Twin pregnancies and beyond
More women these days can expect
to have twins than in the past.
Over the last 20 years, multiple births have
risen sharply, probably due to the rise in use of fertility treatments and the
fact that many women are choosing to start families later in life (as women get
older, their ovaries are likely to release more than one egg each month).
For many parents, finding out
that they’re soon to be parents to two babies is a big shock. Although it’s
exciting news, it can also be extremely daunting to contemplate a 2.4 family
situation arriving all at once in less than nine months’ time.
Your feelings
Even if this pregnancy isn’t
your first, being pregnant with two babies is a completely different experience
to a singleton pregnancy. As well as dealing with the physical demands of
carrying two babies, you need to factor in the emotional implications.
Discovering you’re pregnant with twins can be a huge shock for both yourself
and your partner and you shouldn’t underestimate the range of feelings that you
may be working through. Try to make time as a couple to explore your feelings
on this subject and keep the communication lines open. Remember that your
partner may be experiencing the same degree of anxiety as you and try to
include him in the pregnancy process as much as possible to help allay his, as
well as your own, fears.
Childbirth education classes are an excellent way for you both to learn more about your
twin pregnancy and labor and are a good way of preparing couples for the huge
changes to come. They also provide a venue to ask questions and meet other
expectant couples. It can be really useful to meet other parents of twins
before yours arrive, so use gurgle’s groups area to make contact with other members who’ve experienced
twin pregnancies.
Your pregnancy
Aside from all the usual
symptoms that occur with a pregnancy, twins place extra demands on your body.
Morning sickness and heartburn are likely to be worse. Your blood volume with
twins is nearly double your pre-pregnant level, which means your heart is going
to have to work much harder than normal and you may suffer with fatigue.
You’re at more risk of anemia, as your need for iron to make enough red blood cells
increases at this time and you’ll likely feel extremely tired as your body
fights to work under pressure.
Don’t make too many demands on
yourself. If you’re feeling unwell or exhausted speak to your boss to see if
you might be able to start work later or even do some work from home. Try to
set aside time to rest and do activities that help you to relax, such as pregnancy
yoga or swimming.
You won’t be able to keep your
pregnancy secret for too long – you’ll get a bigger bump at a much earlier
stage. Women who are carrying twins can expect to gain as much as 50 pounds
during the course of their pregnancy, but your weight gain may be lower
depending on your height, weight and health. Your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife will
be able to advise you on what’s appropriate for your body.
Your twin pregnancy will be
closely monitored due to the increased risk of medical complications, such as
pre-eclampsia and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. This can occur when twins
are sharing the same placenta – it’s possible their circulation may be
connected and there’s a risk that one twin may suffer a decreased blood volume,
which can restrict his growth.
Your labor
Be aware that the birth you want
may not be possible on the day. Each labor is unique experience and with twins,
complications are more likely. It’s important to prepare yourself for the
fact that things may not go quite according to your birth plan – for example,
you may want a vaginal
birth and end up having a cesarean – but these factors don’t mean that you have to lose control
over the experience. Write a birth
plan, but expect to be flexible.
One of the biggest risks with
multiple pregnancies is pre-term labor. Although 37 weeks is regarded as full
term for a twin pregnancy, it’s possible your babies may decide to make an
appearance sooner. Thanks to huge advances in medical technology, preemies have
excellent survival rates. Try not to waste energy now worrying about
premature labor – but pack your labor bag early so you’re ready to head
for the hospital if the need arises.
The important thing to remember
is that if you do need to have a cesarean you’re going to need some extra
postpartum support, as you’ll be caring for two babies while recovering from
major surgery. Try not to feel disappointed if you were set on having a vaginal
delivery – birthing your babies safe and well is all that counts.
The first six months
You may be wondering how on
earth you are going to cope with two newborns. The answer is that you just are!
Thousands of parents do it every year and you will too. Of course it’ll be
challenging at times – but the rewards will be double.
You’re going to need a lot of
help and support from family and friends so don’t turn down any offers of help.
De-prioritize less important household chores and if you haven’t done so
already, discuss with your partner how you’re going to be able to help each
other when your babies are born. Some moms recommend getting into a routine
as quickly as possible; others advise that you go with the flow and avoid
getting hung up about making life manageable. Accept that there’s only one of
you and that there will be times when one of your babies needs your attention
while you’re busy with the other. Many parents of twins report that their
babies are more independent and easier to care for, and develop more stable
sleeping patterns early on, because they get used to having to wait a few
minutes for the attention they seek.
Take as much time off as you can
financially withstand – the Family and Medical Leave Act provides a maximum 12
weeks unpaid leave. If you feel you need more time, negotiate with your boss –
it might be possible for you to take a longer leave or do some work from home.
Paying the price
One reality of twins that hits
hard is the financial cost. You’ll need to kit yourselves out with two of
everything (try auction websites, Goodwill, the local small ads and the forums
on twins and multiples websites). If your babies have to spend a long period of
time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) medical bills will be high. Once home, you’ll need to
provide formula for two if you’re not breastfeeding, plus double the number of
diapers. If you’re going back to work, childcare costs can be high.
It can be a struggle, but don’t
put too much pressure on yourself and you’ll survive the early days.
Helpful advice
The National Organization of
Mothers of Twins Clubs (www.nomotc.org) can put you in touch with other local
parents of twins and offers advice on buying gear for twins. It also offers
support services to individual families.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.