Heartbeats!

The week went by and we went from sheer happiness to sheer panic and back to happiness over and over. We're learning to stay off the internet-at least for twin research! It can be a scary place. We have scoured the articles about twins and learned lots about the different types of twins. We have identical twins, which are monochorionic (meaning they share a placenta). Then, they will either be diamniotic or monoamniotic. If they are mo-di, they share a placenta but have their own amniotic sacs. If they are mo-mo, they share both the placenta and the amniotic sac. Mo-mo twins are much higher risk, and much, much more unusual. Mo-di is still high risk, but a better scenario for the babies, as they would each have their own "swimming pool". So, after researching, we have learned that through an ultrasound, a thin membrane can be seen between the babies, indicating that there are two amniotic sacs.

This can usually be seen between weeks 8-12, but has been also found later in pregnancy, too. (23+ weeks!) We were hopeful that we would spot ours at the ultrasound, but our doctor said it's still too early for it to be seen. Not to worry though, it could show up in the next week or two.

This ultrasound was incredible. We were anxious about "vanishing twin syndrome" and any other complications that might have occurred within the week. Then, a huge sigh of relief came. There they were, measuring almost exactly the same size (baby A-8.5 mm and baby B-8.6mm) and the ratios of bodies to yolk sacs looked great, too. He said they were right on target for this stage of development. Then, we were able to HEAR their heartbeats. I truly cannot describe the amount of joy and relief felt when we heard those strong beats. Baby A measured 127 bpm and Baby B measured 130 bpm. Our doctor said they were right within the range he liked to see at this point. He could clearly see that there were two separate babies (a good sign) and said that everything else looked like it was progressing along great.

He is sending us to a perinatalogist (maternal fetal specialist) and we will also start seeing my OB.

Both appointments are Thursday, March 31st, when I'll be a little over 8 weeks along. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and keep your fingers crossed for us to find that dividing membrane!

I am feeling great, and enjoying every moment of pregnancy. I am certainly feeling symptoms, but I actually welcome them, as they remind me that I'm pregnant! Fatigue has been the largest symptom lately. I am completely exhausted by 7:30-8:00 at night! Growing two babies is hard work! And I couldn't imagine doing it any other way.