IUGR & those who delivered at 26wks?

I'm at 26wks on Monday and we've been told that they can't figure out what the problem is with Baby B's umbilical and the poor blood flow which is causing growth problems. In all other aspects, amniotic fluid, all the genetic testing, both babies are doing fine except for that issue with Baby B. They gave me the first of two steroid shots today, the second tomorrow to help strengthen the babies lungs inutero in preparation for a c-section in the possibly very near future (maybe next week or later). They feel the situation is grave for Baby B's chances, and of course early delivery of Baby A will bring on issues for him as a result. We are having u/s twice a week and in wait-and-see mode for now, but Baby B could go into distress at any time, and I will probably not feel anything they say.

I don't really know what to do at this point and any suggestions would be helpful.

Also, tell me how your babies were/are doing if they were born at 26 wks.

TIA!!!!

 

I don't have experience with IUGR, but I delivered my girls at 28 weeks due to PTL. I also got the steroid shots and I strongly believe that it made a world of difference with my girls. I will keep you and your precious babies in my thoughts and prayers. Modern medicine is amazing, and its spectacular what they are able to do with preemies. Take Care! Keep us updated!! :hug99:

 

I've come in contact with a few sets of twins born 24 weeks and it's a long NICU road but they have had good outcomes.

Have you had a tour of the NICU to get a feel of what it's like?

 

QUOTE(Jocasta @ Mar 6 2008, 09:47 PM) [snapback]656809[/snapback]
I've come in contact with a few sets of twins born 24 weeks and it's a long NICU road but they have had good outcomes.

Have you had a tour of the NICU to get a feel of what it's like?



I have had the tour of the maternity ward but they don't allow tours of the NICU for safety/security reasons they said. We're in Annapolis and it's a level III NICU. There is a level IV NICU at both the Johns Hopkins and University of Md Medical Center hospitals in Baltimore which aren't far. I did get to peek through the small door window into the NICU front counter lobby. Nothing really to see through the window though...

 

That's a pity - might have eased your mind a little. You could also make sure you have a reference book on NICU language (our unit gave one out free). I wouldn't read it until you deliver - but knowing what words meant is helpful when reading the notes or talking to doctors. One of our neotologists (sp?) came and spoke to me about what to expect when I was admitted at 26 weeks - is it possible to request that as it was really helpful

 

QUOTE(LillyWhite1 @ Mar 6 2008, 09:34 PM) [snapback]656779[/snapback]
Also, tell me how your babies were/are doing if they were born at 26 wks.

Well now, mine just turned 2 and they are doing FABULOUS!!! They have no lingering effects at all of being preemies.

I want to start by saying I had the steroid shots at 24w when I had an emergency cerclage.

Mine were born very early. Emilie at 25w3d at home, she weighed 1 lb 10 oz. She was on a vent for 4 days. Trevor was born 10 days later weighing 2 lbs. 7 oz and NEVER went on a vent at all! We had a VERY easy NICU stay. At the time I did not think it was, but from what I have seen on here and saw in the NICU we were VERY lucky! Emilie had a mild infection and needed 3 blood transfusions (they told me that almost every baby in the NICU has at least one before they go home) and she got a very mild case of RSV the week before she came home. Trevor had one blood transfusion, that is it! They never had any breathing or lung issues at all and still don't!!! They both came home the same day when I would have been 35 weeks pregnant with them, so 5 weeks before their due date.

They both walked at 13 months. Now at 2 they are doing fabulous! Their ped has never had any concerns about them at all. They are both on the charts, in fact at his 2 year appt. Trevor was the exact same weight at 2 that my oldest DD was and she was 9 1/2 lbs at birth. They truly are miracles and we know we are very lucky to have them here and have them be absolutley perfect and healthy!

Please know that the steroid shots WILL help! I truly believe they helped my two immensely. I also know first hand the smallest babies are the biggest fighters! Please PM me if you would like to talk further, I have been there.

I am sorry you are going through this. Please keep us posted. :love0028:

 

QUOTE(summerfun @ Mar 6 2008, 11:36 PM) [snapback]656996[/snapback]
Well now, mine just turned 2 and they are doing FABULOUS!!! They have no lingering effects at all of being preemies.

I want to start by saying I had the steroid shots at 24w when I had an emergency cerclage.

Mine were born very early. Emilie at 25w3d at home, she weighed 1 lb 10 oz. She was on a vent for 4 days. Trevor was born 10 days later weighing 2 lbs. 7 oz and NEVER went on a vent at all! We had a VERY easy NICU stay. At the time I did not think it was, but from what I have seen on here and saw in the NICU we were VERY lucky! Emilie had a mild infection and needed 3 blood transfusions (they told me that almost every baby in the NICU has at least one before they go home) and she got a very mild case of RSV the week before she came home. Trevor had one blood transfusion, that is it! They never had any breathing or lung issues at all and still don't!!! They both came home the same day when I would have been 35 weeks pregnant with them, so 5 weeks before their due date.

They both walked at 13 months. Now at 2 they are doing fabulous! Their ped has never had any concerns about them at all. They are both on the charts, in fact at his 2 year appt. Trevor was the exact same weight at 2 that my oldest DD was and she was 9 1/2 lbs at birth. They truly are miracles and we know we are very lucky to have them here and have them be absolutley perfect and healthy!

Please know that the steroid shots WILL help! I truly believe they helped my two immensely. I also know first hand the smallest babies are the biggest fighters! Please PM me if you would like to talk further, I have been there.

I am sorry you are going through this. Please keep us posted. :love0028:


Your story rocks!

To the OP - I'm praying for a miracle for you and your babies! Please pay attention to all the great stories of babies born early, but expect yours to make a miraculous turn in the belly and want to stay longer!

 

QUOTE(LillyWhite1 @ Mar 6 2008, 10:01 PM) [snapback]656841[/snapback]
I have had the tour of the maternity ward but they don't allow tours of the NICU for safety/security reasons they said. We're in Annapolis and it's a level III NICU. There is a level IV NICU at both the Johns Hopkins and University of Md Medical Center hospitals in Baltimore which aren't far. I did get to peek through the small door window into the NICU front counter lobby. Nothing really to see through the window though...

I didn't realize you were in MD too, I missed that somehow at first. Mine were in Rockville at a level 3 NICU. So if you go early, yours will be in good hands.

QUOTE(girls! @ Mar 7 2008, 02:07 AM) [snapback]657072[/snapback]
Your story rocks!

Aww, thanks.

 

I am praying for your little ones- and you! God Bless, Lisa

 

QUOTE(summerfun @ Mar 6 2008, 11:36 PM) [snapback]656996[/snapback]
(they told me that almost every baby in the NICU has at least one before they go home)


I was wondering (after reading your post) if you know who I could ask, or if you know… if my husband and I had blood drawn now and stored and the twins had one of our blood type… could they receive our blood ( I know they would have to match… my son is a combo of us)

And your story does rock, I tell it to people all the time… seriously, like once a week at minimum…

Elizabeth

PS
Sorry to hijack your post… I will definitely keep your babies in my thoughts… and I’m sorry you have to deal with this…

 

QUOTE(e mauro @ Mar 7 2008, 05:09 PM) [snapback]658145[/snapback]
I was wondering (after reading your post) if you know who I could ask, or if you know… if my husband and I had blood drawn now and stored and the twins had one of our blood type… could they receive our blood ( I know they would have to match… my son is a combo of us)


Elizabeth

PS
Sorry to hijack your post… I will definitely keep your babies in my thoughts… and I’m sorry you have to deal with this…


It has been awhile, but I remember that it took some time to have it drawn and everything done with it to be ready to use. But since you still have some time that may be something you could have done now. I would check with the hospital you are going to deliver at. I do remember that it was not something we could do and then have our babies use 2 days later, it did require some time. But I can't remember how much, sorry.

QUOTE(e mauro @ Mar 7 2008, 05:09 PM) [snapback]658145[/snapback]
And your story does rock, I tell it to people all the time… seriously, like once a week at minimum…

Thanks.

 

I hope everything turns out great for you. I wonder if they would give you a private tour of the NICU or if your doc could ask for one for you? I was able to do that this week and it was so nice to know what's behind those locked doors just in case. They don't offer regular tours but the nurse said to just come in and ask for a nurse to show me around. As long as they weren't busy, they were happy to do this.

 

Find a way to tour the NICU! That is crazy they wont let a hospital staff memeber take you through! I will be praying for all 3 of you!

 

QUOTE(momof5 @ Mar 8 2008, 09:25 AM) [snapback]658875[/snapback]
Find a way to tour the NICU! That is crazy they wont let a hospital staff memeber take you through! I will be praying for all 3 of you!


We weren't allowed a tour either, for security reasons, but a Neonatologist (spelling?) came and talked to us for a long time! That helped ease a lot of questions and fears.
I also had two rounds of steroid shots and felt they did wonders!
Sending positive vibes your way!

 

I am at 20 weeks now. One of my twins is measuring right at 20 weeks, but the other is way behind at 17 weeks. The doctor is trying to prepare me for the worse. He said that they will not take the babies until 32 weeks because he does not believe in sacrificing one for the other. He said that the baby that is developing fine might not make it if they take them too early. I can understand that. It just makes me sad that one might not make it. I will have everyone praying, but be prepared.

My question is the doctor worried that your healthy on might have serious risks by delivering this early?

BTW, my small one is quite fiesty and moving around a lot. Hopefully she is strong and will make a comeback!

 

QUOTE(Terrebeth1 @ Mar 8 2008, 08:00 AM) [snapback]658928[/snapback]
My question is the doctor worried that your healthy on might have serious risks by delivering this early?

BTW, my small one is quite fiesty and moving around a lot. Hopefully she is strong and will make a comeback!



Thanks to everyone for your feedback, these have been some wonderful stories and info. I'm glad to know that we're heading in the right direction starting with the steroids. I have trouble telling which baby is kicking all the time since one moved transverse and the other is curled around him, but both are always active in the ultrasounds.

In response to your question about the Dr being afraid of jeopardizing the healthy baby by delivering early, yes he said that is exactly what he's worried about, hence they are not doing anything right now but monitoring twice a week. I have another doplar/ultrasound on Tuesday. I have a call into my OB requesting their feedback on the specialists findings and to ask what else can be done. I'm still working, not on bedrest (I asked the Dr if they wanted me to do this and he said not at this time) so I'm glad I have an easy desk job with a flexible boss. I am making myself do bedrest on my own as much as possible.

I have to admit that all I've been thinking about is that I could lose this baby and not even know it, but I'm trying to be realistic and positive, so you're stories and support have meant a lot to me and my husband. Thanks so much for all of your advice. And I will keep thinking positive thoughts for all of you in the same boat as well.

 

I delivered at 33 weeks, but it was due to IUGR. I hope this story eases your fears. We thought the boys had one placenta and were days away from developing TTTS. They diagnosed Ryan with IUGR at our 19 wk ultrasound when he was in the less than 3rd percentile and had no fluid. As the weeks passed (with our 1-2 xs a week u/s) his fluid grew and he did too. All along, he was the small baby. At birth he weighed 3lbs 3ozs (very small for 33wks) and his brother was 3lbs 11ozs. Ryan was put on forced air (CPAP) for about 24 hours. Both my boys were on special lights for jaundice and had frequent apnea/bradies (breathing forgetfullness). They were in the NICU for one month as grower/feeders and to watch their breathing. Fast forward to 6 months later and Ryan is now at least 2lbs bigger than his brother!! We also had the steriod shots about a week before I went into labor.

After the placentas (yes there were two fused) were examined, Ryan's was dying and that is why I went into labor. I owe my boys lives to my doctors and the NICU nurses. The NICU road is hard, but you know your babies are in the best hands. I'm so happy you have such high level NICU's near you. Medicine can work miracles (along with a lot of prayers). Please keep us updated on your situation!

:hug99:

 

QUOTE(JakeandPeyton @ Mar 8 2008, 07:18 AM) [snapback]658904[/snapback]
but a Neonatologist (spelling?) came and talked to us for a long time! That helped ease a lot of questions and fears.

We had one come talk to us as well, once at 24w when I had an emergency cerclage and then when they took Trevor by c-section. I would honestly be surprised if they let people tour the NICU, for one thing for fear of germs and the preemies in there.

 

I have 26 weekers and mine were born the same month as Amy's. They turned 2 in February and you would never know they were preemies. They have zero lingering issues. They were in the hospital for 9 weeks and although it didn't seem like it at the time they did wonderfully and we had a pretty uneventful stay. I hear them up from their nap, so I need to run, but PM me anytime and I will be happy to share my story. Hang in there!

Kimberly

 

QUOTE(LillyWhite1 @ Mar 6 2008, 08:34 PM) [snapback]656779[/snapback]
I'm at 26wks on Monday and we've been told that they can't figure out what the problem is with Baby B's umbilical and the poor blood flow which is causing growth problems. In all other aspects, amniotic fluid, all the genetic testing, both babies are doing fine except for that issue with Baby B. They gave me the first of two steroid shots today, the second tomorrow to help strengthen the babies lungs inutero in preparation for a c-section in the possibly very near future (maybe next week or later). They feel the situation is grave for Baby B's chances, and of course early delivery of Baby A will bring on issues for him as a result. We are having u/s twice a week and in wait-and-see mode for now, but Baby B could go into distress at any time, and I will probably not feel anything they say.

I don't really know what to do at this point and any suggestions would be helpful.

Also, tell me how your babies were/are doing if they were born at 26 wks.

TIA!!!!


My DD (singleton) was born at 23 weeks 5 days, weighing only 473 grams (1lb 1oz), due to IC. She is now three and despite her teeny tiny stature, most people would never guess that she was a micropreemie. Yes, she has been through a lot and has had lots of obstacles to overcome, but she is a happy healthy little girl now.

We have several friends that have had 25-26 wekers that are going very well despite their prematurity as well. If I were in your shoes, besides getting the steroid shots, I would ask to speak with a Neonatologist about what to expect. Especially since you are not able to tour the NICU ahead of time. Another thing that I had to learn the hard way was to stay away from Google once the babies are born. Find support groups in your community/hospital or online instead.

One more thing- here is a link to a blog I stumbled upon recently. I cannot remember the specifics, but one of the twins had cord problems. I think they were able to control things for a while and were born farther along than you are now. Still, it might be helpful to read their story and/or contact the mom for support. http://twoby.blogspot.com/

Hang in there and keep us updated. I will be praying for you and your babies!

Julie
mom to Halle 1/4/05
expecting twin boys 8/23/08

 

:hug99: :hug99: :hug99:

 

Well, I just turned 27 weeks, and my baby B is 3 weeks behind. The peri said that if they were a little further along he would have taken them on Thursday. Instead, I am on bedrest, high protein foods, BPP and doppler once a week. I am hopeful that we can make it a few more weeks.
Sorry you are going through this, but you are not alone.

 

My girls were born at 26 weeks due to IUGR and Reverse blood flow in Baby B's cord. Audrey weighed 1.2 pounds and Emily was 2.1 pounds. Audrey spent 145 in the NICU and Emily's stay was 79 days. I wish I could say like the others that my girls didn't have any lasting affects but they do. Both of my girls have Cerebral Palsy and are severely developmentally delayed. Believe me, I am not trying to scare you at all. I did have the steroid shots at 24 weeks. Their placentas sat side by side so we didn't know if they were fused together and I also had complete previa. It is a long scary road for a baby that small. My girls are fighters and I am sure yours are too.

If you have any specific questions, just let me know. Good luck!!

 

Wow, it is really helpful to read everyone's stories. I know that I need to stay concerned, but hopefully my feisty little girl will make it. She is actully kicking me as I am typing.

Good luck to everyone else too!