Belly Update

Every week I think I cant get any bigger. Every week I do. I'm 28w1d in the picture and measuring 40w. Soon I think I will stick out as far as I am tall. Oh well. Other than minor sciatica, its not causing any back issues (that I know of). Oh, but there are some sinks that are at a height that I almost cant reach the traps. My arms are going to have to grow unless I change where the keyboard at work is.






Maybe next time I'll post pictures of what used to be my ankles.

Belly Explosion

My belly didn't just grow, it exploded. I know it's going to get much larger before Thumper and Little Rascal finish growing.


These pictures were taken today at 17w6d. The whitish lines are stretch marks (most from weight gain/loss over the years), the darker ones just creases from where my pants were. There is a side and a front view. My hands are visible on the front view and while they arent big hands, the belly is so much bigger. No doubts anymore when anyone looks, I'm pregnant. although those who dont know its twins, assume I'm around 6 months or more.

My appointment with my family doctor (general practitioner) is next Monday. Wednesday is the anatomy scan. I'm not likely to post an update about either until my Doctor calls me about the scan. The earliest that would be is Thursday the 5th.

And they really must think I'm a low risk, dispite carrying twins from DE at 42 since I finally got booked into the OB - March 20th. I'll be 25w3d then.

I've registered for the local twin group. The next get together is this weekend. I may or may not go. I'll check with them to see if this is a good event for the still pregnant-with-twins group or more directed at those with kids running around (the Xmas one was a Santa and kids event)

For those who ask, I'm starting to do more research and putting together lists of what I'll need/want. I'm open to almost everything second hand. The exceptions are car seats (I have one) and the crib mattress(es). I think I'll also end up with a new jogging stroller. The good ones, that will last and I'll be able to use on long walks, and eventually jogging, last for years, so the ones for sale now are 3-5 years old and they still want almost 75-80% of the cost of a new one. Anyway, I'll put together a wish list and probably a registry at one point next month, although some of the things I'll want cant be 'registered' for (like the jogging stroller). And of course, I check craigslist daily and am hitting all the flea markets. Next up will be consignment stores.

Thanks to everyone for the great words of encouragement. I read all the comments and take them to heart. And to those who's blogs I read, thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

12 Week Update

This post is going to be a bit happy of an update. If you're in a bad place, you may want to skip this one. I'll understand.

I had my nuchal scan yesterday. The neck folds were 1.0mm and 1.6mm, both very far under the 3mm risk level. Both are measuring on schedule, a day or 2 ahead as they were at the first scan. Baby A is 5.77cm and Baby B is 6cm. For those not into metric, these translate to just over 2 1/4 inches.

It was so wonderful to watch them wiggle and kick and wave. Baby A cooperated perfectly. Baby B must have felt put out or something for not being scanned first, since when the tech finished with A and moved onto B, B rolled over and presented the butt side out. The tech tried to jiggle to get the babe to roll over. No luck. Then the Dr came in and tried the same thing. Still refusing to turn. So I got to go to the bathroom (again) and was told to jump up and down a bit and jiggle my belly while standing up. That must have done the trick. The Dr was able to measure B right away when I got back.

Sorry about the size of the picture. I scanned it in with higher rez but can seem to edit that one, so you get this one.



I rented a Doppler last week. Its been hard to find the heartbeats. I can sometimes find one, but don't seem to be able to find both and can't even find the one regularly. The U/S yesterday reassured me. Hopefully I can get the wav file loaded. It sounds alot like a train. 174 beats per minute.

http://members.shaw.ca/homedoll/IMGP5150.WAV

There is not much difference between my 8 wk and 12 wk belly shot. I haven't gained weight, but the babes are growing on schedule so all is good. The lower belly has gotten a bit harder and pushed the fat to the upper belly. Ah well. I always carried my weight in my stomach and have been mistaken as pregnant when I wasn't (get offered seats on buses etc). I didn't like looking pregnant when I wasn't, I don't mind it now.



I cut my progesterone in half today. Same for tomorrow. Half again for the next two days then off it completely. The plancentas should have started to produce progesterone starting a couple of weeks ago. I really hope so.

That's it for now. One more week and I'm done my first trimester.