Update: 26.01.19 - Oops, its been a while

This post is a general update on my pregnancy and life. #twins #twinmum #twinlife #twinpregnancy #pregnancy #pregnancyblog #pregnantblogger #twingirls

So yeah, a wee update may be a little overdue.. I'm now 27 weeks pregnant, approaching the last week of work before my maternity leave starts. Our unborn daughters are doing fine - growth scans indicate that while one baby is slightly smaller at the moment, they are both well within normal parameters with no signs of any issues. I'm also doing well - no problems except for the continuing PGP, although that has been made bearable after a trip to the physiotherapist, plus a change of duties and hours at work. Of course, I still worry about things, and get the usual ailments that most pregnant women suffer from like constipation (Fybogel drinks are a must!), the first signs of hemorrhoids (straight in there with the Preparation H to keep that from becoming an issue and within a couple of days, I've found a massive difference) and lots of cramps and bloating (probably mostly related to the above and the fact that my diet is terrible! I'm currently nibbling at some raisins as a healthier alternative to my usual snacks in the hopes of helping my bowels a little!).

Although I have quite a neat, little bump for 27 weeks into a twin pregnancy, I am certainly piling on the pounds sufficiently - from my lowest weight during pregnancy when I had lost 7lbs from morning sickness until now, I have put on a total of 22lbs. It sounds like A LOT to me, especially when the girls were weighing in at roughly 1.5lbs each at their last scan - where on earth is the other 19lbs?! Apart from a bit on my bum and a good bit on my boobs, I've not really got much bigger elsewhere, which is lovely, of course! But with roughly 10-11 weeks to go until the docs will want to induce me, that could change. Having said that, I struggle to change my eating habits and to cut down on the crisps and chocolate - although I do try to make sure there is a bit of balance in there with some fruit and veg too. Must do better... Although, on checking my weight gain against what is expected during a twin pregnancy, I'm apparently right on track. Still, healthier food should allow me to keep continuing to gain but give me and the babies some better nutrients for these final weeks. I'll try...

"Final weeks". Yikes, it doesn't feel like long to go now, especially when twin pregnancies are said to average at 35-37 weeks (depending on what source you look at - I wish they would agree!). And I know the risk of having them earlier is always there. Which is why I can't wait to get on maternity leave so I can focus on getting everything ready. My husband is in a mad panic to get the house finished now, scared that he won't have it all done in time for any early arrivals! We haven't got much more to go before we can get started on the nursery which will be great. We have our colour scheme picked out, and just need to paint, put up curtains and lay a new floor before we can get the furniture and accessories in. I'm hoping to be able to make a start on it as soon as I'm finished with work. Although, as everyone keeps reminding me, I also need to make sure to rest up plenty too!

Things have been really hectic since the new year with the house, work and family stuff. One of the soon-to-be grandmothers, my husband's stepmother, is terminally ill with cancer and a couple of weeks ago, we thought we were going to lose her. She ended up in critical care and given 24 hours to live. But this woman is the biggest fighter I have ever known and was not about to throw in the towel. Just over a week later and she was back at home, and she looked healthier than me when we saw her last night! Although it breaks our hearts to know that eventually she won't be able to fight it any longer and we will have to say our goodbyes, knowing that she is determined to be able to meet her grand-daughters means the world to my hubby and me. We love that woman so much, even though she has only been in our lives a few short years, and we want to able to introduce her to our little girls. I just wish we had a hope of her being there to watch them grow up and to help shape them, because she is the kind of person I want to have as a role model to my children.

In other, more cheerful news, one of my pregnant friends finally gave birth just after the new year. She and her husband chose not to find out the sex, and I was sure it was going to be a boy, but instead they have a beautiful little girl. I got to have cuddles with her last weekend and she is absolutely perfect. It made me all the more eager to meet my own little girls. My other pregnant friend who I have been sharing this journey with a lot due to us only been 5 weeks apart in our due dates and close friends to boot, has had no end of issues during her pregnancy. I think it will be a relief for her when baby arrives and she can hopefully recover a little strength. I do wish I could something to ease her discomfort.

Like me, that friend has chosen to have an elective cesarean. We have different medical reasons, but both enough for the doctors not to argue about it. My own obstetrician, who I was prepared to battle with over it as he has always focused on a vaginal birth in conversation previously, was absolutely fine when I slipped into conversation that the hubby and I would prefer a c-section. He explained the reasons that a planned c-section isn't always viable in certain situations, but was perfectly happy with it being our preference in the circumstances allow. I must admit, it was a massive relief, as I truly thought that I was going to have to fight for it given that the NHS pushes women towards vaginal birth and complains about c-section rates being too high.

So, thats all the news at the moment. One week of work left. 28 week check-up with the midwife next week. Another scan at 30 weeks. A planned c-section. And a nursery to decorate before anyone is allowed to make an appearance! Wish me luck...

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MATERNITY LEAVE TO DO LIST:

(don't worry, the hubby will be doing lots of this and I'll be doing my bits in small chunks)

• Deep clean of kitchen, including fridge, microwave, oven, sink, units and cupboards.

• Deep clean of bathroom

• Finish emptying soon-to-be nursery

• Deep clean of nursery while empty - all furniture and accessories to be cleaned as soon as they go in.

• Paint the nursery and lay new flooring

• Paint the 2nd hand cot-bed we have with non-toxic paint (preferably before new mattress arrives).

• Repaint and adapt chest of drawers into a changing table and drawers for nursery

• Deep clean of all floors

• Wash all baby clothes, blankets and my own clothes I'll be wearing for nursing (non-bio, sensitive washing powder and softener to be used).

• Decorate the nursery with finishing touches and accessories

• Organise baby clothes, bathing supplies and nappies.

• Sort all the new baby stuff that is due to be delivered - sterilise, store and use accordingly.

• Disinfect the 2nd hand travel system (Bugaboo Donkey - love it!)

• Wash all new bedding and air new mattresses.

• Start batch cooking home-made meals and stocking up cupboards and freezer so we won't have to cook for first few weeks!

• Ensure we have plenty of nappies and bathing products

• Ensure we have plenty of cleaning supplies, toilet paper and such like so we can avoid shopping/deliveries for first weeks.

• Make sign for door advising people of the penalty of death to anyone who rings bell and wakes the babies!

• Check through baby clothes and decide if any last minute additions needed

• Ensure all baby equipment is set up and ready to use

• Set up Isofix bases in the car and make sure we are familiar with fitting car seats.#

• Choose babies' first and coming home outfits (pick one of each in both preemie and newborn sizes just incase).

• Pack hospital bags for me, babies and hubby - make list of any last minute additions required like mobile phone chargers so hubby can add easily.

• Finish birth plan and ensure it is in hospital bag along with all medical information - make sure hubby is 100% sure of my medical history, my preferences and anything he may be asked or need to decide.

• RELAX!!!