32 Weeks Pregnant with Twins at 46 – Scan Update, Swelling & Sleep

Freya Cullington

 

Start from Week 20

Weight Gain

Well, I’ve now put on 15kg – which I think is pretty normal for twins (I’ve read it’s usually between 15–18kg), but I feel absolutely huge. Mortifyingly, I now weigh more than my husband… and he’s 6ft 3!

Recent Scan

We had our 32-week scan and consultant appointment yesterday, and I definitely had one of the largest bumps in the waiting room! All seems well with the babies. Twin 1 weighed 3lb 11oz and Twin 2 3lb 15oz – not much between them at all.

This does make me wonder how on earth I’m going to tell them apart when they arrive. Twin 1 has a slightly bigger head, Twin 2 a slightly bigger tummy… so perhaps that’ll help! Otherwise, nail varnish may be involved if there are no other distinguishing features!

Swelling

Sadly, the compression stockings haven’t worked. I wore the knee-high ones a couple of times, but they caused horrendous leg cramps and my legs started swelling above them, which also made my varicose veins look worse. The consultant suggested full-length compression stockings, but in summer that doesn’t sound pleasant.

The oedema in my feet and ankles is definitely worse now. By the end of the day it becomes pitted oedema (when you press it, it stays pressed in), which is one of the things they monitor for pre-eclampsia. Thankfully, I don’t have any of the other warning signs like high blood pressure, blurred vision, or swelling in my face and hands.

I’m continuing to walk (even though it’s more of a waddle now!) as it helps circulation, and in the afternoons I try to put my feet up for a couple of hours.  In the evening I have a gentle self-care ritual which involves massaging my Simply Pregnant massage oil over my now rather large bump - I can't reach my legs so if my long suffering husband is around, I get him to do my legs!  It really helps me to relax. 

Energy & Sleep

Amazingly, I still have reasonable energy levels, but sleep has become more of a struggle. The main culprit is heartburn. I get to sleep initially lying on my left side with pillows everywhere, but after an hour I’m woken by heartburn and then spend the rest of the night trying to sleep sitting up – which is easier said than done.  

 

I can’t believe they’ll be here in just over a month… but I also can’t believe I’m going to keep growing for another four weeks! Everything feels very stretched. The consultant wants to see me again at 34 weeks for another scan, which is reassuring. At some stage they’re planning to give me steroid injections in case the babies arrive early, to help their lungs mature.

I’ll keep you posted!

 

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