4.21.2012

{Quad Squad} 24 Weeks!

Today is a very important day...we have reached 24 weeks! Here's a sort of breakdown on the details of preterm delivery for multiples from the book When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy.

Weeks 20-24—the border of viability: Most babies born during this time zone do not survive. Those who do must remain hospitalized for many months. Their chances of experiencing permanent adverse health effects are high.

Weeks 25-28—very early preterm: The odds of survival are better, but babies born during this period must still spend weeks or months in the NICU. They are at risk for long-term medical consequences.

Weeks 29-32—early preterm: Many triplets and quadruplets are born during this time zone. Although the babies typically remain in the hospital for several weeks, or more, the outlook is generally good.

Weeks 33-35—preterm for multiples: Twins are often born during this time period. If they are well grown, they generally spend a week or two in the hospital and are unlikely to experience any long-term serious effects of their early birth.

The percentage of survival for the quads drastically increases between 24 and 25 weeks and again at 26 weeks. It continues to rise after that, but most assuredly our next HUGE goal will be 26 weeks. In the meantime, every day we get past 24 is a blessing. I continue to pray that our little babies are strong, healthy fighters! They at least seem to have the fighting part down with each other in my stomach. ;)


These days my photos include no makeup, hospital bracelets, an IV and a curtain for my backdrop. Not quite like the pictures I prefer to take, but I refuse to give up on my weekly snapshots! The stomach is getting pretty huge, especially for my 5' 3" stature. I'm measuring 40+ weeks pregnant for someone my size and have gained approximately 32 pounds to date. I can tell the quads are growing, because I'm eating normal-sized meals for the first time my entire pregnancy and managing a few snacks in between. That's never happened! Normally there isn't enough room for me to store much food but they are blazing through the calories, I think.


(I feel like my face is getting a little more round and my eyes are pretty relaxed from the magnesium sulfate IV I'm on, but I'm sharing the pics anyway!) The husband continues to amaze me with his endless efforts to be sure I'm comfortable in my hospital room. He visits me every day after week and extensively on the weekends. Today, he'll be bringing up steaks from Texas Roadhouse for our early dinner to celebrate 24 weeks and he'll be taking me on a short wheelchair ride later! I haven't been out of my room in days and I've not been on a "joy ride" yet, due to either medications, contractions or feeling bad. But I think I'm up to a short outing today, I need to see something other than these four walls!


My mom has also been an enormous help during her frequent visits. Not only does she keep me company at the hospital during the day when she's here, she rubs my feet, arms and legs (which are all sore from inactivity and the magnesium IV), makes me tea, helps me to and from the restroom and more. And then she feeds and tends to the pets at our house when she's staying in town, which is a huge advantage for the husband so he can get to work on time. What an incredible mom! I've learned from the best. :)


Recently, some close friends of ours came up to visit and brought fajitas with them for our dinner. The husband and I love their two kids dearly and I was thrilled to see them after many weeks. Thank you guys for stopping by!

Things are continuing to go well at 24 weeks—because the babies have now reached their first point of viability, their heart rates will be monitored more extensively each day. I'm also looking forward to the anatomy scan I get this next week that will reveal how much they all weigh now! The husband and I hope they are all at least 1.5 pounds, but it's hard to say. I have no idea how I've got the room for four babies on any given day.

Thanks to you all for your amazingly supportive comments, emails and messages. I read each of them to the husband and they have truly brightened our days! Time to keep on truckin'...

13 comments:

  1. Wow!! Here we are at 24 weeks and I rejoice with you guys!

    Just watched that Multiples in the Womb again and when the quads featured in the DVD were delivered at 29 weeks 3 days and each weighing about 2 pounds.....you will think me a bit emotional....but I was crying and laughing at the same time.

    In a few short weeks YOU will be up to bat and I know you are going to hit it out of the park!!

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  2. Your next HUGE goal of 26 weeks is when my youngest sister was born weighing 1lb 13oz (850g). She celebrated her 13th birthday in January. We have everything crossed that you can keep hold of those babies for several more weeks. Love their names! Dave, Stacey & Abbie xxx

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  3. Doing the Happy Dance here in StL, so wonderful that you are at 24 weeks!!
    Keep up the great work, You have a Great Support team in your Wonderful Hubby, and your Fantastic Mom, if I ever have the chance to visit the Dallas area again I would Love to meet her!
    Continued Prayers for you and those little ones.
    A Grandma in StL

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  4. 24 weeks! Hooray! Just think the majority of your pregnancy is in the past. Pretty soon (but not too soon) you will be holding those precious babies. Mike and your mom are the best! Say hello to them for me. Joe and I are still praying for you. Thanks so much for the updates. P.S. Even without makeup you look great!

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  5. Came across your blog & you are such an inspiration to me!!! You have such a wonderful outlook & attitude, you are going to succeed your goals & definitely with an amazing hubby like you have! I can't wait to hear about each goal you will make!!!
    I'm on HBR with just 1 (you truly inspire me with 4!) baby girl, set to deliver on Monday. Tough stuff, but so worth it! You & your babies will remain in my prayers!

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  6. Yep, keep truckin'. Let's go 30 weeks!

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  7. awesome news...keeping you and your family in my prayers...

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  8. Hi!
    I'm not sure how I found your blog, but after I did, I've revisited everyday to see how you're doing. I'm so happy you have reached your first big goal.
    I wish you all the best and hope you stay pregnant for many more weeks!

    Thanks for sharing your story!

    Warm regards from Finland!

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  9. Hello from Scotland, Amber! Just to let you know that I'm thinking about you and wishing you, your husband and your precious babies well. All good wishes from across the sea.

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  10. 24! I pray for 26 on the way to 29 and holding! Thank you for sharing the developmental timeline with us.
    Amber, you look wonderful!
    So happy to hear that you were able to go outside and soak up some vitamin D.
    You are all in my prayers!
    ~Lynne
    w/L.

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  11. Congrats on 24 weeks. Such a big milestone in our quad world. I know for me we will be doing a happy dance at 24 weeks but cartwheels at 28! You are doing great and yay for the anatomy scan next week.

    Hope you enjoyed your ride out on the "town"!

    Krista
    thelittlestlesnaus.blogspot.com

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  12. Amber - you are doing awesome! Your little ones are benefiting from your excitement and positive attitude. And it is wonderful to see how supportive and thoughtful your hubby is!

    Take it one day at a time, thanking God for every day they can stay inside of you, and trusting His protection and plan for when they arrive. Thank you for taking time to keep everyone updated on your progress!

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  13. It's amazing to see you in your weekly pictures. I can't imagine how you can grow any more. Isn't amazing how our bodies accomodate the life growin within.
    LOL I hope the sibling fights end when they have room to move in the weeks I said weeks to come. Hugs

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