Jennifer Pinizzotto, Folsom, CA
The Triplet Connection Newsletter
(although this is not a TTTS pregnancy, it is a good story for the importance of bed rest)

September 23, 1992, began as every other day had since I had started bed rest 10 weeks prior at 20 weeks gestation. That morning, however, I received a surprise phone call from my doctor who was responding to a concerned call from my husband. I told the doctor that everything was all right and that my husband was simply growing impatient with my confinement. I agreed to see the doctor that afternoon. I expected a routine appointment, but I had dilated three centimeters, and I ended up admitted to “Hotel Kaiser”.

That first evening, an army of doctors, nurses, and technicians saw to my care. Each was concerned that I might begin labor. I did not come to the hospital ill or tired, but by the following morning, I was both.

At first I was monitored during every shift –quite a feat with triplets, since it would often take more than 30 minutes to find three separate heartbeats. However, as days passed, I needed only one monitoring session. One evening I had more contractions than usual. I was given magnesium sulfate. The literature said that this medication has relatively few side effects, but I found it to be awful. Within a day I began the Terbutaline Pump. At least I could tolerate this medication.

I began to settle in, realizing that I probably wasn’t going home for some time. Sometimes I would entertain the thought of going home for the day, but my doctor would convince me otherwise. I was committed to giving these babies the best possible start, but being confined to the hospital and to bed was hard. I longed to walk in the rain, and when a friend delivering her baby was hospitalized for only 24 hours, I wondered if I were ever going home. I did enjoy the use of a VCR and friendly conversation with my roommate, and I received a lot of visitors and calls from concerned friends and family.

My goal was to reach 34 weeks, but I was coaxed to go until 36 weeks. On October 31, 1992, I gave birth by c-section to Justin Michael (5-8), Janelle (4-2 1/2), and Tom Nunzio, Jr., “T.J.” (4-15). My six week hospital stay had paid off! I can now offer the following advice to anyone who may be contemplating or experiencing a long hospital stay:

· First, commit to providing your babies the best possible start in life by having them benefit from these ‘safe” days in the womb.
· Remember that these days will pass, and soon you will be holding your precious babies. Relax! You’ll be busy soon enough.
· Ask family and friends to bring your favorite foods.
· Sleep –Turn off the phone; close the door; delay meals.

· Ask for a roommate with similar medications so there are fewer interruptions. If you don’t like your roommate, ask for a room change!

· Catch up on your reading, needlepoint, or cross-stitch. You certainly won’t have time later.

· If allowed, sit outside for some fresh air.

Good luck, and remember, “It’s worthwhile, and it is temporary.”