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Step2 Twinnies of the Month: Reid and Rex!

Step2 Twinnies of the Month: Reid and Rex!

Last updated on September 30th, 2021 at 10:13 am

Every month, along with our partners at Step2 we bring you to a story about an amazing set of twinnies. This month we introduce you to Reid and Rex!  We spoke to their mother Christina and here is what she had to say about these awesome boys!

My husband Bryan and I found out we were expecting and had our first ultrasound at 8 weeks. When we went in for our second ultrasound at 12 weeks the ultrasound tech placed the wand in the center of my stomach. There were quite obviously two babies! She pulled the wand away very quickly but we recognized what was going on right away. We were both overjoyed and speechless. My husband had a smile for days!

A few weeks later we started having trouble. I woke up in the middle of the night bleeding. I was devastated and thought we had lost the babies. When we got to the hospital they told me that my cervix was very thin and that I would most likely miscarry. This doctor also added in that if I wanted we could terminate the pregnancy since we had no chance and it was only going to make me very sick. I refused. They tried to convince my husband that this would be the best option but thankfully he agreed with me and we requested a second opinion from a high risk doctor.

I was placed on bed rest by 20 weeks. My new high risk doctor was very encouraging and said that there was nothing he could do with a thinning cervix with twins and we would just have to wait and see. I remember how long my pregnancy felt at the time but looking back it all seems to have flown by! I was being seen every two weeks. I continued having issues bleeding and I was sick the whole time. I remember just trying to stay focused on hitting each milestone they mentioned. First we focused on 26 weeks, then each week after the babies would hit new milestones.

rexandredicollage1We were screened for heart issues and there was concern that one twin weighed more than the other. As the days passed the gap in weight was growing. At the time it was not yet to the point that they needed to intervene, but they started to explain the dangers associated with this new problem. We tried to stay positive but it was so difficult to be hopeful when every doctors appointment seemed to come with a new complication.

At 31 weeks I was no longer myself. I was sick all the time. I didn’t have the energy for anything (being stuck in bed probably wasn’t helping). My blood pressure was a little high and I was being monitored for possible preeclampsia.

My last trip to the ER I was bleeding again and I just felt off. I had been sick for most of the pregnancy but this felt different. I thought the doctors were going to think I was crazy. They started running tests and at first they said I would be discharged that night. I told my husband to go home and get some sleep but he refused to leave my side. Shortly after, as we were getting ready to go home, another nurse came in and explained that they decided to induce me. It was 2 am on week 32, day 6. I had asked why we were delivering early and each nurse I talked to seemed to have a different reason. First it was due to my blood pressure and protein in my urine. I asked the doctor to explain and he mentioned a problem with my platelets and liver enzymes.

I was so frustrated after all the trouble my sweet boys were facing. I was told I was at risk for seizures or death if I did not deliver. It was not until the next day that my doctor explained HELLP syndrome. Not one person used that term the night before. I delivered at 4am on week 33 exactly.

INFORMATION REGARDING HELLP SYNDROME

(Sources: WebMD and americanpregnancy.org)

HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening liver disorder thought to be a type of severe preeclampsia. It is characterized by Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), Elevated Liver enzymes (which indicate liver damage), and Low Platelet count.

HELLP is usually related to preeclampsia. About 10% to 20% of women who have severe preeclampsia develop HELLP. In most cases, this happens before 35 weeks of pregnancy, though it can also develop right after childbirth.

HELLP syndrome often occurs without warning and can be difficult to recognize. It can occur without the signs of preeclampsia. Symptoms of HELLP syndrome include:

  • Headache
  • Vision problems
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen (liver)
  • Shoulder, neck, and other upper body pain (this pain also originates in the liver)
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizure

HELLP syndrome can be life-threatening for both the mother and her fetus. A woman with symptoms of HELLP syndrome requires emergency medical treatment. Delivery is the only known way to reverse HELLP syndrome. 

rexandreid6The most serious complications and risks of HELLP syndrome include:

  • Placental Abruption
  • Pulmonary Edema (fluid buildup in the lungs)
  • Diseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC—blood clotting problems that result in hemorrhage)
  • Adult Respiratory distress syndrome (lung failure)
  • Ruptured liver hematoma
  • Acute renal failure
  • Intrauterine Growth restriction (IUGR)
  • Infant respiratory Distress syndrome (lung failure)
  • Blood transfusion

rexandreid1Because there is not a known cause for HELLP syndrome, there is also no identified way to prevent it. Early identification and treatment is the best way to keep HELLP syndrome from getting serious. Since HELLP syndrome is believed to be related to preeclampsia, staying vigilant about diet, exercise and a healthy blood pressure can only help.

If you have any of these symptoms you should speak with your doctor immediately.

Christina’s boys were born at 33 weeks. Reid was 4.4 lbs and Rex was 5.2 lbs.  Reid was in the NICU for 6 weeks and Rex for 5 weeks. They are now happy healthy 17-month-olds who Christina describes as “active climbers and such happy boys”.  They are also big brothers to their new 1 month old twin brother Aksel and twin sister Vada.sponsored

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