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It almost doesn’t matter how you learned that you were expecting twins. Instead, what matters is how you and your partner are dealing with the news, the level of prenatal care you need and how you take care of yourself while pregnant. You also need to read up on carrying and giving birth to multiples. You’re not carrying “just one more.” The carrying and birth of a single baby is much simpler than that of twins.
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Considered a High-Risk Pregnancy
Now that you’re carrying twins, your pregnancy is automatically considered a high-risk pregnancy. You’re at higher risk of preterm labor and birth; gestational diabetes and; low birth weight. If your babies are identical twins (twins from one fertilized egg), the babies are facing risks themselves.
You’re also at risk of developing pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and vaginal bleeding, (Source: Gilbert Webb). Depending on how your babies are positioned inside your uterus, you may have to give birth via Caesarean section.
Rely on Your Partner
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re going to tire out more quickly than you would when you’re pregnant with just one baby. The days of cleaning the bathroom, doing two loads of laundry, vacuuming and mopping, then going for a long walk are gone for the duration. Let your partner know when you are tired and ask for the help you need to keep things up at home.
Nurture your relationship with your partner because you’ll feel stressed about not being able to do as much as you used to do. Your partner may feel stressed about taking on more of the workload at home.
Get More Bed Rest
When you get tired during pregnancy, that’s your body talking to you. Listen to it, lie down and rest. If you nap, so much the better – you’re going to need those naps. If your obstetrician orders you onto bed rest, comply with what you’re told to do. Not allowed to go downstairs and do laundry? Do dishes? Rest. If you’re working, now is a good time to request a telecommuting arrangement.
Read, Read, Read (Pregnancy Books)
The better informed you are, the better prepared you are for unexpected events. Pick up, buy or borrow books on pregnancy with multiples. You’ll have questions when your OB isn’t in the office. Browse the Internet and look for sites operated by obstetricians. Connect with parents of twins and ask them what you should expect.
Your life has just undergone a huge change now that you know you’re having twins. You have questions and concerns – you may be scared. The resources you need are out there, so reach out and use them. Use sites like mercy.net to find doctors that specialize in helping those that are having twins.