Pregnant with Twins

 If you are pregnant with twins and don’t know what to expect you are not alone.

In this blog I am going to cover some frequently asked questions and topics from patients I see at the antenatal clinic.

Will I feel different with a Twin pregnancy?

Expecting twins may come as a shock and sometimes it takes a while for the news to sink in. Many ladies are worried how they will cope with the pregnancy, delivery, will the babies be all right and many express financial concerns. Tiredness is always a concern and you will be more tired and become tired easily carrying twins. It is important to take plenty of rest.

Your health and the health of your babies will be monitored more often at your antenatal clinic. You may be offered more scans. Keep a little note book of questions you may want to ask of your doctor and midwife at each visit. Finding out as much information as you can may ease your worries. The majority of mothers expecting twins give birth to health babies and have few complications. How you deliver the babies will depend on what way twin one is lying. If twin one is presenting head first you can opt for a normal vaginal birth for your babies. Having a caesarean section is common with twins.

Antenatal education / classes are very important and it is very helpful to talk to another mother who had twins for tips on how she coped during pregnancy and caring for two babies.

Continue to eat a healthy diet and take gentle exercises throughout pregnancy to gain the energy you need during and after your pregnancy.

Are pregnancy symptoms worse with Twins?

I always advise patients who are pregnant with twins that symptoms of pregnancy can be worse.

You may have higher levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and this can result in more morning sickness. Nausea and vomiting can be more of a problem with twins.

You can have higher levels of the hormone progesterone and this can make you feel short of breath. Further on in your pregnancy with two babies pushing against your diaphragm can also make you more breathless.

You are more prone to constipation, heartburn and indigestion.

Speak to your midwife for advice.

Later on in the pregnancy back pain can be a problem with the strain on your muscles carrying the extra weight. A back support can help or you may need referral to a physiotherapist.

Will I gain more weight if I am having twins?

You will put on more weight with twins than if you were pregnant with one baby. Sometimes this may get you down but remember you have two babies growing in there not one. Try to eat a healthy diet to provide the nutrients for you and your babies.

Will I need to see my doctor / midwife more often?

Yes you will be offered some extra scans and antenatal check up with your doctor / midwife.

How often you are seen will depend on:

You and your babies needs

If you are experiencing pregnancy complications

If your babies are in a single sac or separate sacs, babies in a single

scan can have more complications than babies in separate sacs.

Extra monitoring is required to check on:

growth of the babies

blood pressure checks and urine checks because women expecting twins are at an increased risk of developing: Preeclampsia (raised blood pressure, proteinurea and odema)

Gestational diabetes and Anemia (low iron levels) You will be offered extra blood tests also to check for anemia.

How will I cope?

I always tell mothers to rest as much as possible when carrying twins.

You will need plenty of rest and sleeping at night time can be difficult making you more tired.

Grab some day time naps and if you have a toddler make sure you nap while your toddler is sleeping. Ask for help around the house and don’t try to do everything yourself, you won’t be able.

If you are working you may need to consider reducing your hours and you will need to stop work earlier than if you were having one baby.

Twins sometimes come early so you need to be rested and prepared.

Talk to you doctor or midwife for advice.

Where else can I find support?

It is a good idea to talk to another mum who had twins, I frequently ask mums who had twins would they mind talking to a mum pregnant with twins and they find it very helpful especially for practical tips on how to cope and what to buy.

Join a multiple birth support group if there is one in your area or on line.

Are there any danger signs should I watch out for?

As with any pregnancy the danger signs are the same. Try not to worry and don’t let it spoil your pregnancy. Complications are uncommon and the vast majority of twins are born healthy and

without any complications.

I always advise pregnant mums to trust their instincts, if you are not sure about a symptom or you just don’t feel right call your midwife, doctor or labour suite.

Preeclampsia or pregnancy induced high blood pressure is more common in women with a twin pregnancy. It can be a serious complication that needs medical attention. Preeclampsia is picked up by checking your blood pressure and testing your urine at the antenatal clinic. In between appointments you should be aware of the following symptoms:

Severe headache

Visual disturbance for example blurring or spots

Upper abdominal pain

Vomiting

Sudden odema – swelling of feet, hands and face.

Excessive wright gain.

If you are concerned call your midwife, doctor or labour suite.

Anaemia or low iron level is more common in twin pregnancies, eat a healthy iron rich diet and if you are feeling tired please tell your midwife or doctor.