Milestone 32

This week is somewhat of a magical milestone. It is the “last marker” before delivery, and what our doctor refers to as the safety point. Although, optimal is full term, twins rarely make it that far. However, at week 32, all the critical development is complete, and key abilities to survive outside the womb are in place.
 

The term “premature labor” refers to any delivery that occurs prior to 37 weeks. However, according to the American Pregnancy Association, it happens in roughly 1 in 8 pregnancies. With twin delivery being an average of 35 weeks, it clearly happens more often for multiples. A lot has changed medically in recent years to help manage and navigate the preterm waters, as it is no longer an uncommon event.
 

In our world of modern medicine, the survival rates for premature labor begin around 24 weeks. Thus, a child delivered that underdeveloped can still survive and grow up normally. Obviously, the odds increase for each additional week of gestation. However, after week 32 the term changes from “very preterm” to “moderately preterm.” The odds of survival for such preemies are extremely high, and the chances do not increase statistically after this point. Of course, a 32-week preemie will likely require more emergency natal care than a 36-week preemie – so, it’s not all about just surviving. And of course, each pregnancy has its own set of risks different from the statistical average.
 

All that said, we are still scheduled for a 37-week delivery in only a month from now. But it is nice to know that the odds of a healthy outcome are pretty much the same from here on out, should an earlier delivery become necessary. However, at this point, inconvenience, contractions and restless residents are Kristina’s biggest problems. Not to downplay her discomfort (because she isn’t comfortable), but with her “cervix of steel” she shows no signs of eclampsia, placental abruption, membrane ruptures or infection. Knock on wood.
 

On a “nesting note,” the nursery is coming along but is yet complete (if there is such a thing). Since Kristina has been on modified bed rest, this has allowed her to organize a few things. Most of the heavy lifting has been done, but there are definitely things still yet to do (just ask her). But through the incredible generosity of our friends and family, the boys will have a comfortable environment to come home to.
 

Kristina still looks amazing. She carries the boys almost completely “all forward.” I’ve explained that her silhouette from behind is still thinner than many non-pregnant women I know. Still, there is around 8 pounds worth of babies in her at this time, distributed over more space than any singleton, and that just requires some room. We joke about how much space there is left and have even “Photoshop’d” a few funny images of hands stretching through her skin.
 

By now, your baby weighs 3 3/4 pounds (about the size of a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.