Twin-Twin Transfusion

We met with the high-risk specialist today and received the news we were hoping we wouldn't hear. The doctor is pretty sure our babies have twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), which, from my understanding, means one baby (Baby A) is getting quite a bit more blood flow from the placenta than the other (Baby B). In fact, blood is somehow being shunted from Baby B to Baby A. Because of this, Baby B isn't getting enough blood flow to her kidneys, isn't making urine, doesn't have enough amniotic fluid, etc. On the other hand, Baby A has an excessive amount of amniotic fluid, which could eventually lead to problems for her if this continues.

(side note... yes... I said HER. Can we just celebrate this for a second? We found out today our babies are identical twin GIRLS. Ever since I found out we were having twins, I was secretly hoping for girls. I got my wish! Now Nate and I don't have to come up with two boy names that we agree on, which some of you know was quite the challenge for us.  I can't wait to dress them the same when they are little and for them to be the best of friends. Unfortunately, this special news kind of got lost in the shuffle today with all the not-so-great news we were hearing.)

After taking in the news, we asked some questions that we did not want to ask. Will our babies make it? To be honest, the doctor didn't seem too optimistic about the possible outcomes for either baby if nothing is done to treat the TTTS. The earlier in pregnancy this is found, the worse it is (and ours was found quite early), because the babies have to live for that much longer with the lack of blood flow or excessive fluid.

FORTUNATELY, there is a procedure that can be done to help stop (or maybe just alleviate somewhat) the shunting of blood. I don't know much about it at this time, but it looks like a relatively minor surgery. When we asked if there was a chance both of our babies would be okay, the doctor told us that, with this procedure, there is definitely a chance. We will do anything we can for that chance! This procedure is not done in Grand Rapids, so we are being referred to U of M to be evaluated. Our appointment is next week Thursday, the day after Christmas. We were told to plan on being there all day. Lots of waiting! (Our favorite.)

Nate and I have both commented how we love these sweet baby girls more than we thought we could love someone that we've never even met. 72 hours ago, I was planning on a routine checkup for my pregnancy the next morning. From Tuesday morning until now has been a whirlwind... the excitement of having twins, the fear of being referred to a specialist because of unequal amounts of amniotic fluid around the babies, LOTS more excitement of celebrating twins with friends and family, the fun of being able to see the babies again this morning and finding out that they are girls, and then the sheer terror of hearing all about TTTS. Our emotions are all over the place. Being in the medical field, I believe in the power of medicine and am so grateful for amazing procedures that can heal people and BABIES before they are even born. More importantly, we know God can heal these precious little girls, and we are begging Him to do so. We are hopeful! Please pray with us, and we will update when we have more information.

Nate, Sara, Baby A and Baby B