https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:51:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928104 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 20:08:42 +0000 codeitall 2928104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sharing so that others may find this story since I feel so alone and anxious now.</p> <p>Two and a half weeks ago I woke up in the middle of the night to some pink fluid leaking. I was just past 16 weeks with di/di twins and on my last business trip for the year. I leaked a little bit more a few days later and brought it up at my OB appt at the end of the week. I've never had spotting before but he reassured me that spotting is normal and twin pregnancies can be different than my previous singleton pregnancies. However, Baby A had low amniotic fluid. It measured at 1.2cm MVP (maximal vertical pocket). I was referred to the MFM at the nearby hospital, but they were booked for over a week out.</p> <p>I had one more light leak the next week and then on Friday (the day after a Costco run with heavy lifting) I woke up to a very large gush of pink fluid. I called the OB when they opened and they got me in that afternoon. Both babies had heartbeats, but Baby A now had no measurable fluid. Not hard to put 2+2 together to get 4, but it was truly confirmed when they swabbed me and the fluid tested positive in the 'fern' test under a microscope.</p> <p>We were informed that they would try to bump us up at the MFM to Monday but in the meantime, all I could do was go home and watch for any contractions which would mean I was miscarrying. No need for bedrest, just keep activity light. The OB said he'd had one patient that had ruptured early and got to term so there was hope, just not much.</p> <p>I cried the whole way home. Had a terrible weekend where I put myself on bedrest and researched the crap out of it. I discovered it was called PPROM and the low/no amniotic fluid was Oligohydramnios. I was at a higher risk of infection and thus preterm delivery or fetal loss in the womb that would later deliver as a stillborn with the hopefully still living twin. Also amniotic fluid is used to develop the lungs, so without any, you have a baby that can't breathe. So even without infection, things were not looking good for Twin A.</p> <p>I got into the MFM yesterday. They spent a looooong time trying to get all measurements and checks on the ultrasound for both babies. It was clear that baby A was scrunched up with no fluid, while baby B had a full sac and lots of movement. Kidneys and stomach were full and working which means that baby A will keep making amniotic fluid even though it will keep leaking. The MFM walked us through all the known indicators for PPROM (like incompetent cervix, amniocentesis, placenta failures) and we had none, so we fall into the unexplained bucket. This means that there is nothing we can do to fix it now or prevent in future pregnancies. He walked us through the scenario of infection and loss, then delayed birth but no lung development and then added that because baby was essentially saran wrapped, there could be muscle problems and 'contractions' like clubfoot that could be corrected with therapy, but those were less serious.</p> <p>In my research, there are not many studies out there for PPROM before 20 or even 17 weeks so I had trouble even trying to gauge my odds to hitting 24 weeks.</p> <p>24 weeks is the magic number for viability. If you deliver before 20 weeks, it is classified as a miscarriage, their organs are not developed enough. After 20 weeks it is a stillbirth and they typically die because their lungs are not developed enough. Some hospitals may try to save down to 22 weeks depending on weight of the baby, but not most.</p> <p>In our situation with one twin ruptured: first, we have to try to hit 24 weeks first at home with hope and luck and increased appts for monitoring. I'm also supposed to check my temp every day for signs of a fever thus infection. Once we hit 24 weeks, I can choose to be submitted to the hospital for monitoring, antibiotics, and steroid shots to help speed development up. Because Baby A has little/no fluid, there's a chance the cord could get compressed cutting off their oxygen and necessitating an emergency C-section. However, if that happens at an early week, that means we are also dooming Baby B to the same NICU stay and odds even though they would have kept going just fine. The earlier they come, obviously the worse the chances are that they both come home. By 28 weeks, things start to look up statistically, then 30, and 32 and finally, at 34 weeks the risks become too great for infection and they'll be induced. So at some point we may have to make the call if we want two early babies with a low survival rate, or a healthy baby and a stillborn.</p> <p>Things I have read that reassure me: typically 1/3 PPROM babies go into labor in 72 hours, then 1/3 in 2 weeks, the last 1/3 have a longer 'latency' period. This data is probably based on all PROM that happens before 37 weeks though. By the time I got to the MFM, I was past the 2 week mark. Typically earlier ruptures mean a longer latency period in the span of weeks vs days.</p> <p>After 20 weeks, amniotic fluid is mostly generated by baby urine. Before then it is pulled in from osmosis, so it is very important to stay super hydrated at all times. The more you drink, the more the baby will be able to pull into the sac and generate with urine. I'm currently trying to drink a gallon of water/gatorade/bodyarmor a day. </p> <p>Also, sometimes people seal back up. There's a little evidence for vitamin C and collagen playing a role in membrane strength.</p> <p>There isn't much evidence for or against bedrest in this situation. Generally the UK doesn't like to use bedrest, but the US does in this situation. Pelvic rest however is standard because you don't want to introduce anything to the vagina and risk infection.</p> <p>It makes sense to me that not moving around would give the amniotic fluid more of a chance to build up instead of leaking with your movement. Every time I've leaked, it has been due to higher physical movement the day before. Sometimes the baby can plug the hole with their body and have fluid for a little while. Possibly they'll even be able to have it by their face and use it for 'practice breathing'. I got to see baby A actually do practice breathing with a tiny 1cm pocket at the MFM which gives me hope.</p> <p>I hope that I'll be able to provide a positive update in a few weeks, but at least this crazy long post may help another poor mom understand what early PPROM means. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twin-birth-question#post-2828626 Fri, 15 Jun 2018 09:46:35 +0000 LaughLines 2828626@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm pregnant with twins and have my induction scheduled for next Thursday the 21st. Baby A has been smaller than baby B the whole pregnancy (they are fraternal, there is no ttts). </p> <p>If baby A needs to go to the NICU for any reason (low birth weight, etc) should I have my husband go with him and potentially miss the birth of baby B? Should he stay for baby B and then go find baby A?? </p> <p>I'm not sure either of them will need NICU time, I just want to be prepared </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/survey-for-moms-with-2-kids#post-1738019 Thu, 03 Jul 2014 10:13:29 +0000 MrsB2012 1738019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I always see lots of questions for moms that have had more than 1 baby. I thought I would make a survey to try and get the questions in one place. Feel free to add any other questions :)</p> <p>Compared to your first pregnancy, was the subsequent pregnancy easier/harder?</p> <p>Did you have similar symptoms?</p> <p>When did you start to show with #1 / How about with the next pregnancies?</p> <p>If you found out the gender of #1/were team green with #1, did you do the same for the next?</p> <p>Did you go into labor naturally with #1? What about the next time(s)?</p> <p>How far along were you when you went into labor with #1? Did you go earlier/later with the next one?</p> <p>Was your second labor longer or shorter?</p> <p>Was it 'easier' in general? Harder?</p> <p>How was recovery compared to the first time?</p> <p>Did breastfeeding come easier? </p> <p>What's the age difference between your babies?</p> <p>Was it easier or harder then you thought it would be having a newborn with other kids at home? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/was-your-second-bigger-or-smaller-than-your-first#post-2749248 Mon, 19 Jun 2017 13:45:42 +0000 Banana330 2749248@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A few of my friends have had their seconds and they were all bigger than the first. I'm trying to figure out if this is typical. Was your second bigger than your first? Did they come around the same time? What was the weight difference? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-are-currently-pregnant-with-your-second-child#post-2630647 Sun, 02 Oct 2016 19:29:03 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2630647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What is/will be the age difference between #1 and #2? </p> <p>Mine will be nearly exactly five years apart! I don't know many other families who chose to wait as long as i did to have another one! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-go-early-late-or-on-time-with-3#post-2726875 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 13:52:40 +0000 winniebee 2726875@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With your third baby, did you deliver earlier, later, or about the same time as your other pregnancies? </p> <p>I delivered DS1 and DS2 at 38+3 and 38+4 and I would love to go that same distance this time. Of course, I'll probably make it to 40 instead! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-decide-on-a-3rd-baby#post-2694648 Thu, 09 Feb 2017 13:39:39 +0000 sorrycharlie 2694648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>we are SO torn! our girls are 2 and 4. I don't want another winter or fall baby (school germs with a newborn). </p> <p>so we'd have to start trying this summer for a spring baby. </p> <p>my husband wants to try for a 3rd (going for that boy and all) but I'm so torn. I feel like things are "easy" right now (certainly not easy, but predictable lol!). </p> <p>thoughts on what made you decide for or against a third? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-baby-number-2-get-a-nursery#post-2680927 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:18:13 +0000 oskarsmommy 2680927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did your second (or more) kid get a nursery? With the AAP recommendations, and our history of room sharing with DS 1, we are like, what's the point in stressing about it now. I feel so bad - we have a room to put the baby's stuff, but it's not a cute nursery or anything at all at this point. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-with-twin-baby-shower-gift-please#post-2672887 Mon, 02 Jan 2017 13:06:39 +0000 YYCBee 2672887@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey Bees!</p> <p>I've been to a few baby showers, but this will be my first time buying for a mom who is having twins. I usually like to do gift-basket type stuff (ie: a "diaper basket" with everything she needs, or a bedtime basket with a nice stroller blanket, onsie, books, and pacifiers, etc) but I'm having some trouble thinking of ideas for twins that are still within my budget. Ideally I'd like to spend a max of $75.</p> <p>A new dad at work suggested a "first aid" basket which would include things like gripe water and baby Tylenol. But I don't have kids so I'm not too sure what else I'd put in there. </p> <p>I was also thinking a bathtime basket (because I assume that will be hard with twins) but all I can think of is some hooded towels and washcloths and baby soap because the actual baby baths are expensive!</p> <p>Any ideas or help would be great!! Also, I'm in Canada, so I feel like that increases costs a bit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-anyone-else-get-rid-of-all-baby-stuff#post-2612561 Mon, 29 Aug 2016 10:22:48 +0000 sorrycharlie 2612561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Then decide to have another?</p> <p>OY! We were 100% two and through. Gave away and sold ALL the baby gear, with the exception of a few things (..strollers, pack and plays, gates, space saver high chair, boppy, infant to toddler rocker).</p> <p>But gone are the swing, exersaucer/jumperoo, baby clothes and toys, etc.</p> <p>Now we're bouncing back and forth between the idea of having another in a year or two. Ugh. I'm kicking myself for not waiting a few more months - I literally got rid of it all in the spring! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/doesdo-your-older-los-have-cute-names-that-they-called-the-baby-while-you-were-pregnant#post-2605977 Thu, 18 Aug 2016 09:39:44 +0000 nana87 2605977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lo is really into asking about names these days--every time we pass a dog on the street, or a bird lol, she asks "what's it's name?" and asking dh and I what our names are, etc. So naturally she keeps asking about the baby's name! We actually have one picked out but don't really want to tell her yet (dh doesn't want to tell anyone...and she'd def tell people!) so I turn the question around and ask the baby's name...and her answers are so funny! </p> <p>Sometimes it's "dofo," which is a really random version of a random nickname that I call one of our dogs ("Finny" --&gt; "dauphin," French term for the royal heir-apparent--&gt; "do-fee"--&gt;"dofo" lol)</p> <p>Other times it's "Margaret," since that's the baby's name on Daniel Tiger and lo is REALLY into watching the episode (S5 E2)where the baby is born over and over and over, lol </p> <p>Did your older kiddos have any funny or cute or random names they called the baby while you were pregnant? Let's share! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-you-decided-to-go-for-a-3rd#post-2588389 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:45:29 +0000 sorrycharlie 2588389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you aim for the same age difference between 2 and 3, as the one between 1 and 2?</p> <p>If you decided on a different age gap, what factors played in?</p> <p>My girls are almost 4 (in September) and 18 months. They're 2 years, 3 months apart.</p> <p>If we started ttc right now, the age gap between 2 and 3 would be the same as between my girls now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/was-your-so-less-helpfulempathetic-during-your-2nd-pregnancy#post-2591479 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 15:12:48 +0000 Coffee-lover 2591479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband was awesome during my first pregnancy. He insisted on cleaning the bathroom because he didnt want me around fumes, asked how I was feeling, took over cat box duty with no arguments, and seemed really empathetic.</p> <p>Our daughter is just over a year old now. He is awesome with her, but most of the house stuff has fallen to me since she was born. I generally vacum, cook, clean, and feed and bathe our daughter. He loads and unloads the dishwasher. </p> <p>I am only 6 weeks along so far, and feel awful! Im so dizzy and nauseus all the time. He is not stepping up at all, and I am so much more exausted this time around having to chase around my daughter all day on top of everything else. I was wondering if anyone else noticed a change withh their husbands behavior with their other pregnancies? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-survive-a-third-pregnancy#post-2586579 Thu, 14 Jul 2016 19:49:46 +0000 sorrycharlie 2586579@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I was pregnant with my second, my older was 1.5-2. I could nap when she did, veg while she played..</p> <p>I don't see a third pregnancy being at all restful. Ha! Is it as bad as it seems like it would be?</p> <p>I am not pregnant. Just nosy😋 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-helps-you-through-pregnancy-esp-1st-tri-with-your-2nd3rd-etc#post-2548436 Fri, 13 May 2016 09:13:32 +0000 snowjewelz 2548436@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pretty much have been letting DH take over, and passing out with DD at night. I let the house stay dirty (I'm super OCD so I am feeling that bad, lol). The only thing is, DD strongly, strongly prefers me so I can't really get away haha. </p> <p>I cannot wait till I get past this stage! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxious-about-reactions-to-announcing-baby-3#post-2510587 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 14:09:28 +0000 PinkElephant 2510587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm expecting my third baby, and after a great OB appointment yesterday, DH is ready basically ready to shout it from the rooftops. I love that he is so excited (and I am, too),<br /> but I'm feeling apprehensive about sharing our good news, which I think is going to come as a surprise to a lot of friends and family who assumed we were done at two. The family members we've told so far have been supportive, although pretty surprised!</p> <p>Just this week I've had a lot of strangers comment on my two girls (who are 22 months apart, but look closer in age, I guess) to the effect of "Wow, you must be busy!", "God bless you!", etc., etc.....The nurse at my doctor's office was actually teasing me (in a positive way, but still) about how I'd managed to get pregnant again with a preschooler and a toddler in the house. This is making me super nervous about telling people that, actually we're adding to our chaos by having a third baby in the fall, and YES, it was planned, and YES, we're happy about it! I'm feeling anxious not only about actually telling people, but about all the unsolicited advice and side comments I'm bound to get once I start showing and I'm out with both girls. I hate feeling like I'm going to have to defend our family choices to people!</p> <p>Advice, reassurance, or your own horror stories all welcome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-very-anxiousstressedworried-before-the-birth-of-second-baby#post-2510034 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 03:54:17 +0000 Cherrybee 2510034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My MIL commented today that she's worried about me because I seem to be wearing myself out with my never ending to-do list and I appear so anxious all the time. She also said that I am always so gloomy at the moment, when she would expect me to be excited because we are about to have a new baby. </p> <p>I was diagnosed with pre-natal depression and anxiety at 5 months pregnant and have been receiving some really good support from a therapist (my MIL knows this but doesn't seem to accept that it's a real condition). But I don't think the way I'm feeling is over and above what any second time parent feels......</p> <p>Did you feel anxious or stressed before the birth of your second child? What kind of things were you worrying about? Did the reality live up to your fears? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-feel-baby-3-move#post-2502675 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 08:12:03 +0000 winniebee 2502675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I felt #1 at 20 weeks with an anterior placenta.</p> <p>I felt #2 at 15 weeks (maybe 14) with a posterior placenta.</p> <p>I'm only 8 weeks with #3 so obviously no movement yet. </p> <p>When did you feel baby #3 move? Was it earlier or later than the others? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-have-similar-pregnancies#post-2496520 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 10:40:52 +0000 mrsjyw 2496520@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had very similar, average pregnancies both times. I was sick a lot longer with DS2 and gained a lil less and was overall more active/fit the second time around. But overall pregnancies were very similar and "average" as pregnancies go.</p> <p>Were your pregnancies similar? different? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-you-show-earlier-for-3rd-pregnancy-versus-2nd#post-2479128 Mon, 29 Feb 2016 20:05:20 +0000 winniebee 2479128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I showed fairly early with my first pregnancy (obvious to strangers at 16 weeks). With my second, I lost all the weight and everything, but was pretty obviously pregnant by 10 weeks. This time, I lost all the weight again and now I'm five weeks. Five. And I already look a little pregnant. What in the heck? If I stay pregnant, im going to be able to hide it for approximately one more week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-feel-disconnected-from-your-second-or-more-pregnancy#post-2471090 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:28:02 +0000 Applesandbananas 2471090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm almost 11w with #2 and I'm so disconnected this time around. It makes me so sad! I forget I'm pregnant sometimes and rarely really think about this new baby because I'm so so busy and tired! I hope once we know gender, I'll feel more connected (we have a girl name picked out).</p> <p>Did you feel disconnected? Did anything help you feel more connected? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-jumping-on-bump#post-2463761 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 20:11:47 +0000 Applesandbananas 2463761@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh I need reassurance.</p> <p>LO just jumped at me and landed with his knee in my bump/blump. I'm 10w so baby is super low and pretty well cushioned but damn that hurt.</p> <p>😢 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/c-section-scar-and-second-pregnancies#post-2424980 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 18:36:59 +0000 Applesandbananas 2424980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you have any pain around your scar?</p> <p>LO is nearly 3, so lots of time to have healed, but I'm feeling some stretching and tenderness around my scar. Is this normal?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-enough-rampr#post-2424595 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 10:53:21 +0000 Applesandbananas 2424595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How do you get enough R&amp;R during subsequent pregnancies when you have older LO(s) who still have endless energy? We've done an embarrassing amount of screen time but I've also tried really hard to keep up some activities. We did play group and a birthday party this weekend but today (and tomorrow) I'm not sure what we'll be up to. I'm worn out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-tell-lo1-about-lo2#post-2414499 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 21:01:31 +0000 Applesandbananas 2414499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Or LO1 and LO2 about LO3, etc.? And how? How old were they? Did they understand?</p> <p>LO is almost 3 and pretty verbal. I think he would parrot "baby in mommy' belly" to everyone without a ton of awareness of what that means lol. We haven't said anything about baby in front of him (still suuuuper early, so I'm really nervous).</p> <p>Curious how and when others told their older LO(s) about the new baby? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sibling-class-an-experience#post-2356554 Sat, 14 Nov 2015 18:29:19 +0000 misolee 2356554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My hospital offers a sibling class that we just went to. It was the cutest thing ever so I thought I should share. </p> <p>It's a one hour class ($15) for ages 3-5. This one parent brought a 2 yr old and you could tell he was not into it and cried most of the time. LO is 3 and she loved it! The instructor talked to the kids in a very realistic but age appropriate way. she explained how baby eats in mommy's tummy and what the baby looks like inside. They got to practice diapering and swaddling. My LO has a doll she "diapers" but understood the directions on being gentle and how to lift the baby. She also swaddled like a pro :wink:<br /> They toured the nursery and saw real babies inside all nice and swaddled. The nurses made them feel really special by congratulating them on being a super sibling every time one of them walked by. The class finished with goody bags and a certificate ceremony. </p> <p>Seriously so cute. Hopefully she will remember everything she learned by the time little bro is actually born. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/second-pregnancies-1#post-2334536 Mon, 26 Oct 2015 19:30:07 +0000 Truth Bombs 2334536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When you had subsequent pregnancies, did the bowling ball in the vagina feeling start much earlier? I'm only 34 weeks but I swear it feels like this kid is half way down the birth canal..... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-are-pregnant-with-your-2nd3rd4th#post-2328785 Wed, 21 Oct 2015 12:19:18 +0000 BandDmommy 2328785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you are pregnant with your 2nd/3rd/4th/etc child, do your other children know there is a baby in your stomach? </p> <p>My oldest (3 years old) gets confused and thinks that my boobs are two babies. He's also asked DH if he has a baby in his stomach. My youngest is 11 months and of course has no idea. :silly: </p>