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Monday 16 September 2013

Twin Pregnancy Diary - 22 Weeks



This week has been a tough one if I'm honest. For the first time I've had to come to terms with the risks in my pregnancy; I've been blissfully ignorant up until now! I always knew twins were a higher risk and when I found our that our twins shared a sac and placenta (MC/MA) I knew that the risks were going to be even greater. I had read a few things about my type of pregnancy; enough to know that they are very rare and I found a couple of Mums on forums who had had their babies early, all was well and they had two healthy, happy twins. I deliberately didn't Google anything to do with MC/MA twins because I didn't want to read to horror stories.

My hospital seemed to get their act together, better late than never. I had a scan booked and as usual went to see my consultant. As she was going over my notes we were discussing me giving birth around 37 weeks and then she spotted on my scan reports MC/MA. She then had a good look over the NICE guidelines (might be worthwhile swotting up on these if you're having twins!) and we had to discuss the risks and complications. Obviously something I need to be prepared about but I was quite happy in my state of oblivion. Nevertheless, I'm pleased I have now been referred to a specialist at our local Women's hospital and already have an appointment for this week. I now know that my twins will have to be born by c-section, at 32 weeks and will have to spend some time in neonatal. After 32 weeks the risks of cord entanglement are too high to be considered safe. I'll have steroids at 26 and 28 weeks to build the babies up ready for their early delivery and if all goes to plan at least we will be prepared. It's been an emotional week but we are carrying on with a positive attitude. Once we get past the 24 week mark I'll feel more relaxed and every week that passes will get easier as it will be a week closer to meeting our boys.

I have to get organised now as our boys will be here much earlier that we thought and chances are we will be spending time going back and to the hospital so I need to be organised with Lucas as well. I can't help but feel anxious about how he will cope with the next few months but ultimately I know we will all have to; people have done it before us and we will have to manage. We're lucky to have amazing family and friends close by so I know I have people to rely on. Aside from all this I still feel good, this pregnancy has gone smoothly and I have to take that as a good sign. The scan showed that both babies are still growing well and the little guys are both breech at the moment; I'm feeling so much wriggling and kicking! These boys are keeping us on our toes.




6 comments:

  1. That is a tough week for you. Frightening as it must be take reassurance from the fact they are doing everything they can to prepare for a safe delivery. It might be worth asking for a visit to neonatal unit to get a feel for it and to prepare yourself for what a neonatal unit is like. He will cope better than you think. My little girl was 2 when I had mine and we had about 3 weeks in special care. Try and involve him as much as you can, and play up to what a fantastic helper/big brother he is.

    Karen xx

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    1. Thanks Karen, it's so helpful to have some advice from someone who has been through it all, and come out the other side! I was going to ask if I could see the neonatal once I know which hospital I'll be in, should know by the end of this week. I am glad I know what's ahead, if it all goes to plan, must be scary if it's all emergency procedures. Nice to hear about your experiences xx

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  2. Ahh, it sounds like you've had some scary and worrying moments to think about this week. Twins are a precious gift, but they aren't without their worries. A friend had twins recently and couldn't believe how much more contact time she had the hospital. They will be worth all the worry though, I have no doubt. And it's far better to be prepared for what's coming. Are you able to visit the neonatal unit before they come, my friend got to do this and she said it really helped prepare her as it can be quite a difficult and emotional place to be. x

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    1. Thank you Lucy, so many emotions and it has all changed again this week. It's lovely to get advice from the blogging community though I feel a little less in the dark about the whole thing x

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  3. I've just found your blog and think it's really lovely!
    I'm sorry to hear the stress you're going through, it must be tough. My son was born at 30 weeks, he was in the special care baby unit for two weeks, he was so strong and healthy they let us home after that so you may not have to visit the hospital for as long as you think. x

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    1. Thank you very much. It has all changed again this week (update coming soon) so there is a chance they won't need any special care now. It's so great to hear from others who have been through it though and lovely that your little boy did so well. Will be glad when these two are here safe and sound x

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