August 10th, 2012: First Appointment with PPA

When we arrived at PPA, I gave a urine sample to check for protein in my urine. I was then asked if I

had my finger pricked yet. I became super nervous as I had no idea what this meant. We had to wait

to be called back and have the ultrasound done.  When we went back, I was told to put my hand

under warm water.  She then went to prick my finger.  I asked what it was for and she said to check

for Trisomy.  The finger prick hurt more then anything!  It was bleeding instantly and bruised right

away. I never want to do that again!

I then went to do the ultrasound.  Again, I was scared that Baby B was not doing okay. It took a good

amount of time before I knew Baby B was okay.  She measured behind the babies necks and was

commenting how cute they were.  Baby B had the hiccups. She finished the ultrasound and was

leaving the room to check with the doctor.  We looked up the numbers of what would detect a

neural tube defect.  It had to be 2.5 or higher and both babies measured under .15cm. So even

though she didn’t share it with us, we were pretty sure they were okayJ

We then got called to have a consult with the doctor.  They acted like they didn’t know why we

were there.  I brought up my concerns with the SCH. She asked if I had talked with a different doctor

(the one my aunt recommended).   I hadn’t and she said I would talk with him or she would.  She

then rattled off why I was high risk and instilled so much fear in me. She made me feel like our risk

of birth defects and stil born were so much higher than they really are. I asked her if the percentage

was low (knowing it was) and she said it was 3% for a normal pregnancy but for me a little higher.  I

know it’s under 4%. She also said I’m at a higher risk for pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes due

to the twins and there being 2 placentas.  I also asked her about the SCH and she said it was at 5cm. 

I commented how it had grown and she said this was their first check so she couldn’t say it had

grown.  I asked her what the risks could be and she said bed rest or possible monitoring at the

hospital.  She also asked if I wanted cervical checks and I said I did. She said she would send

suggestions over to my OB. Overall, we were pretty disappointed with the experience.  We are

looking forward to meeting back with our own doctor.