THE parents of identical twins born at just 23 weeks and four days have revealed their joy at their miracle girls.
Claire and James Weir’s daughters Imogen and Annabelle are thought to be the youngest twins ever recorded in Britain – three days under the 24-week legal limit for abortion.
The Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba), which has supported the family, said the twins were “truly incredible” and “a miracle”.
Annabelle weighed just under 1lb, while Imogen was just over. Their lives hung in the balance when they came into the world unexpectedly last April.
Spending their first four months in hospital, the sisters endured multiple blood transfusions and emergency surgery.
They couldn’t even wear clothes for fear their delicate skin might tear.
However, they are now laughing and smiling at home in Paisley, Renfrewshire, and still amazing doctors with their progress.
Mrs Weir, 31, said: “They are the youngest and smallest surviving twins to be born in Scotland. I had never heard of twins so small surviving. It didn’t seem possible for one, let alone two.
“The consultant told us that if the girls had been born just two years ago they wouldn’t have survived – that’s how fast medical technology is advancing. They have surprised everyone. They will always be our little miracles.”
Claire and James, also 31, met at university in Dundee nine years ago and married in 2013.
They were delighted when they found out they were expecting in late 2015, but hadn’t even considered twins.
After some bleeding at seven weeks, Mrs Weir was given an early scan and the couple were told there were two strong heartbeats.
Tamba’s Scottish co-ordinator Helen Peck said: “We are delighted for Claire, James and the twins. Imogen and Annabelle’s story is remarkable. They are truly incredible – a pair of miracles.”
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