Second Trimester Blood Tests

Last week (24-weeks along) I had a midwife appointment, which was accompanied by the standard blood work to screen for anemia and gestational diabetes. My current OB, who seems a little risk-focused, of course warned that with twins you are twice as likely to have gestational diabetes since there are twice as many hormones going around in your body. (She may not have said twice, but there was an implication because of the two babies, the risk was greater). I did not have it with my first pregnancy, and just got my results and was very pleased to learn that I do not have gestational diabetes with my twin pregnancy either - hooray! With my first pregnancy I was just barely flagged for anemia and took iron supplements throughout the latter half of my pregnancy. Even though I've been trying to increase my protein and leafy-green vegetables (hello, spinach omlette every morning), it turns out I'm borderline anemic again. I've not been doing the supplements, but I've been taking black strap molasses since it's a good source of iron, in addition to trying to increase iron in my diet.

I'm feeling more confident that as long as things keep going the way they are, that I can carry these twins to at least 37 weeks, which is my goal. I do a pretty good job at managing stress, and am trying to rely more heavily on my mother-in-law and husband to help out when my two-year-old adds to my stress. I'm working on having a healthy diet, especially with increased protein. My midwife has also suggested progesterone cream. Progesterone is something that your body is already producing a lot of during pregnancy, but it's what helps to make the placenta strong. So using the progesterone cream will ideally help make a strong placenta for these babies so there won't be any risk of my water breaking early.

This last part is what seems pretty important to me personally. I believe that the power of our minds and bodies is incredible. During my first pregnancy I had affirmations that I repeated, especially towards the end, that focused on the baby coming when she was ready and her being healthy, etc. I've started my affirmations earlier, but they're up in my bathroom again, and are giving me a positive mindset to trust in my body and its capacity as well as these twins and the miracles they are turning into. It's really amazing how our bodies know how to create life, and these little lives know what nutrients to take and what to do to grow into little humans. I know that this is what my body was designed for and that I can deliver healthy twins.