From 2 plus 1 to 5

The news is, Bek is being induced on Tuesday. An ultrasound last Thursday showed that the babies both look healthy, but aren't growing enough. Estimated weights were 2.1 and 2.3 kg at 35.5 weeks. This means their placentas probably aren't working properly anymore, and they've well and truly run out of room, so it's wiser to bring them out now.

It's been a very mixed pregnancy, with us both extremely happy to be having children, to Bek being extremely sick and uncomfortable the whole time. The twin pregnancy has been fairly horrible, from hyperemesis (non-stop vomiting all day every day), pelvic pain to the point of not being able to walk much, overheating (!), even the babies' movements hurting because there is so little room, very itchy skin, sore back, fatigue, swollen feet, carpal tunnel syndrome, and the list could go on. But all this ends in two days, and the reason for it all makes every last pain and discomfort worth it:

Psalm 92:4 'For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;

at the works of your hands I sing for joy.'

33 weeks

Flotsam and Jetsam are now almost 33 weeks. We had yet another morphology ultrasound on Wednesday and both are weighing in well at 1.8 kg each. Bek is measuring at 39 weeks, however, and feels like an elephant. Both babies are moving like crazy, and little elbows, bottoms and feet make alien-like bumps and movements beneath the skin, but it means we know they're still doing okay in there. We met our midwife this week, who has a lot of experience delivering twins and was able to go over the details of how this labour and birth will differ from a single baby delivery. Our bags are packed, we have bought the last few big items we need (baby bath, high chair etc), and the car seats are being fitted today. So we're hoping they stay in there for a few more weeks, and should have a double announcement for everyone within the next 5 weeks...

Carrying Two

It seems it doesn't matter how many times you vomit, you just don't get used to it. Now almost 29 weeks, the hyperemesis hasn't stopped and I spent another morning spewing. I can't complain too much though, as the new anti-nausea tablets I'm on stop me from vomiting all day and have kept me out of hospital the last 2 months.

Despite a fairly unpleasant pregnancy, I've never felt more content. What an amazing thing to be able to carry a baby, and to be given two at once!! Now we're in the last bit of waiting - our babies will arrive (or be 'extracted') within the next 9 weeks. Still no sign of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which is unlikely with two placentas anyway, so all is looking good for them. I've put on 13 kgs so far, and feel very heavy from all the belly, but thankfully most of that weight is baby and placenta.

They're very active babies, keeping me awake many nights. It's freakish but fun to see their movements from the outside, although sometimes I wouldn't be surprised to see an Alien limb burst out...