Diary of a Twin Pregnancy: The Second Trimester

 

Week 14-16: The Journey Continues

As the second trimester unfolded, I found myself both excited and anxious. Having twins meant there were more frequent check-ins with my healthcare provider. Fortnightly scans became part of my routine, ensuring that both babies were growing as they should. It was a relief each time to see their tiny limbs and hear the rhythmic beating of their hearts.

During one of these scans, I discovered I was carrying one of each—a boy and a girl. This revelation filled me with joy and a sense of completeness. It also brought on a wave of planning and anticipation as I began to envision life with my little duo.

Cravings and Nesting

Pregnancy cravings are no joke! This trimester, I couldn't get enough fruit and custard. Whether I combined them or enjoyed them separately, they were my go-to snacks. Sometimes, I'd even find myself daydreaming about the perfect fruit salad topped with a generous dollop of creamy custard.

Simultaneously, the nesting instinct kicked in stronger than ever. I started planning and organising the nursery. Each piece of furniture and every colour choice was meticulously considered to create a warm and welcoming space for the twins. I even made a list of local businesses to visit for unique nursery decor, eager to support our community while preparing for our growing family.

Importance of Community Support

Planning for twins is no small feat, and I quickly realised the importance of leaning on family and friends' support. I was given odds and ends such as bassinets and cots ready for twins, as well as clothing, which helped me feel less alone on this journey.

Weeks 24-26: Reflecting and Looking Ahead

As I moved further into the second trimester, I reflected on how much had already changed. The twins were growing steadily, my cravings continued to shape my diet, and the nursery was coming together beautifully. I felt a profound connection not only to my unborn children but also to the community around me.

Questions to Ponder:

• What role do family and friends play in easing the journey of expectant parents, whether they have a close-knit family or not?

• How do personal experiences shape the way we prepare for major life changes?

This journey has taught me that the support of a community,  with the joy of preparing for new life, is invaluable. As the days pass and my anticipation grows, I am grateful for every moment and every helping hand along the way.

Moving forward with Cp

Ok so you have a child with Cp:

Or you are a young person with the condition. There will be lots of people who are older than you. These people have the best intention in the world and yet get things wrong particularly about your condition. These people may be members of your family but don’t understand the condition. They may think they don’t. You must realise this.

Comments they make:

• Close your legs.

• Come on hurry up!

• You can do better than that!

• Pick your feet up.

• Stand still.

These are just some of the ones I have encountered growing up. Even now decades later these confuse me.

You may wonder why I say that. You’ll see.

Growing up and feeling out of place!

Whether you are a single child/part of a bigger family that you live with. You are a member of the family who is reading this with another member with cerebral palsy. Take in mind what is said as it does not matter what people say. There is always a sense of being out of place because we are not classed as normal. There are signs of it in every part of life. This includes clothes, looks, dreams, work, movies,  how we eat and drink, how we speak. But the thing is we are the same as everyone else but parts of our body don’t work the way we want. That can be a real pain sometimes. I want to make sure that everyone understands that it is not always easy to do, what is expected of them because it is not part of their dream. it could be completely different to what is expected. 

What is normal?

What is the question of being normal? Because being normal mean nothing? As a human being. I would have thought being able to give some purpose to the world and each other was better than not being able to do anything or being criticised. Some people who think that being different is not ok are wrong. Wanting to be normal is is a perception and that means being yourself is not acceptable. There are options to be sure to show that being yourself is better than being what everyone else wants. Because it proves that you are what you are meant to be no matter what.   the whole system of being normal is also being portrayed too much on TV  and film because there are not people enough people should I say who are betraying people who are different and this is where the perception becomes the norm.

Growing up!

Personally, I had very much the perception of wanting to be normal but then questioning that whole thing because I was on my own a lot. I watched a lot of TV and films where sexism and racism were the norms and it is not in my eyes until I was older that it made me question myself because  I am different because of cerebral palsy. Growing up despite being an only child and was treated no different than everyone around me. I found it incredibly difficult because I thought I was normal and was able to do stuff but later found that actually, I couldn't. And that made things very difficult and depressive for me because of the feeling of inadequacy.

Trying to be a people pleaser and follow their example makes it very hard on yourself and I have learnt this myself. Now shows that actually being yourself is stronger than r following the Sheep in human Society as a whole. Although at times of medical interventions such as the pandemic right now it is best to follow the guidelines. however, it does not stop you from being yourself within the confines of society.

Teaching people that being different is ok!

Being yourself and showing that being different is out is ok and good for the environment and for Humanity shows that equality in the human race can be done. It may sound stupid but there are still people who perceive that different is not ok and it makes it harder for those of us who want our own dreams and goals to be heard very hard to actually be heard to get what we want within our life.

What next?

What Next? is the question that should be on everyone's mind right now but in every situation. However, cerebral palsy and other disabilities need to be shown that they are accepted and we are valued because whatever is said meant by family members and others make us feel that we're not. So what is next? They might even try and say that but they're trying to help but actually, they're not! The best thing for you to do is firmly but politely say sorry I can't do that. Because the more people learn about the condition and other conditions will be able to be more accepting of other people.

Final thoughts

My final thoughts on this would be to educate people and educate people continually until it is done. however, I don't think it will be at least in my time but hopefully, in my family's next generation. There is such a long way to go to make equality for everybody on this planet.