Non-Stress Test??... Almost.

     So today I had my first non-stress test (NST).  It seemed really basic and relaxed when the nurse was explaining it to me.  I had to sit in a comfy recliner with a heart monitor on my belly for each baby and a third monitor to measure any uterine contractions...simple.  First an ultrasound nurse came in and did a very quick ultrasound to check the amount of amniotic fluid in each sac.  Mav had a 7 and Z had a 6.5.  Those numbers don't mean anything to me except that the nurse said they were perfect... yay.  Next she told me that both boys are head down...yay!! They may not stay that way, but I am crossing my fingers.  Finally, using the ultrasound they located each baby's heart and the ultrasound was done.
     The NST nurse was really nice and we were chatting while she got things set up on my belly.  She put me in a very reclined position so I was pretty close to flat on my back.  I didn't think much of it, but after about 5-10 minutes of monitoring the heart rates I started to get really nauseous.
     I asked if I could have my water and after downing nearly the entire 32 ounces I literally started to drip sweat.  The nurse told me I was getting really pale and I said the room was going black.  It sounded like I was underwater and I could barely understand what she was saying.  I kept repeating that I didn't feel good over and over again.  The nurse started going in and out of the room grabbing things.  One trip was ice packs that were put on my head, back of my neck and chest.  Another trip was for a puke bowl and ice chips.  A third trip was for a glass of coke and a doctor.  The nurse had taken my blood pressure when I first got to the office and it was normal for me... 95/ 68.  I've always had low blood pressure, but have been told it is fine for my body type.  The nurse took my blood pressure a few times during all the craziness and my blood pressure had dropped to 70 something/30 something... no bueno!
     Once the doctor came in she rolled me on to my left side and put an oxygen monitor on me.  Over the next 5 minutes the room went back to normal lighting and I could once again hear things normally.  All it was,was the fact that the babies are getting heavy enough that if I am on my back they will put too much pressure on the huge vein that goes to your heart and slow the blood circulation...drastically in my case.  Simple fix :) After that fun 10-15 min everything was fine.  I will have an NST every week until I deliver.  I will always lay on my left side :)
     Even during the craziness the boys heart rates remained in the "normal zone".  Maverick's rate never left the 140's, but Zayden's dropped slightly into the 130's but went right back up to the high 140's once I was back to normal.  I have some strong boys :) love them!
     A few random things:
***I talked to my doctor about my birth preferences today and gave him a list I had put together.  My list will be put in my file so that no matter which doctor I have for delivery, they will know where I stand.  He made sure though that in case of an emergency that I was willing to trust their judgement and 99% of it I am.  I am learning that some doctors do things just because it is what they have always done without having an actual medical reason behind it.  Those moments I will trust my judgement/research/birthing coach to make the best call for the babies.
*** I think it is funny how many people, complete strangers, ask when I am due or say, "Any day now.".  I even had a complete stranger offer his help if I needed it when it came time to delivery...ODD.   I haven't really had anyone I didn't know start rubbing my belly, but I have a feeling that is not too far off.
*** Two good things about being this prego for today are that I stopped at a random hair salon and asked to use their bathroom.  They said of course without even a funny look.  Trying to hold your pee at this stage is seriously painful.  The second thing was that no one looked at me funny when I simply stood in the walk in dairy fridge area at Costco.  I got the eggs I needed, but then stood there, in the middle for a few minutes... It felt sooooooo good :)
     Last, I was able to take maternity pictures this week.  I am waiting for the disc with all the pictures, but the ones I have seen so far I am happy with.  Of course it is odd when you are the one in every picture, but I am trying to not be too critical :)

Rochelle Larson of Pointe Digital Photography & Video took my pictures... look her up :)!!! 

I am hoping to keep these little guys cooking for another 4-6 weeks... keep us in your prayers :)