Everyday Miracles – Twins

Growing up, you probably new one or two twins and were insanely jealous that they got to play tricks on people if they were identical or that they always had someone that meant they never felt alone. Nicola Wellington shares her experience being a twin and whether it has been double the trouble and double the fun!

What type of twins are you, identical or fraternal?

I am a fraternal twin, although my sister and I are very similar. We look very much alike, we match each other academically and we have the same friendship groups.

My mother had been informed during the early stages of pregnancy that we were non-identical twins. However, during birth, it became apparent that our placentas had fused in the womb.

We have never taken a test to see if we are identical twins as we can distinguish slight differences between us. However, we do share the same recurring dream when we are feeling ill…

If you’re identical, how did you parents tell you apart as babies? Do you have a distinguishing feature?

I do not know how my parents could tell us apart as babies – I still look back at pictures now and do not know which one is me. My sister has a tiny birth mark on her leg, but it is negligible. My Dad resorts to calling us ‘this one’ and ‘that one’!

Did your mum have a really difficult pregnancy since there were two babies in her tummy?

My mother experienced difficulties during the latter stages of her pregnancy as a result of our size and position. We were born a week early via cesarean. This means I am the younger twin by a mere minute!

Do you have any other siblings or was two a handful?

I have an older sister of three years (lucky father!) who helped out and entertained us throughout our childhood. When my dad first brought us home from the hospital she thought we were baby dolls and could not wait to play with us!

Do you ever have any ‘twin moments’ where you meet each other wearingthe same outfits or sense what the other twin is feeling even when you aren’t together?

My sister and I used to talk in our own language when we were very young, and we used to have conversations with each other when we slept in the same room. We also have the same recurring dream when we are feeling ill…! It feels so strange to know that someone else feels exactly the same way you do.

We also have very similar fashion sense (three girls in our household meant many arguments about ‘borrowing’ clothes). I recently met up with my twin sister in London to find we were wearing almost-matching outfits.

What are the pros/cons of being a twin?

I feel very blessed to be a twin as it means I have an unconditional best friend. For me, this is very special as I know I can always confide in my sister and I really value her opinion. However, it is so easy to rely on your ‘other half’ – I always had a partner at sport clubs, someone to arrive with at a party, and someone to share my problems with.

It was important that we became independent individuals, and as a result my sister and I went to separate sixth form colleges and universities. It is surreal to think that some of my university friends have not met my twin and know me only as ‘Nicola’ and not ‘one of the twins’. However, our independence has only strengthened our relationship as we now have things to talk about, opposed to us both sharing the same stories and experiences – and often arguing about them.