Doctors, ultrasounds, and more Doctors....

We have been busy! Last week we went to Toronto's Special Pregnancy Unit for; ultrasound, pediatric consult, anesthesia consult, and doctors appointment. Oh and we bought a minivan (post to follow). This week locally Kris got her diabetes test, rogame injection, another ultrasound, and a doctor's appointment with our obstetrician Dr. Huneault.

TO Ultrasound - Went really well, not quite as long as the last one because all the anatomy testing was already done. This time we looked for umbilical cord blood (good), blood to the brains (good), detailed heart rates (good), relative sizes (good), and weights (average). The quality of the technicians and equipment at Mt. Sinai is second to none, the pictures tell the story. The two girls are blowing bubbles and the one playing peek-a-boo.

TO Pediatric Consult - This doctor helped us with what to expect after delivery. We discussed the NICU units, anticipated hospital stay, cesarean section, breast feeding, sleep deprivation, child care (Harry Potter books on DVD etc), and the assistance we are going to require. This guy could have been Dad's brother (handsome and intelligent of course)!

TO anesthesia Consult - This is important because Kristen has a history of a condition called Malignant Hypothermia in her family. Odd name which means she reacts badly to general anesthetic. General anesthesia is not typically required in childbirth unless things go badly, then if things go badly, this adds to the problem because the can only give her certain anesthetics (not quite as effective). The meeting was to discuss her family history and what steps would be taken if necessary.

TO Doctors Appointment - Dr. Murphy of the Mount Sinai Special Pregnancy Unit was delighted with both the baby's health and Kristen's Health. Kristen is carrying very well, and is generally healthy. Cervix length is the key measure of how close she is to conception. We want to be far from conception and therefore longer is better. Kristen measured 5.1 cm which in medical terms is "a country mile". The babies are also progressing well. All growing together, nobody is getting left behind with the following weights; A-1lb 13 oz, B-2lb 3 oz, C-2lb 0oz. This is small for singlet but within the normal range for triplets.

Diabetes Test - Pregnancy can cause what is known as gestational diabetes. This test will tell us if Kris is developing it. If so the typical treatment for diabetes must begin such as diet or insulin.

Rogam (not Rogaine) Injection - Kris has a blood type of O-. This is rare and can be problematic during pregnancy. If any bleeding occurs inside Kristen's brain will detect the alternate blood type from the babies and treat them as an infection and do what your body does with infections, try to kill it. The Rogam treatment is common. It tricks Kristen's brain into thinking there is nothing wrong and thereby protects the babies.

SD Ultrasound - Not quite as good in quality, but the results were the same (all good).

SD Doctor's Appointment - Dr. Huneault is our obstetrician and is fantastic. He is confident, personable, and energetic. He is also happy with the baby development, but a little concerned that the cervix length has dropped 2 cm in 1 week to 3.2. Frankly I think it is just a difference in ultrasound units, technicians, etc likely has more to do with the difference, but Kristen has slowed down noticeably in the last week.