If you’re searching for what it’s like to be pregnant at 46 with identical twins, navigating a high-risk twin pregnancy over 40, this page brings together my complete week-by-week journey.

In 2016, at the age of 46, I became pregnant for the first time — with identical (MODI) twins.

It was classed as a high-risk pregnancy due to:

My age
Previous miscarriages
The fact that identical twins share a placenta

I decided to document the journey week by week — the scans, the symptoms, the fears, the milestones and the overwhelming joy.

💛 What Does MODI Mean?

MODI (Monochorionic Diamniotic) twins share one placenta but have separate amniotic sacs. This brings additional monitoring and the potential risk of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), meaning regular scans are essential.

From 20 weeks onwards, I had scans every two weeks to monitor growth and blood flow between the twins.

My Twin Pregnancy – Week by Week

20 Week Scan

The detailed anomaly scan. Monitoring for TTTS. The moment we finally felt able to tell the world.
→ [Read Week 20 here]

22 Weeks Pregnant

Growing fast. Swelling begins. Heartburn intensifies. First proper kicks.
→ [Read Week 22 here]

24 Weeks Pregnant

Viability milestone. Hospital bag panic. Car upgrade and twin prep begins.
→ [Read Week 24 here]

26 Weeks Pregnant

Sleep disruption begins. Swelling increases. Consultant appointments become more frequent.
→ [Read Week 26 here]

28 Weeks – Third Trimester

Entering the third trimester. Compression stockings. Hormones rising. C-section discussion begins.
→ [Read Week 28 here]

32 Weeks

Rapid growth. Significant swelling. Monitoring for pre-eclampsia.
→ [Read Week 32 here]

34 Weeks

I hit the wall. Severe heartburn. Back pain. Hormones everywhere.
→ [Read Week 34 here]

35 Weeks

Steroid injections to mature the babies’ lungs. Final countdown to delivery.
→ [Read Week 35 here]

37 Weeks – Birth Story (Part 1)

Elective C-section at 37 weeks exactly. Meeting our twin girls.
→ [Read Birth Story Part 1]

37 Weeks – Birth Story (Part 2)

Recovery, breastfeeding twins and early hospital days.
→ [Read Birth Story Part 2]

Life as a 46-Year-Old Twin Mum

Exhaustion, reflux, finding confidence and the importance of twin support groups.
→ [Read Life After Birth]

What Helped Me During Pregnancy

Although I am an aromatherapist, pregnancy humbled me in many ways. I experienced:

Severe heartburn
Swelling (oedema)
Back pain
Hormonal tears
Sleep disruption

Some of the things that helped me personally:

Gentle pregnancy-safe massage oils
Daily moisturising to support stretching skin
Diffusing calming essential oils
Epsom salt baths
Raising my legs to reduce swelling
Staying hydrated

During my pregnancy, I created my Simply Pregnant blend — a very gentle citrus-based essential oil blend designed specifically with pregnancy safety in mind.

You can explore the Simply Pregnant range here → [Link to Simply Pregnant Collection]

A Final Word

Being pregnant at 46 with identical twins was the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life.

If you are:

Pregnant over 40
Expecting twins
Navigating a high-risk pregnancy
Or simply needing reassurance

You are not alone.

I hope my story offers comfort, realism and encouragement!

With love,
Freya 💛

Twin Pregnancy Over 40 – My Journey at 46 with Identical Twins