https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:04:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928429 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 23:06:10 +0000 yellowbeach 2928429@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: came back to Hellobee tonight after over a year away and I think it was to see your story. Thank you for sharing. I hope you are well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928428 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 21:54:35 +0000 MoonMoon 2928428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: so happy to hear your updates after the roller coaster that you and the babies have gone through! Everything seems like it's on an even keel now and I'm grateful for that, and for your update.</p> <p>As for Hellobee, it feels so poignant to say goodbye to something that was such a big part of my life, with my first baby over 10 years ago, and then during my TTC journey for my second baby. I wish it didn't have to be this way. I'm grateful to all the fellow travelers on this site and still think of some of the people and posts from back in 2023-15 especially. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928427 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 09:42:42 +0000 LadyDi 2928427@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: What a journey! Thank you so much for coming back to update. And congratulations of course :) Hope things continue to go well!</p> <p>@Lahela017: I'm sad too! I still check in every couple of days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928426 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:19:17 +0000 Lahela017 2928426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: thank you for taking to time to update!! I'm so happy you are all home and things are going well. :heart: </p> <p>Hopefully your story will help others in a similar situation.</p> <p>I'm sad hellobee is basically done. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928425 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 02:08:53 +0000 codeitall 2928425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey friends, not that hellobee is all that active now, but it case anyone else comes across my story, here is the update!</p> <p>I spent nearly 7 weeks on home bedrest. The more active I was, the more I leaked, so I just set myself up in bed. I went through boxes of liners and pads. I hit 23 weeks 5 days and was admitted to the hospital. Somehow, things were still stable. I did have one bleeding scare at 4 am around 21 weeks, but after an L&amp;D visit, it petered off on its own.</p> <p>After nearly a month in the hospital, mostly on bedrest or shuffling outside for some sun and fresh air occasionally, I started noticing some mucus in my discharge. At this point I'd been leaking for weeks and knew it was different, but the nurse said it didn't look like a mucus plug. I was already having NSTs each morning and heartbeat checks each night (plus blood draws to check for infection markers every 3 days), so I knew we'd catch anything quickly.</p> <p>Yet I was still surprised when my contractions started at 2 am at 27 weeks, 5 days. After 30 minutes of consistent contractions, I called the nurse in, she confirmed with the monitors and things ramped quickly. At that gestation, I had to deliver via c-section because they are too small and fragile for a vaginal delivery. I was wheeled downstairs, given steroid shots and magnesium in an IV to help prevent brain bleeds in the babies. I spent 20 minutes getting a hold of my husband and getting the babysitter to take over with the kids at 4 am.</p> <p>As soon as he arrived, he was put in scrubs and the c section kicked off. By 5 am, Twin A was born, and although he was in respiratory distress, they were able to intubate him in the NICU. Twin B actually cried when he came out, although he also ended up intubated in the NICU minutes later.</p> <p>A and B were nearly 3lb, 80%ile for their age and truthfully, I think that is what helped them the most those early weeks.<br /> Both spent time on ventilators, although B came off much earlier than A. They progressed through all the different oxygen systems: NAVA/NOVA/NIPPV/CPAP/BiPAP/bubble CPAP etc.</p> <p>B came home on 1/8L of oxygen a week before his due date. He was fully off oxygen within a month.</p> <p>I almost can't believe that A made it as well as he has so far. He had Level 3 brain bleeds, 3 attempts at getting off the ventilator, another 3 to get off CPAP, a terrible scare of NEC that resolved in a week, multiple rounds of steroids and soooooo many medications. He finally dropped to 2L oxygen about 2 months after his due date and we were allowed to try oral feeding. Well, he wasn't a fan after months of pacifiers during heel pokes and eye exams. We transferred from my little NICU nurse family after 5 months of nearly daily visits to the Children's Hospital where he got a g-tube and came home 1 week later.</p> <p>179 days. He cost almost 2 million according to my insurance claims. B was only 700k. I'm very happy to have only paid my $7500 out of pocket for the whole year.</p> <p>Almost 3 months later, A is still on oxygen at home, but he was making great progress at weaning off before he caught Covid from the nanny last week. He has a little army of therapists that come by each week to play with him and make him exercise and so far he shows no signs of cerebral palsy or any other impact from his brain bleeds. Just delays from being stuck in a crib for almost 6 months. And he actually eats thickened purees just fine! No liquids yet, but we'll get there.</p> <p>This is my last hurrah for hellobee as well. If you've found it somehow, the archives are full of great advice and gems. I hope my story gives you hope that things can turn out well, you really can beat the odds sometimes :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928188 Wed, 19 Apr 2023 13:46:18 +0000 Chuckles 2928188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: How are you doing? Just thinking of you and wanted to check in! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928133 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 18:36:03 +0000 MoonMoon 2928133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you for this post! I'll be thinking of you and your babies! Every day is important! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928120 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:58:18 +0000 Chuckles 2928120@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sending you lots of positive thoughts! That sounds really scary, but you are doing everything you can to keep yourself and your babies healthy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928118 Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:00:32 +0000 meadow 2928118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: twin mama sending you major positive vibes!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928117 Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:29:21 +0000 pachamama 2928117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How scary. You have done a ton of research.</p> <p>Remember, there is so SO Little research on pregnancy, twins, outcomes, etc. Try not to let all that information scare you (easier said than done) because there's a lot more to all this than just science and numbers!! xoxo </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928114 Sun, 19 Mar 2023 13:15:46 +0000 erinbaderin 2928114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds so terrifying and stressful and I’m sending you and your sweet babies love and hugs. Please let us know how you’re getting on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928109 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 12:34:34 +0000 karenbme 2928109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So sorry to hear your story. I have IC, and spent each of my pregnancies worrying about situations like this. I can’t imagine how hard it is to be in this position with twins, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928108 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 11:21:52 +0000 Lahela017 2928108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry, thinking of you and sending you so many virtual hugs. Thank you for sharing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928107 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:18:00 +0000 LadyDi 2928107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh I am so sorry you are going through this. Thank you for sharing your story. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/twins-with-pprom-16-weeks#post-2928105 Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:29:41 +0000 bakingdoodle 2928105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hugs. I am a twin and can't imagine what my mom went through 45 years ago. Hang in there. </p> 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/how-to-prepare-for-nicu#post-2252841 Mon, 03 Aug 2015 06:42:27 +0000 littleredhairedgrl 2252841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jh524: thanks this is a super old post from when my daughter was born last May. she's now a crazy little 14mo who doesn't stop running :) </p> <p>now just focusing on keeping baby #2 in as long as possible!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-prepare-for-nicu#post-2252745 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 21:44:14 +0000 jh524 2252745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littleredhairedgrl: the Nicu will have hospital grade pumps you should definitely use while your there. One will get assigned to you and they are amazing! Your insurance should cover that as well as any LC visits you might need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-prepare-for-nicu#post-2252559 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:59:24 +0000 BSB 2252559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: Thanks. That's good to know that you had about 12 hrs notice. We have the Chicco keyfit car seats too. My hospital doesn't do car seat inspections but I know the nicu will do the car seat test. I plan to have the DH install the car seat have it inspected around the time the babies arrive or sooner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-prepare-for-nicu#post-2252430 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 11:46:16 +0000 Applesandbananas 2252430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: he had criteria he had to meet: maintaining his temperature (which meant being in an open crib, not an isolette), breathing on his own, and eating all of his calories through a bottle for 24-36 hours straight. The first two were met within a day or so, the big hurdle was the eating, but I knew once he hit 24 hours of eating from a bottle, he'd be able to come home the following day so I had about 12 hours notice, with the caveat he had to pass the car seat test. We also had the key fit 30 and LO was just over 4lbs and fit well. They made us bring in the car seat and base to do the car seat test so it may not be worth it to install and inspect if your hospital wants to car seat and base. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-prepare-for-nicu#post-2252420 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 11:33:11 +0000 BSB 2252420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Applesandbananas: Did they give you a few days notice that you might be bringing them home soon? Or did they tell you the day of that you were taking your baby home? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2242591 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 07:36:35 +0000 FreckledFox 2242591@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: Thank you :) some times I wanna believe that. I'm getting a few tests soon (if my Dr agrees) that can maybe help for next time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2242228 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 17:02:03 +0000 pachamama 2242228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FreckledFox: I see. Let's believe it was a fluke thing and next pregnancy will be happy and healthy!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2241721 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 11:15:34 +0000 FreckledFox 2241721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: My OB had said that he has never seen a repeat of this, but in my pprom support group it had happened again to a few ladies. It all depends on why their water broke to begin with. They have no idea what mine was from. Potentially bleeding? The MFM said it was a fluke when I saw her earlier this year at 19w. No one knows why, so there is no way to really predict if it will or won't happen. I'm hoping the chances of a repeat for me are slim but I'm so scared of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2241561 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 08:50:25 +0000 pachamama 2241561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FreckledFox: oh hun there's absolutely nothing you could have done! You were unbelievably positive and so careful about everything. I'm glad you are getting testing done... I can't imagine this would happen again...? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2241480 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 07:11:54 +0000 FreckledFox 2241480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: Hi. We are okay I guess. Some okay days and some bad days. It's still hard to believe that any of this really happened. I am supposed to be 32 weeks pregnant this week.. But I'm home thinking about everything I could've done. I have another post partum appt soon and I made an appt w a specialist to get testing done. Maybe there is a small chance we can pervent this from happening again. Thank you for checking up on me xo I'm just putting on foot in front of the other. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2241446 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 05:52:11 +0000 pachamama 2241446@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FreckledFox: how are you doing, hun? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2239094 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 08:11:30 +0000 FreckledFox 2239094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pachamama: I have never heard that song but I will have to look it up. Thank you xo</p> <p>Thank you everyone for your love and support. Especially those who followed my story from the beginning on WB. We lasted 3 months after my water broke and I know that nothing was ever guaranteed, we just hoped to be another success story.. It all seems unbelievable. It's surreal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2239011 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 05:55:35 +0000 pachamama 2239011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FreckledFox: I have been following your story.... Yesterday I heard Adele's song "To Make You Feel My love" and I thought of how much love and hope you had for little baby Grady and I just lost it. I think of you often and pray the days get easier for you and you find some light in your heart.<br /> Xoxo, a fellow NY girl </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/lost-our-baby-at-29-weeks/page/4#post-2238963 Thu, 16 Jul 2015 23:15:50 +0000 sslm 2238963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry for your loss. :heart: </p>