Thursday, January 15, 2009

28 WEEKS!!!

We have reached what many people around the hospital have referred to as the ‘Golden Week’ – 28 WEEKS! I have made it to the third trimester. Although I had great faith that I would not deliver right away when I was admitted, I only hoped that I could make it this far! I thought I would give you a little information on what the difference ‘theoretically’ between the babies’ development when I first arrived opposed to now (it is a little long winded, so feel free to skip right over it). It is based on information that I have read on reputable websites and from the NICU, and is based on the development of a single baby.

Babies at 23/24 Weeks: Babies at this stage are about 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango). The skin is being produced at a faster pace than the fat, so the skin tends to hang loose, and is thin and translucent. The brain is also growing quickly now. The main lungs are developing branches as well as special cells that produce surfactant needed to inflate the air sacs. Babies who are born prematurely have difficulty breathing as these cells have not had sufficient time to develop or produce enough surfactant. Babies born in this period might have disabilities and would require long-term intensive care as they have difficulty regulating body temperature, possible bleeding in the brain, as well as coping with their breathing due to immature development of the lungs.

Babies at 28 Weeks: By this week, a baby weighs about two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of the head to the heels. The skin is wrinkled but is developing layers of fat under the skin making the baby look a little rounder. Fine downy hair, a protective cover, is enveloping the baby’s body. The baby has opened its eyes by now and the eyebrows and eyelids are well formed. The lungs approach maturity and the respiratory movements are now coordinated and regular. The brain develops further into a more complex organ with grooves and indentations on its surface. The number of brain tissue also increase in this week. The baby’s organs and systems are well developed by now and if born prematurely at this stage the baby can survive if provided intensive, specialized care. Babies born this week, though premature, have an excellent prognosis for survival. Of course, it's still best if a baby doesn't check out of that uterine hotel just yet — there's still a lot of growing and maturing to do over the next 12 weeks. The final two months of gestation are vital for the maturation of the body systems and organs which helps to prepare the baby for a smooth and healthy adjustment outside the womb.

As you can tell, we are not out of the woods yet – but in a much better place/time than we were four and a half weeks ago. I do recognize that this information is general and we won’t know specifically about the triplets until they are born. I do know that we will spend time in the NICU, but the babies will hopefully endure less ‘problems’ because of the additional time that I was able to carry them.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers! We couldn’t have gotten this far without you.

I have a routine ultra sound scheduled for late Monday morning. I will post what we find out as soon as we are back in the room. Have a wonderful weekend! Joelee

13 comments:

happyab said...

I'm dance partying Aquino style! YIPPY! I'm so excited you have made it this long. Still dancing... See you Sunday! Love you.

beautifulsue said...

I am so excited for you and the babies. What a miracle that those babies are still in you, even when you are dialated to 5. Hang-in there honey! Praying for you and thinking of you always! xo, s.

Leah said...

Wow how amazing to be where you're at and come as far as you have. This is great for you and the babies! Keep up the great work!!

Katie said...

How wonderful! We are continuing to pray for you guys. Let us know if you ever need help with Jinx and Mia. We will try to stop by once and awhile to walk them, if that is okay.

Canan Family said...

HI,Danielle is speeckig.Are your babies doing good??? I'm glad your babies are " 28 weeks" old love Danielle

Meagon said...

I'm crying tears of happiness. FAITH. That is all I have to say. Goodnight and yes, I did complete my homework....I said *&(^ it and turned it in.

Meagon said...

I apologize for putting those symbols on your blog! Couldn't help it.

Judy said...

Oh Joelee! what a great way to start the morning, reading this!! Prayers are being answered and of course i am thrilled!
hugs and love to you...

Brink Boys said...

What a great milestone to have reached! I have to tell you how cute Quinn was yesterday. When I was dropping Logan off, he was being shy and she came up and started rubbing his back. Sooo cute!

Tracey said...

Congratulations! That is absolutely a great milestone to reach! Praying for those babies and for you!

Angela said...

Hello Mrs.Sizemore! Jayla (from your first grade class) really wanted to leave you a comment!(this is from her word for word!)
Dear Mrs.Sizemore-
I hope you had a good New Year.I hope you love your babies!At school we have been doing experiments with liquid, gas, and solids.We have fun!I miss you!I am good at writing now.
Love Jayla

We are keeping you all in our prayers! What a blessing it is that the babies have made it this far! :)Yeah!
Angela

beautifulsue said...

GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!!

HeBGB said...

If it is fat those babies need, I'm sure there are many who'd be willing to share some winter pudge that we've been so diligently working on accumulating over the last few months...I mean, I did notice a little extra upholstery on my back that I could donate...always the benevolent one, I am!! Thanks for sharing all the details in such a cute and stylish blog! Keep up the great Womb Service!
Becca Weller