Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist

I think I was spoiled at my fertility clinic. My longest wait time was maybe 15 minutes. Waiting at the hospital on the other hand totaled about two hours all combined. Wowza. Last week I had my first appointment at the hospital with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist. My regular OB referred me to them because I'm having twins and with that comes the possibility of greater risks.

First I saw an ultrasound technician to get some measurements of the babies. I couldn't believe how big they've grown! They are actually measuring a week ahead at 13 weeks, 1 day when I was actually only 12 weeks, 2 days. There's a chance they will adjust my due date because of this. I definitely think these will be October babies! It's incredible how much they move around even though I can't feel it yet. It's like my uterus is a gym and they're little gymnasts tumbling about. The main reason for the measuring was to screen for Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders like Trisomy 18. The ultrasound is used to measure a very specific area on the back of the babies necks. When there is more fluid in the neck tissue than normal, it indicates abnormalities.

Second I met with a Genetic Counselor to go over family history and the results of those measurements. She said so far everything looks great with the babies and based on our family history it looks like we are low risk for genetic abnormalities and birth defects. She had me do some blood work and with the results from that as well as additional blood work in June, we will know more about our risks. They look for abnormal levels of HCG and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). She said the results with twins are a bit more unreliable since they can't test each baby individually unless they took some cells from the placentas, but that's only if something looks wrong. Side note: The phlebotomist that took my blood looked like Dr. Lahari from The Mindy Project! I wanted to ask her if she was told that a lot, but I was kind of embarrassed.

Lastly I met with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist regarding the risks of twins, mostly just being preterm labor and other medical problems like preeclampsia. It was really nothing I hadn't heard yet, but it was still nice to meet with him.

I will continue to see them as my pregnancy progresses just to make sure everything is looking good. I'm really thankful because I love all these opportunities to see my babies! I've already had 4 ultrasounds by 12 weeks while most don't get an ultrasound until 20 weeks. I would go insane.

Introducing Baby A! 

You can see how Baby A turned while taking measurements. They move so much!

And here is Baby B! 

Doesn't he/she look like it's having a swell day kicking their legs up, arms behind its neck, whistling?

I'm so in love with these precious little cuties. I thank God everyday for the miracle He has given us.