.  Basically, the really big risk things (like brain bleeds, heart surgery, retinal problems) decrease in likelihood after 30 weeks - so we are in the clear for them for the most part.  She said that if the babies were born today in their hospital, at least A and B, would most likely be fine.  Since we aren't really sure of what we are dealing with with C, it's hard for them to give us hard numbers.  What we took from the meeting is that the risks for various problems including lung defects decrease each week up to 34 weeks, after that 34, 35 and 36 weeks are all pretty much the same with the additional weeks meaning more weight, but not translating into much better outcome odds.  We have therefore decided that we will try our best to keep these babies cooking until at least 34 weeks, then see how they are doing and I am doing (apparently at this point maternal discomfort becomes so great that it can be a reason for delivery!) and make our decision then.  This is all assuming Baby C continues to grow at our scan next week and does not reverse her cord blood flow.  So, once again, fingers crossed!

Our next appointment is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17.  I will hopefully not be posting again until then!