Twin Birth Story: Crystal Carpenter

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Name: Crystal Carpenter

Where do you currently live?  Amarillo, TX



How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 12 weeks

Any issues during your pregnancy?  Yes, unfortunately. I was extremely sick throughout the pregnancy, to the point that I lost over 15 pounds in the first three months and I had to be on medication just to keep food and water down. I also had really bad heart burn. Then just shy of 32 weeks baby A's water leaked and I was put on hospital bedrest for two weeks until delivery at 34 weeks. I was given magnesium (it burns!) for 24 hours to stop labor and antibiotics for five days since my water had broken and babies were at risk for infection. The three of us were also monitored around the clock.

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: Probably the most memorable moment is when we found out we were having twins. At this point we had only heard one heartbeat, so when the technician asked if we had twins in the family. I thought she was just making conversation. I answered "He's a twin," pointing to my husband. She responded with, "Well, so are these!"

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  Take pictures! I was so sick and wanted nothing to do with a camera, but I do wish I had pictures to show my twins once they are older.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 34 weeks

Baby A's Information:  Lucas Troy
November 11, 2014
1:31 pm
4 lbs 8 oz

Baby B's Information:  Brianna Rita
November 11, 2014

1:33pm
4 lbs

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  Yes, we decided that a c-section would be best for all of us since Lucas had been low on fluid for two weeks and he was blocking the exit with his cute little bottom. Not to mention I hadn't moved in two weeks, I was only at a one, and had not felt any contractions.

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long?  Babies were 6 weeks early and tiny, so they were in NICU for about five weeks. It was rough. They both had weight gaining issues. Lucas had reflux issues, apnea/brady cardia, and even needed a blood transfusion. Brianna actually came home a few days before Lucas, which made life very challenging. Then about a month later, Lucas was readmitted for a week because of weight gaining issues.

Did you have any complications after delivery? My body took a long while to heal from the c-section just because resting was never an option. I was going back and forth to the hospital sometime three times a day, which meant a lot of walking.

How long did you (the parents) stay in the hospital? Three days.

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
1. My mom! She surprised me and flew in from California for the birth. Both her and my husband were a great support system for the emotional roller coaster of having babies in NICU.
2. Since I had been in the hospital two weeks I knew a lot of the staff, so I had lots of friendly faces cheering me on as I walked to and from NICU as often as I could. That was special, plus I knew my way around that floor like it was my home!
3. Clothes! I was in hospital gowns for 2 week, so I couldn't wait to wear pants (really loose pants that didnt hurt the incision)! :)

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  The first time I saw the babies was after recovery and once I had feeling in my legs again. We did the whole scrubbing down thing, then they wheeled me in and I saw these babies all hooked up to things and with tiny oxygen masks. They were sprawled out, as if they were tired of being cooped up in me and could finally spread out. I never really got big for having twins, so I was expecting much smaller babies. I was really surprised at their size. My husband, who had seen them many times by then, blurted out, "Can you believe they were in you?!"

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Make sure you have a reliable support system set up before the twins are born. My husband said to get it in writing! I did not do this and paid the price, in the form of getting shingles, the flu, and eczema, all while trying to care for twins.