More Bed Rest Updates: Pre-Eclampsia and Steroids

Just a quick update from Monday. I told you they put me on bed rest - but probably didn't mention why. My blood pressure all of the sudden spiked from a cool and consistent 120/80 to 145/90 in a matter of about three days. So, what does this mean? My perinatologist seems to think it's the begininning stages of pre-eclampsia. While bed rest doesn't stop pre-eclampsia, it can slow it down, or, make it more bearable for a little longer.

High Blood pressure can sometimes put the babies in distress because it's harder for them to get oxygen. I sat on a fetal heart monitor for about an hour earlier this week. All indications are that they are thriving and don't seem to be affected by the spike in blood pressure. Additionally, we had an ultrasound on Tuesday that confirmed that they are still very active! Instead of measuring their sizes at our Tuesday appt, they look for development markers to ensure that there are specific things that both twins can do....simple things like moving their tummies up and down. Both kids passed the test with flying colors!

Because of the risks of pre-eclampsia, the perinatologist seems to think there is a 50/50 chance that we will deliver next week and a 90% chance we'll deliver the week after that. You should have seen our jaws hit the floor when the doctor shared that news. WHAT? We're not ready! Neither are the babies! I started taking steroid shots on Tuesday to help the babies develop. The steroids won't make them bigger, but, they will progress their lung development and tissue development by a little over two weeks in just a few days. That's encouraging! Additionally, if I don't deliver by the Tuesday after next, we'll go through another round of steroids to even further their development. This should hopefully reduce or eliminate their stay's in the NICU.

The steroid shots have been great for the babies and for me. Despite a few sleepless nights that they promise will go away soon, I feel better than I have in weeks! The normal aches and pains of carrying twins seems to have all but gone away (at least until the drugs wear off). I'm already looking forward to the second round of steroid shots! :) It's just too bad I feel this great, but they only thing I am allowed to do is lay on the couch!

So.....next on our list of things to do? Pick names. :)