Ultrasound and first appointment at Northwestern

I had my first appointment at Northwestern today and my ultrasound yesterday. The babies looked and measured well. By dates I am 9 weeks, one day. Baby A measured 8 weeks, 3 days (19mm). Baby B measured 8 weeks, 6 days (22mm). Baby C measured 8 weeks, 6 days (22mm). The heart rates were in order of the babies: 188, 185 and 180. See the pictures below. They really don't look too much like babies yet, but will in a few weeks.

Baby A

Baby B
Baby C

My appointment with the maternal fetal specialist today went really well. She talked to John and I for about 45 minutes on what to expect and the risks associated with triplets. There were some good points. The first being I may not have to have a c-section. They deliver enough triplets that they are comfortable doing a vaginal delivery as long as the first baby's head is down. The second is I will not automatically be on bed rest at 20 weeks. They only put you on bed rest if you are showing signs of preterm labor. The third is the amount of ultrasounds and appointments (the drive downtown can sometimes be horrible with traffic). I won't see them again for 4 weeks when I will be 13 weeks. From there I will most likely see them at 16 weeks, then every 2 weeks. The biggest concern with triplets is preterm labor, so starting at 18 weeks, they really start to monitor me for signs of labor and will be checking my cervix at least every 2 weeks. My next ultrasound will be scheduled between 18-20 weeks. The doctor told me this one will be 3 hours long! One hour for each baby! I will probably schedule this in the next few weeks. Of course, if at any time they can't isolate the heartbeats with doppler, they will send me for an ultrasound so there is a possibility of having more ultrasounds before the big one at 18-20 weeks.

On the way out of the appointment we met up with another mother that is having triplets. She is 20 weeks along and was really nice. We exchanged numbers. She told me this practice has 6 mothers with triplets right now. It is reassuring to know they see quite a few moms with triplets. She also told me she has had about 12 ultrasounds...so I guess this will be an individual process. It was nice to see her and talk with her for a few minutes.

It is scary to hear all the things that could go wrong, but nice to know that we will be in excellent care and are very comfortable with our doctors.