4.08.2012

{Quad Squad} 22 Weeks & Admitted

Holy cow, we are only two weeks from our first big goal! Reaching 24 weeks (remember, it's the earliest opportunity the quads have at survival should they be born) hasn't really been as prevalent up to this point because the husband and I were just biding our time with this quadruplet pregnancy—focusing on keeping me rested and off my feet and taking the doctor appointments one week at a time. But all the sudden, it feels like we're in the serious hours now. (Not that any hours of a multiple pregnancy aren't serious. But now it's just getting really, really serious. You know what I mean!)


To kick off this week's update, it now appears I may have swallowed two basketballs instead of one. That will only continue to increase in appearance until I have these kiddos. In addition to my body attempting to accommodate a cargo load much beyond it's originally intended capacity, my ribs are still hurting pretty badly most of the time and I now fear I could be one of those horror stories you hear about where the mom gets cracked ribs due to all the pressure and one ill-timed sneeze. Although last night, I felt the baby at the top of the pile (Baby D) sort of wriggle her way down into my side. How there was room for that I'm not sure, but it did get her out of my rib cage for a bit. Though I'm pretty sure she's back up in there now. And the first baby (Baby A) feels like she's about to sit on my thigh, she is so low in my stomach it's unbelievable. Doc says it's normal, she's gotta go somewhere! But it makes me nervous to feel movement that low, like she's, er, about to walk right outta there. She is what we lovingly refer to as the "gate keeper" meaning she's taking the heat from three other babies stacked on top of her and is holding everybody inside as long as possible. Once the ranks break, we'll be in trouble!


The Procardia I've been taking (a blood pressure lowering medication to help keep me from having too many contractions) still tends to make me feel very dizzy and light headed. The feeling usually passes in an hour or two, but it's not much fun. Things are about to likely take a turn for the worse feeling-wise as I'm getting admitted to the hospital tomorrow and the doctor is going to start me on magnesium sulfate. This is an intravenous medication used to slow uterine contractions and is known for having some less than desirable side effects like blurred vision, muscle weakness and exhaustion, vomiting and nausea. He's planned to put me on a high dose for the first two days to knock out any "movement" in my uterus and stop all contractions (I have a few every few hours but so far they are painless, it's more of a tightening sensation), then he'll lower the dose drastically and hopefully I will not have any side effects moving forward. I'll let ya know what really happens...


But back to the admission part. We knew it was coming and that I could get admitted to the hospital any day now. There's so many reasons that could change my situation and land me in a hospital bed faster than I can say "quadruplets." Fortunately, for me, nothing in my situation has changed at 22 weeks. My cervix is still closed, I'm not having intense contractions and all the babies are doing fine. I figured I wouldn't get admitted until my cervix changed, even just the tiniest bit, because I know I make my doctor nervous "running around" during the week and him having no idea how we're doing until we get back to the office! But he had hinted that around 23 or 24 week he'd likely admit me to keep a close eye on everything and be in a situation where he could treat any complications right away. He said I'd been doing so well thus far, why would we change that? So I didn't argue when he sat down and slowly broke the news to me last week that I'd need to come in Monday morning with a packed bag and ready for "hospital jail." (Although the husband said I did roll my eyes once or twice and looked like I was racking my brain for an excuse not to go... he said it was all very "cute" and he knew I was trying to behave, ha.)


Our doctor is so personable and wonderful and we trust him implicitly as he's led us through this pregnancy so well thus far. And I pray for him each week and I truly feel that God is leading us safely through the pregnancy through our doc. So I did my best to buck up and prepare myself to spend a very extended stay in the hospital beginning tomorrow. Once he'd left the room, I got a little teary-eyed and the husband said he felt really bad for me, but I pulled it together before we left the office and told my doctor that I'd see him on Monday and bah-humbug! 


So ladies and gents, that's where we stand at 22 weeks. Looking good and ready to take over the hospital and be the "talk of the town" with these little quads in my stomach! It's overwhelming a little bit to have already been on bed rest since roughly 17 weeks and now go from that to strict bed rest in a single hospital room. But I intend to make the best of it as possible! I've ordered some new books and movies, I've got a few articles to finish writing over the coming weeks for work, friends promise to come visit and my husband will be up to see me every day when he gets off work. Plus, my mom and step-dad are still in town—they decided to stay a little longer when we got the news I was going into the hospital—and will be spending some time there with me this week to help me get settled in. 

A teeny part of me, though, is ready to go in and let the professionals take care of me. No more worrying about how low my blood pressure is or how many contractions I've had in a day or trying to stay off my feet and not walk around the house or trying to remember the last time I took which medication. All of that will be taken care of! It's exhausting to be pregnant with quadruplets and it's more exhausting to do all the "upkeep" that goes along with it. I know some days will go by quickly and others will creep by slow as ever, so be sure to visit the blog often as I'll be updating from my new post as soon as I'm settled! I'll need lots of encouraging comments! 

I may not be leavin' on a jet plane, but my bags are packed and I'm ready to go...

14 comments:

  1. Praying for healthy babies and a healthy mamma! Thanks for sharing your journey.

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  2. At least it's admitted rather than committed :) home stretch now even though stretching isn't on the menu xoxo

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  3. Praying for you, and those little ones!!
    I am sure you will find plenty to do while in hospital "jail".
    If I may offer one suggestion, have Dh or your Dmom bring some good home cooked meals/snacks, hospital food is the pits even the desserts!!

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  4. Bless your heart and Mikes...this part is no fun, but it's nothing you can't handle. Remember we all know this so no picnic. Our prayers are with each and everyone of you. I'm thankful your Mom and Louis Dean can stay.

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  5. Amber, you look just beautiful!
    I had just sent your mom an email asking if I missed something because her last email to me mentioned you being admitted. I know it's going to be rough but your one tough gal (much like your momma apparently) and your going to breeze right on through this. I'll be here waiting for all your updates. Love and prayers for you and those little ones :)

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  6. Sending prayers your way...

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  7. Praying for you Amber!!

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  8. Many prayers going your way, Amber, for you, Mike and the little ones. Hospitals are no picnic, but I know you will do fine and be well taken care of. I'm going to look forward to your posts. Angie is right, you do look beautiful.

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  9. Amber, I work in the medical center and would love to come see you if you're accepting visitors. I know it can get boring and I'll even bring treats! if you want to contact me privately, email is deborah.m.lake@uth.tmc.edu. Deborah

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  10. I went into the hospital at 29 weeks due to PPROM. It was a bit different from your situation due to it being more of an emergent thing, but it is daunting! Some suggestions I have are to try to schedule your day (shower if able, breakfast, e-mail, blogs, etc.) to give you a little control. See how much the nursing staff will allow you to do your own care. I quickly learned how to refill the paper on my monitors. And plan for lots of visitors who bring you food! Let me know if you have any questions - I'm happy to answer them. My daughter was born at 31 weeks and will turn 6 here in just a few days, and she is healthy and perfect!

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  11. Amber I'm SOOOOOOO excited about your soon-to-arrive flock! And by the way you look amazing!

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  12. Amber, you look fantastic! Chuck and I think of you and Michael so often. Love your blog. We are so looking forward to seeing those little ones.

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  13. I was admitted at 24 weeks as a precaution, and stayed 8 long weeks inside those same 4 walls, BUT did not deliver my squad until 32 weeks. That is worth it! It can be very daunting to be on hospital bed rest, but you seem to have a great personality and lots of support to help you through this time. But please, if you ever need it, I am only an email away.

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  14. You're all Baby belly. You're so cute. It was crazy feeling one little creation kicking and moving I can't imagine 4. Your always on my mind

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