15w5d

We just got home from our 2:30pm appointment with Dr. Bailey (yes, it is almost 6:30). We left at 1:30 and got there on time, but weren't seen until almost 3:45. It was jam packed busy. I've rarely had to sit directly next to someone, but the office was completely full. And, because we need the u/s room, it usually delays our appointments. We are used to an hour wait. I brought Ina May's Guide to Childbirth with me and read on that. The time passed quickly, except that I really REALLY needed to pee.

The appointment went really well. Dr. B. asked how I was feeling and I was honest with him about tomorrow and the next 2 weeks. I asked, point blank, about the cerclage failing and he really addressed my concerns in a way that made me feel more positive. He said that the risks in the immediate of placing a cerclage is amniotic sac rupture and that we are far beyond that, so no worries on that end. As to it failing later in pregnancy, he said that he really felt it will only start to feel strain once the weight of the babies begins to really press on it, between the 5-6 pound range and that, at that point, he will want even more severe bedrest, just to make sure. But that we have time. I asked him, "Are you sure that I'm not going to go into labor within the next few weeks?" He answered that, although he is not a fortune teller, he does not think that I will go into labor. That the stitch will hold and that he truly believes things are not going to end prior to 26 weeks, at the point that he would like us to be even more severe in keeping in bed, etc, to try and just keep the babies in for 10 more weeks. But he was very positive. And really tried to reassure us that things are GOING to be okay this time.

He did the abdominal ultrasound first and, as always, they are so beautiful. Robert has big feet, just like his daddy, and you can so his very well defined toes. Very cute. He was kicking his sister (who, not to be outdone, was kicking back). He rolled around a lot and kept putting his butt up in the air, which got us a nice shot of his boy parts. Maya wasn't flopping around as much but was very active and you could see her hands and delicate little fingers. She had no issue propping her legs open for the world to see her whoohaa and, after the show, Dr. B. said that he was sure we were having one of each. No doubts. We listened to their heartbeats, which are just music to our ears. Very, very nice.

He did a vaginal ultrasound to confirm my cervical measurement and, thankfully, found no change from our last appointment 2 weeks ago. It was still over 4 and the stitching is still holding. I felt uncomfortable after the exam (but who wouldnt when you arent used to any "activity" to suddenly have something probing your nether regions). But the exams both went well and the babies were doing great. We discussed my P17 shots (which begin on Saturday) and my 20w anatomy scan, along with the next round of sequential screen tests that I'll go for in 2w prior to his next appointment so that I dont have to go to the hospital next week and the following.

Overall, it was a good appointment, even though I still am having fear. My BP was up to 138/84 (which for me isnt high but I was really hoping to keep it in the good range of our last appt) but otherwise nothing bad.

Peter will scan in the pictures from today tomorrow or this weekend, but here are the pictures from our June 4th appointment that I have been lax in posting (mostly because he was lax in scanning!) They looked just as gorgeous today, but a tad bigger.


Robert @ 13w5d (6/4/09)


Maya @ 13w5d (6/4/09)