Dr. Intense

Over the past month, we've visited the Perinatology office at Memorial Hospital in Savannah on two separate occasions. Based on these experiences, my mom has provided a nickname for this doctor (aka. Dr. Intense*).

We had an idea going in to the first appointment in mid-May that they take everything very seriously. However, I must say after the 1 1/2 hour ultrasound at the first appointment - I was nothing short of overwhelmed with LOTS of information and the most random statistical possibilities. David on the other hand was playing his part as the calm, cool, collected daddy-to-be. He still is. Hormones make things so unfair.

Here are a few things I learned at the first appointment.

A) Perinatologists don't care about mommies. They care about the babies. Don't expect to feel like you matter.
B) EVERYTHING is serious here. Don't expect magazines in the waiting area. You must watch the health tv provided or stare at the wall.
C) You must have permission to pee here. Don't worry, if you forget, they put stop signs up everywhere to remind you. By your second appointment, you will learn that it is just a game the ultrasound tech plays with you by pressing on your belly while you have a full bladder. (I broke the rules at the second appointment. HA!)
D) Your regular OB will earn the nickname Dr. Warm & Fuzzy.

Dr. Intense has informed us that they are monitoring the babies for a slight presence of twin-twin transfusion syndrome. TTTS only occurs in identical twin pregnancies, since they typically share everything. In William & Robert's case, they are sort of sharing. Robert has a little bit more amniotic fluid then William. They share the same sac, but the sac is divided by a membrane. This membrane prevents the umblical cords from tangling and harming the babies. In addition, it allows for each to have their own amniotic fluid. Here lies the issue. Dr. Intense has a scale to measure severity of TTTS. The scale is based on 'pockets' of amniotic fluid on each side of the membrane. You want them to be between 2cm and 8cm, with little difference between the two. In addition, they will take this information and compare it to the weights and see the percentage of difference. If there is a significant difference in size or fluid pockets that are too big or too small, its a red flag. At the mid-May appointment, William had a 2 cm pocket and Robert had a 5 cm. (Light Red Flag) At the appointment last week, William had a 3 cm and Robert had a 6 cm. MUCH BETTER! William is a little over 12 oz. and Robert is 13 oz. Great news! We'll go back in mid-June for another check up, but Dr. Intense has little concern that TTTS will progress further. Phew. I almost skipped out of the doctors office on Friday.

I've attached pictures of the ultrasound from Friday. Unfortunately, William will allow us pictures of only one part. Luckily, we are confident he is a boy and his constant reminders at EVERY ultrasound are helpful. One day, we might see the profile of his face.

Robert however loves to have his picture taken, and has provided you a profile picture, a leg, and footprints. I hope my dad is proud of his namesake.

Upcoming adventures:

Dr. Intense Appt #3: June 18th
Baby(s) Shower: June 26th
Dr. Warm & Fuzzy: June 22nd


(Ultrasound was done at 21 weeks, 4 days)

*Dr. Intense = Dr. Royek