‘My twins were killing each other in the womb, now they’re doing amazing’

Laura Watson, 29, received devastating news when she was informed that her babies were unlikely to survive due to a condition known as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This meant the blood flow between the babies was abnormal, causing uneven development.

Laura was flown from Northern Ireland to St George’s Hospital in London, where doctors aimed to even out the blood flow and nutrient distribution between the twins.

Although the operation was successful, Laura’s waters broke just three weeks later when she was only 23 weeks pregnant. The medical team at The Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast tried to delay the twins’ birth for as long as possible, providing them with a “fighting chance”.

Finally, on October 3, 2022, Laura underwent an emergency c-section, bringing her daughters into the world.

Baby girl Meabh Weir arrived at 1.08pm, weighing just 1lb 6oz, followed closely by her sister Clodagh Weir at 1.09pm, weighing 2lbs 8oz. The premature twins spent months in the hospital, but their determination and the care they received have led to their remarkable progress.

Reflecting on her journey, Laura said: “I wasn’t given any good choices. They were effectively killing each other in the womb.

“I was told I could do nothing and most likely loose both of them or have a surgery with a 30 percent survival rate.

“I was even asked if I wanted to terminate the pregnancy. But I couldn’t do that, I had to give them a both a chance. I never dreamed I’d get to bring them both home after what we went through.

“But now they are here, and they are happy, and I still can’t believe it.”

Laura and her partner, James Weir, 34, were overjoyed when they discovered they were expecting twins in April 2022.

However, a routine scan at 19 weeks revealed the possibility of TTTS. This prompted an urgent transfer to a specialised unit at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast, followed by further tests in London. The diagnosis was confirmed, and Laura faced the difficult decision of whether to proceed with surgery, knowing the risks involved.

Surgeons performed an intrauterine laser ablation surgery, a procedure aimed at improving blood flow and nutrient distribution to both babies. Unfortunately, the surgery did not have the desired effect, and eight weeks later, Laura gave birth via emergency c-section.

Laura said: “The day before, they looked great, we had no idea.

“Then, the next day, we were told that if we don’t deliver Maebh, we would lose her.

“Doctors told us they were safer outside — it was terrifying.”

The twins were immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and placed on ventilators. Laura and James caught a glimpse of their newborns before they were whisked away for specialised care. It was a surreal and overwhelming experience for the parents.

Laura said: “Seeing them intubated the next day was surreal to me.

“I felt numb, in shock, and in denial — I couldn’t believe those were my babies. It felt like I was still pregnant, like it never happened.”

“When we finally held them, I don’t even know how to describe it, it was so overwhelming. I had lost hope through pregnancy and couldn’t believe they survived the birth.”

Clodagh spent 63 days in the NICU, while her sister Meabh stayed for 82 days. The pressure in the womb had led to Clodagh developing a congenital heart defect, which will require lifelong monitoring.

However, despite these challenges, the twins celebrated their first Christmas as a family in December 2022, meeting their older brother for the first time.

Now, at nine months old, the twins are thriving and showing their unique personalities. Laura shared: “Meabh is very laid back and just entertains herself while rolling about on the floor, while Clodagh just loves her cuddles. Anytime they’re together, they hold hands and play or interact in any other way. They have a clear connection, and it’s amazing to see. I can’t wait for the bond to grow even stronger.”

While the twins continue to flourish, Laura acknowledges the emotional toll the experience has taken on her. The first few months were incredibly stressful, balancing time with their three-year-old son and frequent hospital visits.

Laura and James spent countless hours in the NICU, and leaving their babies each day was heart-wrenching. However, they persevered and now Laura said she has sought therapy to help “validate” her feelings.

She said: “We struggled a lot, mentally and financially, but as parents you just do it. They’re a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”

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