J has been undergoing weekly doppler studies, and so far, all have indicated that the bloodflow through the babies' umbilical cords remains good. However, we had another growth scan yesterday, and both babies continue to measure small. Baby A's estimated fetal weight was in the 22nd percentile and Baby B's estimated fetal weight was in the 38th percentile. Baby A's abdominal circumference was measuring in the 2.5th percentile (down from the 5-10th percentile at 23 weeks) and Baby B's abdominal circumference was measuring in the 5-10th percentile (down from the 25-50th percentile at 23 weeks).
I'm not sure what to make of this. The decline in estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference suggests that both babies are losing ground in terms of growth and that both babies are now showing signs of asymetrical growth restriction, eventhough Baby B's abdominal circumference was still within normal limits during the last growth scan. However, the doctor's interpretation was that the babies are growing along the same trajectory, and he didn't mention any concerns about Baby B. He seems to put more weight on the doppler studies, and since those indicate normal placenta functioning, he doesn't seem excessively worried. I am trying to follow his lead. It is possible that we just have two small but otherwise healthy babies. Right?
I am also taking comfort in the strides we are making on the viability front. At 26 weeks, the babies now have an 80% chance of survival, and that number increases by more than 1% per day over the next week. Each doppler study we are able to get through with good results buys us another week for the babies to grow stronger. My goal is for us to make it to 34 weeks... just eight weeks away!
.
2 comments:
IT is totally possible to have 2 small and totally healthy babies, totally possible. I'm hoping that is what the case is. Hang in there, it's really really hard, just keep holding your breath and start talking now about how these babies are going to come into this world, as an IM who had twins via surrogate I am a BIG advocate of a c-section (even though it was not what we had initially planned) if a doctor had truly explained the dangers of a vag birth I would have advocated for a c from the beginning rather then going through the hell of having to negotiate a c section on the day they were born. NOT something you want to experience, believe me. So start thinking about it now. (not to freak you out)
All you want to hear from the doctor is that everything will be absolutely fine. Anything less then that is bound to cause you anxiety. Fortunately, the message is still largely positive.
Fingers crossed for you all!
Post a Comment