While we really have no idea what to expect once our boys arrive, we've been trying to do some research. We're so grateful to all of you for your willingness to help out and wanted to pass along some of the info we've discovered. Some of this you may have heard before while other info is new. And while I don't share this info to scare or worry you, I just wanted to share a realistic view of what we may be in for. Throughout this pregnancy we have known that we have great doctors and that these boys are in the hands of the Great Physician. We're hoping that they're born late enough to be considered "feeders & growers" and that we won't have to face many of the complications that are common with preemies. Regardless of the outcome, we know that God's plan is good.
- All babies born before 37 weeks are considered premature; born at 32 weeks = early preterm; born at 28 weeks = very early preterm
- Average weight of triplets at birth is 3 lbs. 12 oz.
- Most triplets usually leave the NICU around their original due date (Mar.25th)
- 80% of all preemies will develop jaundice
- About 1/3 of the baby's brain volume grows in the last 8 weeks of gestation, so depending on when they are born, our babies may not just be "small" but they'll be neurologically immature. Typically they will catch up to full-term babies by the time the turn 2 years old, but when they are first born they will have a lot of hurdles to overcome. Because their brains are not fully developed, they need time to learn the most basic tasks - things like learning how to suck, remembering to breathe, and maintaining their body temperature.
- I have already had one round of steroid injections to help with their lung development but early preemies often have underdeveloped lungs which may not inflate on their own or they may have issues with apnea where they pause in between breaths. It's not uncommon for preemies to be on ventilators or a CPAP to make sure they're getting the necessary oxygen.
- Early preterm babies often start out with an IV for nutrients. Eventually they will be fed through a feeding tube before moving on to a bottle. Sometimes this process takes weeks. They also often have gastrointestinal issues and it takes a while to for them to put on weight and baby fat (which will help with their temperature). We should expect them to sleep a LOT in the beginning and may have to wake them up to eat or may find them dosing off during a feeding.
- Following the C-section, I'm hoping to at least see all of the boys before they are taken away to the NICU. When the surgeons are finished with me, I will head to recovery while Ryan will get to visit them in the NICU. Some parents are not able to touch or hold their preemies for several days.
- Preemies can also have various vision and hearing problems which the hospital will watch for and monitor. They'll do several screenings and tests before anyone is sent home.
- For obvious reasons, they also have a weakened immune system and are very prone to infections, so we need to be super cautious about germs, especially since it's the middle of winter.
What does all of this mean for you?
- We will probably ask that all visitors hold off until the boys are home and healthy. We obviously won't know their condition until they arrive, but the NICU has strict visiting policies as these little babies are often just fighting for survival. Unfortunately the NICU at CDH does not even have what I would call a "visiting window" for you to come and look through. The NICU is completely "sealed off" to keep things as calm and clean as possible. We will definitely be posting many pictures and videos once the time comes. After we're back home, we'll update you on the status of visitors and the best ways that you can help.
- If you think you may be spending a lot of time around the boys (or ANY young children), please consider getting a flu shot. Not only will it keep you healthy, but will help prevent the spread of those pesky germs that can do so much damage to their little bodies. There has also been an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough in northern IL this year, which can be extremely dangerous for infants. The doctors have already told Ryan and I that we'll be receiving a Tdap vaccine before we go home with the boys and strongly recommended it for other family.
- Please continue to pray that the boys stay put for as long as possible!
- Maybe most importantly, also please pray for their health and life sustainability in addition to wisdom for the doctors & nurses
Again I thank you all for following along with us on this rollercoaster ride! We know we couldn't do this without all of you!!!
1 comment:
What a great post! You are so educated on what to expect and your knowledge will help you so much. Very often we encounter parents who have no idea what to expect and they are totally overwhelmed once their babies are born. Thank you for taking the time to write this post. Knowledge is key to understanding why things in the NICU are done the way they are. I pray your doctor appointment went well today and you're back in your recliner! Take care.
Post a Comment