Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Pregnancy Update: Week 33

How far along: 33 weeks!  12 weeks ago today was when I was admitted to the hospital because I was 2 cm. dilated.  Being at 33 weeks now feels like a miracle!!

How big are babies: Babies are a bit over 4 pounds now, about the same as a pineapple (mmm, pineapple!) and probably a bit over 17 inches now as well. 

Survival chances: We're at the same place as last week: Between 32 weeks and 33 weeks, 6 days survival chances are greater than 98%.   Severe or moderate disabilities among survivors is down to 8% while minor disability is down to 15%.  (Gunter, The Preemie Primer, 2010).  As for percent chance of delivery for women who have had a rescue cerclage I'm still in the same category as last week: 22% delivered between 30 weeks and 33 weeks, 6 days.**

Weight gain: Haven't been weighed since last week, so I don't know.  I hope it's still under 40 pounds.

Cravings: Nothing in particular, although fresh pineapple is sounding good now.

Aversions: Nothing beyond the things I would avoid pregnant or not.

Belly button: Same as last week.

Movement: Still moving like crazy.  How they are finding the room for it, I have no idea!

Leg cramps and other symptoms: The most annoying symptom remains the restlessness in my legs and occasionally in my arms.  We haven't found a magnesium supplement yet that is under 130 mgs.  But we have a few places we haven't tried yet.  In the meantime, I have found that the Special K Protein Shakes are pretty good and contain some magnesium and I try to snack on almonds a little more, another good source of magnesium.  Also trying to get in more potassium to help.  Thankfully the kick ball match with my bladder has not returned.

Sleeping: Basically not doing much of this.  I can no longer lay on my left side without major back pain.  That means I'm only comfortable on my right side.  I wouldn't mind, except it gets uncomfortable after a while when I really can't move anywhere else.  I can't easily get out of bed or even sit up.  So I don't sleep much because of all that and frequent bathroom trips.  I really want a recliner!!  We're trying, have struck out four times using craigslist; I'm starting to get desperate!

Ultrasound: Next official one is Monday April 9.

Appointment: Next one is also on Monday April 9.

Non-Stress Tests: Started these this week.  First one was Monday and took about 30-40 minutes.  Baby B got the appropriate number of raised heart rates in the 20 minute time period.  Makes sense that the active, always moving child would excel at this particular test; although it was difficult locating Baby B's heartbeat to begin with.  Baby A's heart rate was easy to find, of course, but this child is also our laid back one.  Took a bit longer before we got the same number of raised heart rates.  I'm getting really curious to see how their personalities will be and how well they match what I've observed of them these last few months.  Next NST is tomorrow and then I have two more scheduled for Monday April 9 and Thursday April 12.

Fetal Echo: The second (and hopefully last) of these is tomorrow morning.  Which means I'll also get to see the babies on ultrasound again.  The focus will be on the heart, but it'll be nice to see them again.

Notable this week: I could mention several things here, the baby shower from this weekend being one of the biggest things.  We also finally got the replacement dresser for the babies' room, only to find out that it too was busted.  We've decided not to try and replace again, but to just return it and get our money back.  I will say, customer service at Toys 'R' Us is very nice.  The guy I spoke to was very understanding and had the reimbursement started right away rather than waiting a couple weeks for the product to get back.  And he gave us 20% off and free shipping on a future order.  That will come in handy, I know there are other things we'll need.  As for the dresser, we'll be looking for something from a local furniture store, maybe while we're also looking for a recliner!

**Ventolini, G., et al, "Pregnancy outcome after placement of 'rescue' Shirodkar cerclage."  Journal of Perinatology. 9(4):276-279, April 2009.

3 comments:

  1. you have preggo brain ("April 9th") ;) We are past April! I bet your subconscious still can't believe you got this far

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ack!! Either preggo brain or lack of sleep ... or maybe a bit of both!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. My girls were born at 33 weeks, so it was fun to read your update and picture my own babies from that period :) They were 17 inches each and a little over 4 pounds apiece. So sweet!!! It'll be here before you know it... And in case I haven't mentioned it before, it is SOOOOO much fun having twins - you're going to love it!

    ReplyDelete