Having twins is becoming more common, with about one in 41 sets of parents having twins. Signs of a twin pregnancy include a larger-than-usual abdomen, heightened pregnancy symptoms, and the doctor hearing two distinct heartbeats. Fraternal twins can be influenced by family history, age, and fertility treatments. Extra medical attention and excellent nutrition are necessary for a healthy twin pregnancy. Women pregnant with twins should expect to gain approximately 45 pounds and may need to take bed rest or leave work early.
When a woman finds out she’s pregnant with twins, it can be pretty exciting. Current statistics predict that about one in 41 sets of parents may have twins, triplets, or multiple sets of children. This statistic has more than doubled from previous generations. Nonidentical twins, called fraternal twins, each have their own placenta. Alternatively, identical twins come from an egg that splits and creates two babies who can share the same placenta.
There are several signs that indicate that a woman may be pregnant with twins. While a larger-than-usual abdomen isn’t in itself a sign that there are twins in the uterus, it can certainly be a factor. Doctors will also evaluate the size of your uterus. If it’s larger than normal based on your expected due date, that could also be a sign. Additionally, if a woman has heightened pregnancy symptoms, such as extreme morning sickness, edema, or indigestion, she may be experiencing twins. One of the most telltale signs that a woman is having twins is if the doctor can hear two distinct heartbeats.
There are no factors that increase the likelihood of a woman having identical twins; however, there are factors that will give a woman a better chance of having fraternal twins. Family history, from the mother of the family, can increase the chance of fraternal twins. Also, women over the age of 35 and women who have taken part in fertility treatments are more likely to have twins.
Carrying and delivering healthy twins is very common today, mainly due to the capabilities of ultrasound. Given the prepartum knowledge that a woman is pregnant with twins, it is easier for her to take precautions to reduce pregnancy complications, such as anemia, high blood pressure, and premature separation of the placenta from the uterus. Extra medical attention should be expected with twins. For example, a woman expecting a single baby will not see the doctor as often as one expecting twins. Indeed, if a woman is expecting twins, she will often see the doctor every two weeks starting at 20 weeks gestation and every single week starting at 30 weeks.
A woman pregnant with twins should focus on having excellent nutrition. In fact, well-nourished twins can easily weigh 6 or 7 pounds (2.7-3.2 kg), instead of 5 or less pounds (2.3 kg), at birth. For each additional baby, the mother’s food needs should increase. Therefore, someone about to have twins would need to consume 300 more calories, one more serving of protein, one more serving of calcium, and one more serving of whole grains than a woman pregnant with only one child. Additionally, a prenatal vitamin and iron supplement should be taken regularly.
One more baby means additional weight gain. Most women will be advised to gain approximately 45 pounds (20.4 kg) over the course of their pregnancy. Weight gain is reduced to about one pound (45 kg) per week in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and 1 1/2 pounds (68 kg) per week during the next 20 weeks of pregnancy.
You need to take extra rest, extra help, and caution during pregnancy. The body will work twice as hard to develop children. Sometimes bed rest is recommended, or early leave from work is suggested by the doctor supervising the pregnancy. A double finish is a memorable experience, and given the knowledge that you know what to expect, it can be a rewarding experience as well.
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