Week 14-17: Month Four

After my detailed anatomy ultrasound, I had about a month break before my next visit. During week 14 my husband and I travel to Toronto. Quick flight, mildly uncomfortable because of the growing belly and my dog sitting in my leg room.
Great to see family and all be together for the holidays. 

Week 16 my husband and I went to Florida for a week during New Years. Again, short flight, quick and easy. We needed the warm weather and relaxation, however, I was a little concerned at times. The mentality in Florida is extremely different than New York. Masks were viewed as a chore -- almost every time we were in the elevator someone came in without a mask, grocery stores with masks under the nose or chin, indoor dining packed, boozy brunch spots were a disaster -- just complete disregard to Covid in general. After two days, we joined our friends at an Airbnb, and felt safer. I can tell my “mama bear” instincts are starting to develop.

My doctor also called me with interesting information; the twins are apparently monochorionic diamniotic, when I was told up until this point the twins are dichorionic diamniotic.

Here is the difference
Di/di (short for dichorionic diamniotic pregnancy): Di/di twins can be monozygotic or dizygotic. They each have their own chorionic and amniotic sacs. Although it’s a lot more cramped inside the womb, these twins are essentially developing just like they would if they were each being born as an only child.
Mo/di (short for monochorionic diamniotic pregnancy): These monozygotic twins share a chorionic sac, but have different amniotic sacs. To think of it another way, the big difference in this type of twin pregnancy is that there’s only one placenta. Each baby still gets their own amniotic sac though.

What does this mean? Di/di is safer for each twin and they can develop independently from each other, not competing for food or nutrients. Also, less frequent doctor visits, higher birth weight, overall better conditions. I was told the twins are di/di by my fertility doctor, and have this information on all of the records.. Until the week I am in Florida and my doctor calls saying I need to come in for an ultrasound right away. With mo/di twins, the doctor visits are every other week, sometimes every week, to make sure they are both growing at a healthy pace and weight.
Needless to say, I was freaked out, looked at flights home, looked at obgyn clinics in the area, and had a meltdown. I thought I was a selfish mother for wanting to play at the beach instead of giving my babies the care they needed. I thought I was a bad mother before even really becoming  a mother!
After talking to a friend, and the nurse, I calmed down and understood that based on my previous ultrasounds and health of the twins, waiting a few extra days to have my doctor appointment was not going to have a negative impact on their development.

I had my appointment, everything was fine. Twin A weighs 6oz (one ounce more than the average) and Twin B weighs 5oz (average). Nothing to worry about, all is well, everyone is happy and healthy.

Update:
1. Running: dropped to 120 miles (didn’t make it out of the house much during snow days and the holidays, Toronto is freezing)
2. Weight: 130lbs, breasts continue to grow, belly popped and now seems to grow outwards more and more each day - my family and husband noticed and commented on how I now am starting to look pregnant
3. Nutrition: water, water, water, supplements, trying to eat more nutrient dense foods because I feel full quickly, but hungry again suddenly
4. Symptoms: better sleep (except for bathroom breaks), no more constipation, tons of energy
5. Books: The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp

cbxo