Modified Bedrest

Things were going a bit too smoothly with this pregnancy.

I found out at my first appointment with Not My Regular OB on Tuesday that the ultrasound I had last Friday showed low amniotic fluid for Baby A (the girl). This could mean something. It could mean nothing.

My doctor said that it's difficult to measure amniotic fluid on twins given the space issue, so there's no way to tell for certain exactly how much fluid exists around her. The placenta could be located in an unusual place and therefore not transferring enough nutrients to Baby A, which in turn reduces her output (the urine and other substances that make up amniotic fluid in later pregnancy). But amniotic fluid is important because it cushions the baby and helps her move and stay active. If she's not active, her development and growth could be affected.

Initially, my doctor said that the weekly non-stress tests (NST) and bio-physical profiles (ultrasounds) I'm getting are the best way to monitor Baby A's health. I had my first NST on Tuesday morning (before my appointment with my doctor) and the test results were normal. And according to last Friday's ultrasound, there isn't a huge difference in the babies' sizes: Baby A is about 3 pounds 2 oz and Baby B is about 3 pounds, 10 oz, so Baby A is still growing well.

But she called me yesterday afternoon and said she consulted with my regular OB about the fluid issue, and my regular doctor wants me on modified bedrest. Apparently, studies have shown that bedrest can increase amniotic fluid, which can be regenerated. So, I'm supposed to keep off my feet whenever possible, avoid lifting Isabella (ha), and take it easy. If I was employed by anyone other than myself, they would pull me out on disability at this point. I can still move around, drive, leave the house, etc. For now, anyway. If the situation worsens, I might be put on complete bedrest. If it gets dire, they might have to do my c-section early.

Normally, this kind of news would freak me the hell out. But, while I did do some hardcore Googling on the issue when I got home, I'm not worried about it yet. Not My Regular OB didn't seem worried, and I have so many appointments every week and I'm being monitored so closely that it seems unlikely things can go from "problematic" to "dire" overnight.

So for right now, I'm going to believe that Baby A is going to be just fine. I've been getting a lot of help with Isabella from my relatives over the last week or so because of my cold and complete exhaustion, so I just have to take advantage of their help whenever I can get it. When the hubs is home, I beach myself on the big chair in our living room while he scurries around bringing me drinks, changing diapers, and mopping up cat puke.

But, please cross your fingers or say a prayer that Friday's ultrasound shows increased amniotic fluid around Baby A. I'll keep you posted.

25 Responses to “Modified Bedrest”

  1. # Anonymous Anonymous

    Now you rest up missy!! That's an order!

    I don't want to read about any heavy cleaning or anything else of that nature OKAY!?? BED. When my last pregnancy got difficult, I would spend entire days in bed, just leaving it for the loo etc. I just told hubby he had to fetch Skippy during his lunch hour and for the rest of the time Skippy would lie in bed with me and we'd watch cartoons together. As uncomfortable as it was, it was still kind of a nice time, the last time we could just be the 'two' of us.  

  2. # Blogger Mom24

    You're in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything goes really well. They monitored me like crazy for a potential problem when I was pregnant with Rebekah that never materialized. Odds are everything's just fine. But, you know you have to do everything you can to just rest. Good luck. I know you've been worried about how to handle something like this. Take any help you can get. {{{Hugs}}}  

  3. # Blogger tracey.becker1@gmail.com

    Everything's crossed, for sure! Hey, almost 31 weeks with twins and no bedrest till now? Awesome.

    Take care. Rest up.  

  4. # Blogger Jesser

    All digits crossed for you and the bebes... I had low AFI with Tabby (same sort of thing - we think you have low AFI, but you're so small it's really hard to measure it) so hopefully she's the same way! Meanwhile, enjoy watching the hubby do housework. ;)  

  5. # Blogger shokufeh

    Thank goodness for family. Just make sure you accept all the help they will shower upon you. Good luck to you and the babies!  

  6. # Blogger Elowyn

    Sounds concerning but not dire, and I'm glad your doc's on top of it. Welcome to bedrest land - the water's warm! :) Make sure you drink a ton, too, as that helps.  

  7. # Blogger MrsSpock

    Fingers crossed for you! It sounds like both are doing well despite the possible low fluid...  

  8. # Blogger Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee

    Sending you purrs. Extra rest is a good thing right now.  

  9. # Anonymous Anonymous

    Sending lots of prayers and happy, healthy thoughts your way.

    I had the exact opposite problem with Kasen- I had more than twice as much fluid as I was supposed to. I'm glad your doctors are monitoring it & that you have family around that can help you out.  

  10. # Blogger Pregnantly Plump

    You will definitely be in my prayers. Modified bed rest doesn't sound too bad, and I'm glad you aren't worrying about it and that your doctor isn't concerned.  

  11. # Blogger Gal on the Go

    You got it. My fingers and toes are crossed and I'll be offering up prayers for all of you. Just listen to the doctor and rest as much as you can :-)  

  12. # Anonymous Anonymous

    Yes, thoughts and prayers here, too, and a note of encouragement. I had to go on modified bedrest for an different reason with my second pregnancy, and it totally worked. (in fact, it worked so well, they INDUCED that pregnancy, lol) Relax, keep your feet up, and leave all the house stuff to that family of yours. Spend the day watching Jon Stewart clips on the laptop. (winks)  

  13. # Blogger Melissa Martin

    Hey! Just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. Take it easy and try not to stress.  

  14. # Blogger sunShine

    Take it easy and do what the doctors say to do. The babes will be here before you know it. You are in my thoughts and prayers.  

  15. # Blogger Damselfly

    I'm with you. I also believe Baby A will be just fine. We have to tell Baby B to drink his/her own amniotic fluid. Sibling rivalry starts so young.  

  16. # Blogger sashabro

    Keeping my fingers crossed and thinking of you...  

  17. # Anonymous Anonymous

    Let me know what day next week you'd like me to come over and help you. Anything goes, ok?

    Dianne  

  18. # Blogger beagle

    Keeping you and the babies in my thoughts . . .  

  19. # Blogger Shannon

    Kristi, I know I'm leaving this comment on the wrong thread, but in case you don't check your past postings . . . this is in response to your post about women who collect realistic baby dolls. There's a documentary on them!:

    http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/336/index.jsp  

  20. # Blogger In transit

    Hope everything is going well, and that you can manage to get all the rest you need.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog!  

  21. # Blogger Hopeful Mother

    thinking of you and wishing lots and lots of amniotic fluid for baby A.

    (as an aside, we had a low amniotic fluid measurement at one appt. too, and it was resolved by the next appt. I drank lots and lots of water in the meantime.)  

  22. # Blogger MsPrufrock

    I suspect doctors looking after women pregnant with twins (or more) are naturally a bit more cautious, so I would vote that if she thinks the low fluid issue isn't something to worry about, that you shouldn't.

    Nonetheless, rest up and go generate some more amniotic fluid!  

  23. # Blogger Jeni

    Good thoughts going yours and Baby A's way. I am sure that your doctor's are just wishing to be extra cautious, not always a bad thing :)  

  24. # Blogger admin

    Been on bedrest for over 6 weeks now (came here from lost and found). It is a drag, but somehow you stumble through. I can not imagine having to do it with a child at home. Hope you have all the physical support you need.

    Feet up and stay pregnant! Good luck.  

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