Unexpected Hospital stay/Triplet update

Hi there and thanks for reading! I hope to use this blog as a way to update everyone on our triplet pregnancy also share our story as we navigate life with triplets! We are Jessica and Tom, a [semi] normal couple who love and live, and speak loudly. Neither of us are ones to hold back opinions and we often argue about who is the more “stubborn” one. Spoiler alert- it’s not me!

Our “journey” started about 3.5 years ago.  In June of 2015 Tom and I were surprised to find out we were expecting a baby. Unfortunately, that baby was only with us for one week before we had our first miscarriage. I say first because after years of trying and many many drs appointments, countless drugs and rounds of fertilty treatments, we went on to lose two more babies in the next 3 years. That is a post I will share at another time.

Today’s post starts where we are now. In the hospital on bed rest while I am 22 weeks and 6 days pregnant.... with our miracle triplets babies.

When we found out it was triplets a million questions and even more fears came to mind. Hello, daycare?! However, we said we would try to take things day by day and stay calm. For those who know me you may be laughing as staying calm is not exactly my strong suit, ha! Things moved along with the pregnancy and though I was very sick and exhausted trimester one, we made it and each week was a milestone. At about 17 weeks we found out the babies were two boys and a little girl and we were so excited! 20 weeks we had another growth scan (our clinic does then every 3-4 weeks with triplets) and found out the babies are big, each measuring close what what a single baby would be at that gestational age. Everything was looking great, we were over half way, feeling much better and I was definitely starting to look pregnant!

At my 22 week appointment, I casually mentioned to the nurse I was feeling some “pressure”  but I didn’t think much of it. I figured it was normal as my body was changing and carrying three babies. I learned my lesson to over share with the nurses and tell them things even that we think may not matter! She asked some questions and a few minutes later I was being taken down to the ultrasound room. The ultrasound showed my cervix is funneling and shortened which could lead to preterm labor. If this continues I have a 40% change of delivery In the next two weeks. At 22 weeks 3 days that was enough of a risk for our drs to decide I would be admitted to the hospital for constant monitoring and where I would get medication to help boosts the babies brains and lungs, should they come early.

We checked in Thursday evening and I was given medication to slow my uterus down and help prevent any further opening. Then it was bed rest ordered for me. Up to go to the bathroom and

shower and that’s about it. The drugs were to be taken every 6 hours for 48 hours. Friday morning they did another ultrasound and found everything looked the same which was great news! Since everything looked completely normal just two weeks before, they weren’t sure how fast things are changing.

They told us to expect a week in the hospital but to plan for anything. Friday it was more rest after
the ultrasound and had some family come by. The NICU team came to our room and gave us information on what we could expect if the babies came at 23 weeks. It was a hard convo to have as
we’d be looking at a 40-50% overall survival rate and none of the babies organs would be developed so there could possibly be many long term health concerns. We and the drs here are doing everything possible to not let that happen! Stay in there babies!

Saturday morning I stared the steroid shots to develop babies lungs and prevent labor and was hooked up to an IV of magnesium sulfate for 12 hours. The mag is to develop brains (the babies not mine ;)) and prevent against the more serious effects of cerebral palsy. The mag was icky and made me feel sick and tired at first but I got used to it as the day went on. It felt like I had too many glasses of wine, which has happened to me a few too many times ;)

This morning I had another round of steroids and have been resting most of the day. Tomorrow
or Tuesday I’ll have another ultrasound to check the cervix and hopefully get a better idea of the

plan and possibly a discharge date. Every day is huge- every 24 hours can make a HUGE difference in the babies long term health and surgical rate.  We’ve been warned to expect anything. With triplets they tend to take the more cautious approach which Tom and I are fine with as SO much is at stake for us. The good  news is I haven’t any other signs of labor. Today I have had a few contractions but they are not  concerned as they were hours apart.  Right now, we have short term goals set of getting to 23 weeks (Monday, Nov 12th) and then 24, 26 and 28. If we would be able to make it to 30 weeks the drs feel confident that the babies long term risks would be almost eliminated. 

 We love and trust our drs 100% and the nurses have been incredible.

Tom and I want to end this by thanking everyone for checking in, sending flowers and well wishes. We are nervous but hopeful. We thank everyone for the love not just during this stay but throughout the years! I will update here more once we know more!

Xoxo!