Sunday, March 13, 2016

Aiden and Owen's Birthday: The Prologue

Going to the hospital at 36 weeks 1 day to discuss delivery!

As an English teacher, I am constantly reading and researching... E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.!  Knowledge, of course, is power.  Therefore, I was well-informed about all of the risks associated with a twin pregnancy, some of which would keep me up at night.  During the last 38 weeks, I learned how to truly be anchored in hope and faith and to face each day trusting I would thrive.

Overall, my pregnancy was smooth despite the issues I experienced during the last five weeks.  Throughout nearly the entire pregnancy, my OB kept telling me, "You look great - just keep doing what you are doing.  Don't take up horseback riding now."  Weight gain was important to keep the babies growing well, so I continued week by week to put on about 1.5-2 pounds.  Other than that, I commonly had bloody noses during the second trimester, which can be very normal and common.

At week 31, my doctor and I decided it was time to wave the white flag and to go on modified bed rest.  During those first two weeks, my mom helped me nest while also ensuring I put my feet up and took care of my body.  During week 34, I began experiencing headaches, and a quick trip to the doctor confirmed by blood pressure was high - near or around 140 at times.  I began taking medication for my diagnosed gestational hypertension.  At 35 weeks, my bloody noses returned, and some trips to Toledo confirmed that I was also iron deficient with low hemoglobin and platelet levels.  Kyle and I went to Toledo Hospital on Monday, February 29th, not knowing what was ahead of us.  Taking into consideration the hypertension, low blood levels, and iron deficiency, it was determined we would deliver at 37 weeks, and by Friday, we knew that our twins would be born on Monday, March 7th!  With faith and perseverance and love and support from doctors, nurses, friends, and family, we did it!  We made it to 37 weeks! All we had to do was to try to sleep and rest as we anxiously prepared for Monday to come!


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  2. Reading this journey of your third trimester, Jenna, I looked back at my pregnancies and could completely relate, especially Bridget's pregnancy. I can remember sitting on my nest, so to speak, giving the babe extra crucial time to grow and develop.
    It sounds like you had wonderful care! And I sounds like you were a good patient, too!!
    So glad these babies are happy and healthy! And Mom too!!:)

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