Times Up - I'm entering The Hospital Today

Hi All,

Just thought I'd give you an update. When I first thought about this pregnancy the Doctor had informed me about all of the risks, situations, and potentials for completing this pregnancy. He first thought I would need a lot of medical advice and attention immediately to determine how to proceed especially since 14 weeks had gone by without knowing about all four. It seemed like a dream then. I realize now how lucky I am to have carried all 4 of them without losing anyone within that 14 weeks, especially since I was lifting, playing, exercising, working (a.k.a being a normal mom) prior to finding out ........... I recall now that I think I went sledding at Art Hill before truly finding out that we were pregnant/or did right after with a Home Pregnancy Test.
As Dr. Bartelsmeyer explained the risks, my mind started processing the hurdles I needed to overcome to get to a successful delivery. I was instructed to quit working, have my cervix sutured closed, start bed rest immediately, and discuss genetic testing/selective reduction/amniocentesis. All of this, plus inform Chris of discovering the fourth baby today by myself.
He went on to talk about how my life this year would go.... Each month would bring new challenges....
April - Quit my job tomorrow and go on modified bed rest, no lifting you kids & oh don't forget the cerclauge which has to be done immediately (your 14 weeks it's usually done at 10 weeks to 14 weeks) - meaning Thursday - it was Tuesday Morning as he was explaining all of this (not to mention Jason's 4 birthday was Thursday and I would be in St. John's for 2 days). Looking back this was an easy month.
May - I needed to find someone to take care of my children daily till delivery (that's all summer), cut back financially due to loss of my income, have my first big ultrasound to determine 60% of potential issues we may face with these children, Amniocentesis (not possible thank God) & genetically discuss other unknowns of just our health history and what premature multiple complications may occur. Talk about a scary month, but this is where my Dad comes in ...... I knew he was watching over all of us, that he had discussed with God I could handle having multiples, but not medical issues on top of raising 6 children under 5. My Dad has known these children a lot longer than I have and has protected us from undue worry. I thank him everyday for that.
June - HOSPITALIZATION enough said, but 26 weeks = viability of all children to 85-95%, and plenty of new experiences to endure. I was to be admitted the first week of June, instead I was admitted ironically on the same day I turned 26 weeks - June 24Th.( man I waited forever for this day to come only to be sad again). As for Dr. Bartelsmeyer schedule, things will change daily once we have you hospitalized so I will be writing more about what is, hopefully isn't happening.

So for this week...............................

I entered St. John's at 11 a.m. Tuesday. To my surprise the nurse was a friend of mine from Barnes nursing school. We had a good morning then the explanation of my restrictions were discussed. I can rest in my bed or chair, have visitors, use room service to order food, do activities like creative memories, email, read, etc., but I am limited to my room unless I would like to take my wheelchair ride to anywhere inside/outdoors of the hospital for 30-45 minutes.

My schedule of procedures has been glucose tolerance test for diabetes, the Toco machine for 1 hour twice a day (to evaluate contractions), weigh in on Wednesdays, heart tones checked on Thursday and Monday and weekly cervical checks. As things change so will my restrictions and tests.
As for these tests - I failed the glucose tolerance 1 hour test by 30 points and had to take the 3 hour one today - I feel sick all over again, Hopefully I will pass today. I've had 3 Toco evaluations and may have had 1 contraction so far. My blood pressure has been rock solid 112/68 per usual. No swelling and hopefully I'll get measurements on the babies today.

As for the highlight of the week ( I can't believe I'm telling all of you this)-but I took a shower and was resting on the bench in the shower area. It felt like it was giving/kind of loose. To my surprise it broke away from the wall while I was sitting on it. Luckily I had shower shoes on and stood up as fast as I could - no harm to me thank God!!! ( That's all I needed .... spend my first day in labor due to taking a shower.) So I finished up, got dressed and called the nurse. Her Eyes were so wide she scared me .........she said I am the smallest pregnant lady on the floor right now & that they should hold up to 400lbs. .............so I am getting extra special treatment. (2 wheelchair rides a day) They even gave me gift certificates for the cafe and gift shop. I told them that wasn't necessary, but oh well I'll enjoy the rides and look to purchase something for the Quads later.

Jill

June 20th - Blessed with an extra Week

Hey All,

I am still a free woman.

The Physician decided that all of us were doing extremely well and that I could have another week at home maybe 2. I highly doubt 2 weeks, but I wasn't thinking about having one so I'll shoot for the stars here. I have my next appointment on Monday the 23rd of June. Weeks fly by when you think their your last of being at home.

As for an update ............. Baby A (girl) is 1Lb. 12 oz., Baby B (boy) is 1Lb. 13oz., Baby C (boy) 1Lb. 14oz., and baby D (girl) 1Lb. 14oz.. All have plenty of fluid around them and room to grow. Dr. B. felt they should be over 2Lbs. easily by next week. I was hoping this week. Its great to see them all doing so well. Just a little note/funny.......Chris and my Mom were with me at the last ultrasound and baby B looked content but crammed. He was lying with his feet touching his head. Chris and My mom looked concerned so we asked Dr. Morris about him .............. he said that he would probably lay like that when he would be born for a while.... I just laughed, but Chris and My moms eyes grew wider.......... he said that makes for a good diver......... I said yeah like Greg Louganis and he said well I can't tell sexual orientation now ......... & I replied to Dr. Morris by saying I meant Diving abilities, but haven't you discovered the gene for that yet. ...
He reassured Chris and My mom by taking another look at him. This time he was sitting Indian style ...... so no worries. Apparently premies and multiples can lay like they were positioned in the womb for a while usually 48-72 hours post birth since that's what they were comfortable doing , but usually straighten out like all newborn babies. Dr. Morris said he was sorry he joked with them, because they seemed so concerned. To me it's nice to be able to have some fun and relax since they are doing so well.

As for hospitalization I will write again once I get settled and know where I will be.
Thanks Jill

June 12th - My first mass email about the Quads

Hey Girls,

Sorry It has been such a long time since I've spoke or written to most of you, but I thought this would be easier to communicate with all of you prior to making my web page about the babies. I first of all want to thank you guys for offering your help, keeping up with my family, and for all of your prayers that have been helping along the way.
As for me, I am currently working towards 25 weeks. It seems like it has been forever since we were pregnant and found out about the Quads, but it was just 10 weeks ago. So far I have been doing very well. As for this pregnancy, I am asked/required to gain 4 Lbs. a week, so far I'm averaging 3Lbs. My blood pressure has been normal for me which is a Hugh risk factor for this pregnancy. I have only gained weight in my abdominal region, actually my mom thought my bottom and thighs look smaller.(Thank God!!) As for swelling - none. As for hospitalization, I will be admitted this coming week following father's day. Actually I've made it 17 days longer than I was originally supposed too. (Yeah!!!) So this next 6 weeks is going to be hell, but I realize I need the down time to give these guys/girls the best chance to get to 32 weeks.
As for the babies, their names are ........................ we'll wait on that one. The Babies are all growing like singletons. They have reached a great milestone ..viability. At 24 weeks the likely hood is very high to survive over 50 percent, by 26 weeks that percent will be almost 100. So we are getting close .....actually 12 DAYS away!! The girl on the bottom weighs 1Lb. 1oz., the boy on the bottom is also 1Lb. 1oz, the boy on top is 1Lb. 2oz, and the girl on top is 1Lb. 3oz.. By June 17Th, they should all attain 2Lbs. After this date variations in weight gain may start to happen, but I'm hoping they continue to gain together to get all over 3lbs. before delivery. ( usually a singleton will gain a Lb every 3 weeks. ) So I will ask all of you to continue the prayers they do help.
As for us, we sleep really well at night. They are extremely active during the day especially after meals which is usually every 2-3 hours. I described it as a water bed of constant movement. Their movements are getting more forceful every day. I cannot wait to meet and see them all. I have had a lot of thoughts throughout this last 10 weeks and currently my complaints have been minimal, of course I'm tired, look like I'm due any day, my bladder is constantly feeling full, and the weight of the babies is very hard on my pelvis, but in 7 weeks maybe more we will have our new additions to love and share with you all. I hope if you have questions you'll write and I'll be able to get them all answered. I definitely welcome visitors in the hospital on my bed rest and any advice you have.
P.S. My only sadness right now is for my Boys - Chris, Jason & Kyle. I miss them already and will need a lot of strength to get through this stay without seeing them daily. I hope they are so busy they forget to be missing me. I'm lucky that they can visit anytime and have activities for us to do together.
Wishing you a happy and healthy summer. Jill Schwartz