20 Week Ultrasound Update

I'm soooo stressin' right now! It was so mixed with good and bad. First of all, my cervix DID shorten a full cm since my last appt. but is still .07cm from being considered short so they let me go home. There was also signs of funneling at the top of it, so I'll be watched very carefully. Basically I am right on the verge of hospitalization. The other bad news is they babies definately share a placenta. They will have to be watched very closely now as they are at higher risk of Twin to Twin Transfusion syndrome which is where one twin is deprived of nutrients and the other gets too much. It can be very deadly for either baby. The good news with that though is that there is laser surgery they can do to cut off some of the shared vessels in the placenta. It's risky but without it they would only have a 10% chance of survival. They were just talking possibilities thank goodness, as they have not been diagnosed or anything, but are going to be monitored very, very closely from now on. Oh and obviously they are SURE they are identical. There are too many indicators for them to be fraternal. HR's were 131 and 134 and both babies are breech and very healthy! My uterus is currently measuring 24 1/2 weeks so I'm not measuring overly huge, just 4 1/2 cm over my current gestational age! I'll post pics later when I'm through with dinner. Please just keep us in your prayers that these babies won't start showing signs of TTTS and that my body is able to properly carry them!

 

Hi! I'm the same as you right now with the exception of the cervix - My duo are mono/di also and we will get to see them lots via u/s before they're born! HUGS!

 

:hug: I'm glad to hear they are going to keep a close eye on you and the babies. You all are most definately in my thoughts and prayers. :hug: :hug:

 

Sounds like you are in good hands ~
I will be keeping you in my thoughts!! :hug:

 

What a relief that they are keeping a close eye on you and those babies. :hug: Keep us updated.

 

:hug: Momma! Make sure you are taking it easy! If I were you I would put myself on bedrest right away, especially if your cervix is already shortened and possibly funneled. I was hospitalized at 24 weeks for PTL and funneling, and if you can avoid getting to that point I would definitely recommend it. Also make sure you are drinking a ton of water, and emptying your bladder often as that can also cause uterine irritability leading to PTL! Good Luck!!

 

It looks like you are in good hands. Sending hugs your way (((hugs))).

 

I am wishing you all the best during the rest of your pregnancy :hug:

 

:hug: So sorry it was kind of scary for you! But it's good that they are watching you and babies closely. Take it easy if you can!

 

QUOTE(adebolin @ May 26 2009, 08:37 PM) [snapback]1328987[/snapback]
The other bad news is they babies definately share a placenta. They will have to be watched very closely now as they are at higher risk of Twin to Twin Transfusion syndrome which is where one twin is deprived of nutrients and the other gets too much. It can be very deadly for either baby. The good news with that though is that there is laser surgery they can do to cut off some of the shared vessels in the placenta. It's risky but without it they would only have a 10% chance of survival. They were just talking possibilities thank goodness, as they have not been diagnosed or anything, but are going to be monitored very, very closely from now on.



Try not to worry too much about this. Yes, mono/di twins are at a higher risk than di/di for some issues because of the shared placenta, but TTTS pregnancies are still a small minority. There are LOTS of us here that have had uncomplicated mono/di pregnancies and gone on to deliver beautiful, healthy babies (myself included). Doctors always give "worst case scenarios" which never helps our maternal worries!

Most important for the funnelling and other issues - work w/ a doctor that you trust and LISTEN to and FOLLOW his/her directives.

Good luck!!!

Eve

 

TTTS only occurs in about 15-20 % of mono di pregnancies. There is a much better chance that they will never get it. Try not to worry. Even if it does develop you may not need surgery. Many cases simply stay in stage 1 and are fine.

 

QUOTE(newpairofschus @ May 27 2009, 09:02 AM) [snapback]1329823[/snapback]
Try not to worry too much about this. Yes, mono/di twins are at a higher risk than di/di for some issues because of the shared placenta, but TTTS pregnancies are still a small minority. There are LOTS of us here that have had uncomplicated mono/di pregnancies and gone on to deliver beautiful, healthy babies (myself included). Doctors always give "worst case scenarios" which never helps our maternal worries!

Most important for the funnelling and other issues - work w/ a doctor that you trust and LISTEN to and FOLLOW his/her directives.

Good luck!!!

Eve



Those statistics sound better! Thanks! The 40% is what the Peri gave me. Doing my research online it was so variable- anywhere from 10% to 60%! Who know what to believe. I'll look at thte low end of it, hope for the best and stay down as much as possible in order to keep these boys in!


Oh and I wanted to add, I did copy and past that from my Myspace update! I know most of you know the details already since everyone here is a multiple mommy and has faced most of the risks already! I honestly just took the easy way and needed to vent to others who KNOW how it feels rather than "everything will be fine" or "prepare yourself for the worst". So thank you all for your kind words!

 

Definitely try not to worry- esp about TTTS as it is pretty rare and odds are better in your favor that you won't get it. I'm glad that your doctors are being so proactive in your care! Get lots of rest and I would also suggest self imposed bedrest, too! Good luck and keep us posted!!