Preterm prevention program

[persa]

I decided to make a separate post in case people wanted to chime in.

@awinter and anyone else who was interested, I had my first preterm prevention program appt today. They start at 22 weeks and you see them weekly. The first two appointments are an hour long and then it's 30 minutes each time. At each appointment they do weights, fundal height and cervix checks.

Today for the first appt they went over precautions (lifting heavy stuff, resting, maybe cutting back at work) and signs of PTL and when to call the doctor. Next hour long appointment is about nutrition.

She said they like to say 24 lbs by 24 weeks. Unfortunately, I think I lost a pound and a half since my last visit and I've gained less than 8 lbs so far. I was surprised because I feel like I was eating a lot when we were in Mexico last week but it was also hotter than balls so maybe I lost some water weight, lol.

I've already seen a nutritionist and I'm trying to get good protein heavy snacks but it's been a challenge. And I'm not underweight by any stretch of the imagination.

Besides MoM they see women who have had previous preterm deliveries or losses or who have other risk factors like uterine abnormalities. Basically the things that would put you at risk for preterm delivery.

[vtdiamond]

Interesting, is this program through your doctors office or hospital? I had not heard of such a program, but sounds like a good idea and I'd be interested to hear what their suggestions are.

[linz]

Hopefully this all works out for you! I had read the same about weight gain - 25 lbs by 25 weeks. My Dr doesn't check fundal height or do vaginal checks, but each ultrasound they check my cervix. A friend told me that if your cervix is long that it's a good sign and you are less risk for preterm labor (per her MFM). So, so far I'm good.

[fryjack2]

I had my babies already, but thought I'd comment on the weight thing.

I am petite. I gained 18 pounds by 31.5 weeks and then gained 8 in the span on 5 days which led to my hospitalization and the emergent C-section 8 days later at 33 weeks but I don't think it was weight related.

I ate healthy foods and whatever sounded appetizing. The boys looked good and my weight was not the issue. I stressed myself out so much worrying about how much I didn't weigh and my doctor told me to stop obsessing.

Please don't stress about gaining the right amount of weight

[marissa]

I couldn't eat when I was pregnant. I had iv nutrition and read about 24 pounds by 24 weeks. My doctor told me to stop freaking out because they were working to get my HG under control. I threw up until the day after I had them! I only gained 12 pounds to the positive.

I had my boys prematurely because their water broke. That couldn't be prevented. I also started in premature labor but was on bedrest for it. They monitored every other week and checked my cervix. I had a circlage because I had half of my cervix removed a few years earlier for the beginnings of cancer.

[linz]

Speaking of weight gain, I've had SO many people tell me I look small for carrying twins. I think they assume I should already have a 9 month belly on me. I get really defensive because I know I'm on track for weight gain and I love my belly right now. I also always tell people that the babies are right on track for measurements, so to me that means I'm doing it right. I was scared about weight gain when I first found out it was twins but my appetite isn't that much different so I just eat what I want and try to exercise (which isn't much).

[persa]

vtdiamond,its through my perinatologist office. They are a big group, I don't think the smaller groups in town have a specific "program". I'm happy to post things they suggest and tag you if you like.

linz, yeah I thought it was going to be US checks but nope, hand up my vag. Apparently my cervix is hard so that's good, lol.

fryjack2,thanks. I'm trying to not obsess. I don't weigh myself at home, just following the weights at the office. I feel like I mostly eat pretty well and none of the doctors or nurses have freaked out on me yet. It's just one of those things, you know. And the boys are growing well. It's basically, as the nutrionist said, if I wasn't pregnant, I'd probably be losing weight. Weird and funny place for me, never having had that problem before, lol.

[vtdiamond]

That sounds great persa - I would be interested to hear what they recommend.

My OB office has been monitoring the usual things - I have monthly u/s and bimonthly ob apts. They have been measuring my cervix when they do u/s and then checked it manually at my last ob apt.

[linz]

It's funny how every Dr is different on checks. Mine hasn't done anything manually. I've only been seeing my OB though. I know some girls who saw a Peri and an OB each month but mine said he'll only send me if he feels a reason to. Right now I see him every 2 weeks anyway so I'm glad to not add another Dr into the mix.

[vtdiamond]

I asked my OB about seeing an MFM and she had the same response. I feel pretty confident as my OB's office is pretty large and deliver at one of the major Boston hospitals so I think they have plenty of experience with multiples.

[cinnamoncox]

I only saw a MFM and was closely monitored because I had very preterm labor with ds and was on bedrest for 16 weeks and went into labor the morning after I was given the ok to stop the meds.

I don't think my ob would've sent me to the MFM just for the twins, without my history.

And I gained the same weight with my singleton and my twins. Let's say it was a more appropriate twin gain than a singleton
(50 pounds :/ )

My ob gave me shit twice about my gain. When he would take his glasses off during my appointment I knew I was getting a talk

One I gained 7 pounds in two weeks. He just said the more I gain the harder labor and delivery will be. Never really shamed me. I wouldn't have cared either way. I was pounding steak tips left and right, I knew I was packing It on.


I pushed three times for baby a and twice for baby b. labor and delivery was such a breeze I still can't believe how easy I had it. Especially compared to the 19 hour labor and 45 min screaming push fest I had with ds.

And no tearing at all with twins. So it was really the easier by far of my deliveries.