Hi everyone!
I'm so happy that I've made it through another week of this pregnancy! I hit 36 weeks on Sunday and the risk of the twins needing NICU help goes down significantly every day now. They could still need some extra care, but hopefully, if they do it will just be for a short time. Full term for twins is considered 37-38 weeks.
This has been another challenging week for me as I've been in a lot of pain, not very mobile and had some pretty gnarly swelling despite my efforts to contain it. Regardless though I know what a blessing it is to have made it this far with two and I'm glad they are still cooking!
I can't believe it but this will most likely (unless something changes!) be the last pregnancy update. Right now the doctor's plan is to induce or schedule a c-section around 37 weeks if they don't come on their own next week. So I'll probably include the last bit of the pregnancy in the birth story when I have time to write it. I hope you've enjoyed following along for this crazy adventure.
Twin Pregnancy Weeks 35-36
Bump Watch…
Here's 35 weeks...
Here's 36 weeks! I'm measuring almost 40 weeks now and can't imagine the bump getting any bigger. The meansurements from the doctor show there is nearly 12 pounds of baby in there.
How I’ve Been Feeling…
When we I found out I was pregnant with twins I read a lot about how the pregnancy would be different than with a singleton pregnancy. I read so many horror stories about people being in pain, on bed rest and basically miserable. I knew I'd have struggles too, but the amount of pain I've been in, how long it's lasted and my complete inability to do much at all has taken me by surprise. It's been hard for me since I enjoy being active.
My symptoms over the past two weeks include pain in the ribs, pain all over my back and intense pressure when I stand up. I get winded walking across a room and literally have to sit down after a flight of stairs. I can't sleep comfortably and am woken up every hour by either having to go to the restroom or heartburn. I'm also super swollen. I put on 6 pounds in two days and the doctor said it was basically just water and swelling. I hadn't been eating any differently.
I had been writing that sitting in a recliner has helped, but this past week I haven't been able to sit even slightly reclined because it has been making me dizzy. So I've found I'm basically in pain no matter how I try to position myself. I'm so glad we are in the homestretch because it's been hard to actually enjoy being pregnant feeling so badly.
Again, I'm not writing this to get pity or complain but just to document or help someone down the road who may also be pregnant with twins. I know I am blessed to be pregnant with these two babies and I also know how many people are struggling to get where I am.
Doctor's Appointments...
I started twice a week non-stress tests (NST) week 35. The test involves hooking both babies up to heart monitors and also using the third monitor to check me for contractions. The tests on week 35 were pretty uneventful.
The first test for week 36 went ok but the doctors were slightly concerned about the rapid water weight gain. I was also already 2 cm dilated and 60% effaced. Since my blood pressure was still low though and I passed the NST, they sent me home.
On week 36 we also had our final appointment with the high-risk doctor. They did one last growth check and the babies are still doing good. They recommended delivering at 37 weeks at the latest if I don't go into labor on my own in the next week. The only hiccup is baby B, who is still breech, is now a half pound heavier than baby A who is head down. They said that might mean our delivery plan will need to change to a c-section which I am disappointed about. I go back to my regular doctor today for another NST and we'll talk about it and hopefully have a plan and a date today.
Highlights...
I've spent a lot of time resting so it hasn't been the most exciting two weeks. One highlight was going to dinner at the Inn on the Biltmore Estate.
Also, my nephew, Keegan was born! I know the twins and Keegan will be the best of friends. He was born a month early but came home with Mom and Dad.
Food Aversions or Cravings…
I have been hungrier than I was but most of the time I can't think of anything that actually sounds good to me to eat. It's the strangest thing and it makes it hard to figure out what to eat.
Fitness…
None at all. 🙂
Maternity Clothes…
I'm rotating through a few outfits and mainly wearing one pair of Old Navy leggings and a pair of maternity jeans. I'm so anxious to get back into my regular clothes! I miss my Lilly Pulitzer :-). It's supposed to be really cold here this weekend and I might have to be the crazy person walking around in flip flops because my feet are so swollen. Even the bigger pair of shoes I got don't fit anymore.
Nursery…
The Hubs and I finished the nursery and I'm working on the post to share it with you! Here's a sneak peek...
Gender and Names…
As far as we know they are still boys and our plan is to announce the names when they are born! We still have three names to pick from but we're pretty sure on our two favorites at this point.
That about wraps it up. I'm on pins and needles every day wondering if today is THE day. It's crazy how out of your control this whole process is. Thanks again for the continued prayers and support! I'll let you guys know as soon as I can when they come here on the blog.
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Catch Up Here
- Our Greatest Adventure
- Twin Gender Reveal Party
- The First Trimester
- Twin Pregnancy Weeks 14-18
- Twin Pregnancy Weeks 19-22
- Twin Pregnancy Weeks 23-27
- Twin Pregnancy Weeks 28-31
- Twin Pregnancy Weeks 32-34
- Second Trimester Pregnancy Essentials
- Pittsburgh Family Baby Shower
- Aviation Themed Baby Shower in Asheville
- Luau Couples Baby Shower
Sarah says
Hi Julie
I came across your blog while googling, as I am currently also 35 weeks pregnant with twin boys 🙂
It has been such a comfort to read of your pregnancy story as I can relate to it so much. I've been feeling good in general, but the aches and pains at this point hit at any time and have me buckled over.
Thanks for sharing your experience so honestly and positively.
Wishing you only continued joy from your boys!
JulieWunder says
Hi Sarah, Thanks for taking the time to leave a kind note. I wish you the best of luck and praying for a healthy delivery for you! Thank you for reading. Julie
Sally Riddle says
Hi dear Julie!!! I'm so glad I saw your latest update, so sorry that you are having such a time tho!! Please, don't hesitate about calling and talking to the nurses at your OB, they should be able to come up with some helps!! I'm so glad all this will be a memory, very soon, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, darlin!!
Ginger Shepherd says
You have done great,,,im sure its been tuff...Cant wait to see the babies
Joan says
Julie, I've been a fan of yours for a good while. I've enjoyed your blog since you started it. I hope all goes well with you, the babies and let's not forget Dad. I will be watching to read the good news that the boys are here. Good luck and prayers.
Debbie says
Prayers for a safe and easy delivery! Will not be long now, enjoyed reading about your journey.
Can't wait to see pictures of the boys!
Gloria Russell says
I have enjoyed following your journey and I am excited to read the next chapter of your life with Babies.
Blane Sherer says
Thoughts and prayers your way for you and the babies ( smile ).
You will be holding them soon ( smile ).
Nstiles says
Praying for you and a safe delivery. You will be holding those sweet babies soon!!
Anita Pounders says
Fluid retention is the pits!!! Had it myself with all 3 of my children (singles) and back then they would give you diuretics which really helped. Don't know if they do that now days or not. Best of luck to you and the boys in your delivery.
C Frost says
Sending you bunches of good thoughts! I don’t know you personally , but I always enjoyed your weather brodcasts, and I have followed your pregnancy journey with awe. You will be an awesome mom!
Debbie@debbiestyleslife.com says
You're in the home stretch, Julie! I have so enjoyed reading all of your updates and can't wait to see pics of you and your babies! I'm praying for you all! You can do this!
Luci Buckner says
Good Luck Julie, Pregnancy is an adventure. That's for sure...You've been doing an excellent job. When you see their little faces all the pain and discomfort will have been worth it. Wishing you a smooth delivery and calmness throughout the whole process. The human body is quite a magical place for making babies. Take Care and hopefully you'll be meeting your boys soon.
Cathy Pittman says
Prayers for you and your family. I have enjoyed following your pregnancy adventure. Can’t wait to meet these two beautiful baby boys... God be with you. 🙏🤗
Lisa Ballantyne says
And the excitement builds! So happy that their big debut is almost here! Prayers for the easiest possible next week or so!
Barbara Thomas says
you are lookin great prayers for a healthy delivery fun is just about to start!!
Jill says
Can't wait to see the blog that announces the birth of these two precious babies! Praying for you and for the babies and that an easy, healthy delivery will be coming very soon!
((Hugs!!))
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
I can't believe the boys will be here so soon!! Wishing a happy and healthy birth to you and the babies Julie!
Beth Ann Chiles says
I am so excited for you! It is going to be so wonderful to actually hold those sweet boys. Praying for an easy delivery and completely healthy and beautiful babies. Can't wait to welcome them with you!
Kimberly says
I am so excited for you! Sending positive vibes your way!
Joyc3 Marie Buckner ogles says
Ms. Julie, you are beautiful and I know God is going to be with you and your hubby through this birth...best wishes to you..
Heather Brown says
Oh Julie. I can't believe you are going to have babies so soon! I am very excited for you and wish you all the best! Trust the doctors but don't be afraid to push what your gut is saying. I'm not quite getting why a c-section would need to happen if he's heavier- I'm sure he's still within a good weight range to push out, unless it's the breech position they are worried about. I cannot wait to hear the good news! It's ridiculously hard being pregnant at the end with one, let alone two. I had the rib pain like crazy and pressure down below when standing. It wasn't fun at all but those precious babes are worth it and you will totally forget all the pain right after! Honestly, it's crazy how fast the symptoms go away as soon as they are born. It's like they take it all with them, ha. The nursery looks amazing. Cannot wait to see it all!