Twins Club 4!! All welcome. :-)

[rednellie]

Right ladies, welcome aboard for mutual hand holding. Here are the stats - they're probably all wrong!

MrsStevo, #1 & 2, EDD 23/08/2011, Lincs, MCDA ID,
Tiggersreturn #2+3 EDD 26/09/11 NW London DCDA - not finding out
silverangel #1+2 Sophie, 3lb3 & Alice3lb1 born at 31+2 on 01/08/11 EMCS
PrincessScrumpy #2 & 3, girls
BB3, #2&3 (#1 DS) DCDA girls born 20.09.11 by EMCS at 37 weeks exactly - Edith-May 5lb 11.5oz and Ayse-Rose 6lb 1oz.

PeelingmyselfofftheCeiling #1+2 EDD, DCDA, Boy and Girl, Born 14 Sept
Twinnerves, DCDA, #2&3, girls Francesca and Isabella, born 18/11/11 EMCS 6lbs 6 oz and 6lbs 9.5oz
xkatyx , ID girls, DC 8,5,9months, ELCS 23/12/11 Rosie and Hollie
Quempin #1&2 EDD 27/1/12, ID boys, T1 5lb5oz, T2 just under 5lb, ELCS 36 weeks
Ravenlocks DCDA, #1&2, 6.01.12 T1 Boy, 4lb 12oz, T2 Girl, 6lb
Tabbycatt, DCDA, 2 boys, DC 2 & 3, 2/1/12 at 36 weeks, VB, T1 5lb 5oz, T2 5lb 11oz
claireinmodena dcda bg born 8/2 Emma (2,870 kg) and Riccardo (2,310 kg)
StinkingBishop 2 &3 DCDA girls EDD 19/3/12
RedNellie DC 2&3, DCDA boys, EDD 28/3/12
DreamingOfPeace, DCDA boys, DC 2 & 3, EDD 19/4/12
Skitoo: DCDA Boys, DC #1&2, EDD 14/05/12
Bigboobsatlast: MCDA Boys, DC #2 & 3. EDD 23.05.12
Buonasera, 1&2, DCDA, EDD 22/05/12 (???)
Lilyni DC 4&5, DCDA, EDD 12/06/12
goimgmadtrying: mcda id girls dc 3&4!!!! edd 05/08/12
Teds DCDA #1&2 EDD 31/07/12
Kazar99 DCDA EDD ???

Good lucky Bailey's and how exciting! Sending lots of good thoughts your way!

Welcome to LadyLilly. Do you know what you are having?

I have had abdominal cramps since Saturday night. Went to hospital this morning and cervix closed and babies both fine. Need to have a good rest which is hard to do when you still have 2 weeks of work. I am 26 weeks today. Getting there...slowly...

Eeek, I'm so excited Baileys!!! Hope you're not too bored and not missing your Dh and ds too much.

Don't panic ladylily, just accept every offer of help going. Do you have any family who can help? Katy on here had a 12month age gap, plus a 5 year old, plus an 8 year old. I saw a post from her when her girls were 5 months saying they'd settled and it was all going great. I've got 18 months between my DD and my dts- its hard but not impossible.

Exciting progress, Baileys! Really hope it goes smoothly for you and that you're enjoying the rest and thank goodness for an ensuite and single room!

Welcome Lady Lilly. I'm new on here too but much earlier on than you (9 weeks tomorrow). But am already freaking out about how big I'm going to get and how much labour is going to hurt. (This will be my first time, too, yikes!) A friend's daughter recently had two kids within a year and the second labour was really quick (40mins!) she thinks because her body remembered exactly what to do from the first time!

Gardenpixies, is it usual for women expecting twins to stop work at 28 weeks? I work from home a lot so hoping that I'll be able to do some of that kind of work for a while longer, though I understand I'll be really uncomfy from about 28 weeks. Scary to think that this will be in 19 weeks time, as I'm not yet showing that much. I guess a lot of it will depend on whether I can actually reach the keyboard for the massive bump!

Hello and welcome to all the new mums to be.

baileys best of luck with everything! Hope you're not too bored and that thdbabies hold on a but longer!

Ps its claireiodena, nc for the olympics

Hallo ladies! Sorry about the radio silence but I've had my hands a bit full (you won't believe how irritating that little phrase becomes). My DH went to Wales for FOUR WEEKS when the twins were only 6 weeks old so I've had a baptism of fire! Plus I'm trying to finish my dissertation for my degree but not getting very far :O

I am still catching up on everyone's news, congratulations on the safe arrival of all the new babies and welcome to all the new moms!

I've had a serious case of baby brain as I have been searching for this thread on netmums, doh!

xxx

DreamingOfPeace Yes lots of help, plus my DH is amazing. He's had to take over pretty much completely with our DS because I can't stand up and the party planning which isn't easy to watch as I'm an Events Manager, and he isn't exactly the most organised person in the world

mandasand I was worried about that too, and not to scare you or anything but I'm massive, I keep getting asked if I'm sure it's just two in there.

I know we'll manage it's just hard to think how we'll do it, especially if they're as bad sleepers as DS.

My baby brain is so bad it's unbelievable, I went back to work briefly and just couldn't do anything, I sat at my pc one day and couldn't figure out why it wasn't working I hadn't turned it on

Am not really worried about the birth trying not to think about it too much as DS was really easy

mandasand I don't think their is a usual time. I had full intentions of lasting until 36 weeks when I thought it was a single baby. Since finding out it was twins at 12 weeks I did some research and joined Tamba and read threads about when other twin mothers go on maternity leave. It can be anytime between 28-36 weeks. I guess it depends on the type of job you have. A friend had MCDA twins in March and she finished at 30 weeks and told me that she struggled in the last two weeks. I am a childminder and my job is very physical. I have decided that finishing at 28 weeks is best for me. I also measured 33 weeks at my 25 week midwife appointment so my bump is big!

Morning one and all, first 24 hours done . Bored but feeling ok, still aching but no progression so hopefully here for the long haul. Slept bit better last night, think the tamazepam might have helped . My day is revolved around food and visiting times, at least I have the Olympics to watch

Hello, I just found out I'm going to have twins. Am numb with hysterical shock, but been referered over here!

Welcome and congratulations "Queen* :)
How far along are you and what type of twins are you having.

I am 26+1 with DCDA girls and I am expecting them anytime in October (EDD 5 November). They are my first pregnancy. The hysteria and shock will wear off but you will still get moments of awe when you think about it!

The Queen part was meant to be Queen not "Queen*!

Hello

Good luck Baileyslover Shit being in hospital but defo awesome to have the olympics. I could watch it for hours.

Well, had 12 week scan yesterday and both are still there. Am starting to allow myself to get a little bit excited now. I was really worried that something had happened. Still totally exhausted (crying on the way to work on the tube!) but getting to know my limits a bit better which is reducing the crying episodes

Hello

So sorry for radio silence, life has gotten in the way a bit! But wanted to say hello to all the new mummies-to-be and baileys, very very excited for you! Have I missed any births? If so huge congratulations xxxx

Hi there! can i join too?? Am already 29+5 but didn't know the thread existed!
am expecting boy/girl twins, my first babies. v excited /scared!

Congrats Nancy - not long to go! I have 10 month non id girls and they are brilliant! Don't be scared, it's great fun (well after the initial no-sleep period!!!)

LadyLily glad you had a good and easy birth with DS. Any tips?

I was planning on doing Active Birth Yoga and picking up my Mindfulness Meditation from a few years ago, to help keep in control of things, and this went down really well with the MW who was pushing for the MWLU. But this was before she knew it was twins (I had early scan privately as my mild symptoms suddenly dropped off) so I'll be interested to see what she says about chances of having a relatively natural labour now it's twins. Everything I've read seems to suggest epidural is really recommended, in case they need to whip you into theatre. I guess it may also depend on whether I'm classed as high risk for my prior surgery on uterus (haven't seen consultant yet).

What kind of birth plans do people have in place?

Thanks for advice on mat lease gardenpixies. I'm an academic and as I don't have an office on campus I work from home most of the week. I guess when 28 weeks comes it will be nearly Christmas, so after that I won't expect to travel into London to meet my boss much or trawl around the usual archives doing research. And the babies will prob come in Feb, rather than 5 March. I'm not telling boss until after 12+4 week scan, but it's a bit awkward as he's on holiday then for a week and a half and so it's going to be, say, 14 weeks before I tell him and then he might not see me for ages from three months after that point! He's a great guy and a real family man so I have no doubt that he'll be supportive, but it's only me and him on our research project so being pregnant, and with twins, puts a rather big spanner in the works!

Sorry for wittering on?!

Hope you're bearing up well, Baileys and welcome to the newer newbies! (I've only known I'm expecting twins for 6 days but already it feels like forever!)

Welcome to all the of the newbies :)

My id girls are 33 days old today i too found out early at around 6-7 weeks that i was pg with twins and after the initial shock worried for a long time as it seems such a long road ahead, but it does go relatively quickly especially once your consultant appointments kick in, mine were fortnightly.

I was lucky enough to have a natural delivery, as mine were both head down, i was recommended to have epidural and although i was high risk due to pre-clampsia was only offered epidural for risk that you may have to go to theatre if twin 2 doesn't move down as they should, when i spoke to aneathistist they said if i didn't have it and needed to go to theatre they would just give me a spinal block, however when getting into delivery room my consultant came and advised me to have the epidural to make the birth of the second twin more comfortable and as twin 1 came quickly it didn't have any effect but it was a good thing id had it for twin 2 as there was a lot of pulling about down below which i didn't have to feel!!!! Sorry for the essay!!!! Lol

mandasand no tips sorry, it was just a fluke that it was so quick. Was at home in bath when I felt a funny popping type feeling, assumed it was nothing got out of bath (with assistance from DH) and started getting contractions and went into active labour really quickly, arrived at hospital and was ready to push

Have a feeling it's going to be a lot more traumatic this time . am going for epidural too on instructions from Midwife.

I'm bed bound too because I can't get out and bored, the olympics can only keep me occupied for a couple of hours at a time

Just to give you hope that it doesn't have to be more traumatic, i was induced but well on my way myself dilated to 2cm so waters broken and put on drip, contractions not anymore painful total labour 3hrs 47 which is in line with previous 2 deliveries :) the only help i needed with delivery was some pulling down below as baby was back to back and came out looking upwards!!! So it can go well :)

Hello everyone. Welcome to all the newbies, sorry - too many of you to list :) Don't be afraid to ask questions, someone will know the answer!

baileys hope you aren't getting too bored in hospital, but hopefully you can keep the triplets safe where they are for another week or so.

That's me 33+2 now so end is in sight. Not sure whether to be pleased (that I'll lose the serious fluid retention and the bump which is now so massive that every stranger/shop assistant says 'oh, must be any day now') or petrified as I'm starting to worry about how I'll cope :( Not at all organised in the house - moving to a house that needs every room done up at 31 weeks with twins maybe wasn't best move. Especially when DH was away most of last 2 weeks and I am now incapable of lifting boxes or bending my knees eg to unpack boxes or paint skirting boards (been stuck on floor unable to get up more than once). And still don't have a hospital bag packed - babies have been warned they aren't allowed to appear before 37 weeks, but consultant at 32 week scan said I only had 50/50 chance of making it that far :( better get organised!

For those of you who have already had their DTs, hope life is well with you all and you are managing to get some sleep :)

mandasand I finished work at 31 weeks. Work in an office so I had originally planned on working til 38 weeks before I knew it was 2. Up until 28 weeks, I was perfectly fine but from then on I really started to suffer getting comfortable at desk for long periods, fluid retention meant my feet were huge by end of day at start but by lunchtime by 31 weeks. Couldn't get any of my work shoes on in the morning by the time I finished up. Fingers are also swollen and sore which makes typing for any length of time hard. I was really glad to finish by the end :) I think that by 29 weeks, I was measuring the same size as someone having one baby at about 38 weeks so you do get pretty big. Now measuring 42-43 weeks :)

I haven't thought about labour at all. Antenatal meeting with midwife isn't until 11 August. If they come before then I'll just have to go with natural instinct! Had been half expecting to get csection as thought placenta might get in way but it's moved and both were head down at 32 week scan so natural delivery looks likely. Have been warned that epidural is highly recommended in case of problems with DT2 as well. Just have to wait and see how they are lying at 36 week scan and find out date for induction.

Oops, sorry for the essay -should come on and update more often!

Thanks everyone,

I am still in shock, but this is 13 weeks - had no idea I was expecting as I thought I was ill. Went for some tests, then realised I was getting fatter despite throwing up for England - and yes, I'm pg.

So, my concerns are:

1. Birth - Not sure if natural is an option as not sure what kind of twins they are. Not sure I could do natural anyway, but C sectiona nd being imprisoned int he house would be potnetial for PND I think.
2. Finance and childcare - we currently pay £500/month for nursery 3 days, but I am about to go PT so thing will be even harder. No way will £500 stretch to two i think.
3. baby stuff - we have loads of stuff for one and we have one DC already. But not two!
4. Can you find out sex of babies - I think this will make it easier to plan.
5. Arguments and coping - i knwo one set of twins who argue all the time, plus they are very, um 'assertive' with other children.

Apart from that, happy days! Looking forward to the madhouse and having lovely squichy cute little ones again!!!

Oh, also - is there any way of avoiding massive stretch marks and varicose veins!? I have some vv from pg 1, but no stretch marks. i can;t use Bio oil this time as the smell makes me sick. Oh, the glamour!

nice to hear about your experience, twin2makes4 - thanks for sharing!

kazar, nice to hear your story so far too. is there any way of avoiding fluid retention? I think my mum has it and takes tablets, but that may be something to do with her kidneys not being 100%. Hmm, I don't like the idea of it being painful to type, as type is all I do all day long, arch! good luck getting baby bag organised!

So, Queen does bio oil supposedly work for stretch marks?

Don't think there is much you can do about fluid retention - some people manage to avoid it but think that is just by luck.

Some people swear by bio-oil, others say they used it and still got stretch marks. Boots, Asda and others do their own versions of oils at cheaper prices. I've been using various moisturisers, bio-oil, etc - basically whatever I could get on offer. Don't feel that the bio-oil has left my skin any more moisturised than anything else, and a few pale stretch marks have appeared in last few days. Wasn't expecting not to get some with twins though :)

Ok, from my experience so far (my dcda boys are 17 weeks today) you don't need two of everything. I have two bouncy chairs but they're both still rubbish at sitting for long, so i tend to be holding one/ feeding one/ changing one and the other is on the playmat or in the bouncer.

I have a 22 month old DD,so second pg with quite a small age gap and had about 6 small ish stretchmarks after DD. I was vast with the dts though and my stretchmarks were/are like a roadmap of Britain now, plus still some loose skin (I'm only 3lb heavier than pre-dts, I'm 5'4 and 8st8 now), boo!! I will never, ever, ever be wearing a bikini again :) . I do think stretch marks are a lot to do with your genetics and skin though- a friend with twins has none! Her first pg.

Re birth. I had a CS as i got to term (& after a hideous first induction and horrible birth consultant and I agreed I'd never be induced again) . I was up, mobile, driving by day 15, no pain (took strongee painkillers for 6 days then paracetamol regularly til day 14). I was certainly not stuck at home after the first week, though i fully agree you're not running about and back,to normal straight after. I loved mine in comparison to my first delivery, quicker recovery (but I had third degree tear and then repair first time) and if i had another child (which Dh says I'm not allowed) I'd have a CS again.

I know some lovely 7 year old twins who aren't bossy and play well together.

Erm, can't remember if there were more questions, but its all totally worth it, I love my beautiful boys so much!!! I feel lucky every day. Even after hardly any sleep, they'll coo at me, or even better, each other and it makes it all worthwhile :)

I had no fluid retention in my hands and minimal in feet. Don't know if chasing a toddler so being very active, on/.off floor with her throughout helped but i only took my engagement ring off for my CS and wedding band never came off! :) . Was bloody painful though, my issues were rib pain- which was awful, and terrible reflux/ heartburn. Ranitidine helped but didn't totally get rid of that by the end. And i got varicose veins thus time too, including super painful vulval varices . Consultant told me its the weight plus hugely increased blood volume that does that and nothing you can do about it...