This week the doctor did something called the fetal fibernectin test (FFN). Fibernectin is a protein that acts like glue to bind the babies sacs to the uterine wall. Before delivery (usually around 39 weeks for a normal singleton pregnancy) the glue starts to "dissolve" and the sacks pull away from the uterine wall to prepare for delivery. The FFN test looks for the presence of fibernectin. If there is none (meaning the test would be negative), that is a good thing. The odds of delivering the babies in the next two weeks, if the test is negative, is around 5%. If the presence of FFN is detected (meaning the test would be positive), it doesn't necessarily mean that the babies will be delivered in the next two weeks, but it changes the odds significantly---to around 50%. The test is repeated every two weeks.
My test came back negative, which we were thrilled about. This means that the babies will most likely stay put for the next two weeks. In addition, my doctor said that in his practice, patients who had a negative test at 26 weeks, did not deliver until after 30 weeks. 30 weeks is a huge milestone and the babies have a much better chance for surviving and being intact once they hit 30 weeks.
At my ultrasound this week, the ultrasound tech also did some quick measurements on the babies to see how they are growing. She estimated their weights to be:
Baby A: 1 lb 8 oz
Baby B: 1 lb 10 oz
Baby C: 1 lb 11 oz
Baby D: 1 lb 12 oz
Baby E: 1 lb 13 oz
These weights are all very normal for any baby at this stage of pregnancy. Below is a recent picture of my growing belly:
This week was full of other exciting events as well. On the 31st, Jayson officially signed away the next 30 years of our life and closed on our new house! Because he had power of attorney for me, he had to do a lot of extra signing. But at the end of it all, he got the keys to a beautiful new house. I can't wait to see it in person in a few months.
Last Saturday my two aunts who live in the Phoenix area threw me a baby shower. It was so much fun! My aunts went overboard on the decorating and the food and it was great to sit and visit with people. The guests were mostly friends of my aunts. We ended up with many wonderful things for the babies. I was amazed at how generous people were---especially considering that most of them do not know me well, and some of them I had never even met before the shower. This is yet another example of how we have been blessed throughout this pregnancy. Pictured below is me with my fabulous aunts--Jeanie (whom I have been living with) on the right and Kathy on the left.
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12 comments:
Aunts? They look more like your sisters!!
You look great for having 5 babies in there!!
Conrgats on the new house--I bet you're pretty excited.
holy smokes lady, what a job to carry five- a tip on gaining weight- ben and jerry's ice cream. When I was pregnant I ate 1-2 pints a week and at the end had gained 80 pounds- ok for you with five babies- not for me with one...but man did it keep the hormones at bay- I say the flavanoids in the chocolate! :) Best flavors are half baked- chocolate and vanilla ice cream with brownies and cookie dough in it as well as "everything but the..." has an amazing variety of good stuff- 80 pounds worth of good stuff. Also if you like pistachios... there pistachio pistachio ice cream is TO DIE FOR. like I said- 80 pounds worth. Good luck with it all!
Sarah
SLC,UT
Sarahlatok@yahoo.com
I have to wonder, if you already have 2 kids, why was a such invasive fertility procedure done? Why are fertility Dr's implanting so many embryos now a days, especially in a woman who already has 2 kids?
wow! you look great! i'm soooo glad your pregnancy is going well for you!! praying for you to make 34 weeks! you are doing so good!! hope you aren't listening to negative comments and are staying positive throughout this adventure!
Hello! Have been reading your blog for a wee while - well done!
Btw - it's "fibronectin" - not fibernectin!
Hi. Wow what an amazing woman and family you have. I am expecting twins anyday now nad was on bedrest for 9 wks, it really takes ALOT from everyone to be able to pull it off. Hang in there time will be over before you know it. You do look great and what GREAT weights on those little ones. Goodluck!! FAITH can carry you through anything!!
AlsoI had the fetal fibronectin done 3x 1 negative and 2 positives adn still carried past the 1-2 week time frame. Since the first positive it has been 5 wks. So if they do it again and it is positive please don't put to much into it I was a basket case the first time we got a positive.
WOW! What a wonderful challenge -- and opportunity you are facing! Your decision may not seem reasonable to the secular progressives, but to those that count , it works! I am sure, if your other kids were asked, they would not want to 'give up' a sib or many sibs! I will continue to pray for your ability to carry these bebes as long as possible . .and that when the time does come, all goes well! And I really want to see that stroller! Rock on - Joney
I agree, you look amazing to be carrying 5 little ones. I've recently had a couple of more grandkids, singles, but understand how precious each life is. I think you both are awesome to take on this incredible responsibility and challenge. Best of luck to keep them in there as long as you can. Also, you have amazing aunts. How wonderful to have that kind of support.
Hi Wilkinsons!
Just wanted to let you know we are following your story here from Shanghai (the Teigens tipped us off!). Good luck! Very fascinating for those of us who dont even have one. :)
Stelzers in Shanghai
Just to let you know,, I am following you from Florida -- nothing compared to Shanghi . . .but still heartfelt! Did you see the sextuplets this week there in Phoenix?? I so hope they are doing well! Obviously you've chosen your health care team well! be well, be safe. Know many prayers and Temple rolls have your names! Joney
Rachelle, I'm so glad things are going so well! I love reading your blog. :)
Julianne
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