The day we found out we were having twins was a day I will never forget. I remember feeling so overwhelmed but at the same time knowing that I could do it. I knew it would be hard but so worth it because of a few reasons: I would get two babies from just one pregnancy, they would have each other and would never be alone, and I was getting two babies! How could you not be thrilled about that?
Some things I experienced and went through are important and all future moms of multiples should know.
You’ll be tired!
I’ll tell you right now that you are going to be so much more tired than after a single baby pregnancy. You will sleep more and you will still want to sleep, and keep sleeping. So my suggestion would be to get comfortable clothes to sleep in from Onzie (Best yoga style clothes out there for a comfortable twin pregnancy). The best benefit of yoga outfits is that they will fit you in your maternity phase as well as postpartum. While style is important comfort during a very uncomfortable pregnancy is necessary.
You’ll be sick!
Everything is more exaggerated when you are having twins, so be prepared for some pretty heavy sickness. Not only that, but you will be sick for a very long time. I remember feeling sick at four weeks and it didn’t go away until about 21 weeks. For some women it lasts the entire pregnancy. This is because you have higher levels of hCG which is a hormone that triggers morning sickness.
You’ll gain more weight than a singleton pregnancy
Unfortunately, this is just a fact with having twins so it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine once cleared by your caregiver. On average, during a singleton pregnancy you will gain 25-35 lbs, with a twin pregnancy you may gain 35-45 lbs. Don’t worry too much about that though because you are growing two precious little humans!
You’ll receive more check-ups
Yes it is true that you will be seen by your doctor more regularly because there could be more complications with a twin pregnancy. You will be seen at least once a month and towards the end of your pregnancy around two times a week. I was happy they had me come in twice a week because I ended up having pre-eclampsia and delivered my twins girls at 33.1 weeks. The exact number of check-ups will depend on you as an individual, whether you have had complications with past pregnancies, and if your twins are sharing a placenta or not. Twins who share a placenta are more likely to have more complications.
You’ll have to prepare for anything
You will need to prepare for a c-section and also prepare for a natural birth because you never know what could happen. I wanted a natural birth, but ended up with a c-section because my babies were both breech and because of the pre-eclampsia. I was happy I prepared for either one though, so I was not upset about having a c-section. The best advice I received was to be prepared for ANYTHING!
You’ll learn to cope
That’s just what you will have to do – cope with whatever situation you will be in. I have joined some pretty awesome moms of multiples groups so I was able to ask questions and receive advice from moms who had been there before me. Support groups are a great way to connect with women who can help you through the pregnancy and give you good advice. You can find one in your community or even on social media.
Featured photo credit: twins via albumarium.com
