Slow growth

I just hit 33 weeks ... My OB sent me for a peri consult because of my frequent contractions. Because the peri I had been seeing throughout was generally unconcerned and could not be convinced to squeeze me in, I got sent to a new one.

I have issues with his opinion on my cervix, but fortunately my OB is already wanting to keep a close eye on that.

But also during the scan came the issue of growth.

Up through the beginning of last week both my babies had been growing fine - on the small side, but not concerningly so, and their growth over time was fine. At 31w4d, they were estimated to be 3 lb 4 oz and 3 lb 5 oz.

Now today at 33w they were estimated to be 3 lb 8 oz and 3 lb 7 oz.

I know estimates can be off, but I also haven't been gaining much weight, so I'm not totally surprised.

The peri said to come back in 2 weeks and check on them again - but given how little Baby B seems to have grown (2 oz in 10 days?), I'm pushing for my OB to do a scan next week.

In the meantime .. is there anything I can do to try to help them along? I'm already on bedrest, and can't really take it any easier than I am. (I only get up to go to the bathroom, at which point I refill my drink and grab more food.) I'm eating as much as I can. I've been trying to focus on proteins and fats ... I'm trying to avoid having to resort to things like Ensure (because I don't think my stomach can take it, it's pretty sensitive and having trouble lately).

Any good food suggestions or things you've been told to do to help the growth?

 

How about Boost High Protein Shakes? I'm having trouble gaining weight too and my OB thought the shakes were a great idea. I was drinking one a day, but recently upped it to two. I like chocolate the best and it is helpful if they are very cold.

 

i was going to suggest the protein drinks as well, i know they dont always sound that good but because of the amt of protein in them, it will make the babies grow. hope everything works out, im sure it will ;-) :hug99:

 

Ben and Jerry's pint IS a single serving :rotflmbo:

No seriously, it sounds like you are advocating well for yourself and your babies. Get the answers you want and deserve for you and your babies. Curious, if you dont mind me asking, what is your total weight gain to date for this pregnancy?

It sounds like you are doing a good job, you have educated yourself about nutrition...sometimes it is just what your body is going to do to grow your babies. Dense calorie frequent snacks, high quality fats are good. I was underweight when I got pregnant, so I had to quickly get the weight gain going. I am 5'9" tall and I have gained 40lbs so far...and will probably do another 10-15 lbs if I can before I deliver (will be 31 weeks on Monday)

I have been doing ice cream at night even if I dont want it....or pudding, smoothie yogurt drinks as a quick snack to chug down and get some good quality calcium/protein into me(stoneyfield farms organic) and I will pour myself a glass of OJ and break out the tub of cashews and some raisins....great iron/protein boost and the vitamin C in the OJ helps the iron absorption. I also do whole grain bread grilled cheese.....see what I mean about high calorie/dense nutrition foods that are easy to grab without too much fuss. Oh Peanut Butter is good too!

Hope I have helped to inspire you with some food ideas, keep up the good work Have a great weekend -jillian in ct

 

My main concern with the protein drinks is how my digestive system will take it. It's ... "touchy" is underestimating it. "Willing to violently expel offending food products out the nose" is more accurate. And if it makes it by the stomach and into the intestines, if they're not happy with it, I'll suffer for a good 2 weeks because of it. I'm terrified to try new foods.

I DO like the ice cream idea though :icon_biggrin:

Jillian - I'm 5'7" and was underweight pre-pregnancy also (losing weight with no explanation, actually). I'm up about 40 lbs now at 33 weeks, and it's been a struggle. Everyone says I look too small to be having twins, but up until today everyone had said the babies were growing just fine!

To confuse matters further, my OB seems less concerned about their growth than my cervix, which is the opposite of the peri's opinion - argh! But to **** with them all, I'm going to try to grow them big AND keep them in until full term.

I guess I need to stock up on more protein though. Good thing Thanksgiving is coming - turkey will be a nice change from all the beef and chicken I've been eating!

 

I am right there with YOU, if one more person says "you are so small to be carrying twins!" I am going to scream. I feel like I have to "sell" them on the fact that I have gained 40lbs!!! AND that my babies are big and growing well....your babies weights sound right on target. Did you read the sticky in this Expecting Forum for gestational weight? I found that reassuring.

I had to really work at it to put on the weight, did my 24lbs by 24 weeks and the rest came with effort. Then there were four weeks where I gained nothing, actually went down 3 pounds. I talked with my high risk ob about it and she used the analogy of a runner........a runner burns what she needs for expended energy and then furnace just keeps on burning calories. She further said that right now the babies are taking everything from me and my body is working really hard growing 2 lives and sustaining my own. The best advice I have heard, and it was from my first pregnancy, was that your body is going to do what it is going to do.....referring to a large gain. My cousin gained 50lbs with both her daughters and she is normally a petite active gal.

I didnt have the extreme sensitivity to new foods you are having, but I sure do feel for you. This IS hard! Go with what you know and do the best you can in the food department. I know, YEAH Thanksgiving! Love being preggo during the holidays.....

My regular ob in my initial visits did not think I needed cervical length checks...but then when I went to my high risk ob, she disagreed and checks me every two weeks. Be very frank about what you want and need. Remember, they are getting paid!
(of course when I called my ob at 3:45am with ptl labor this morning I was crying and apologizing b/c I woke him up! Not a strong moment for me! )

hugs to you :hug99:

 

I tried Boost and Ensure and didn't really like them very much. I do like the Carnation Instant Breakfast though -- it's a powder and you mix it with milk (or even better, blend it in the blender with milk and ice). Tastes a lot better than the prepared drinks I think and is cheaper too! You can get a variety pack to see what flavors you like. They are high in protein and calcium.

Also, I've never tried them but there's that Special K protein water out now -- not sure how much protein is in it, but it's better than nothing!

 

i am sorry about your sensitive digestive system--poor thing! i also would suggest getting as much protien as possible, and calcium, as well. how about smoothies? if you put both plain yogurt and ice cream, with a ton of fruit and maybe a little protein powder, you can have a LOT of calories without too much work. powdered milk is pretty easy to hide in things, as well.

best of luck and hang in there. sounds like you are doing all you can. wtg!

jl

 

From what i have read, bedrest on left side, lots of water, and lots of protein.

 

Don't forget those protein bars like luna or powerbar. They aren't much more than an Ensure and taste a lot better in my opinion.
I hope you get some good growth results next visit!

 

QUOTE(cat419 @ Nov 16 2007, 03:42 PM) [snapback]499060[/snapback]
I just hit 33 weeks ... My OB sent me for a peri consult because of my frequent contractions. Because the peri I had been seeing throughout was generally unconcerned and could not be convinced to squeeze me in, I got sent to a new one.

I have issues with his opinion on my cervix, but fortunately my OB is already wanting to keep a close eye on that.

But also during the scan came the issue of growth.

Up through the beginning of last week both my babies had been growing fine - on the small side, but not concerningly so, and their growth over time was fine. At 31w4d, they were estimated to be 3 lb 4 oz and 3 lb 5 oz.

Now today at 33w they were estimated to be 3 lb 8 oz and 3 lb 7 oz.

I know estimates can be off, but I also haven't been gaining much weight, so I'm not totally surprised.

The peri said to come back in 2 weeks and check on them again - but given how little Baby B seems to have grown (2 oz in 10 days?), I'm pushing for my OB to do a scan next week.

In the meantime .. is there anything I can do to try to help them along? I'm already on bedrest, and can't really take it any easier than I am. (I only get up to go to the bathroom, at which point I refill my drink and grab more food.) I'm eating as much as I can. I've been trying to focus on proteins and fats ... I'm trying to avoid having to resort to things like Ensure (because I don't think my stomach can take it, it's pretty sensitive and having trouble lately).

Any good food suggestions or things you've been told to do to help the growth?


Well, I just had my babies 11 days ago.... They were 6 lbs. 13 oz & 7 lbs 10 oz at 37 wks 5 days... One thing that i really made sure to do is follow the diet recommendations in the Dr. Luke book when you're expecting twins, triplets or quads. I added TONS ofprotien to my diet and found that Whey protien that my husband got at Whole Foods really helped me add the needed protien. It is a powder you have to mix and it is not too bad... Much better than Boost or Ensure with all of the artificial ingredients.

 

The protein powder PP mentioned can be mixed in any of your food. Maybe you could do that in small enough amounts so as not to upset your stomach but still help. Just be sure to get regular protein powder and not the body building stuff.