Baby Update

Travis and I thought it would be a good idea to journal our journey into parenthood, especially now as it has become rather interesting.  After trying for 2 years to start a family we found out we were pregnant in October 2015 and due July 3rd, 2016. We were in for a even bigger suprise when we found out we were pregnant with twins! The doctor then added in the little detail they were identical and there was a increased risk for complications with the babies. So began our journey of multiple doctors, specialists and appointments.

In December we had an appointment with a maternal-fetal-medicine specialists in Wichita to confirm if the babies were fraternal or identical. A nine-week ultrasound was preformed and it was confirmed that the twins were indeed identical. The concern with identical twins is whether or not they share a placenta and/or a amniotic sac. If the babies have their own individual placenta and amniotic sac the risk for complications decreases greatly for the babies. Our two little ones share a placenta but each have their own amniotic sac (technical term is monochoriantic-diamniotic twins or shortened to mono-di twins).  Approximately 15% of mono-di twins develop a condition knows as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which usually develops around 18 to 26 weeks gestation. TTTS (abbreviation), happens when the blood flow in and out of the twins' umbilical cords is not evenly distributed. One baby may get more than the other and sometimes the blood flow will reverse backwards out of the umbilical cords. This can result in one baby growing way too big and the other one growing way too small. Two other complication of TTTS is unequal amniotic fluid levels between the two babies and a increased growth discrepancy between the two babies.

We have been going back and forth to Wichita since January once a week to have ultrasound monitoring to monitor the babies development. Everything with the babies has been developing normally as far as TTTS. There was a little scare that Baby B was 15% smaller than Baby A at 18 weeks but our ultrasound at 22 weeks showed the babies now only have a 8.5% growth difference and both babies weighed over a pound!!!!

We went into the hospital at 23 weeks, which was this past Sunday to have neuro-protective Magnesium and steroid shots to help develop the babies if they should be delivered early. The babies are being rocks stars but unfortunately my cervix has not been wanting to cooperate and has shortened significantly in the past couple months. The good news is I have not externally dilated but there is concern I could at any time. Since the shortened cervix is such a high risk our maternal-fetal-medicine specialist (mfm) has ordered hospital bed rest until the babies arrive.  Although, this is not the ideal situation, we have been blessed to have the best care possible to keep our family going on this journey! Currently, I am at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita being monitored for early delivery. So far so good and we are 3 days away from being 24 weeks gestation. Every little hour these babies can incubate the better off we will be!

Please keep us in your prayers during this time. Travis and I feel the overwhelming presence of God in this situation and this situation has been a true testimony of faith and character building. We have been so blessed by how many people have supported us and continue to pray for us during this time.  We will keep you updated!!!