I am 32 weeks today but not doing so well!

H

hopeforever601

New member
Well we have made it to the magical 32 week goal I can't believe the twins are doing so well!!! Their weights were measured in at 4 pounds and 4 pounds 9 oz. Our lil girl is bigger than our boy and they are so adorable to watch on the ultrasound..

Last night I was hospitalized for shortness of breath and it hasn't gotten any better. I have thrown up yesterday and again today with the increase in cough and begged them basicaly to let me go home and not take the babies too early. My o2 stats are around 96% on room air but they sent me home with a pulse oximeter to use tonight when I go to sleep to see if those numbers go down dramatically making me feel so short of breath.

I also received my second dose of steroids just in case the babies will be born early.. My next goal is 34 weeks but don't know if I am comprimising my health in doing this. They keep telling me that even if they were born today they have a 95% chance of being ok long term. I love being pregnant and want to savor every moment of this experience knowing it will be the last time I ever feel them kick inside me and move but I also want them to have a healthy mom.

If I made it to 34 weeks do the babies have a good chance of not going home on apena monitors?
How long would tyically be their stay at this point?

Need some encouragment!


Kelly
32 weeks today with miracle babies Cameron and Alexis
 
H

hopeforever601

New member
Well we have made it to the magical 32 week goal I can't believe the twins are doing so well!!! Their weights were measured in at 4 pounds and 4 pounds 9 oz. Our lil girl is bigger than our boy and they are so adorable to watch on the ultrasound..

Last night I was hospitalized for shortness of breath and it hasn't gotten any better. I have thrown up yesterday and again today with the increase in cough and begged them basicaly to let me go home and not take the babies too early. My o2 stats are around 96% on room air but they sent me home with a pulse oximeter to use tonight when I go to sleep to see if those numbers go down dramatically making me feel so short of breath.

I also received my second dose of steroids just in case the babies will be born early.. My next goal is 34 weeks but don't know if I am comprimising my health in doing this. They keep telling me that even if they were born today they have a 95% chance of being ok long term. I love being pregnant and want to savor every moment of this experience knowing it will be the last time I ever feel them kick inside me and move but I also want them to have a healthy mom.

If I made it to 34 weeks do the babies have a good chance of not going home on apena monitors?
How long would tyically be their stay at this point?

Need some encouragment!


Kelly
32 weeks today with miracle babies Cameron and Alexis
 
H

hopeforever601

New member
Well we have made it to the magical 32 week goal I can't believe the twins are doing so well!!! Their weights were measured in at 4 pounds and 4 pounds 9 oz. Our lil girl is bigger than our boy and they are so adorable to watch on the ultrasound..

Last night I was hospitalized for shortness of breath and it hasn't gotten any better. I have thrown up yesterday and again today with the increase in cough and begged them basicaly to let me go home and not take the babies too early. My o2 stats are around 96% on room air but they sent me home with a pulse oximeter to use tonight when I go to sleep to see if those numbers go down dramatically making me feel so short of breath.

I also received my second dose of steroids just in case the babies will be born early.. My next goal is 34 weeks but don't know if I am comprimising my health in doing this. They keep telling me that even if they were born today they have a 95% chance of being ok long term. I love being pregnant and want to savor every moment of this experience knowing it will be the last time I ever feel them kick inside me and move but I also want them to have a healthy mom.

If I made it to 34 weeks do the babies have a good chance of not going home on apena monitors?
How long would tyically be their stay at this point?

Need some encouragment!


Kelly
32 weeks today with miracle babies Cameron and Alexis
 
H

hopeforever601

New member
Well we have made it to the magical 32 week goal I can't believe the twins are doing so well!!! Their weights were measured in at 4 pounds and 4 pounds 9 oz. Our lil girl is bigger than our boy and they are so adorable to watch on the ultrasound..

Last night I was hospitalized for shortness of breath and it hasn't gotten any better. I have thrown up yesterday and again today with the increase in cough and begged them basicaly to let me go home and not take the babies too early. My o2 stats are around 96% on room air but they sent me home with a pulse oximeter to use tonight when I go to sleep to see if those numbers go down dramatically making me feel so short of breath.

I also received my second dose of steroids just in case the babies will be born early.. My next goal is 34 weeks but don't know if I am comprimising my health in doing this. They keep telling me that even if they were born today they have a 95% chance of being ok long term. I love being pregnant and want to savor every moment of this experience knowing it will be the last time I ever feel them kick inside me and move but I also want them to have a healthy mom.

If I made it to 34 weeks do the babies have a good chance of not going home on apena monitors?
How long would tyically be their stay at this point?

Need some encouragment!


Kelly
32 weeks today with miracle babies Cameron and Alexis
 
H

hopeforever601

New member
Well we have made it to the magical 32 week goal I can't believe the twins are doing so well!!! Their weights were measured in at 4 pounds and 4 pounds 9 oz. Our lil girl is bigger than our boy and they are so adorable to watch on the ultrasound..

Last night I was hospitalized for shortness of breath and it hasn't gotten any better. I have thrown up yesterday and again today with the increase in cough and begged them basicaly to let me go home and not take the babies too early. My o2 stats are around 96% on room air but they sent me home with a pulse oximeter to use tonight when I go to sleep to see if those numbers go down dramatically making me feel so short of breath.

I also received my second dose of steroids just in case the babies will be born early.. My next goal is 34 weeks but don't know if I am comprimising my health in doing this. They keep telling me that even if they were born today they have a 95% chance of being ok long term. I love being pregnant and want to savor every moment of this experience knowing it will be the last time I ever feel them kick inside me and move but I also want them to have a healthy mom.

If I made it to 34 weeks do the babies have a good chance of not going home on apena monitors?
How long would tyically be their stay at this point?

Need some encouragment!


Kelly
32 weeks today with miracle babies Cameron and Alexis
 
K

Keepercjr

Guest
Kelly

Every day you can keep them in is great. My SIL had her son at 33 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. He was in the NICU for 2.5 weeks but never needed oxygen or help breathing. He just needed to grow (he was only 3 lbs 4 oz). Also the longer you keep them in the better chance they have of not having sucking issues and shorter hospital stays. I think 34 weeks is a great goal - it is only 2 weeks away. Take it just one day at a time and re-evaulate each day whether you can make it just one more day.

My best guess if you had them at 34 weeks they'd stay in a week or 2 (maybe less - I know of a woman who had her daughter at 34 weeks and she went home 2 days later). Depends on whether they can hold their temperature, suck effectively (bottle or breast), and can breathe on their own. They're already a good weight - my nephew went home just shy of 4 lbs.

Are you taking magnesium? its not too late to start and may help your shortness of breath. You should probably be getting about 800-1000 mg a day. You could start slowly (200 or 300 mg a day) and increase it.

When you do have them, make sure you do lots of kangaroo care - skin to skin contact. Just sit in the nursery w/ them and undress them and place them on your naked chest with a blanket over the both of you - your husband can do it too. Several studies have shown that preemies who receive skin to skin require shorter hospital stays and maintain their vital signs better. Also, if you can get them breastmilk they will do even better and won't have as high a risk of acquiring an infection while in the hospital. If you do decide to breastfeed, ask for a lactation consultant right away once you're admitted to the hospital. They can set you up on a pumping schedule w/ a good pump. Many people think that breastfeeding is too taxing for preemies and that sucking from the bottle is easier and preferred --- but that isn't true. You need an advocate on your side. The less bottles they receive the better - they can be fed via NG tube or syringe if you aren't there to nurse them.

Here is a website on kangaroo care by "father" of kangaroo care: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kangaroomothercare.com">http://www.kangaroomothercare.com</a> Please take some time and see what he has on the site. If anyone gives you problems at the hospital you can print off his research and recommendations and give it to them.

Good luck! keep us updated. You're a great mom - take it one day at a time.
 
K

Keepercjr

Guest
Kelly

Every day you can keep them in is great. My SIL had her son at 33 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. He was in the NICU for 2.5 weeks but never needed oxygen or help breathing. He just needed to grow (he was only 3 lbs 4 oz). Also the longer you keep them in the better chance they have of not having sucking issues and shorter hospital stays. I think 34 weeks is a great goal - it is only 2 weeks away. Take it just one day at a time and re-evaulate each day whether you can make it just one more day.

My best guess if you had them at 34 weeks they'd stay in a week or 2 (maybe less - I know of a woman who had her daughter at 34 weeks and she went home 2 days later). Depends on whether they can hold their temperature, suck effectively (bottle or breast), and can breathe on their own. They're already a good weight - my nephew went home just shy of 4 lbs.

Are you taking magnesium? its not too late to start and may help your shortness of breath. You should probably be getting about 800-1000 mg a day. You could start slowly (200 or 300 mg a day) and increase it.

When you do have them, make sure you do lots of kangaroo care - skin to skin contact. Just sit in the nursery w/ them and undress them and place them on your naked chest with a blanket over the both of you - your husband can do it too. Several studies have shown that preemies who receive skin to skin require shorter hospital stays and maintain their vital signs better. Also, if you can get them breastmilk they will do even better and won't have as high a risk of acquiring an infection while in the hospital. If you do decide to breastfeed, ask for a lactation consultant right away once you're admitted to the hospital. They can set you up on a pumping schedule w/ a good pump. Many people think that breastfeeding is too taxing for preemies and that sucking from the bottle is easier and preferred --- but that isn't true. You need an advocate on your side. The less bottles they receive the better - they can be fed via NG tube or syringe if you aren't there to nurse them.

Here is a website on kangaroo care by "father" of kangaroo care: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kangaroomothercare.com">http://www.kangaroomothercare.com</a> Please take some time and see what he has on the site. If anyone gives you problems at the hospital you can print off his research and recommendations and give it to them.

Good luck! keep us updated. You're a great mom - take it one day at a time.
 
K

Keepercjr

Guest
Kelly

Every day you can keep them in is great. My SIL had her son at 33 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. He was in the NICU for 2.5 weeks but never needed oxygen or help breathing. He just needed to grow (he was only 3 lbs 4 oz). Also the longer you keep them in the better chance they have of not having sucking issues and shorter hospital stays. I think 34 weeks is a great goal - it is only 2 weeks away. Take it just one day at a time and re-evaulate each day whether you can make it just one more day.

My best guess if you had them at 34 weeks they'd stay in a week or 2 (maybe less - I know of a woman who had her daughter at 34 weeks and she went home 2 days later). Depends on whether they can hold their temperature, suck effectively (bottle or breast), and can breathe on their own. They're already a good weight - my nephew went home just shy of 4 lbs.

Are you taking magnesium? its not too late to start and may help your shortness of breath. You should probably be getting about 800-1000 mg a day. You could start slowly (200 or 300 mg a day) and increase it.

When you do have them, make sure you do lots of kangaroo care - skin to skin contact. Just sit in the nursery w/ them and undress them and place them on your naked chest with a blanket over the both of you - your husband can do it too. Several studies have shown that preemies who receive skin to skin require shorter hospital stays and maintain their vital signs better. Also, if you can get them breastmilk they will do even better and won't have as high a risk of acquiring an infection while in the hospital. If you do decide to breastfeed, ask for a lactation consultant right away once you're admitted to the hospital. They can set you up on a pumping schedule w/ a good pump. Many people think that breastfeeding is too taxing for preemies and that sucking from the bottle is easier and preferred --- but that isn't true. You need an advocate on your side. The less bottles they receive the better - they can be fed via NG tube or syringe if you aren't there to nurse them.

Here is a website on kangaroo care by "father" of kangaroo care: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kangaroomothercare.com">http://www.kangaroomothercare.com</a> Please take some time and see what he has on the site. If anyone gives you problems at the hospital you can print off his research and recommendations and give it to them.

Good luck! keep us updated. You're a great mom - take it one day at a time.
 
K

Keepercjr

Guest
Kelly

Every day you can keep them in is great. My SIL had her son at 33 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. He was in the NICU for 2.5 weeks but never needed oxygen or help breathing. He just needed to grow (he was only 3 lbs 4 oz). Also the longer you keep them in the better chance they have of not having sucking issues and shorter hospital stays. I think 34 weeks is a great goal - it is only 2 weeks away. Take it just one day at a time and re-evaulate each day whether you can make it just one more day.

My best guess if you had them at 34 weeks they'd stay in a week or 2 (maybe less - I know of a woman who had her daughter at 34 weeks and she went home 2 days later). Depends on whether they can hold their temperature, suck effectively (bottle or breast), and can breathe on their own. They're already a good weight - my nephew went home just shy of 4 lbs.

Are you taking magnesium? its not too late to start and may help your shortness of breath. You should probably be getting about 800-1000 mg a day. You could start slowly (200 or 300 mg a day) and increase it.

When you do have them, make sure you do lots of kangaroo care - skin to skin contact. Just sit in the nursery w/ them and undress them and place them on your naked chest with a blanket over the both of you - your husband can do it too. Several studies have shown that preemies who receive skin to skin require shorter hospital stays and maintain their vital signs better. Also, if you can get them breastmilk they will do even better and won't have as high a risk of acquiring an infection while in the hospital. If you do decide to breastfeed, ask for a lactation consultant right away once you're admitted to the hospital. They can set you up on a pumping schedule w/ a good pump. Many people think that breastfeeding is too taxing for preemies and that sucking from the bottle is easier and preferred --- but that isn't true. You need an advocate on your side. The less bottles they receive the better - they can be fed via NG tube or syringe if you aren't there to nurse them.

Here is a website on kangaroo care by "father" of kangaroo care: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kangaroomothercare.com">http://www.kangaroomothercare.com</a> Please take some time and see what he has on the site. If anyone gives you problems at the hospital you can print off his research and recommendations and give it to them.

Good luck! keep us updated. You're a great mom - take it one day at a time.
 
K

Keepercjr

Guest
Kelly

Every day you can keep them in is great. My SIL had her son at 33 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. He was in the NICU for 2.5 weeks but never needed oxygen or help breathing. He just needed to grow (he was only 3 lbs 4 oz). Also the longer you keep them in the better chance they have of not having sucking issues and shorter hospital stays. I think 34 weeks is a great goal - it is only 2 weeks away. Take it just one day at a time and re-evaulate each day whether you can make it just one more day.

My best guess if you had them at 34 weeks they'd stay in a week or 2 (maybe less - I know of a woman who had her daughter at 34 weeks and she went home 2 days later). Depends on whether they can hold their temperature, suck effectively (bottle or breast), and can breathe on their own. They're already a good weight - my nephew went home just shy of 4 lbs.

Are you taking magnesium? its not too late to start and may help your shortness of breath. You should probably be getting about 800-1000 mg a day. You could start slowly (200 or 300 mg a day) and increase it.

When you do have them, make sure you do lots of kangaroo care - skin to skin contact. Just sit in the nursery w/ them and undress them and place them on your naked chest with a blanket over the both of you - your husband can do it too. Several studies have shown that preemies who receive skin to skin require shorter hospital stays and maintain their vital signs better. Also, if you can get them breastmilk they will do even better and won't have as high a risk of acquiring an infection while in the hospital. If you do decide to breastfeed, ask for a lactation consultant right away once you're admitted to the hospital. They can set you up on a pumping schedule w/ a good pump. Many people think that breastfeeding is too taxing for preemies and that sucking from the bottle is easier and preferred --- but that isn't true. You need an advocate on your side. The less bottles they receive the better - they can be fed via NG tube or syringe if you aren't there to nurse them.

Here is a website on kangaroo care by "father" of kangaroo care: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.kangaroomothercare.com">http://www.kangaroomothercare.com</a> Please take some time and see what he has on the site. If anyone gives you problems at the hospital you can print off his research and recommendations and give it to them.

Good luck! keep us updated. You're a great mom - take it one day at a time.
 
J

julie

New member
The longer you can keep them in the better, although you do have to make sure you aren't comprimising your own health.

Have you been having contractions? if yes, this is actually a positive thing with multiples, and the fact that you are past 30 weeks. The contractions signal the babies bodies to start maturing faster, usually BH contractions come a week or two before delivery, giving the babies a cue to mature. If you are experiencing contractions now, just watch how frequently they come but know that they ARE doing a good job in communiciating to your babies that "the end is near" (so to speak).

I agree with caroline about breastfeeding (if that is what you intend). Make sure your nurses know your wishes and that they get a pump to you within an hour of delivery. Have you DH or mom or a girlfriend you trust assist you with those first few times of pumping. They are painful and difficult right after surgery, but so worth it if you intend to BF.

I would say if you get to the point where your body has just had enough (and believe me, you WILL know), speak up. you need to do whatever is going to keep you in good health so you can take care of these babies!

Keep us posted!
 
J

julie

New member
The longer you can keep them in the better, although you do have to make sure you aren't comprimising your own health.

Have you been having contractions? if yes, this is actually a positive thing with multiples, and the fact that you are past 30 weeks. The contractions signal the babies bodies to start maturing faster, usually BH contractions come a week or two before delivery, giving the babies a cue to mature. If you are experiencing contractions now, just watch how frequently they come but know that they ARE doing a good job in communiciating to your babies that "the end is near" (so to speak).

I agree with caroline about breastfeeding (if that is what you intend). Make sure your nurses know your wishes and that they get a pump to you within an hour of delivery. Have you DH or mom or a girlfriend you trust assist you with those first few times of pumping. They are painful and difficult right after surgery, but so worth it if you intend to BF.

I would say if you get to the point where your body has just had enough (and believe me, you WILL know), speak up. you need to do whatever is going to keep you in good health so you can take care of these babies!

Keep us posted!
 
J

julie

New member
The longer you can keep them in the better, although you do have to make sure you aren't comprimising your own health.

Have you been having contractions? if yes, this is actually a positive thing with multiples, and the fact that you are past 30 weeks. The contractions signal the babies bodies to start maturing faster, usually BH contractions come a week or two before delivery, giving the babies a cue to mature. If you are experiencing contractions now, just watch how frequently they come but know that they ARE doing a good job in communiciating to your babies that "the end is near" (so to speak).

I agree with caroline about breastfeeding (if that is what you intend). Make sure your nurses know your wishes and that they get a pump to you within an hour of delivery. Have you DH or mom or a girlfriend you trust assist you with those first few times of pumping. They are painful and difficult right after surgery, but so worth it if you intend to BF.

I would say if you get to the point where your body has just had enough (and believe me, you WILL know), speak up. you need to do whatever is going to keep you in good health so you can take care of these babies!

Keep us posted!
 
J

julie

New member
The longer you can keep them in the better, although you do have to make sure you aren't comprimising your own health.

Have you been having contractions? if yes, this is actually a positive thing with multiples, and the fact that you are past 30 weeks. The contractions signal the babies bodies to start maturing faster, usually BH contractions come a week or two before delivery, giving the babies a cue to mature. If you are experiencing contractions now, just watch how frequently they come but know that they ARE doing a good job in communiciating to your babies that "the end is near" (so to speak).

I agree with caroline about breastfeeding (if that is what you intend). Make sure your nurses know your wishes and that they get a pump to you within an hour of delivery. Have you DH or mom or a girlfriend you trust assist you with those first few times of pumping. They are painful and difficult right after surgery, but so worth it if you intend to BF.

I would say if you get to the point where your body has just had enough (and believe me, you WILL know), speak up. you need to do whatever is going to keep you in good health so you can take care of these babies!

Keep us posted!
 
J

julie

New member
The longer you can keep them in the better, although you do have to make sure you aren't comprimising your own health.

Have you been having contractions? if yes, this is actually a positive thing with multiples, and the fact that you are past 30 weeks. The contractions signal the babies bodies to start maturing faster, usually BH contractions come a week or two before delivery, giving the babies a cue to mature. If you are experiencing contractions now, just watch how frequently they come but know that they ARE doing a good job in communiciating to your babies that "the end is near" (so to speak).

I agree with caroline about breastfeeding (if that is what you intend). Make sure your nurses know your wishes and that they get a pump to you within an hour of delivery. Have you DH or mom or a girlfriend you trust assist you with those first few times of pumping. They are painful and difficult right after surgery, but so worth it if you intend to BF.

I would say if you get to the point where your body has just had enough (and believe me, you WILL know), speak up. you need to do whatever is going to keep you in good health so you can take care of these babies!

Keep us posted!
 
M

MamatoAlexa

New member
(((HUGS)))
My daughter was born at 34 weeks. She was 5 pounds 3 ounces. She spent 9 days in the NICU. She was never on O2 or any other assistance. Her first day in the NICU she had one episode where her breathing rate was too slow. Her O2 and heart were normal....."just" slow breathing. Because she had that episode she had to stay 5 days in the NICU with no more episodes. She did fine over the 5 days but then we had some weight gain issues so we had to stay two more days to get her gaining before we could go home. Once we brought her home it was smooth sailing. She is a very healthy and active 2 year old. No lasting effects from being born 6 weeks early!
(((HUGS))) and prayers for you and babies!
 
M

MamatoAlexa

New member
(((HUGS)))
My daughter was born at 34 weeks. She was 5 pounds 3 ounces. She spent 9 days in the NICU. She was never on O2 or any other assistance. Her first day in the NICU she had one episode where her breathing rate was too slow. Her O2 and heart were normal....."just" slow breathing. Because she had that episode she had to stay 5 days in the NICU with no more episodes. She did fine over the 5 days but then we had some weight gain issues so we had to stay two more days to get her gaining before we could go home. Once we brought her home it was smooth sailing. She is a very healthy and active 2 year old. No lasting effects from being born 6 weeks early!
(((HUGS))) and prayers for you and babies!
 
M

MamatoAlexa

New member
(((HUGS)))
My daughter was born at 34 weeks. She was 5 pounds 3 ounces. She spent 9 days in the NICU. She was never on O2 or any other assistance. Her first day in the NICU she had one episode where her breathing rate was too slow. Her O2 and heart were normal....."just" slow breathing. Because she had that episode she had to stay 5 days in the NICU with no more episodes. She did fine over the 5 days but then we had some weight gain issues so we had to stay two more days to get her gaining before we could go home. Once we brought her home it was smooth sailing. She is a very healthy and active 2 year old. No lasting effects from being born 6 weeks early!
(((HUGS))) and prayers for you and babies!
 
M

MamatoAlexa

New member
(((HUGS)))
My daughter was born at 34 weeks. She was 5 pounds 3 ounces. She spent 9 days in the NICU. She was never on O2 or any other assistance. Her first day in the NICU she had one episode where her breathing rate was too slow. Her O2 and heart were normal....."just" slow breathing. Because she had that episode she had to stay 5 days in the NICU with no more episodes. She did fine over the 5 days but then we had some weight gain issues so we had to stay two more days to get her gaining before we could go home. Once we brought her home it was smooth sailing. She is a very healthy and active 2 year old. No lasting effects from being born 6 weeks early!
(((HUGS))) and prayers for you and babies!
 
M

MamatoAlexa

New member
(((HUGS)))
My daughter was born at 34 weeks. She was 5 pounds 3 ounces. She spent 9 days in the NICU. She was never on O2 or any other assistance. Her first day in the NICU she had one episode where her breathing rate was too slow. Her O2 and heart were normal....."just" slow breathing. Because she had that episode she had to stay 5 days in the NICU with no more episodes. She did fine over the 5 days but then we had some weight gain issues so we had to stay two more days to get her gaining before we could go home. Once we brought her home it was smooth sailing. She is a very healthy and active 2 year old. No lasting effects from being born 6 weeks early!
(((HUGS))) and prayers for you and babies!
 
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