The excitement began a few weeks ago with a trip to the hospital's WAC (Women's Assessment Center) to be monitored for signs of preterm labor. I've been contracting quite a bit the past few weeks, but I had the strangest spasms in my lower back. I wasn't worried, but called my doctor as a precaution. She said it sounded like I was experiencing back contractions and sent me to the hospital. Back contractions? Of course I was having back contractions - I've experienced a myriad of things with this pregnancy that I had never even heard of before. I stayed a few hours in the WAC to be monitored, and was subsequently released once it was determined that my contractions weren't frequent or organized.
A week later, during a routine visit with my maternal fetal medicine doc, there was some concern about reduced fetal movement. I was, once again, sent to the WAC to be monitored for several hours. There is something about the fetal monitor that my babies don't like at all. Their protests (they literally kicked and pushed the monitor probes) resulted in a report of increased fetal activity - and my being freed from the WAC and the confines of fetal monitoring.
My third trip to the hospital (in as many weeks) was due to slightly elevated blood pressure. Usually very in tune with my body, I didn't even feel that my blood pressure was high. I had been experiencing some strange, vague symptoms, such as seeing flashing lights and feeling as though I was coming down with something. I was again assessed and monitored for several hours at the WAC. Despite the blood pressure issue, the babies looked good. I was actually getting ready to break out of the place when my lab work came back... indicating preeclampsia. I was admitted to the hospital where I have now been for a little over two weeks - and where I will remain until my twins are born.
I have to admit, the preeclampsia thing has me a little terrified. While making it to 34 weeks is a big milestone, and most babies born at this gestational age do well, I am not at all ready for my little ones to come into the world. My goal is to make it to 38 weeks (ideally delivering on June 25th, my sister's birthday). But, I'm realistic and would be happy to make it at least to 36 weeks when the babies have a good chance to breathe on their own without assistance. With things being a little tenuous as a result of the preeclampsia, I requested a course of steroids, just in case.
Although I miss home and being in the hospital is not ideal, I've actually been able to finally get some rest knowing that we are right here in case of an emergency (I have barely slept the past few weeks). I get to see my doctor every single day and have the babies monitored twice daily. Hearing their heartbeats and having tangible evidence that they are doing well is like a dose of Valium for me!