Page 2 | Anyone else pregnant with twins - or more? Or anyone who has twins - or more - who wants to hold our hands...

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Original poster

GettingBiggerBird · 06/11/2008 15:07

PBH and Anjlix I really feel for you with the tough decisions about delivery with MCDA twins - I thought mine were MCDA for just a week and got myself totally freaked out about TTTS and deciding when to have them. The Tamba website/chat forums are a wealth of information but some people may find that more frightening than reassuring. You've done so well to get to where you are so calmly. I would love mine to be born around your date PBH, just far enough ahead of Christmas.

MM sorry about your rash and hope it goes soon. Could you try a few drops of lavendar oil or hypercal tincture (homeopathic - hypericum and calendula) in your bath? It can help for allergies or irritations.

Barbarella you must even more hormones than me and I'm a wreck, I'm sure they're the culprits.

OP posts:

Nellstar · 06/11/2008 15:39

PBH I too am pregnant with MCDA twins (boys) and am terrified about TTTS. Had DS1 at home in water at dot on 40 weeks so a planned c-sec is an odd feeling, but just want to get them out safely. My consultant is talking about 34-36 weeks, 37 weeks if they can but they are nervous of it, and they'll judge at the 32 week scan. Plus we're trying to find somewhere to live (in a 1st floor 2 bed flat) so feeling all a bit stressed. I can totally understand the relief you feel now a date has been set. I feel enormous already and I'm only 25 weeks! The consultant said in 30 years time they may have more evidence that suggests it's ok to go for longer, but right now, despite being very pro natural birth, she is urging me to have a c-sec. Am now more than happy to comply for their safety. Really good luck to you.

Frangipani74 · 06/11/2008 20:03

Teasleepfood: Boy / girl twins born 5th Dec 07
PazzaPlusTwo: twin girls born April 28th 2008 - Anais and Carmen
Neenztwinz: twins born May 6 2008, Esther and Theo
Accessorizequeen: twins born Sept 27, Felix and Bridget - East Yorkshire
Merrymarigold: non id twins (girl and boy) born 22 Oct, Jude and Mirissa - Forest Gate, East London
Frangipani74: Due 29th Nov 2008
jennyroper: id girl twins due dec 15th - New Zealand (but am proudly British)
Anjlix: id twin girls due 24 dec (37 weeks) - London, booked at St Thomas.
GBB: b/g twins due Dec 25 - Hackney, London
PBH: twin girls due 9 Jan 2009
MEL2005: twins due(40w)10th jan 2009, Norfolk
Pheonixnights:Non ID twins due 17th Jan
Ewemoo: id twins due end Jan 08
Tallulahbelle: twins due Jan 08
Nellstar: id twins due 18 Feb 2009 (well, that's 40 weeks)
Balamorybaby: twins due 11th March - East Sussex
BinkyB: non ID twins due 7th April - SW London
Barbarella: triplets due 9th April 2009
Swerve: twins due 28 May 2009

Hi, just adding myself to the list, just over 3wks till due date, but it's really feeling like they might make an appearance any day. Feeling very excited, but a little daunted.

boschwife · 06/11/2008 20:22

Hi there, I had twin boys on the 12th May 2008 would like to join your thread.

TALLULAHBELLE · 06/11/2008 20:32

MM - I've got the itchy bump thing going on & the skin often looks 'rashy' but I assume it will go as soon as babies are born. Did last time. Haven't heard of it post-birth. I have piriton too but get most relief from rubbing on aqueous cream with menthol, is very cooling, much better than calomine. Might be worth trying.

PBH Glad you have an end in sight & it has put your mind at rest. I am hoping that they will tell what they have in mind for me next appt @ 32 weeks. Surely by then there's some idea?! Though I don't have wory of TTTS thankfully so can go with the flow a bit more, I guess.

anjlix 'a minority in your own body' lol that made me . Even more true for you Barbarella

1stMrsF · 06/11/2008 21:36

Hello

I'd like to join your club please? I am 13 weeks with first pregnancy and had first scan today which revealed non-identical twins! Total surprise as despite my mother going on about twins in the family, I didn't really think it would happen to me... Still in shock and reading very fast to make up for my complete lack of any knowledge about twins.

Teasleepfood: Boy / girl twins born 5th Dec 07
PazzaPlusTwo: twin girls born April 28th 2008 - Anais and Carmen
Neenztwinz: twins born May 6 2008, Esther and Theo
Accessorizequeen: twins born Sept 27, Felix and Bridget - East Yorkshire
Merrymarigold: non id twins (girl and boy) born 22 Oct, Jude and Mirissa - Forest Gate, East London
Frangipani74: Due 29th Nov 2008
jennyroper: id girl twins due dec 15th - New Zealand (but am proudly British)
Anjlix: id twin girls due 24 dec (37 weeks) - London, booked at St Thomas.
GBB: b/g twins due Dec 25 - Hackney, London
PBH: twin girls due 9 Jan 2009
MEL2005: twins due(40w)10th jan 2009, Norfolk
Pheonixnights:Non ID twins due 17th Jan
Ewemoo: id twins due end Jan 08
Tallulahbelle: twins due Jan 08
Nellstar: id twins due 18 Feb 2009 (well, that's 40 weeks)
Balamorybaby: twins due 11th March - East Sussex
BinkyB: non ID twins due 7th April - SW London
Barbarella: triplets due 9th April 2009
1stMrsF: non ID twins due 14th May - Surrey
Swerve: twins due 28 May 2009

accessorizequeen · 06/11/2008 22:10

Wow, Frangipani, only 3 weeks (or less...) to go, how're you feeling?

1stMrsF, you must be feeling completely overwhelmed! I felt that enough with the 3rd pg, can't imagine it first time round. Will take some time for it to sink in (well, it did me).

Welcome to everyone joining (gosh, this has done the trick hasn't it GBB?). I have yet to get to the 3 twins clubs near me so nice to have one online!

teasleepfood · 07/11/2008 08:17

Frangipani.Crikey, 3 weeks to go! I remember feeling like a whale and in the last week being so grateful that I had a c-section date. 'Just take them out!!' (DD was twin 1 and breech).
I know there is lots of talk of the disappointment of c-sections but I think going into it knowing that is what was to happen made the whole experience great. Went inot hospital at 7.30; down to theatre with DH at 8.30; chat and a laugh with the anaesthetists; babies born at 9.30 and 9.31. Hooray! Despite not being able to feel a thing from the armpits down and a team of docs and anaesthetists around I felt very calm and strangely in control.
Just thought I'd be a bit positive with lots of you due soon.
Great thread BTW

Original poster

GettingBiggerBird · 07/11/2008 09:31

AQ - yes, got a bit more than I bargained for! Nice to see so many going through the same things though.

Frangipani, I was kind of expecting to be the next one due on the old thread (we haven't heard from Jenny for a while) but now you've pipped me to the post! I have in my head that they will come early so really interesting to see how you get on over the next few weeks. Are you uncomfortable? Sleeping? I had 3 hours of insomnia last night, so boring.

Welcome to everyone else and hope those of you who've just found out you're having twins aren't panicking too much! I am really excited now, looking forward to the babies finally being here.

OP posts:

Frangipani74 · 07/11/2008 11:03

Thanks for all the messages, yep feeling like a whale, have perfected the waddle, swinging between nervousness and calmer moments, and frantically nesting! My back is just about holding up to the challenge, although I sometimes get stuck on the floor and can't get up.

GBB, I'm thinking I'm probably next to pop, but you never know with twins, someone else might beat me to it. Poor you not sleeping, I've been having same problem for majority of pregnancy - visits to the loo, back pains, hunger, anxiety, and the heart burn gets worse and worse. Moan moan...sorry. Although in the last week I've managed to sleep quite well.

I've been listening to Natal Hypnotherapy CD, this helps me to be positive and calm, and if I put it on a bed time I'm usually asleep before I even get halfway through.

teasleepfood I've always been keen to have a natural birth, but am trying to prepare myself for the possibility of c section. I can see the attraction of having everything booked in with no surprises. My twins are both head down, one head engaged, and both a decent size so if things stay as they are I can have vaginal delivery. My main reason for not wanting c section is that I have a very chunky 2 yr old that is always asking to be picked up, things will change enough for him, if I can't pick him up for 6wks I think we'd both find that hard.

Congrats to all the twin mummies and to expectant twin mummies - it's good to have others to call on for support.

Frangipani74 · 07/11/2008 12:06

accessorizequeen (didn't want to clog up nappies thread with twins chat)

So 6wks in, tell me how is it going? Are you finding time to enjoy being a twin mummy, or are you just swept along in a whirlwind of feeding, washing and no sleep? How on earth do you actually find time to get on MN with 4 children under 5?

anjlix · 07/11/2008 12:23

1stMrsF My welcome to you too.

Frangipani74 congrats on making it so far. I don't feel like a beached whale yet but when I do I will know that the end is near.

poorbuthappy I don't have signs of TTTS yet at 30w + 2d. Consultant says to wait till the 35 week scan and if the Fetal Medicine Center guy says anything is unusual then he can take it to the pediatricians at St. Thomas's for c-sec sooner than 37 weeks. Apparently the pediatricians need to give a go ahead for scheduled sections since they have to pick up your babies. So many conflicting things...He also says that Kypros at FMC is a bit conservative and not main stream.

My gut says it will be 36w + 1d. But my gut has not been doing too well lately.

Thanks for all you well wishes GBB

BinkyB · 07/11/2008 13:16

I'm only 18 weeks so my hospital notes still have me on a 40 week EDD for my twins - am I right in thinking that they'll revise that after my 20 wk scan?

This is my first go at pregnancy so am a bit clueless generally, never mind with twinnage

Original poster

GettingBiggerBird · 07/11/2008 13:38

Anjlix maybe you'll be lucky and escape whaledom completely - I on the other hand have felt like one for a couple of weeks already, and there's still room for growth .

Binky my EDD has never been revised, still the 40 weeks they had at the beginning. TBH, I'd rather not have an earlier date imprinted on my brain so I am not disappointed if I go over, as I did with DD.

Twin mums, can you remember when/if you had a hormone plummet after your babies were born? With DD it happened at about 6 weeks for me, felt really low and actually got sick too. I'm wondering if it could be worse with the extra twin hormones. Not wanting to pre-empt it, of course ...

OP posts:

accessorizequeen · 07/11/2008 13:42

Waiting with anticipation to see who the next one is to drop!
Frangipani, did post on the other thread, too tired to interpret correctly. MN is therapy for a few minutes a day so I sneak on most days!The dt's and ds2 are both napping upstairs so I think I'll have one too. I'm v.lucky my dad paid for a p/t nanny for six months and that's what's making it more copable. I am struggling with the lack of sleep a lot, I end up crying at 4am because I've been up since 1 and only had 2 hours and that's all I'll be getting for the rest of the night. I know it will pass and otherwise the dt's are much easier than I thought it would be really. Being a 3rd time mum probably helps with that I would think. DS1 is at school and ds2 at nursery 2 days so I only have the dt's to deal with much of the time. But still, it's hard work, at 6 weeks I still don't have any sort of routine going which may help me but don't have time to even think about it.

1stMrsF · 07/11/2008 17:28

Thank you for the welcome everyone.

accessorizequeen you are right, completely overwhelmed does just about cover it at the moment, I can't really get my head around it, as it was difficult enough getting my head around being pg at all!

Still, I'm feeling so much better having found you all - also found a mum expecting twins around the same time as me on another forum so plenty of people to talk to, which is great. A very good friend of mine has twins (my god children) who are just coming up to two, so she has lots of advice and more importantly equipment she can pass on

My very first worries were that I'd have to have a c-section and not be able to breastfeed but some reading on here today has made me realise that whilst I'm going to have to be flexible, c-section isn't a given and giving breastfeeding a good go is more than possible. That's very reassuring.

Thought I was feeling better yesterday but it must have been the adrenaline - very sick today and mostly only eating twix bars...

MerryMarigold · 07/11/2008 17:47

GBB, my sleep was rubbish was for weeks and weeks. I was generally sleeping 45mins to 1hr at at time and usually up 3-4hrs per night.

Tallulah, I had the rash you describe beforehand. This rash I have now is totally different, more like an allergy rash (I get them a few times a year, so I know what they are), but usually they leave after a couple of days with a good dose of piriton. This one is VERY PERSISTENT!

I am loving being a 'twin mum'. It seems weird to think of myself with that 'label', but so far have had a lot of help plus newborn babies just sleep and eat plus all my friends have been cooking for me, so I've had an easy time of it. I anticipate January time it may all catch up with me!

Ds is loving his babies too, which is great. Hope it doesn't wear off.

So GBB, not long to go for you either. Are they head down? Mine went head down at 36 weeks, but was too late, and I was too prepared for my cs to change it all at the last minute.

Original poster

GettingBiggerBird · 08/11/2008 14:28

MM sounds like it's all very lovely at yours, how heartening. Twin 1 was head down at my last scan, finally, and I think the boy may be too now, so hopefully it will allow me to go for a vaginal delivery. Having a few crampy feelings today in my uterus - definitely nothing to get excited about but it's reminded me of what's to come . Off to a hectic party where I will have to find a corner to hide in...

OP posts:

Frangipani74 · 10/11/2008 11:41

All quiet on the expectant mum's front? GBB, Anjlix, Jennyroper no news?
A week ago I had regular braxton hics - every 5/10mins for about 2hrs, along with a dull aching period pain like feeling and thought this is it, but then all has gone very quiet. Was half hoping they'd arrive, but really I'm grateful that they're staying put, 37wks + 2 and pretty chuffed about that.

outinthesticksmummy · 10/11/2008 13:16

hello

Wondering if i'll be able to keep up with any thread i join??? tried when i was pregnant to no avail - so sorry in advance

I have non id twin girls born 4th july @ 38 +1 natural delivery Twin 1 head down, twin 2 delivered breech. Ventouse and forceps. 6lb 3oz and 5lb 3oz They are now 18 wks old, haven't posted very much since they've been born as twin 1 had undiagnosed TGA - transposition of the great vessels - her two main heart arteries were the wromg way round - she had her first surgery at 12 hrs old and her major arterial switch op at 1 week old. Twin 2 was delivered breech and was flat when she was born, had to be resusitated and was in special care for 4 days (both twins in differant hospitals). We all got home together after 3 wks - much to my 3 yr old DD'd delight. All seems well

Would love to a normal twin mum now if i may, hope i can keep up with all the goings on.

xx

anjlix · 10/11/2008 13:17

Hi Frangi and every one else. Late monday start. I had trouble sleeping all night last night. Had this weird pelvic pain all night. Finally in the morning I gave in and had a paracetamol. Slept till noon. Still quite groggy.

Anyone else had any experience with this type of pain so far. I am 30w + 5d. This is only the second time I have felt this way. Basically it is no fun turning in bed or standing up. And if you are sleepless it is quite bad.

Ordered some yarn online to knit stuff and 10 days later it is not still not here. Mighty annoyed. I mean what was the point of it all. On the plus side the cotbed arrives today. I am going to try co-bedding or divide the bed with safababy sleeper. If that does not work then one them sleeps in my dresser drawer! just kidding.

Although some one I know actually did it. Took a giant drawer out of the dresser and put it on a large table for the first few months...

mel2005 · 10/11/2008 14:43

hi outinthesticsmummy, welcome. it sounds like you had a terrible time but i am glad they are both well now. it must have been stressful having them in different hospitals.
dont worry about keeping up, this one is slower than the other twin thread.

Frangipani74 · 10/11/2008 15:05

outinthesticksmummy you really have had a tough time, hope you've had some family or friends to support you. So how are you finding it now being mummy to 4month old twins?

anjlix I've had a little pelvis pain, I put it down to the hormones that start to swim around your body helping all the muscles and ligaments stretch - particularly in the pelvis area to make room for your little bundles of joy to grow. Although my pains were fairly mild. Turning over at night has become fairly uncomfortable though as I find my back goes quite stiff. See the midwife if you're at all worried about the pains.
Knitting, I wish I had a project on the go, I don't think I have the energy or concentration required to start anything new. What are you planning to knit?

outinthesticksmummy · 10/11/2008 21:12

Glad this is a slower pace, i'm in with a fighting chance.

How am i finding life with 4 mth twins??? its great as long as they are healthy and can follow a routine!!! at the mo, they are poorly - coughs chest infections etc and are not doing things in synch which is a killer!! Generally i'm finding it easier than i thought, they are good babies who sleep well, and are very used to noise (have a 3yr old) disruption and waiting!!!

Just trying to list loads of stuff they have outgrown on ebay - am determined to sell as i go along, so i'm not tempted to try again for another next time i get broody!!!

good luck to all

twinmam · 10/11/2008 22:34

Wow - thanks for all the welcomes It's really nice to find people who understand!! Of course, having the time to come back on and reply isn't easy as we all know but it's great to think of you all out there experiencing the same things I did or am. All you pregnant ladies, I well remember how uncomfortable it was, you poor things... I had my girls at only 34 weeks due to Pre-eclampsia and cholestasis but even by then I felt fit to burst. Outinthestixmummy, I was really sympathising with your story about your babies' birth. My girls were in NICU for 24 hours then scbu for 2 weeks before we got them home but at least they were in the same hospital. That must have been so traumatic for you and I'm so glad for you that your babies are doing well now - well done you!
Gettingbigger bird - my girls are non ID (despite many passersby trying to tell me they are ID and yet to us they look completely different)! What not to do? Hmmm - am tempted to say don't have twins ... seriously, I think the best thing you can do is not put pressure on yourself. Every day you manage to get through is an achievement. I don't want to scare you or be negative - it IS bloody hard work and it's difficult I think for non twin parents to understand just how hard it is (things like popping to the shops for milk become an expedition) BUT having my girls has been the most wonderful and incredible experience of my life. Just love your babies (despite the times when you sometimes don't like them very much) and be kind to yourself and you can't go far wrong! Good luck!