One mother recently opened up about two of her dead triplets and how she carried all three, to save one.
Bernadette Murphy, 29, was beyond upset when she was informed that two of three unborn sons had passed away at just 16 weeks due to Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome.
Both Niall and Joseph both shared the same amniotic sack as well as placenta — which doesn’t sound alarming, but can actually be the cause of fatal complications due to uneven amounts of blood flow between babies.
But through the tragedy, Bernadette, who hails from Liverpool, was informed her third son, James, was still alive but would not be able to survive outside the womb until he was carried to full term.
Bernadette then made the difficult decision to continue with her pregnancy until James, who is now four, was healthy enough to be born.
Bernadette shared: “In my first scan the doctors thought I was having twins and later realized that it was triplets.”
“I was so happy and at first, everything seemed to be fine but my consultant warned me it could be a very complicated pregnancy.”
“Within the first three months I was in and out of hospital due to severe sickness and excessive bleeding, carrying three babies.”
“I attended my 12 week scan where there was a concern with the growth of Niall compared to his identical twin Joseph.”
“I went for weekly scans in order for my consultant to monitor the twins.”
“At 15 weeks I was told that I had suspected Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome and was referred to an emergency specialist appointment at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital a few days later.
“When I went for my 16 week scan with a specialist I explained that I had experienced cramps down my left side and some kicking motions since my previous scan.”
“I knew something was not right, I remember the consultant grabbing my hand and I was told the twins had passed away.”
“I was by myself and I remember just wanting my family to be with me. I immediately asked if James was okay and was told that he was developing well but there could be potential complications down the line.”
Bernadette was additionally given antibiotics to halt the risk of infection as doctors informed her that her body could potentially reject the pregnancy at any time — which could kill James.
But thanks to bed rest as well as weekly scans with a specialist, Bernadette was induced at 37 weeks and gave birth to James at 6.5 pounds.
Additionally, she gave birth to her stillborn boys, Joseph and Niall at Whiston Hospital on April 2, 2014.
She said: “It never felt strange carrying all three of them, it was a comfort even though Joseph and Niall had passed, it was when I gave birth that I felt worse. The realization that they were no longer with me.”
“Joseph was fully formed but Niall had been partially absorbed into the placenta but I was just so happy that I got a chance to see them.”
After allowing doctors to conduct research to help others, Bernadette was able to keep the boys’ ashes.
She was also able to explain to James how very special his two siblings were.
Each year, both Bernadette and James light a candle on their anniversary.
This year, both James and his mother wanted to raise money for continued research with the Weisman Trust in the twins’ memory.
Bernadette said: “I wanted him to know that he had two brothers but it was tricky to explain at first and extremely sensitive as I needed to ensure I was strong enough emotionally.
“I didn’t want him to think it was his fault.”
“I explained that they were sick and they were now up in the sky.”
“I remind him how special and unique he is and that their blood flows through him always. They are always with him.”
“He loved doing the runs as he is so full of energy and he will always know he had two special brothers.”
NOW WATCH: Sweden Actually Turns It’s Garbage Into Energy | Save The World