This one was scheduled

At least we didn't have to go to the hospital again! Just the doctor's office, which is several orders of magnitude easier to handle.

The visit started with an ultrasound (pictures below). Baby α did not want to cooperate, so we didn't get any pictures of him, but baby β was front and center. They still have 42 fingers, toes, etc, evenly distributed. (And, on the plus side, from what we could see of baby β's feet, he has good straight toes like his mommy, and not crooked bunion feet like his daddy!

All in all though, the babies are still healthy, and mommy (while uncomfortable) is still healthy. Her uterus stays active, and we're keeping a close eye on movements and contractions so we can get her to the hospital again if we need to. When we met with the doctor after the ultrasound, he got right down to business: There isn't a lot that can be done to really prevent premature labor, Robyn will probably be in the hospital again, before the babies are born she'll probably get an IV of magnesium-sulfate (to push back delivery a couple of days) in order to administer steroids (to help the babies' lungs develop), and that the babies would spend some time in the neo-natal ICU (which St. Vincent's is fortunately very well known for). That all sounds pretty scary, but the good news is that we've past most of the major milestones in development; with the exception of the lungs, most everything is in place where it should be. The survival rate, even if they were to be delivered this weekend, would be very high (like 90% or higher), and gets higher for every day they stay in.

Robyn will be going in for weekly checkups from here on out. The doctor said we're looking at another month or two left, with one month probably being more likely than two. But then again, with Robyn spending her days laying down, she could go longer... it's hard to say.

Ok, now the part you've all been waiting for... (On the last image, we have a measurement of baby β's foot in the lower left corner.)

Baby β Face Baby β Ear Baby β Ear Baby β Foot Baby β Foot Measurement (see lower left corner)

Comments

Amazing!

from Joyce on 2006-09-03 09:38:38
Twin B has a perfect face! Twin A must be the introvert. Good luck being an introvert in that family!

from Grandma Kris on 2006-09-02 08:20:03
I hope they inherit Grandma Beeber's luck at the casino!

from Grandpa Rose on 2006-09-02 05:31:06
Well, it's obvious that they're occupied in there. I see what looks like some sort of blocks (legos I think), some pieces of sports equipment and some star wars parafanalia. I mean, everyone needs things to pass the time right?

I don't know how Robyn is managing to eat that stuff but it seems you've given them some stuff to make sure their interests are well-rounded.

Good job guys!

from Nick & Renee on 2006-09-02 00:10:46
Cute! Can't wait to see them in person!

from Grandma Beeber on 2006-09-01 23:19:49
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