Amy Maxey took her contraceptive Pill at the same time every morning, without fail. But when the 28-year-old started to feel sick and exhausted, she decided to take a pregnancy test just in case.
Discovering she was pregnant was only the start of her rollercoaster ride. At her first ultrasound, Amy was told she wasn’t just carrying one baby, but three.
Pregnant with triplets while taking the Pill
Amy, from the UK, explained to The Daily Mail that she had been taking the Pill, “in the morning every day, as soon as I opened my eyes”. But after feeling draining and sleeping up to 14 hours a day, she realised something wasn’t right.
And a scan confirmed what she suspected – but with a couple of extra surprises. “The first lady said there were two (babies) and she has to get another nurse to come in and check and then that one said there were three.
“I don’t know how to describe it. I was literally like, ‘what the hell, that’s mad’. Obviously, I was worried at the same time but yeah, just very shocked. That’s the only thing I can describe it as.”
Waiting for a triplet birth
The expecting mum is having fortnightly scans, and says her babies are looking healthy. “I’ve made it to 30 weeks. Knowing that my girls could be here any day now is crazy. I’m exhausted, I can’t sleep, I’m worried about everything, every part of me hurts from my fingers to my hips … but seeing them kick away makes it all worth it.”
In her most recent update on Instagram, Amy explained that baby A and B’s growth have slowed right down and they’ve barely put on any weight. This means the babies will most likely be delivered at 32 weeks. “I wanted to get to 34 weeks so bad so that they’ll be in NICU for less time,” Amy wrote. “But I guess that’s not looking likely now.”
Amy has already chosen names for her surprise triplet girls – Ocean, Harlow, and Ivy-Gray for the non-identical triplet. The first time mum says she’s concerned about raising her babies on her own as a single mum, but is planning on returning to work three days a week once they arrive, with the help of family.
How effective is the Pill?
According to the Royal Women’s Hospital the combined pill is made up of two hormones that stop the ovaries from releasing an egg every month. The mini pill is progestogen only, and changes the mucus at the uterus so sperm can’t pass through to the egg.
The combined pill is 99.7 percent effective if taken correctly. But almost one in 10 women taking the Pill may still get pregnant. If the Pill isn’t taken regularly, or you’ve had diarrhoea and vomiting, it may also be less effective.
More birth stories from the Grapeviner community…
- Birth Story: Claire’s ‘rockstar’ breech birth
- Birth Story: Rachael’s unexpected bathroom home birth
- Birth Story: rare twins conceived three weeks apart
About to (or just had) a baby?
We know that the wait to meet your baby can be nerve-wracking, but we’re here to remind you that you’re not alone. Our private Pregnancy & Baby Groups are a great way to connect with other Aussie mums who are due or had their babies around the same time as you.
