The Unique Challenges of Triplet Pregnancies
Surviving a triplet pregnancy is like participating in a marathon while juggling chainsaws and trying not to trip over a banana peel. Trust me, I have been there. Picture this: more morning sickness, enough exhaustion to make a sloth look like an Olympic athlete, and constant discomfort that rivals sitting on a cactus. Let’s not forget the mandatory bed rest during the second, sixth, and seventh months. Bedrest was like being sentenced to solitary confinement in a body expanding faster than a balloon at a birthday party.
Triplet pregnancies come with their own unique set of risks, like high blood pressure. My prenatal visits were so frequent and detailed that I wondered if I was auditioning for a medical reality show. The doctors kept reminding me that the key to success was keeping those little buns in the oven as long as possible. Apparently, the longer they cooked, the better their chance of fully developed organs and a shorter stay in the neonatal ICU.
A Sudden Turn of Events: Delivery Day Approaches
Fast forward to week 35, during one of my prenatal visits. The doctors had this look of concern on their faces, like they were about to announce the winner of a not-so-great lottery. And lo and behold, they dropped the bombshell: it was time for the babies to enter the world. Any additional day Intra Uterine would be detrimental to the health of the babies and me. The doctors had also hoped that the pregnancy would get past the 28 weeks mark and, getting to week 35 was a bonus. I didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to my beloved ones at home because I was immediately admitted to the hospital.
The rest of the day was a parade of medical tests, needle pokes, and vital sign checks. The nurses were so diligent that I started to suspect they were secretly training for the next Olympics in the category of “Monitoring Vitals Like a Boss.” Meanwhile, the doctor kept popping into my room like a jack-in-the-box on steroids. All the attention was both flattering and nerve-wracking. What were they not telling me? My mind spiralled with worst-case scenarios, but I desperately clung to the hope of snuggling three adorable baby girls in my arms.
The Unforgettable Birth: Triple Delivery Extravaganza
The next day at around 10 am, I was all prepped for the c-section. They even asked for my phone and its password, as if they wanted to capture my big moment for posterity. At that moment, as I watched the video of my little trio (Cia, Lia, and Nia) making their grand entrance into the world, a mix of emotions flooded over me.
The next day at around 10 am, I was all prepped for the c-section. They even asked for my phone and its password, as if they wanted to capture my big moment for posterity. I handed it over without hesitation because, hey, if I trusted them with my life and my babies, what was a smartphone? I didn’t question it, and before I could say “cut the cord,” I was out cold under anaesthesia.
Little did I know that my phone was about to become a paparazzi at the maternity ward. One of the nurses went all Steven Spielberg and recorded the birth of my three miracles. The video starts with the surgeon making an incision on my uterus (ouch), then he grabs the first baby by the legs and pulls her out like a magician performing a trick. It’s a girl! The umbilical cord is cut, and the baby lets out a cry that could rival a siren. Repeat this process for babies number two and three, and voila, we have a triple delivery extravaganza! The babies were born in a span of three minutes and then swiftly whisked away to the neonatal ICU (NICU).
A New Reality: Parenting Triplets
At that moment, as I watched the video of my little trio (Cia, Lia and Nia) making their grand entrance into the world, a mix of emotions flooded over me. Tears welled up in my eyes, partly from overwhelming joy and partly from the sudden realization that I was about to embark on the greatest adventure of my life. Three beautiful girls had been bestowed upon us by God miraculously, and now it was up to me to prove that I was fit enough to handle the task of being their parent.
Gone were the days of worrying about my own comfort or getting a good night’s sleep. No, my newfound purpose was to ensure that these tiny divas would never lack anything in life except maybe a mute button for their adorable but incessant giggles. From that moment on, my priorities shifted into overdrive, fueled by a mix of determination, caffeine, and the occasional desperate plea for divine intervention.
A Journey Filled with Laughter and Love
Being a parent to triplets is like starring in a never-ending sitcom. There’s always something going on, whether it’s changing diapers or trying to decipher who’s responsible for the mysterious mess in the living room (spoiler alert: it’s usually all three of them). I quickly became a master multitasker, juggling bottles and burp cloths.
So, as I look back on that fateful day when my phone became the official documentarian of their grand arrival, I can’t help but be grateful for the rollercoaster ride that is parenting triplets. Yes, it’s chaotic, exhausting, and often feels like an endless marathon,” but the love, joy, and laughter they bring into our lives make every moment worth it.
I may not have all the answers, and there will undoubtedly be days when I question my own sanity, but one thing is for certain: I am determined to give these three beautiful girls a lifetime of laughter, love, and an endless supply of embarrassing stories to share at their future weddings. Because if there’s one thing parenting triplets has taught me, it’s that life is funniest when it’s lived with a little bit of chaos and a whole lot of love.
Lessons Learned
In the spirit of African wisdom, here are my few lessons from a multiple pregnancy:
- Drawing Strength from Adversity: Amid the challenges and uncertainties, I discovered a wellspring of strength within me. Every discomfort, every moment of worry, and every hurdle became an opportunity to tap into a reservoir of resilience. This marathon of a triplet pregnancy taught me that even in the toughest times, there’s an untapped well of inner strength waiting to be harnessed.
- Nurturing Patience During Bed Rest: During those long stretches of mandatory bed rest, I learned the art of patience. The waiting and the longing for progress tested my ability to remain patient in the face of stagnation. It reminded me that just as a flower needs time to bloom, so do my babies need time to thrive.
- Embracing Encouragement in Unexpected Moments: Life often throws unexpected twists our way. The sudden announcement of an earlier delivery date taught me the value of encouragement. In times of uncertainty, the support and encouragement of loved ones can act as a lifeline, guiding us through uncharted territory and giving us the courage to embrace the unknown. I value the encouragement I received from my family and friends. I will definitely pay it forward.
