Pregnant With Twins

Have you just found out your pregnant with twins and want to know what to expect?  You’re certain to have many questions and probably some worries too.  I have had two successful twin pregnancies both fraternal and identical and I’m here to share the advice and experience I have gained from being a twin mum.

Pregnant With Twins Questions?

I am confused about types of twining.

Basically, there are two types of twins.  Monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins.  Fraternal twins happen from two separate eggs being fertilised by two separate sperm whereas Identical twins happen from the fertilisation of one egg by one sperm which later divides.

Will I have extra antenatal appointments?  

Yes, more than likely you will have more antenatal appointments which will include speaking to your consultant as well as more frequent ultrasound scans.  It is likely you will be taken care of by a specialist in multiple pregnancy. The level of antenatal care will also be dependent upon which type of twins you are carrying.  Identical Twins share a placenta and some times even an amniotic sac which increases the risk of complications within the pregnancy so even more careful monitoring will be necessary.  If you are carrying identical twins there is a risk of something called Twin to TwinTransfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and closer observation will be necessary.

What type of tests and screening will I receive?

You will have regular blood pressure and urine check ups.  Your urine will be checked for signs of pre-eclampsia and diabetes due to pregnancy. You will receive blood screening tests for Down’s syndrome and other abnormalities and a Nuchal Translucency Scan.  These are normally performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.

How might I feel during my twin pregnancy and are the pregnancy symptoms more severe?

At first you might feel overwhelmed by the surprise news and may need some time for the reality to sink in.  You may be dealing with a multitude of different emotions while you allow the news to sink in.

During the first trimester you may experience more severe pregnancy symptoms.  A twin pregancy means higher levesl of the pregnancy hormone (hCG) which they believe to be responsible for heightened morning sickness.   Another symptom of carrying twins can be feelings of exhaustion as two babies take a lot of nutrients; it is therefore important to maintain a healthy balanced diet although this can be very difficult when battling with nausea and vomitting.

You need to eat a healthy and nutritional diet to provide your babies with all the nutrients that they need.  You need to gain enough weight to help your babies grow well particularly as twins have a high chance of being born before their due date thus resulting in lower birth weights.

How much weight can I expect to gain during a twin pregnancy?

The guidelines are between 35 and 45 pounds in total depending on whether the women is underweight or overweight. One thing to look out for is if you suddenly put on a lot of weight very quickly; it can be a warning sign of pre-eclampsia.  If this is the case then you should consult with your midwife or doctor.

Do I need extra vitamins or supplements?

Yes, folic acid. The recommendation is 400 micrograms of folic acid daily for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy.  Extra iron may also be needed which helps to prevent maternal anaemia which is a common problem in multiple pregnancies.

What about the birth? Will I have to have a C-Section delivery?

In short the answer is NO.  However multiple pregnancies are higher risk which does mean there is a higher possibility that you will need to have a C-Section delivery.  That is not to say that it is a certainty; many women go on to have successful vaginal deliveries with their twins.

I’ve heard that twins are born early. How true is this?

Around half of twins are born prematurely before 37 weeks which is considered full term for a twin pregnancy.  If your twins are fraternal and there aren’t any problems then there is every chance you will carry to term or beyond.  If however, your twins are identical then it is more probable that they will be delivered between 34 and 37 weeks to avoid complications with the functioning of the placenta.  Bear in mind that Twins do have a habit of arriving early of there own accord.