A look back on my first trimester where I recap all the ups & downs of my first pregnancy (with Twins)! I also answer some of my reader’s questions from Instagram.
In case you’ve been avoiding social media, or are new around here, my husband and I announced that we are expecting a few weeks ago!
I thought it would be fun to share a recap of my first trimester with some questions that you guys asked mixed in, not because I think you all will find this especially interesting or anything, but I want to be able to look back and remember all the details, the good and the bad (if pregnancy brain is any indication of what mom brain will be like…I will not be remembering much lol). Also, while we were trying to get pregnant and before the word was out I loved reading other’s posts because it made me feel that I wasn’t alone in whatever I was going through!
How did you find out you were pregnant and how did you tell your husband?
It was a late Sunday night and we had just gotten home from a small group. I had a package of cheap amazon pregnancy tests (I totally recommend these by the way!) waiting for me on the door step. I randomly decided, “hey I might as well try one of these out tonight, I have like 50.” I truly wasn’t expecting anything to show up, but there it was a faint second line! Of course I knew what this meant, but I was also hesitant because it was not the first positive I had gotten before(see next question). I decided to test again the next day. The next evening I thankfully got home before Todd, and took another of the cheap tests and I had an even darker line. Then I took a more expensive test and had a super strong line! At that point I decided I would tell Todd as soon as he got home! When he got home I simply asked him, “does this shirt make me look pregnant!?” and showed him the tests!
The day I took the first test I was only 3 weeks and 1 day….and I got a strong line on a cheap test (the cheaper tests usually aren’t as sensitive). This should have been my first clue that it was twins, but at the time I was totally clueless that this was a thing!
I also wanted to share that this month I had a unique experience one day while I was taking a bath. God just suddenly impressed on me to pray for the life that was growing inside of me. At that point I had not taken any pregnancy tests and I felt sort of silly, but I prayed anyway. That was a wow God moment for sure.
Was this pregnancy planned or a surprise?
Totally planned. We had been feeling the itch to start a family for quite some time. We paid off all debt, bought a house, had stable jobs, and gotten the chance to travel quite a bit in our almost 4 years of marriage. In July we went to Africa and knew we would start trying to grow our family after the Zika wait was up. (It’s recommended you wait at least 3 months after traveling to a location that has zika). It took us five months to get pregnant. And those five months felt like an eternity. I share this number because when we were trying I wanted to know that not everyone in the world got pregnant right away. It was comforting to know that I was not alone. My heart goes out to everyone that struggles with infertility, as I can not imagine what going through that for years feels like. The first month we tried resulted in a chemical pregnancy. I had one positive pregnancy test and then it went no further. While this was heartbreaking at the time, it also told me that I could get pregnant, my body was just probably not in the correct health to maintain a pregnancy because of coming off of the pill. I did a ton of research and worked on eating a healthy diet as well as many other tips and tricks that are out there to “detox” my body and level out my hormones. If you think you are in the same boat, please don’t be afraid to reach out to me in a private message. I will gladly share more detail about what I did. Also, the podcast Get Pregnant Naturally was a big help to me.
How far along are you right now and are you showing yet?
I am 15 weeks and a few days when this post is coming out, so I am just out of the first trimester! And yes I am definitely showing but it’s hide-able if I wear looser clothing. I do not fit into my jeans anymore and prefer my longer and looser shirts. I think this is due to the fact that I am pregnant with twins though, supposedly my belly will always be about a month ahead of a singleton pregnancy.
How did you find out it was twins? Did you have any idea beforehand that it could be multiples?
I found out it was twins at my 8 week ultrasound (first appointment). I was absolutely shocked and found out all alone (Todd was not able to come because of Covid restrictions)! It’s actually funny because after finding out it was twins I honestly don’t remember much more of my appointment.
I definitely had the symptoms of twins: early positive pregnancy test, early morning sickness (started in week 5), strong cramping (started the day after I found out I was pregnant). However, I literally NEVER EVER even considered the idea! It’s my first pregnancy so I truly had nothing to compare it to. Supposedly my symptoms could be “doubled” but I have no clue what a singleton pregnancy would feel like so I’ll just have to wait and compare in the future, Lord willingly!
Do Twins run in your families? What type of twins are they?
Nope! No twins in the family. They are di/di twins which mean that they live in their own houses and have their own food source. This most likely means I ovulated two eggs, which would make them fraternal twins. However, there is a chance that the egg could have split early on and could be identical. We can rule out identical if they are boy/girl, otherwise we will have to wait until they are here to know for sure (and even then some people still aren’t sure and get their kids DNA tested).
How have you felt & have you had any morning sickness? Any cravings? aversions?
I feel 100 times better now! The worst weeks were 7-9, however I had all day sickness from halfway through week 5 all the way to beginning of week 13. Occasionally I might feel nauseous, but it was nothing like before. The thing that helped me the most was laying down. I spent so much time laying on the couch. The other thing that would keep nausea at bay, especially in the morning was eating. I ate a lot of carbs and tried to work in whatever I could that had protein. I mainly craved sweets, fruits, and vanilla coke, but my cravings truly changed just about every day. Definitely had aversions, I couldn’t even look at a green smoothie, didn’t want vegetables or salads, and some meats were a no go too. Also, smells were the worst. Dog poop, dishes, raw meat, opening the fridge…all were super gag worthy. Sometimes even just walking in a room with a different smell got me. The first time I knew I had a super nose was when I could smell the coffee at our church event two floors down. I am thankful for a husband that gladly took care of ALL the housework and food during this time. I’m talking, he even filled up my water bottle for me.
Also, I’m so thankful I was able to work from home during this time due to Covid. Literally the last day I went into work was the last day I felt good. God’s timing is seriously amazing! I was thankfully able to make it through without taking a medication, however if I would have had to go to work I would have definitely been taking something!
I also was super tired and not just tired but I was soooo unmotivated. As a 3 on the enneagram that was so unlike me! (Hence, no blogging). I usually love to read, and hardly read anything. I pretty much just slept, took warm baths, and binge watched netflix.
The other main symptom I had was cramping. Starting from when I found out I was pregnant till probably week 6 or 7, I had mild cramps most of the day. It wasn’t super painful though, the best way to explain it was that I was super aware of my abdomen.
Will you be finding out the genders? If so do you have any guesses or preferences?
Yes! We will find out the genders here in about a month and I am seriously so excited! I have been all over the board with predictions. At first I thought two girls, then I had a dream that we were having one of each, and then as of late both Todd and I have had multiple dreams that it’s two boys. So now I truly have no clue what to think! As far as a preference I have none! I’m excited for the possibility of any combo!
What fears or concerns do you have with it being twins?
Oh man is this a good questions! I seriously feel so much unknown with twins. The latest twins go is 38 weeks however 35/36 weeks is the average. However, it is not odd to hear about twins coming at 24 weeks. So my main fear/concern is that they will come super early and we won’t be prepared/they will be in the NICU for a long time.
Also, I would prefer not to give birth to one twin naturally and one by c-section. I would rather it be one or the other so I don’t have two different recoveries at the same time. I also am more concerned about pregnancy conditions because you have an increased risk for most things with multiples (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, etc.)
As far as once they get here, I am concerned about successfully breastfeeding, which is my plan/wish. Also, I am obviously a bit nervous about handling two babies at one time. Especially when it comes to taking them places by myself.
Overall though I know God has it all figured out and with his help and guidance, Todd and I can get through any challenge that comes our way.
Will you have to have a c-section because of twins?
Not necessarily, but it’s definitely a possibility. It truly depends on the positions of the twins! However, it is strongly recommended to have a hospital birth with twins, as well as getting an epidural (in case you have to go into an emergency c-section). All of which I had planned to do with one baby, but were extra confirmed when I found out it was twins.
What are your First Trimester must haves?
Snacks…all the snacks. Always having a snack with me is a must. A few faves: natural valley protein bars, goldfish, sparkling grape juice (to switch it up from water!), nuts, bagels, cereal, greek yogurt, peanut butter filled pretzels.
Peppermint oil was my bff when nauseous. Just sniff it to help all the nasty smells go away!
I have really been loving these prenatal vitamins because the taste is citrusy which isn’t nasty to me. Also they have folate which I prefer over folic acid!
Comfy clothes to the max. I’ve pretty much lived in pjs and leggings.
And of course, water…lots of water.
Have you purchased any maternity items or baby related items?
I haven’t really shopped for baby items yet as I am waiting on finding out the genders. However, I have bought many pregnancy books (I’ll review these in the future), a pregnancy journal, milestone cards, pregnancy pillow, body butter, and a good bit of maternity clothing. I put in a purchase with Gap, and I will share those items with you soon, however the majority of the maternity items I bought are second hand! I highly recommend looking on facebook marketplace to find someone selling a large lot of clothing in your size. I got a whole new wardrobe pretty much for a fraction of the retail price!
What are you most excited for?
I am so excited to meet these two humans, to see who they look like more, what their little personalities are like. I also can’t wait to see the bond they have with each other. And of course I am so ready for all the snuggles and cute baby clothes! Oh and I also can’t wait to see Todd become a dad. I know he will be the best dad!
Also, I am excited for the growth that I know happens when one becomes a parent. I am ready to see how God stretches and grows both my husband and I, as well as our marriage. I know it won’t be easy, but I know it will be worth it.
P.S. If you haven’t seen the video of us announcing our twin pregnancy to our families check it out here.
-Kasey
Photos by Bethany Grace Photography
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