Twin Pregnancy Diary - 22 Weeks

This week has been a tough one if I'm honest. For the first time I've had to come to terms with the risks in my pregnancy; I've been blissfully ignorant up until now! I always knew twins were a higher risk and when I found our that our twins shared a sac and placenta (MC/MA) I knew that the risks were going to be even greater. I had read a few things about my type of pregnancy; enough to know that they are very rare and I found a couple of Mums on forums who had had their babies early, all was well and they had two healthy, happy twins. I deliberately didn't Google anything to do with MC/MA twins because I didn't want to read to horror stories.

My hospital seemed to get their act together, better late than never. I had a scan booked and as usual went to see my consultant. As she was going over my notes we were discussing me giving birth around 37 weeks and then she spotted on my scan reports MC/MA. She then had a good look over the NICE guidelines (might be worthwhile swotting up on these if you're having twins!) and we had to discuss the risks and complications. Obviously something I need to be prepared about but I was quite happy in my state of oblivion. Nevertheless, I'm pleased I have now been referred to a specialist at our local Women's hospital and already have an appointment for this week. I now know that my twins will have to be born by c-section, at 32 weeks and will have to spend some time in neonatal. After 32 weeks the risks of cord entanglement are too high to be considered safe. I'll have steroids at 26 and 28 weeks to build the babies up ready for their early delivery and if all goes to plan at least we will be prepared. It's been an emotional week but we are carrying on with a positive attitude. Once we get past the 24 week mark I'll feel more relaxed and every week that passes will get easier as it will be a week closer to meeting our boys.

I have to get organised now as our boys will be here much earlier that we thought and chances are we will be spending time going back and to the hospital so I need to be organised with Lucas as well. I can't help but feel anxious about how he will cope with the next few months but ultimately I know we will all have to; people have done it before us and we will have to manage. We're lucky to have amazing family and friends close by so I know I have people to rely on. Aside from all this I still feel good, this pregnancy has gone smoothly and I have to take that as a good sign. The scan showed that both babies are still growing well and the little guys are both breech at the moment; I'm feeling so much wriggling and kicking! These boys are keeping us on our toes.