Amnio - what would you do?

[Soria1519]

Hi ladies,

This may not be an issue, but if I can make it another 2 weeks it will be. My ob has said that she will deliver my twins at 36 weeks 2 days (May 31st) if I have an amnio on May 29th to verify that both babies lungs are developed.

If I choose not to do the amnio she will deliver me the week after on June 7th, so then I'd be 37 weeks 2 days.

Here are my fears....my sister had an amnio with her first daughter and she said it was horrible. She said it would not even be a question in her mind as to what to do. She would wait the extra week.

Another fear is that if I go through with the amnio and they aren't developed I would have to wait anyway.

A fear I have with NOT doing the amnio is that I go into labor during the extra week and I have to have a doctor that is not my own. I am having a c-section (my 5th) and I ONLY want my ob to do it.

Another fear of NOT doing it, is that I will go into labor and deliver on June 6th. The ONLY day of the entire year that I do not want my babies born (the date will be 6-6-06). I know my luck and this is something I can see happening. I mean as long as they are healthy it doesn't really matter what their birth date is, BUT I would prefer it not to be this date.

I also have a lot of discomforts that I'm sure many of you can relate to. I am constantly contracting. The last time I was monitored I was having them every 2 to 3 minutes, but they aren't changing my cervix. They are just annoying and sometimes painful. I also am on meds for a bladder infection (not causing the contractions). I have carpal tunnel in both hands/arms and that is causing me not to sleep at night. It's at the point where once my arms go numb I have a sharp shooting pain from my hand to my elbow. There are more, but I'll spare everyone. Please don't take any of this as complaining. I'm not. Every moment of discomfort/pain is worth it to carry my girls until they are healthy enough to be born.

So, after all this, I'm just wondering if you would do the amnio to be able to ensure your babies lungs were developed and be able to have them a week earlier or would you wait the extra week?

Thanks,
Chastity

[3 ladybugs]

I don't know if this would help but...

I am carrying triplets and my Peri will not let me go past 36 weeks. I assume that all babies are about the same at the same weeks gestation. Therefore I think I would have the amnio.

I don't know if that helped but I thought I would try.

Good Luck!

Jennifer
EDD 11/20/06 Triplets

[MollyKate]

chastity -

well I'm 36 weeks along now with twins and my OB still reccomends an amnio even at 37 weeks - so I guess every doc is different. My due date really is 06-06-06 which we thought was pretty funny although I can see how some folks might want to avoid the date.

I think the ickness of the amnio depends upon how you feel about needles. You should discuss this with your peri and ask about a topical anestesia for the injection site if you are concerned about pain.

I really can't say one way or another on if I'd do it or not.

Molly
36w1d w twins

[bebe]

I would wait. At 36 weeks your babies may have to do NICU time...at 37 weeks they have a better chance of going home with you.

Have you had the steroid shots?

Good Luck,

bebe

[pepper]

*I* would go without the amnio and let labor begin naturally. The babies will come when they are ready.

[Sophiebella]

I would go without the amnio but that's just my opinion. I just really hate the thought of it. It's too risky for my liking. Odds are they won't be born on 6/06 anyway.

[jan21]

I would personally wait. My girls were born at exactly 36 weeks, induced due to pre-eclampsia (my liver wasn't functioning well). They didn't have to go to the NICU but had problems with temp regulation, one was jaundiced and both had major problems with nursing (couldn't latch on, and when they finally did they were so exhausted they fell asleep right away, then woke up 15 min later still hungry).

I know you are uncomfortable, but they are definitely better off being inside a little longer. I know you are trying not to complain but when it is 3 am and you have 2 hungry babies who want to eat but can't latch on, and when you are pumping to keep up your supply, and getting out the formula etc. it will be worth a few more days now of discomfort.

Good luck with whatever happens. It will all turn out fine in the end.

Janice
Laura & Elizabeth 11/29/00

[BrookeC]

I would also wait - especially if you are planning on breastfeeding. There is a better chance they will have a stronger suck/swallow reflex at 37+ weeks vs 36. I think based on your previous history & having successfully carried another multiple pg, there is a pretty good chance you'll make it past the 6/6 date. By the way, my two were born on Friday the 13Th - I now consider the number 13 my lucky one! As long as you are being monitored & the babes are showing no signs of distress, I would recommend you keep them cooking as long as you can. Big 's I know that last stretch is tough.

[marquess78]

my situation was different as i was only 16.5w into my pregnancy. the amnio caused my water to break and one of the precious girls i was carrying to be lost. the amnio itself doesnt feel great, but its not the worst thing ever. the worst part is the needle going in and coming out, IMHO. once its in there its not bad, some pressure but nothing unbearable. but that cramp when the needle goes in and comes out is awful.

sorry for my anti-amnio rant...i say leave the babies in as long as they need to stay in. cherish every moment of your pregnancy, even the awful ones. your pregnancy, your babies. you dont have to work on your doctors schedule. as long as your still recieving prenatal care and the babies are doing well inside you, let them grow.

my friend and i both went into labor prematurely. she was due with her twins a few weeks after me (i was due christmas she was due 2nd w in jan). i had my surviving twin at 35w. she was fine and apparently ready to come out. she had her babies at 37w plus a few days and they were fine too. so really, its all up to the babies when they come out. its whatever is best for them.

good luck

[Soria1519]

Thank you SO much everyone for your replies. You have all definitely given us a lot to think about. I just want everyone to know that really the only reason I'm considering doing the amnio is because this is my 5th c-section. If I go into labor on my own it will be more of an emergency situation since my uterus isn't the same as someone who has never had a c-section. My hospital is about 30 minutes away also.

I want to do everything I can do to ensure my babies are healthy before they are born. One thing that I keep thinking about too is my surrotwins. I had them at 35 weeks 4 days and they were/are perfect and they went home the same day I did. I know each baby and each pregnancy are different and that's why I'm still thinking about what I should do.

Thanks again for your posts. I have an appointment on Tuesday with my ob and I will talk more with her about what our options are.

Thanks,
Chastity