We are officially in the third trimester over here! I think the third trimester should start earlier with twins, but maybe that’s just me. I have discovered this past week though that the third trimester is going to be bringing along a lot of fun times, that’s for sure. 
28 weeks with the girls
And because I am really enjoying these comparison pictures these days, here is a side by side of 18 weeks versus 28 weeks.
Woah baby! Quite a difference, I’m sure you’d agree!
Weight Gained: Steadily gaining, I’m sure! We had a lot of good food when we went up to the Husband’s family’s cottage this past weekend! I have an appointment next Thursday so I’ll update after that. We also have a growth check ultrasound today, so I’ll let you all know soon what these baby girls are weighing in at!
Symptoms: A few were so nice to pop up this past week to “welcome” me into my 3rd trimester.
- Nausea: Oh yes, it’s back. I’ve heard rumors of the third trimester nausea, but I wanted to believe it to be false. It hasn’t been anything like the first trimester, but I have found myself a little queasy a few times over the past week. It happened first on Saturday, and I thought it might have been because I was out on the lake in a boat, but it keeps coming back.
- Decreased Hunger: So weird because last week I was STARVING. This past week though I have been eating because I have to eat, not really because I’m hungry. Then when I do eat, I tend to overeat because I forget that I am running out of room!
- Swollen Feet: This only happened on Saturday when we were driving home from Michigan. Apparently if we go for long car rides again, I need to sit in the backseat where I can keep my feet up. My feet were really swollen when we got home because I was sitting for four hours with my feet on the ground.
Movement: All day, every day! I usually don’t feel Baby Girl A as much as I do Baby Girl B, but these past few days she has been moving like crazy. I always get nervous when I don’t feel Baby A moving, but then when she does, I remember that maybe she’s trying to be nice to her mama because when she does move, it feels like she is head butting my cervix!
Food Cravings: Veggies. I didn’t get enough of them when we were gone for four days, and I have been wanting salads like crazy since we’ve been back. Also, brownies. Betty Crocker makes a mean gluten free brownie, and I snacked on them the entire time we were away. I was missing them yesterday when I wanted something sweet!
Food Aversions: Nothing really.
Sleep: No complaints this past week except for when I woke up while we were gone, my hips would be extremely sore because I’m used to our pillow top mattress! #firstworldproblems
Stretch Marks? Still none!
Miss Anything? Moving around quickly without the fear of getting contractions!
Looking forward to: My ultrasound today!
Belly Button in or out? Half in, half out!
Happy or moody most of the time? I have actually been pretty in control of my emotions this past week. I’m pretty proud of myself!
New Baby Items: I ordered their name decals (no, that is not either one of their names nor the colors I chose ) for the walls as well as this print from Etsy.
Exercise: At this point, exercise is a trip to Target or standing to wash dishes. This past weekend my legs were constantly sore from walking up and down the two flights of stairs from the cottage to the lake. So so sad.
The Birth Plan
Ever since I was younger, I always told myself I wanted to have a natural birth with no drugs. My mom had all three of us without any sort of pain relief, and I’m the kind of person who would take that route just to prove that I could do it. Apparently I’m quite a stubborn lady.
Then I got pregnant with twins.
Since the beginning of this pregnancy, I’ve been pretty open to just about anything. I told myself from the beginning that I would probably have to have a c-section (the majority of twins are born via c-section). I know that I might not necessarily have to have a c-section, but telling myself that I would probably have to have one has helped me to cope with the idea of having one.
My plan? My plan is to not have a plan.
For someone who is so Type A and always likes to have a plan, this is quite different from what I typically do. However, there are so many unknowns right now when it comes to how these girls will be born. I know that my doctor would not make me have a c-section unless it was absolutely necessary, so I’m trusting her to make the calls when the time comes. The only thing I’m going to ask is for them to delay cord clamping (if it is not an emergency birth that needs immediate removal of both of the girls) and to place them on my chest or to the Husband for their immediate testing (if they are both doing well and don’t need medical intervention).
All I want are two healthy little girls when it’s all said and done – regardless of how they get here.
Question for moms: Did you have a birth plan? Did everything go “according to plan”?
{ 90 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats to getting to the third trimester! How exciting!
can’t wait to see that belly on friday, mama!
Eeek! So excited to see you - it’s been too long!
I am just so, so thrilled for you Chelsey! Loving your updates. You are such a beautiful mama!
Can’t wait to “meet” your little girls… Almost there!
don’t fear the c-section! i had one and i thought it was amazing. i totally recommend them!
haha, actually I’m fearing more of a natural birth than the c-section these days!
That;s a great attitude! They will be perfect no matter how they get here
I like your plan! My plan was to have an epidural, but that didn’t happen because despite the fact I was in labor and major pain, I wasn’t dilating and they didn’t want the epidural to slow the labor even more. I ended up having a c-section because after hours of this there wasn’t any progression. All-in-all having a c-section was not that bad and I had two more with my other two kiddos. All were healthy and that’s what matters! Love the comparison shot…. you’re still looking beautiful!
I wasn’t too concerned with whether I had medication or not. I just wanted healthy babies and to have the process be as drama-free as possible. Both of my labors were very short. The first was about six hours and the second only three. So with the first, I had an epidural as soon as I got to the hospital, and when the baby was ready to be born, I didn’t even realize it because I couldn’t feel anything. With my second, they gave me an epidural when I got there but it didn’t work so I felt everything. I think going natural would be really hard with a long labor, but with a short labor it’s no big thing. I think with so many unknowns (how long will you be in labor, how will your labor progress, etc.) that being flexible is a great idea. But I’d recommend at least preparing yourself for a drug free birth, because if you Do end up doing that, it’s much easier when you’ve been practicing the relaxation and pain relief techniques. Good luck!
We kind of had a plan. I planned on just going with the flow. I knew I wanted an epidural and I am so glad I got it, no regrets there. I wanted to semi enjoy the process not really hate it! I said I wanted to look at the birthing tub while at hospital, but that did not happen because I did not want to leave the room. If the pain gets to be a lot try the shower - I felt great during contractions with the warm water on my lower back.
I love the comparison photos - amazing the difference with twins. You look great and congrats on making it to the 3rd trimester! You and Courtney are making me want to get pregnant again lol
I had a plan to have all three naturally. It worked out more or less. They had to use vacuum suction on the first child and I had to take oxygen with him. Otherwise, the births were completely natural and wonderful and the best days of my life. Good luck to you for a smooth and painless natural birth. The fitter you are when you start, the easier the birthing process will be. Do your squats if you are able!
LOL - I WISH I could do squats right now. Honestly though, anything but walking around my house gives me contractions (and sometimes that even gives me contractions haha!).
You look so beautiful with that adorable belly bump! I’m excited you get to have another ultrasound today. Those things always made my WEEK. Have fun!
You are SO smart not to have a set birth plan in your mind! I think often girls do and when the plan goes another way they get extremely upset or stressed and it is not good to feel that way during the special time of labor. I did not have a set plan in mind, I did want an epidural but when I went into labor I had an open mind and knew whatever would happen would be for what is best for baby and me.
I ended up going natural and yes I was scared for the pain and it was not the labor plan I wanted, but I was ok with that!
Love you and you look FAB! <3
I have SO been looking forward to reading Rocco’s birth story!!!!
I didn’t have a plan and I am glad I didn’t. My labor with Em was kind of quick for a first time mom … 5.5 hours from first contraction. This time I have NO plan other than MAKE IT to the hospital (OB thinks labor will be 2ish hours - who knows). I would love to have an epidural again because the quick labor is kind of like being hit by a bus but am preparing for a natural birth. Probably should order some books on that …. haha.
Oh man - although having a quick labor I”m sure was scary, I bet you’re glad you didn’t have to endure that for hours (or days!)
So, so happy to read this! I think birth plans are silly - sorry to those who do them but I have never heard of one going according to plan. I would rather go in with a open mind and what happens happens. I want to listen to the professionals as they know best and go from there. I would hate to go in with this grand plan of an all natural birth and have to be devastated when I am told I need a c-section.
I have the same plan as you - take it as it comes and at the end have a healthy baby in my arms
Totally with you on this one. I’m actually not even doing a birthing class. Sounds ridiculous, but I trust my body, and I know my doctors are going to do whatever it takes to keep me safe and bring in some healthy girls. I also know that even if I do go vaginally, they’ll probably want me to have an epidural just in case I have to have an emergency c-section. Whatever happens, happens!
that’s funny that you can distinguish the difference between baby a and b.. or maybe itz common for mommas preggo with twins, i don’t know, but i found that interesting!
I’m just like you ; the teacher in me ALWAYS likes to have a plan. However, ‘birth’ was one of the major things to happen in my life that I tackled WITHOUT one. I really didn’t know how to organize something that was completely foreign to me. I did my research about a few drugs that can cross over the placenta and knew I wouldn’t opt for those, but otherwise I just decided to roll with the punches!
Plus, I thought that if I was to create a birth plan and things didn’t pan out, then I’d somehow feel disappointment. A girlfriend of mine spent countless hours (and $) doing active birth classes, weeks and weeks strategizing over a birth plan…and ended up having a C-Section! You just never know. I think you’re definitely doing the right thing.
Oh you are just GLOWING mama. I am so thrilled for you guys.
I had a birth plan, and I think it went according to the plan…but I can’t really remember. Hah! Shows you what the really important part of that day was.
I don’t blame you at all! I’m such a type A personality also, that sometimes it’s better just to let go and trust that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Usually things turn out better that way anyway, because you don’t have any (unreasonably high) expectations! I’m glad that you’re still doing well! Time is going to fly!
The side-by-side pictures are so fun! Definitely quite the difference
I think the “no plan” plan is the best - all that matters is that you and the babies are healthy!
I like your go with the flow attitude! I am not even close to thinking about having children and I am already thinking give me the drugs! Child birth just seems too painful for me to do sans drugs, but I’m sure my mind will change when the time comes!
You look absolutely stunning! Seriously girl, pregnancy looks great on you!
<3
I did have a birth plan- I feel like it didn’t go according to plan but it was helpful to show the Dr. my mindset; so when things went a little off track, he knew the next step I would be comfortable taking. I recommend them for that purpose alone.
I haaaaated the swollen feet after a few long days of summer inservice! Just a little FYI- They come back a few days after pregnancy too- that is if you get an IV. It’s not bad, just super annoying since the pregnancy is over—- and mommyhood has arrived! WOOOOO!
I had a birth plan for my first baby and it went nothing like the plan. He was born via c-section. My other two were born at home. I’m glad they are not just planning a c-section for you. I hope you got a chance to read Ina May Gaskin’s guide to childbirth, it really helped give me a different perspective on birth. Lots of natural birth stories in there.
Wow look at that bump, can we even call it a bump really? You still look great and healthy of course!
I just don’t know how you Mommas do it! I cant even imagine carrying around two little babies inside me! It hurts when I eat too much and am carrying around a food baby! hahah
haha I think we can just call it a watermelon at this point.
The only real plan I had was to get an epidural and to try to make it through contraction (pre epidural) without pain meds. All that went out the window when we discovered our son was breech. I was in labor, dilated to 5. It was heartbreaking and I had a really hard time accepting that I was having a c section. Heck, he’s 4.5 months and I still have a hard time accepting it. BUT you’re so right - I’m just thankful and happy that he’s here and healthy!! I know the way he made his entrance was how God intended it.
I wanted to do things naturally also. I was in labour for 19 hours and then needed an emergency c-section. So, that did kind of “break” me a bit (read: I couldn’t stop crying!), but I think it was more of the fact of fighting contractions for 19 hours and than needing the c-section. Ya, I would have preferred to have her naturally, but she was a stubborn little one, titled her head up and would not fit out that way if she wanted to! But like you said, important thing is that she’s here and she’s healthy. That’s really all you can ask for at the end of the day!
Congrats on getting to the 3rd trimester! i think you’re really smart with your ‘non-plan’ plan. I obviously have no personal experience with it, but from what I’ve heard from other people births rarely go according to the plan anyways…things happen, and you or your doctor have to make decisions for the health of the babies that may deviate from what the mother originally wanted. Really, I think the best plan is to deliver a healthy pair of baby girls
I think you’re so smart for going with the no plan “plan”. Like you, I was very interested in an unmedicated vaginal birth. I spent months reading, educating myself, and practicing for the big day. When I found out that my little guy was still breech at 36 weeks (we knew he was breech for a long time, but expected he would turn), I was beyond disappointed. I’m thankful that I’ve had some time to prepare myself mentally for the change in plans, but wish I had given thought to c-section as an option from the beginning.
The good news is that a lot of hospitals are becoming more and more open to “natural” options during c-section. Our doctor/hospital is able to milk the cord (in place of delayed clamping, since the placenta needs to be delivered relatively quickly during surgery) and to allow skin-to-skin contact with me, even while in the OR.
Based on your priorities, you might find this video interesting (if you haven’t seen it already):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5RIcaK98Yg
I would love to see the video - can you share the link?
Here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5RIcaK98Yg
I also emailed it to you - I feel like it’s not going through on here.
I have a rough birth plan, but I’m totally cool with having to sway from it…I hear it’s quite common
I’m not pregnant and I don’t have kids but when I think about one day having them I’ve always thought I’d have this enormous plan because I’m SO type a. I think it was Emily over at Daily Garnish who wrote a post on not having a plan but focusing on having healthy babies. So many times you hear about these elaborate plans and mom’s being so disappointed when things go awry or the plan gets tossed. As long as you and your girls are happy and healthy, that’s all that matters!! P.S. You look amazing!!
Thanks Caitlin! I’m feeling pretty good too!
I cannot believe the difference 10 weeks can make, but hey, there are two hungry growing girls inside of you!
I totally am in awe of anyone who wants to have a natural birth plan. I’ve heard it’s an amazing experience, but I’m so afraid of the pain I have a feeling that when the time comes for me I’m definitely going to be opting out for the epidural!
haha! I think the hardest part would be going through all those contractions! My sister’s nurse definitely let hers wear off so by the time she had to push she could feel the entire thing (to help her along). By that time she was in her own little world though and didn’t really notice the pain if that’s possible!
Gahhh I can’t believe you’re already in the 3rd tri! You’re looking gorgeous Chels. I like your plan of not really having a plan. I went into my labor and delivery with the same mentality, and I’m so glad I did because things certainly didn’t go how I had envisioned them. I think it helped me cope with everything a lot better since I didn’t have a specific plan in place.
In the home stretch! I think it’s a good idea to just go with the flow and trust your doctor with the birth. I think you’ll know when the time comes and, also being a person with a Type A personality, I know sometimes I just have to go with the flow with things. I love the print quote!
Veggies and brownies…what a combination!
I guess they balance one another out, right? 
I’ve never had kids, but I think the plan should always be a healthy baby! I’ve heard of women feeling disappointed in themselves if they have to have a c-section, almost like they failed. Good for you for not having a plan. I know how hard that is as a fellow type-A crazy
.
My birth plan was also to not have one. Although I had hoped to avoid Pitocin and a c-section, I was open to whatever was necessary to have a healthy baby. Well…I ended up getting Pitocin AND needing a c-section, and I’m 100% okay with it. I pushed for 2 1/2 hours, but she wasn’t coming down far enough. She ended up being sunny side up. My recovery from surgery has been very easy - I was walking over a mile at a time about four days later, and now almost three weeks later, I can easily make it four miles. I’m excited to start running again!
It’s such a great mindset to be open because so much is unknown, especially with a first birth and twins. Love the updates
Oh man, I hope I have that easy of a recovery! I heard the more you move around, the easier it is!
That belly! I love your plan of not having a plan. I don’t have kids and am not close to getting ready to have them but after hearing about how stressed women can become when things don’t go according to plan I think being able to go with the flow is great. Those growing girls are probably loving all the veggies now. Sorry your feeling nauseous again
Holy moly you look great! I didn’t have a plan and I think that was the way to go. I had done my research on EVERYTHING, so that made me less anxious and more willing to put it in natures/ God’s hands. I think as long as you are prepared than a ‘plan’ isn’t necessary! Good Luck!
Thanks Heather! I never feel that big until I actually look at pictures - ha!
I don’t really have a plan either-my desire is to go natural, simply because I want to. I want to experience it/feel it, but I also want what is best for the baby & for me if something needs to change/happen. But I am going to do hypnobirthing, and all that jazz & see what happens! Keeping an open mind with a wish/desire in place is my way to go! That way I’m not toooo disappointed if I don’t get what I want.
Love your bumpppppppp!
I like the way you think!
Thank you for sharing that! I am SO glad to know I’m not the only pregnant girl without a birth plan! I get anxious when I think too much about delivery so my thoughts have been…our bodies know how to do this, and if that doesn’t work out, the doctor sure has a good idea! We had our first childbirth class last night through our hospital and the teacher said “the best way to be disappointed about your labor experience is to go in with only one plan”. I thought it was great advice and it really made me feel better about NOT trying to plan this out!
Absolutely! I’m actually not even doing a birthing class - lol. Maybe that’s crazy of me, but I can kind of feel that I’m going to end up with a c-section anyway!
So excited for you and those growing girls!!! I was the SAME way with my idea of a birth plan. I was full-on for a drug-free, natural childbirth (I was actually seeing a midwife instead of an OBGYN and was planning on birthing in a birthing center….i didn’t find out I was preggers with TWINS until I was 4 months along…..and, of course, everything changed). In the end I had an emergency c-section, but I think I was much more prepared (mentally) because ever since I found out there were TWO babies in me, I started prepping myself for the idea of surgery. No matter what happens - the goal is for them to get here and be healthy & happy and that’s all that matters. I think your “birth plan” (or lack, thereof) is EXACTLY the kind of mentality you need! Good job on the baby-baking, momma!! Keep up the good work!
Oh & one more thing (to mentally prepare for)….
IF you end up having your girls early (which is pretty common for twins) and they end up in the NICU, you should prepare yourself for the fact that NO ONE will tell you how they are!!! I guess its a liability thing, or maybe it was just at my hospital. My girls were born at 32 weeks and had to be whisked right to the NICU. They ended up being 100% fine, but needed help breathing (totally normal with 32 week preemies, and not too alarming with our technology today). I kept freaking out, asking every doctor and nurse possible if they were okay and what was going on and everyone was just all, “I don’t know - I’ll try to find out” when what I WANTED to hear is, “they’re totally fine - this is just standard procedure.”
I wish I had mentally prepared myself for that ahead of time, because I was a nervous wreck on the operating table (and later recovery room - where I had to be for an hour before they let me see the girls in the NICU), thinking of every “worst case” scenario when the little girls were fine the whole time.
GAAAAH! That would drive me absolutely batty. I’ve also prepped myself with the possibility that these little ladies might have some NICU time - I think it’ll help me if they do have to go there. Did your husband go up with them? Did they not tell him anything else either???
That’s funny - we had discussed ahead of time that I absolutely wanted my husband to go with the babies. But then when it was *really* happening, the staff never asked if he wanted to go so he just ended up staying, but I am SO SO SO glad he did! I was in shock of everything & really needed him there to keep me calm. But, no - no one told him anything either.
That’s true - thankfully my mom will be there with us since she is so close. That way she can stay with me and John can go with the girls if they need to be whisked away.
I wrote down some requests for my medical team (delayed cord clamping, skin to skin immediately, let dad cut the cord, etc) but mostly it was just for them to know my wishes. Obvs my #1 priority was to have a healthy baby and mama.
Good luck either way it goes. No matter what it’ll be a life changing day!
I didn’t really have a strict plan. But I wanted to deliver vaginally and with an epidural. And I had also hoped that I would actually go in to labor, vs. being induced.
Well, guess what. I had to be induced a week after my due date. And I had to have an emergency c-section. So clearly things didn’t go as planned. But it’s OK. She was healthy and really the C-section wasn’t NEARLY as bad as I had expected. The recovery was much easier than I thought it would be!
You’ve definitely popped…and it couldn’t be cuter! You seem so genuinely happy! I think your plan of NOT having a plan is the way to go. Fellow Type A-er here…when I have a plan and it gets messed up, I don’t deal as well as If I never had a plan to start with. I think it’s smart to just take it as it comes, listen to the professionals, and listen to your body.
I have a friend who just had her twin boys at 27.5 weeks. Her water broke while at the lake with her family on the 4th. While it was definitely WAY earlier than anyone wanted, momma and the babies are doing well….all things considered. So…even though that’s not what you want, know that it can be done, and all can be ok!
But…keep holding em in as long as possible!!
Yikes - that is the third set of twins I have heard of in the last three weeks being born super early. One set came at 29.5 weeks, another at 25.5 weeks, and now at 27.5. I do have to say though, I do feel better knowing I’ve made it to almost 29 weeks. I keep thinking in terms of two week increments. Right now my goal is 30 weeks. Then it’ll be 32 weeks. Then hopefully 34 and 36! We’ll see how that one goes.
I’ll definitely say prayers for your friend’s babies!
Thanks for the prayers! It is scary, but I must say, I think you take much better care of yourself than my friend did. I’m not sure she rested enough. I think you (and those baby girls) will be just fine!
Wowww what a difference in those pictures! You’re getting so close.
Mmm brownies. Oh my goodness I wish I could ship you the vegan gluten free brownies from the bakery where I work - you would seriously love them!
Look at you! Congrats on welcoming not one, but two baby girls! Can’t wait to read about your journey
I’m a nurse & I’ve seen plenty of deliveries. I’ve never actually understood the point of a birth plan because a birth cannot be planned. You just don’t how it’s gonna go. So when I was pregnant I had no plan. I ended up agreeing to an epidural & actually ended up having an emergency csection.
Just wanted to add that by nature I am a total planner & the fact that you cannot plan or control a birth really freaked me out. I live in Southern California & around here being pregnant with twins is an automatic csection, at least in a hospital. You would have to birth at home or in a birthing center to avoid that. (On a side note a baby in breech position is also an automatic csection in a hospital setting). Don’t fear a csection, it does take time to recover physically but it’s not so bad & I was still able to get fit & get a flat tummy back again pretty quickly.
so so so true! I love getting the “medical” perspective!
Still looking fabulous! Can’t believe they’ll be here sooner rather than later!
I think having no plan is a really good way to go. I’m totally Type A, but I also would hate planning it all out and then not having things go my way.
Fun!! I am just one week ahead of you! You look gorgeous!
Ahhhh your belly definitely popped these past 10 weeks! Adorable. I think that’s great that you aren’t setting a particular plan with the twins, there are so many more variable that with one baby! We had a plan going into our birth and I would say it was followed 90% of the way. The 10% that wasn’t part of the plan was necessary so I wen with it. An open mind and great team is key!
I personally say go in with the mindset that you want natural, but aren’t closed to an epidural or a c section if needed. I planned on natural with my daughter and opted for an epidural right away after feeling what contractions really felt like. After 11 hours of labor they turned it off so I could push for the next THREE hours natural in various positions, a third degree episiotomy, 18 stitches 3 layers deep and after all that without pain meds I knew I could handle natural. I had my son natural and after experiencing both, I know without a doubt any future births will happen all natural.
Yiiiiiiikes. 3 layers of stitches? Ouch.
Yep. The nurse didn’t check and my daughter was face up and was then stuck in the birth canal and was born with a huge bruise on her head and lost and inch in height hours after and they didn’t even use suction or anything. She has a bruise that wasn’t completely gone until she was 4 months old. I felt the 20 something shots she gave me, but I was numb for the stitches (which healed perfectly, but took almost 3 months before hubs and I could spend “quality” time together) I just enjoyed being able to move around and walk to the bathroom after. With the epidural I couldn’t feel my leg and had a bad pinch in my back from the needle for 6 months after she was born. Oh the surprises birth brings haha.
Poor you and poor baby girl! That happened to an acquaintance of ours - except he kept hitting the pelvic bone and she had to end up getting a c section. So she had to heal doubly!
I didn’t have a birthing plan. Because I was delivering a baby with a heart defect, I was hooked up to too many things to be able to move around at all to deal with the contractions. I intended to see how things went, and I did request an epidural. I had an adverse reaction, so while the pain relief was wonderful, I’m not sure if I would want to have one again (or if I would even be able to have one). I say keeping an open mind is the best way to go into a delivery!
You look great!
Good for you! My birth plan didn’t go according to plan at all, but guess what? It was still the most amazing, perfect experience of my life because it ended with me meeting my son. I know you’ll feel the same way too <3
Given the fact that I pass out at the sight of blood and cry like a baby whenever I bump my toe or shin on something, I always figured I had a fairly low tolerance for pain. Therefore, when I got pregnant with my daughter I assumed I would get an epidural as soon as possible after I went into labor. Fast forward to the day she was born, I didn’t actually realize I was in labor until I was already 7 cm dilated and by the time I got to the hospital, I was ready to start pushing. No time for epidural! And thank goodness, because it was so much different than I expected and definitely something I was able to do without any pain medication. Your body is a remarkable thing and we women were made to have babies. With all that being said, it’s good you don’t have a birth plan because it will more than likely not go as you had anticipated. As long as you come out of it with two healthy little girls, it doesn’t matter the road they took in order to get here.
Good luck with everything. You’re a beautiful little pregnant lady!
I have 14 month old twin girls…let me tell you, it is AMAZING!!! I just found your blog today and am enjoying it! You are going to have So. Much. Fun. with this new adventure! They are so great. A true blessing. Oh, I was also going to tell you that I have had three C-sections and they aren’t so bad. And also at 32 weeks with the girls I measured 53 weeks!!! Can you imagine??? They will be here soon and I am so very excited for you both! Prayers coming your way!
53 WEEKS/!?!??!?!?!? Holy crap. I measured myself yesterday and I was measuring 37 weeks. So I grew “3 weeks” in just one! Yikes!
I just read the earlier comments and your questions about the NICU. I had the girls at 36 weeks and Hannah was in the NICU immediately until the next morning. My husband went with Hannah to the NICU right away and was able to bond with her. Hope was fine and I got to see her right away and the only thing that was kind of weird was getting used to Hope’s little face and bonding with her and then they wheeled in Hannah and I had to start all over, I was thinking “who’s kid is this one?” maybe it was the morphine or something….but all in all it was a perfect experience. Now you can tell that Hannah is definitely “Daddy’s Girl” and Hopie loves her mama! If your girls happen to be in the NICU for a few days (my oldest, now 9, was in for 9 days…) just think of it as time for you to recover and that they are getting the best care possible. NICU nurses are usually the best and most experienced and have seen it all! You are amazing for making it this far and still able to blog with a positive attitude! And also remember that 36 weeks is usually considered full-term with Twivas!!
That’s hard if one is in the NICU and one isn’t. I’m glad that your husband was able to go be with Hannah. I have a few high school friends who are NICU nurses, and I respect them so so much. It’s such a hard job, but they continuously love onthose babies!
You are seriously too cute. I love comparison pictures too. It is crazy to see how quickly our bellies grow in 9 months.
With our twins I knew I didn’t want a C-Section. Everyone told me to prepare myself for one just in case. But I kept saying no I won’t need one I just know it. I had amazing vaginal births with my first two girls and wanted to same experience this time. Even though Baby B was transverse we went for it and she was delivered breech. It was an amazing delivery. So, don’t count out vaginal it is always possible if you really want it. Talk to your doctor and let them know how you feel.
Preparing yourself for the NICU is a great idea. But nothing can truly prepare you for it. I think when you get to see your babies depends on how much help they need after birth. Our girls were breathing on their own and didn’t need too much, so I actually got to hold them for about 5 min. Then we went to the NICU a couple hours later; after I was done recovering.
29 weeks is a great milestone, you are so close!!
That’s so good that you were able to spend some time with them before they were whisked away. I think it’s probably so much harder on you because you have two little ones at home too so I can imagine you’re feeling guilty for not being with them (you shouldn’t!). Since these two are my first, I’m hoping that might ease the pain a little bit, but you’re right - no one can get you ready for that NICU!
I think you have a great attitude towards your delivery plan. I’m also super type A but I think my focus through the entire third trimester was to just keep the babies in as long as possible, so I worried less than I probably typically would about how they would come out. Baby A never did move from his breech position (and I never wondered if he had moved as he would remind me with daily kicks to my cervix, ha!) and baby B was transverse so I had a c-section at 38 weeks. Honestly, it was not bad at all and both babies were born healthy - and like you said, that’s ALL that matters!!! Good luck to you in this last trimester!
Thanks for the encouraging words Jenna!
I loved what you said about the birth plan. I had my first two natural. First one no drugs period. Second one just pain meds. Now with the twins I keep having to remind myself it probably won’t be the same and possibly going to be needing a C-section. Which I really don’t want but I need to be prepared for anything.