Twin Birth Story: Katherine

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Name: Katherine

Where do you currently live? Houston, Texas




How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 6 weeks
 
Any issues during your pregnancy? I was having contractions around 16 weeks. At almost 20 weeks I went in to see my perinatalogist and I was dilated and my cervix was really short. I was sent immediately to the hospital next door to get an emergency rescue cerclage. I was then put on home bed rest for three weeks. I continued to have contractions and was hospitalized at 23 weeks. I spent 86 days at the hospital, most of it on complete bed rest. By the Grace of God, I carried my twins to 35 weeks 2 days.

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant:  I have an identical twin sister and always wanted twins. My sister and I both knew one of us would have them. My cousin had her twins in July 2012, and I found out I was expecting twins in December 2012. We felt so blessed that God did bless us with two little miracles.

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  Everything is going to be ok. It was a very hard pregnancy but God was good through it all. He is the reason, along with my family and friends, that I was able to stay in bed for so long.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 35 weeks, 2 days

Baby A's Information: Ava Elizabeth 
July 9, 2013  
1:08pm 
5 lbs 9 oz
18 3/4 in 

Baby B's Information: Aiden Michael
July 9th, 2013
1:08pm
4 lbs
16 1/2 in

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  I had a c-section. My perinatalogist gave my OB the ok to take out my cerclage at 34 weeks, 5 days.  I was dilated to 7 cm just 3 days later. My twins were born at 35 weeks 2 days.

Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long? Ava -10 days, apnea episode and hanging out with brother.  Aiden - IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction), which is why he was only 4 lbs.  He was there for 11 days for feeding and growing.

Did you have any complications after delivery? No complications.

How long did you (the parents) stay in the hospital?  3 days postpartum, 86 days prepartum.

Did your twins stay with you or in the hospital nursery at night?  NICU

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
My faith
My family
My friends
They were my rock during my long hospital stay. I can't say it enough. Hospital bed rest is one of the hardest things I've been through. My faith is stronger because of it! 
 
Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital: The day they were both born, small but healthy. There were many times we never thought we would get to that point. We had many neonatologists speak to us about the risks of having micro-preemies at 23 weeks, then 28 weeks. After 32 weeks, they stopped coming in because we had beat the odds. It truly is a miracle!

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Relax, take it easy, and listen to your body. Enjoy every single minute. You are growing two miracles in there. :)

Katherine's Blog: Upon A Rainbow