Neonatologist's and Maternal Foetal Medicine

Wow what a day yesterday was!  I was quite nervous heading down to our appointments yesterday with the Neonatologist.  After hearing so much doom and gloom in the early stages of this pregnancy I really wasn't sure what to expect. 

Firstly we had our MFM appointment, this doctor has been present at all of our scans so;
 far and we already have built up a confidence and trust in him.  In fact if it wasn't for his positivity we may have looked more closely at selective reduction.  We did get the chance to ask a few questions that we weren't sure about like if we will get given steroids for the babies lungs routinely, or only if there is a need.  So he explained that unless a situation arises like labour far earlier than 32 weeks then they would probably go ahead.  But from 32 weeks it is not something they would do routinely.  We also got a chance to discuss the option of me being admitted, and the good news is he is happy for me to stay at home for the moment due to all the help I am getting.  However if anything changes, or I need some respite, they are happy to have me admitted for a few days or a week if needed.  Everything else seems to be going splendidly, but he did mention my fast heart rate.  I have noticed this the past few weeks, ever since Baby C has been in my ribs I have been finding it much harder to breathe and in turn my heart is working that bit harder.  So we will see him again tomorrow at the growth scan and see how well these babies are growing.  He is also happy to keep the scans at 3 weekly for now. 

So next up we had our very first appointment with a neonatologist.  This was the one that was worrying me the most but was surprised that I found it quite reassuring and positive.  As this was our first chance to discuss any possible complications and what to expect with having early babies.  One of my concerns was how much we would be able to be involved in their care and how soon I would get to see them after their birth.  But as it turns out I will get to see them briefly as each baby is taken out, again before they get wheeled off, and once more on my way out of surgery.   Again everyone is optimistic that we can and will make it to at least 32 weeks which minimises any complications enormously.  To conclude this appointment we got shown through the NICU and SCBU.  I had seen pictures of tiny little premature babies previously but neither of us had seen these babies in the flesh before.  The were so little and precious, we saw babies at a few different gestation's so it was a really good opportunity to get a picture of what it will be like.  We saw babies that were born at 25, 28 and 32 weeks.  It is amazing to think that tiny little 25 weeker is about the same size as our babies now.  MR Tan was quite surprised at how small even the babies born at 32 weeks were as that is likely what we will at least reach that gestation. 

All in all I feel very confident about the care that we will all be receiving and we are very much looking forward to our triple cuddles sometime in July.  Hard to believe they could be here in as little as 8 weeks!

Week 23!

Well not too much has changed here, have been fairly quiet just busily growing babies.  And growing they are!  I had an ob appointment this week and she could not be happier with how things are going for a triplet pregnancy.  I am now measuring the same size as someone who is 38 weeks pregnant so it is any wonder that some of my clothes are getting a bit firm and uncomfortable.  Baby C who has always measured a bit bigger as of 2 weeks ago was in the 90% percentile for size, with Baby's A and B not far behind.  When they compare sizes they always compare it to a singleton baby so considering there are 3 in there it appears all the rest I am getting is helping tremendously. 

This week we have a lot of appointments coming up we have our first appointment with the maternal foetal medicine doctors, and we are also meeting with the neonatal doctors for the first time.  We will also get shown the NICU ward at the same time.  On the same day we also are meeting with the hospitals multiple birth coordinator.  So a very big day coming up there.  Then next Friday we have another growth scan so I am excited to see how much my little trio have grown in the past 3 weeks.  Another exciting milestone approaching in just 2 short days is we will reach 24 weeks.  This means we are officially 'viable'.  This is a term that I despise immensely but important nonetheless.  My first official goal is 28 weeks, though I hope to make it to at least 32 thanks to all the wonderful support I have around me. 

As the arrival of these babies and the changes that will happen draw closer I have been thinking alot about how they will actually arrive.  From the beginning I thought that a cesarean was the only option and had never questioned it.  But after hearing a few amazing stories from other Australian women who have birthed triplets I begin to have doubts.  There are a lot of criteria that you need to meet for it to be able to occur from what I have heard apart from a doctor willing you need to meet these

• Baby A and B head down
• Past 32 weeks
• Mum and babies in good health
• Epidural in place for just in case
• Need to deliver in theatre, again for just in case
• Constant monitoring for each baby

That is all I can remember for now.  But after thinking about all this I wonder if I will have the energy and the strength to birth 3 babies, with the possibility of it ending in a cesarean anyway.  So I guess in a way I am still torn and perhaps am leaning towards the easier option.  For me what my concern is with the cesarean is mainly the recovery time.  Not only with caring for my son, but also all the hour long drives to the hospital to visit with the triplets and relying on someone to take me there each day.  Mr TAN will find it hard to take off too much time of work as he has a business to run and there isn't really anyone who can do the work for him. 

So that is what has been occupying my thoughts this week, but I am sure I will have a lot more to say after this weeks appointments.