Yes, it’s very different to be pregnant with more than one, and I’m learning more  & more everyday.  I knew I’d end up bigger, but had no idea just how different it would be. 😉  Obviously, everyone is different, but these are some of the differences for me:

Nausea
From the beginning I was definitely more nauseated…and where with our other kiddos, I could curb the vomiting to a certain respect, this was a new challenge for sure.  I think I spent the majority of the summer lying on the kitchen couch, where I could see or hear the kiddos.  They would run in, check in occasionally, but then happily go along in their merry summer adventures.  We stopped hiking together…I just couldn’t do it any more.  I’m amazed at the women that exercise their entire pregnancy…or any of it for that matter.  I just wanted this pregnancy to be a success so badly that I decided it could wait.  I tried everything I could think of: Chinese medicine, wearing magnets, eating raw veggies only before 2pm, eating hot foods & regular acupuncture treatments really helped…but it was rough & different.  I have found it extremely difficult to cook & wash dishes…and the smells this time around are as intense as I think they’ll ever be.  But it’s soo worth it!

Size
Within a few short weeks of conception, my hips began moving like a locomotive.  I immediately started growing out of my favorite pants.  I had not had this with the miscarriages, so I figured it was a good sign.  At my 12 week appointment I’d gained a pound and I assured my midwife, Richelle, that despite my sickness…I’d make sure and eat well  –  even if I didn’t gain much.  That idea went out the window…when despite my sickness, I gained 10 more pounds by week 16…and I was measuring a couple weeks ahead.  I don’t remember ever being ahead of schedule…I do remember measuring a week behind…but never ahead!  Richelle assured me that the mom in the previous appointment was also measuring a couple weeks ahead, that it was not out of the ordinary.

At 19 weeks we were prepping for family photos and I began retaining water (so much earlier than I had in the past).  Nothing fit…my hips had widened much past my regular 8th month.  I tried on nearly everything in my closet, but everything was looking and feeling like I usually do at 7 months.  I cried & let it all out.  The sweet dancer was helping me and concern flooded her face.  As I told her why I was sad, she comforted me and I pulled myself together.  I had too many weeks remaining to let some uncomfortable clothing and a maybe-less-appealing reflection in the mirror affect the rest of my pregnancy.  That night I decided to let go of it for good.   I read last week in the twin book that when pregnant with multiples that the majority of the growth happens the beginning & end of the pregnancy (no wonder my prego clothes just aren’t cutting it this time around…literally). So I just have to laugh. It’s all good!  At the end of week, 22, I noticed pain and the top of my belly falling asleep again.  Forget the hips…my ribs were actually spreading!  So I got some bra extenders and another bra…!

Just some fun photos I took when dropping off the kiddos at school one day…blessings.  Any pregnancy war stories you’d like to share?  you know I’d love to hear them! xo – katrina