Rummaging through the bathroom cabinet, I pulled out a box I’d shoved to the back, not expecting to need it so soon. It was a pregnancy test. My husband Peter, then 32, and I had only just started trying for a baby, but I’d been feeling out of sorts the last few days. Several minutes later, the positive test confirmed my suspicions.
By the time Peter arrived home from a cycle ride a couple of hours later, I was flapping around the kitchen, full of nervous energy.
‘I took a test while you were out – I’m pregnant,’ I told him.
‘Gosh, this is really happening!’ he said, mirroring my strange mix of elated apprehension. ‘Are we going to be any good at this?’ he added, laughing.
Mixed news
We kept the news to ourselves at first, and, in January 2018, went for our 12-week scan at Stamford and Rutland Hospital. We couldn’t wait to see our baby for the first time, and it all suddenly felt so real.
Only the sonographer hesitated during the scan, and Peter stared at the screen, soon realising why.
‘Are there two in there?’ he asked.
I was carrying identical twins. Peter and I were both in shock, and felt even more overwhelmed, wondering how we’d manage.
My pregnancy was high-risk, as carrying twins increases the likelihood of preterm birth and miscarriage, so I needed biweekly scans to monitor our babies’ progress. Then, at 16 weeks, the consultant spotted something concerning. ‘One twin is smaller than the other and struggling to move,’ he said, explaining it was twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare condition affecting identical twins. They shared a placenta, which meant they were sharing oxygen and nutrients, and one of my babies wasn’t getting enough.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?