When an obstetrician discovers that you are carrying more than one fetus, your pregnancy is immediately tagged "high risk" and you are referred to a Perinatologist or specialist (in the majority of multiple pregnancies). Throughout your pregnancy this person monitors the babies very closely and gives frequent updates on issues such as cervical length, amount of amniotic fluid, cord position, blood flow, kidney function, etc. It's amazing the things they can determine via ultrasound. It's also quite scary. Especially when the information is being presented by a doctor with a perma-frown, thick accent (Russian I think-too afraid to ask), and bedside manners that leave much to be desired. I swear her goal is to make her patients leave her office petrified and in tears. And she's reached that goal with me on more than one occasion. She's a real glass-half-empty sort of gal. After about the 3rd or 4th appointment, I was convinced that if I made any sudden movements, showered for too long, or sneezed one too many times, my babies would just fall right out of me without warning.

On the other hand, I know that being referred to her was by far the best thing that could have happened in my situation. She's brilliant and so dedicated to her craft. When I think about the risks and care she took performing the surgery at such a late gestational age (most doctors won't do them past 14 weeks for risk of rupturing membranes) I just want to give her a big hug and a kiss. I am certain she wouldn't respond well to this type of behavior, so I've yet to act on it.

Dear Dr. Scary,
I know that after enduring 15-hour days of saving babies you have no time for such follies as internet blogs. But if by chance you've stumbled upon this website I want you to know how grateful I am to have you as my doctor. I would also like to apologize for posting your picture without your permission.

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