Nearly four years have passed, yet the memory remains vivid. I recall the dimly lit room, where I reclined as the warm gel was applied to my abdomen. My immediate reaction was one of distaste. “Do you have any of that stuff at a cooler temperature?” I asked, cringing at the sensation.
“Most patients prefer it warm,” the technician replied, puzzled.
“Not me,” I insisted. “It reminds me of… well, you know what.”
Her expression shifted to surprise. “Wow, that’s a first.”
“Let’s proceed,” I said, trying to brush off the awkwardness.
The technician began the ultrasound, the plastic wand gliding over my skin, sending sound waves through me while capturing the images on the screen. She took measurements and murmured thoughtful sounds.
“What are you seeing?” I queried, curiosity piqued.
“Is this your first ultrasound?” she asked.
“No, I’ve had several with my first child,” I replied, unaware of the significance of her tone.
“Oh, I mean with this pregnancy. Do you know anything yet?”
“Just that I’m pregnant,” I laughed, oblivious to the gravity of the situation.
“Right, so let’s see what we have here,” she said, as she manipulated the wand. “And what do you see now?”
I squinted at the screen. “The baby turned?”
“Actually, no,” she paused, a long silence filling the space. “There are two babies.”
“WHAT?” I exclaimed, sitting upright, eyes wide in disbelief.
“I’m just delivering the news,” she replied, raising her hands defensively.
“Two babies?” I echoed, struggling to comprehend. “How is that even possible?”
With a gentle push, she guided me back down, pointing out two umbilical cords, two placentas, and two amniotic sacs—clear evidence of two distinct lives within me.
A cold wave of shock washed over me. Panic seized my thoughts. We had planned for one sibling for our daughter—not twins. Three children felt overwhelming; how would we manage? Would our family always feel uneven? My mind raced with images of cramped spaces and sleepless nights.
“It’s confirmed that they are fraternal twins,” she explained, still detailing the findings. “Two eggs.”
“Two eggs,” I repeated, grappling with the implications. “So this is my fault?”
“There’s no blame here, just two babies,” she reassured me.
“But how? There are no twins in either of our families!” I gestured toward my husband, who remained silent, processing the information.
“The data shows you’re 35, and as women age, their bodies can release more viable eggs.”
“Like rats off a sinking ship?” I quipped, half-joking.
“Sure, something like that,” she replied, and I lay back, dazed.
I managed to endure the rest of the appointment as the technician measured various parameters for women over 35. Once finished, I exited in a fog, calling my sister and saying, “You are NEVER going to believe what just happened.”
Four years later, I still struggle to fully accept the reality of that moment.
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Summary:
The experience of discovering I was expecting twins was both shocking and overwhelming. During an ultrasound, the technician revealed that I was carrying two babies, which turned my world upside down. The initial disbelief led to worries about managing a larger family and the challenges that would come with it. This journey highlights the unexpected nature of pregnancy and the emotions that accompany such news.