Submitted by Jenna in Texas (read more about Jenna by visiting her site, Newlyweds)
Each birth story is very unique and I thought I would share the story of the birth of my twin boys. On Tuesday November 20, 2007- I was 34 weeks along and went to the doctor for my weekly appointment. To check weight (a whopping 198lbs), blood pressure, measure the babies, etc. My blood pressure was extremely high and I was so very swollen, I was admitted to the hospital immediately. I was feeling so so so very bad and worn out, I was partly happy for the fact that I would be able to rest some. (little did I know) Immediately they hooked me up to a monitor that checked for contractions, and both babies heartbeats, so three monitors on my huge belly. Unknown to me I have having contractions, but couldn’t feel them.
Once I was on bed rest for a few hours my BP (blood Pressure) lowered a lot, so I was moved to a regular room in the maternity ward for strict observation I had to keep the monitors on my belly, the IV and the BP cuff, and do a 24 hour urine test (to be sure I wasn’t spilling protein in my urine a sign of pre-eclampsia) and was strictly informed that I would not be leaving, so I was preparing for a long time at the hospital up to 3 weeks, at least.
My Husband was not very eager to help me go to the bathroom every single hour that night, but I just couldn’t do it by myself with all the monitors and cords, it was very tricky.
Then on Wednesday November 21, 2007- I was feeling much better, but still uncomfortable from babies, I was able to be unhooked from all the monitors, and the IV and was a happier patient. I got to rest a lot and I was settling in for the long haul. My friends brought me books, magazine, and things to do while on bed rest.
The next day Thursday November 22, 2007- Thanksgiving Day, the morning went by uneventfully, but at lunch during my hourly pee stop I noticed I had passed my mucus plug. But I wasn’t very concerned because I have heard of women passing them weeks before delivery. I mentioned it to my husband before he left for Thanksgiving at my parents house, he was bringing me a plate back. About 1 hour later I started to notice a heaviness feeling, more than normal, and almost like bad menstrual cramps. This went on for a few more hours. My husband came back with the Thanksgiving lunch and I ate and it was so good. Luckily I did because I would need the strength.
Around 5 pm the contractions were getting worse and my husband insisted that I tell the nurses, but I didn’t because I knew if I told them they would hook me to all the monitors and force me to lay on my back and the only position that felt good was for me to sit and lean forward and move around while having contractions. Besides I was already at the hospital they were checking my blood pressure every 4 hours and I didn’t want to be stuck in a bed until I got my Epidural.
When this picture was taken I was really feeling the contractions, I think my husband was feeling sorry for me, ha.
I had some family and friends come visit but I wasn’t much up for visiting because I was in full labor. Around 8 pm I finally told the nurse I was in labor, and she checked me and I was dilated to 7 cm. They immediately hooked me up to all the monitors and got me an epidural and moved me to Labor and Delivery.
After the epidural I was very relaxed and I slept on and off until around 11:30pm. I felt lots of pressure and I was fully dilated and Little H was engaged in the birth canal. They moved me to the Operating room, as a precaution that they do with all twin births.
I started pushing around 11:45 at first I remember telling the doctor I didn’t know if I was pushing or not, so they back off of the epidural a little so I could feel more of what I was doing, surprisingly enough that’s what I needed. As I was pushing laying on my back my heartburn was so bad I got my husband to give me some tums. I pushed and pushed almost a full hour until Little H was born at 12:45 am.
He was so tiny and crying and I remember thinking he is so little. But it was very evident that he was completely healthy and had no complications. What’s also funny is the second I had Little H my heartburn was completely gone. As Little W moved down the pressure was off my stomach and I had instant relief.
Then I waited for about 10 minutes and with 1 big push out came Little W at 12:55 am, and he was loud and so red. The redness came from him getting more blood when Little H was born and he was still attached to the umbilical cord for about 10 more minutes. He stayed red for a few weeks and then the color slowly disappeared.
The doctors and nurses checked them out and they were so healthy, I thanked the Lord. As they brought them to us and took our picture I remember thinking am I smiling? I was almost in a state of shock. I couldn’t believe it was over, and they were in my arms. Look how swollen I was and look how tiny they were.
Born at 35 weeks
Little H 4lbs. 13 oz 17 inches 12:45 am
Little W 4lbs. 15oz 18 inches 12: 55 am
They wrapped the babies up and let my husband take them to the window to show the grandparents. Look at that proud daddy.
I had them early Friday morning and we were all released from the hospital Sunday morning.
Childbirth and pregnancy was the single hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life, but also the greatest most rewarding experience of my life.
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What a wonderful twin birth story! The pictures are great - you’ve captured the amazing moments! All the best to you and your new family!
Kim - Raising Twins’s last blog post..Twins -The Big Debut
I’m a huge fan of Jenna’s blog and I really enjoyed reading her birth story!
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I love birth stories. No two stories are alike. That picture of your husband and the twins is adorable!
Great birth story! I had identical twin boys at 36 weeks. Thanks for sharing….you all look happy and healthy!
This is such a fantastic story! I’m so happy your children were born safely.
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