This is going to be the last pregnancy update for these twins! Can you believe it? I sure can’t. I am entering my 37th week of this pregnancy and my OB doesn’t want me going longer than a week from now. So, we are at the end of this series and the beginning of a new one when the twins make their arrival:)
Thank you all for sharing in this crazy and exciting journey with me!
Twin Pregnancy at 36 Weeks
Genders and Names: Boy/Girl, Di/Di Fraternal Twins named Oliver and Annabelle:) You can read more about the reasons behind their names and pictures of the big surprise in our Gender Reveal.
Here is a picture of our sweet little Oliver:)
Weight Gain: I am headed into my 37th week now and from my appointments all throughout the week, I have gained around 33 pounds total with my weight staying pretty steady at this point. I think that 33 pounds will be the number for this pregnancy:)
Labor Signs: At my most recent check-up, I was started to dilate at around 2 cm and was effaced 60%. Little Annabelle was also sitting at a -1 station, which is pretty engaged. My midwife says that based on the condition of my cervix, I could pretty much go into labor at any time.
Sleep: Is non-existent at this point… it’s really hard to get comfortable and I wake up like clock work every day at 5:30 am.
Food Cravings: Getting all of my sweet and dessert fixes in these last few weeks/days:)
Food Aversions: Eating at this point is done for health reasons, not because I am in the mood to do so. I have to stay away from large meals because there just isn’t room in there!
Symptoms: I’m just really pregnant at this point… no new symptoms besides the fact that I don’t think I can stretch much more outward than I am right now.
Clothing: Anything that doesn’t make me feel too hot or too big is what I go for. The Arizona heat is a NIGHTMARE when you’re pregnant, so finding appropriate summer maternity clothing for the 100+ weather is a must.
Exciting Moments: We switched doctors this week. I wasn’t going to accept that I had to deliver by c-section just because of our little baby A is breech. So, thankfully, we went to see a doctor that came highly recommended for delivering high risk babies, breech babies, and multiples. The first appointment with him gave me a huge amount of relief because he has so much experience and knowledge in this area. He was not phased by the position of the babies, gave alternative options for the risks/if something were to go wrong, and is very prepared for any and all situations. Attempting a double breech vaginal delivery of twins is something pretty unheard of these days, especially in the hospital where I am delivering. But, with all that I’ve read and learned from my new OB, I am now ready to give birth to these babies knowing that I have done everything I can to try for a vaginal deliver and natural labor process (If you haven’t read why I believe women should have a choice in labor, click here).
Belly update: Last belly update:) I’ll post a final one on Instagram before/during labor, so make sure you follow Motherhood and Merlot on there.
Thoughts from this past week:
- I am so thankful that even when we might not know what’s going on, God already has a plan in place. The way things worked out with finding this new doctor was really crazy but perfect and I could not be more thankful.
- This is my last week of pregnancy! Everything is ready to go, my hospital bag is packed, we have found the best double jogging stroller and now we are just hanging out waiting for labor:) I think that by this weekend we will have two new additions to our family!
*Here’s to getting to meet our beautiful babies soon*
I am thankful you found a new doctor because you deserve every right to labor and give birth how you want. I applaud you on this and will pray for you and your babies – this is so exciting!
Amee recently posted…Healthy Egg Muffins – 21 Day Fix
I am really thankful that we found him. It is a blessing and a big relief on my part, believe it or not;) I appreciate all of the prayers!
Wishing you the very best of luck for a smooth, quick and healthy delivery of your babies. My little guy is 15 weeks today. He’d been breech until 3 days before I was induced…but due to his heart rate decreasing during contractions, I had a c-section and it turned out he had moved transverse. I was very much against a c-section but now that it’s done and over with, it wasn’t bad at all and I have my perfect little man.
Michelle recently posted…Foodie: Movie Night Popcorn Three Ways
Thank you so much! I am glad you have a healthy little guy:)
Yaaaaaay, we’re all ready here too. Team NC BABIES.
Alyssa recently posted…Take Your Toddler To Target in 50 Steps
Yay!
How wonderful you look for carrying twins. Good luck and what a blessing. Two wonderful gifts soon you will be holding.
Thank you! We are ready for their arrival:)
Wahoo!!! I am so excited for you! I am glad that you found a new doctor that makes you feel more comfortable about delivery. You’re in the home stretch now! Anytime!!I cannot wait to see the pictures of these beautiful new additions to your family!
ashley recently posted…Not the Lemonade Stands!
I am SO happy that you found a new doctor! I know you were having so much anxiety about the pressure to have a c-section… I can almost hear the relief in this post from you. I cant wait to see the update with you holding those sweet babies!! I can’t believe its already time!
Lauren recently posted…Summer Sips: Mango Pineapple Cocktail
I felt relieved as I was writing it! 🙂 Thank you for all of your support and sweet words!
How wonderful that you were able to find a doctor that you’re comfortable with…that is a HUGE deal and can make all the difference in the world. Thankfully you won’t have to endure much more of that awesome AZ heat as you are almost to the finish line. Our last AZ bundle of joy was a May baby, and even though that was several years go I vividly remember how grateful I was to not have to be pregnant all summer. Can’t wait to see pictures of your two newest blessings!
Rebekah Hamblen recently posted…10 Tips for Exclusively Pumping Moms!
I was pregnant all through the summer with my last daughter since she was born in early October. It was NOT a pleasant experience. I am really thankful not to have to do that again.
i love reading your post and seeing your weekly picture updates. Enjoy every second and try to stay in the moment for the wonderful days ahead, the time goes by so quickly.
Non existent sleep…I remember it well. Wishing you a beautiful birth Joanna!!! XOXOXO
sara recently posted…A Typical Mom and Her Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
You look amazing! Good luck. Here’s hoping for a smooth birth.
kathryn recently posted…Camping with Kids – Essential Packing List
Thank you:) I’m hoping for the same thing haha.
Go you for not being pressured into a C section! You look amaaaazing!!!
Claire recently posted…Fried Ice Cream
Aww thank you!
I am so happy for you that you found a doctor who aligns with your beliefs about delivery. I can’t believe you are so close to giving birth! I feel like you just announced you were pregnant a few weeks ago. Wishing you all the best with everything and a smooth delivery. Looking forward to “meeting” Annabelle & Oliver soon 🙂
Bev recently posted…Black Cat Dog Designs: An Interview with Bev Levreault
🙂 Thank you so much for your sweet words and support. I am ready to meet these babies too!
Joanna I am so in awe of you and the little lives you’re creating. I know it can’t be easy with two babies in one belly. I’m glad you found a new dr that will help you have the best delivery possible. You and your beautiful family are in my prayers.
Can’t wait to “meet” these kiddos!
Julie @ Girl on the Move recently posted…Lessons from a RunStreak & Chris D’Elia
OMG they are almost here! I am so excited for you and your growing family! Sending healthy and happy vibes your way to happy, healthy and natural delivery of your beautiful twins.
Jeannine recently posted…Homemade Iced Tea
[…] you have been following our twin pregnancy updates and all the pregnancy posts I have done, then you will already know that I was willing to do pretty […]