Here’s a quick math lesson. 1 + 1 = ?
TWO. That’s the answer, and it’s also how many little ones you’ll be having if you’re expecting twins. Although you may have expected that answer, you may not know exactly what to prepare for during and after your pregnancy, so here are a few tips!
During Pregnancy
More Morning Sickness
Double the babies can sometimes mean double the morning sickness for expectant mothers, and that’s fairly common. Certain hormone levels are higher in the first trimester that will cause nausea and vomiting. It’s important to make sure that you’re still maintaining a consistent eating schedule, though, as you’ll still want to make sure you’re getting the proper nutrients. If you’re experiencing morning sickness more often than you feel is expected, make sure to consult with Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology.
More Weight Gain
Two placentas, two babies, double the amniotic fluid. All of this adds up to more weight gain during a twin pregnancy. However, you should not plan to gain double the weight. A typical twin pregnancy will usually cause a weight gain of about 34-45 pounds. You should also expect to be eating around 300-400 more calories each day to support this.
More Trouble Sleeping
Sleeping while pregnant can be tough as is, but add another baby in there and it’s double the toughness! Try sleeping on your side. This will allow for more circulation and better sleep. You can also sleep with a pillow between your legs so that your hips stay aligned. Do not try to sleep on your stomach, or often on your back. This can cause a lot of pain and heartburn, which no one wants. If you want to lie on your back, try to stay elevated.
More Possibility of Preeclampsia and Pre-term Delivery
While there are many risk factors of preeclampsia including being over 40 and having high blood pressure in general, having twins can also be a considerable one. There’s no sure fire reason as to why it happens, but it’s certainly something to be aware of. In addition, most twins are born around 4-6 weeks before the normal 40 of a single pregnancy. As a lot of people suggest, do everything early when expecting twins!
Delivery and After Pregnancy
More C-Sections
There are two in there, so a vaginal delivery is not always possible, and that’s okay. At the end of the day, it’s all about the health of you and baby. Also, twins are often in a breech position, which requires a c-section.
More Hours of Labor
Although there is a possibility that your labor won’t last too long, most twin moms can expect a longer labor. However, you will know the likelihood of this early on in your pregnancy, as there are multiple classifications that will tell you whether or not there will be complications during delivery.
More Toys and Messes
All joking aside, you’ll have two little ones, so be prepared for double the fun. Having twins is an amazing experience, but you do want to make sure that you’re prepared. You’ll be feeding double, so if you’re breast feeding you want to make sure you have that lined up. There will be double the diapers, double the sleeping areas, and more. Again, do everything early so you don’t have to worry!
For more tips on prepping for twin births, contact Atlanta Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology today! We’re with you every step of the way.
