RANT

[2plus2more]

So I had my 32 week appointment at the hospital today and when I was greeted by the midwife her first words to me were... "32 weeks now - just a couple more to go then." I responded by saying that I was hoping to get to 37 weeks (as I'm sure most twin mothers are hoping and as 40% do infact manage) and her response was "well you'll be doing very well to get that far".

I then saw the consultant whose first words were "so - 32 weeks - probably just 1 more appointment then!" Again I stated my hope to reach 37 weeks and her response was not particularly encouraging smirk while saying "well - I hope you have obedient babies then!"

I should point out that I have already carried 2 singleton babies to full term, I have low bp and no other underlying health issues. All my scans and checks show that everything is going well with no concerns at all. My latest cervical scan also showed absolutely no indication of early labour at all.

Where is the positive thinking???? I am not being unrealistic, but I am being positive and everyone else just seems so negative.

In addition to this we discovered today that Twin 1 is breech. This is a definite improvement on being transverse at my last appointment and, as discussed with the consultant midwife, does not negate the possibility of a natural birth. The consultant however stated clearly that unless baby moved it would mean a section - as if there was no other option. Again - where is the positive thinking????

Sorry - feeling really rough today and was so disappointed by the way I was spoken to this morning. Rant over.

hi 2plus2more, your RANT made me laugh, sorry it just brought back lots of memories. I too had 2 singleton babies (boys 8lbs and 8lbs8ozs) followed by my beautiful identical twin boys at 38 weeks (7lbs and 7lbs10ozs). Mine were born head first then a breech. You are lucky, low blood pressure (like me) and no health issues. Let all their negativity go in one ear and out the other. Your babies will come when they're ready - remember you'll grow enormously this last few weeks - i was induced at 38 weeks because I was huge and could hardly walk or breathe! Good luck 2plus2more, what a lot of fun you have coming. Twins are an amazing experience, hard work but an absolute blessing.

good for you for feeling that you can do it!
i felt the same as you, constantly being told that they would come early-they didnt, 39+1
i would feel so uncomfortable i would be begging to be induced-i didnt, it wasnt the hell the doctors made me think it would be!
Also i think if you feel happy and healthy your strong self beleif goes a long way, my midwifes always supported what i wanted in terms of a natural birth etc just the consultants seemed to be desperate to induce me because of "hospital protocol" and i think were surprised when me and dp would question and challenge what they wanted us to happily go along with.
I will happily share my positive thinking with you!

Thank you!!! Just what I needed to hear!

I had mine induced at 38 + 2 so I don't see that you're being unrealistic at all.

Mine were 35 weekers induced because one stopped growing. But equally I know another who had full term (I think) 7-8 lbers with no problems.

You are right - lots get to "full term" - lots don't - but the expectation that none will is very much medicalising a situation that is not warranted. Watch and wait - sure - but don't presuppose.

Good luck - and I hope yours hang in there and you get a really good birth.

hang in there! i got to just over 40weeks before they beat me down to an induction. very healthy twins, both huge 8lbers and you're right, keep positive, keep asking questions. if they push you for an induction, instead request every second day monitoring from your midwife, thats what i got for refusing an induction from 37wks. good luck

And if you have them naturally everyone and his dog will assume you had a section! which really irritates me. Sorry you're getting such an attitude from all fronts but hold steady, it can be done. I put off induction 3 times and then went into labour 4 days before my due date.
I must say though, that if Twin1 is breech I was told section too, Twin2 is manageable and I guess I can see why. And my consultant was v.v.supportive of natural birth.

You are a star
2 normal births should mean a nice straightforward twin breech birth at a t least 37 weeks or more
galaxy

I understand that it must seem overwhelmingly negative when you're on the receiving end, but from their point of view, maybe they're trying to stop you feeling like a failure if you do deliver before full-term.

If you prepare for early delivery, and then go full-term, you'll feel really happy. But the way around, you could feel that you'd "failed" the twins and yourself, or something. It does happen. Or someone, a relative, perhaps, could tell you that you had. For example, I wouldn't be surprised if your midwife has had to pick up the pieces of a distressed new mother who'd just been told that her twins wouldn't have been premature if she taken the lift more/not drunk coca cola/whatever.

I feel your pain. It's an added stress that you really don't want.

ditto Galaxy. Also, I've had several clients go to 40 weeks and they refused inductions and 1 client got to 41 weeks.

Just hold your ground, smile at the doctors and continue to grow your babies.

(congratulations... a double blessing. My double blessing are now 6.5yo)

Thanks! Actually had a really positive appointment today! Consultant (different one from last time) basically said he hoped to see me at least 1 if not 2 more times (I'm now 34 weeks and due in every 2 weeks!). The whole appointment was much more positive - even down to a bit of support for a vaginal breech delivery - woohoo!!!!

Good news!