Twins:During twin pregnancy

How did I conceive two babies at one time?

Twins happen in about one in 80 human pregnancies. Finding out that you are having twins can be both exciting and stressful.

The diagnosis of twins is often made quite early in pregnancy after you have a routine ultrasound scan: two babies are seen rather than one.

Symptoms
A twin pregnancy is sometimes suspected if the womb feels larger than expected to the doctor or midwife who examines you. Later in pregnancy, the two separate babies may be felt during an examination, and again will be confirmed by ultrasound scan.

Symptoms and common problems of a single pregnancy, such as vomiting in early pregnancy, heartburn, shortness of breath, backache, ankle swelling, piles and varicose veins, may be worse in a twin pregnancy.

Complications
You are also more likely to get more serious pregnancy complications.

Premature labour is a major risk, and is the main reason why babies in twin pregnancies do less well than babies in single pregnancies. There is nothing that either you or your doctor or midwife can do to reduce this risk: both bed rest and a variety of drugs have been tried and found to be ineffective. You should contact your midwife or hospital labour ward if any contractions start.

High blood pressure in pregnancy is about three times more common in twin pregnancies than in single pregnancies.

Bleeding in late pregnancy, due either to a low-lying or partially detached afterbirth, is also more common in twin pregnancies.

Too much fluid (hydramnios) around the baby can also be a problem. This, in turn, can also lead to premature labour.

Anaemia is more common, as two babies make greater demands on your supplies of iron and vitamins.

How does a Twin Pregnancy occur ?
Twins happen in one of two ways. In one form, known as fraternal twins, they happen when two different eggs join two different sperms. Each baby has its own cord and placenta. These twins may be of the same or opposite sex. They will not be identical: indeed, they will be no more alike than brothers or sisters born into the same family. This type of twin is more common if there is a family history of twins. They are also more likely to occur if you are over age 35, or if fertility drugs have been used to help you become pregnant. In the other form, twins are produced when an egg and a sperm join together, but then divide into two once they have joined. Such twins will be identical, and may share a single afterbirth. Very occasionally, twins will also share the same sac (fluid cavity).

Frequent Check-ups
To be sure that any complications are detected and treated as soon as possible, you will be checked out more frequently than in a single pregnancy.

Consuming a good diet and getting extra rest are important. You will be given iron supplements and vitamins to stop anaemia developing.

Regular prenatal visits will allow the growth of your womb to be checked. To make sure that both babies are growing, several ultrasound scans will be performed throughout the pregnancy.

When twins share either a sac or an afterbirth, you will be offered particularly careful ultrasound scans between 18 and 24 weeks, as a fast build-up of fluid can occur at this time. If the twins share an afterbirth but are in different sacs, a build-up of fluid is usually due to one twin getting a better blood supply than the other. This is called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The condition must be treated, usually by withdrawing some of the fluid through a needle. Some doctors are also using laser treatment to try and divide the afterbirths. Both ways will improve the chances of the babies, and reduce the risk of premature labour.

Your babies will be delivered in a hospital with a special care baby unit. Your care provider may feel it is necessary to ultrasound your cervix to measure the length. This is done with an ultrasound transducer specially shaped to fit inside the vagina. This measurement may be repeated during your pregnancy if there are any concerns about preterm labor or an incompetent cervix. A cervix is considered incompetent when it shortens considerably without contractions. Cervical lengths of 30 mm to 40 mm are normal. If your cervix is less then 20 mm, it bears close watching, bedrest, possible placement of a stitch known as a cerclage, and/or hospitalization

Prenatal Care
Receiving regular prenatal care will help to ensure that you are a carrying a healthy pregnancy. It is very important for you to make all of your appointments and call whenever you have a question or think there may be a problem. However, there will be some differences in your prenatal health care if you are carrying multiples. You will be seen more often and you will be offered more testing.

Your Health Care Provider
Because you are carrying twins, it is likely that you will need to see a board certified obstetrician (instead of your general practitioner) throughout the entire pregnancy. Perinataologists are also available for women who are experiencing complications with their pregnancy. A perinatalogist is a board certified obstetrician with special training when it comes to dealing with pregnancy complications. , on the practitioner you may or may not not have to attend appointments more frequently. It is likely that you will be offered more tests during your prenatal appointments. In particular, you will need to undergo a few more ultrasound tests than women who are carrying single babies. Ultrasounds will probably be provided at every prenatal appointment in order to check on the growth and development of each baby. Your health care provider will also perform more screening tests, particularly to check on your blood glucose levels.

Pregnancy Nutrition
Maintaing a helathy pregnancy takes alot of effort on your part. It is essential to meet your nutritional needs during pregnancy. Your babies are relying on you for all his vitamins and nutrients. When expecting twins, you may need to increase the amount of certain vitamins and minerals in your pregnancy diet in order to satisfy the needs of all of the babies. In particular, your health care provider will probably recommend that you increase your intake of folic acid and iron in order to prevent neural tube defects and anemia. Water consumption is also essential with multiple pregnancies. Try to drink at least two quarts of water a day. This will prevent dehydration which can cause contractions leading to preterm labor.

Pregnancy Weight Gain
The topic that most women dread is weight gain. Knowing how much weight to gain during the entire nine months can be difficult. Weight gain becomes even more complicated with multiple pregnancies. If you are expecting twins, it is generally suggested that you gain between 35 and 45 pounds over nine months, with the bulk of this weight gain occurring in the second and third trimesters. If you are pregnant with triplets, you should gain at least 45 pounds, slowly and constantly over the three trimesters. If you are carrying higher order multiples, you may need to gain more weight in order to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications. Be sure to speak with your health care provider about what a safe and healthy weight gain would look like for you.

Comments: Twins - During-twin-pregnancy

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Peggy92 - 616 days ago.
Thought I'd post an answer to all the twin moms struggling with maternity clothes- with some money saving tips. I've given birth to two set of twins (yes, it's true!) First pregnancy, I spent $600 on maternity clothes and had to go shopping three different times because I kept outgrowing the outfits. There just wasn’t enough room in the belly. On the second pregnancy, (unfortunately, I had sold all my maternity clothes at our local twins sale.) I bought 4 maternity shirts and 2 pairs of pants for $240 online from For Multiples Maternity. They fit me through 38 weeks (51” around the belly) and I had room to grow when I gave birth. Hope that helps!

lmladybug78@gmail.com - 629 days ago.
Hi im a mommy of 3 and preggo with twins. Im right at 21 weeks and feeling BIG. If one more person asks when im due (jan) im gonna go crazy!lol. I tell them im fat not pregnant.....it worked at the begining just to mess with people but now....not so believable. Ive had Braxton hicks horribly. Im only 21weeks. Is this normal? Never had it with my other 3. Im also getting very dizzy like vertigo and throwing up after dizzy spell. Anybody else have these problems???

bodhiandblue - 641 days ago.
I had my hCG tested on 5 weeks 6 days and again two days later (6 weeks 1 day) my results were 42,000 and 52,000. This seems high. Is it too high? It definitely didn't double but doesn't it slow down after 6,000? Could it be twins? I have an u/s scheduled in 2 weeks. I'll be 8 weeks then. What should I think about these high non-doubling numbers?

blessedmomof5 - 745 days ago.
Hi, Any of you pregnant with twins is having low blood pressure all the time in your first trimester. I am a mom of 4 and this is number 5. I took a clear blue test a day after my period was missing( I am super regular and ovulation was on time too). The test said 3+ weeks( took the test late at night ). since week 5 I have been having non stop nausea even at night. Boobs are killing me , I am showing like I did at 4-5 months with my other pregnancies. But the worst is the fatigue and the drop in blood pressure.I also been having weird dream about twins.They run in my family but we haven't had any in the past 2 generations. I am wondering if I could be pregnant with twins. I am going to my first appointment with the doc on Tuesday .Just wanted to know I am imagining things or could there be a chance?

cissystwins - 770 days ago.
THE PANIC IS STARTING TO SET IN. i am 32weeks w/twins and want to be done so bad but on the other hand its gonna be like having quads. 4 IN DIAPERS! i have a 4 year old disabled boy, a 10 month old and twins comin. i have no family suport and thier dad lives in another town with his 2 other kids, we see him sometimes. his only daycare lives there,his job is there and we have to live seprate cuase of the childrens special needs. i dont even have freinds cuase i had to give up everthing for my son. he cant be around many people or go many places and people just dont understand. I JUST DONT KNOW HOW I'M GONNA DO IT. i was recently reminded of how few suports and help i have when i was hospitalized due to compications w/ the pregnacy and i had to leave cuase i had no daycare. i dont even know what to do with my other children when these 2 r born. just gettin alittle freaked out, anyone else dealing/delt with this kinda stuff?

campbellw - 818 days ago.
Congrats all twin carriers!!! We found out at 9wks that we were expecting twins. The ultrasound tech figures that they are identical!!! WOW what a shock to the system. We are now almost 15 weeks and so far everything is going great. Had virtually no morning sickness just really really tired and so far not really letting up. Just wondering when this tiredness will let up.. I wasnt tired this long with my first child..

stephandisaac - 1034 days ago.
Hi all ! I am 5 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. Very excited...my husband and I had been trying for over a year. Here's the thing. I felt bloated with my other two, but not like this. I don't feel bloated as much as I feel huge. I feel like I am 4 months pregnant instead of in my second month. I have a belly already and haven't gained any weight. Is it because it's my 3rd or is there a chance I could be having twins ? I am 32 and no twins run on my side of the family that I know of. They do on my husbands side though...although I know that usually doesn't matter. Any answers would be great thanks :0)

louiseM - 1185 days ago.
Hi fellow twin mumy's i have had a rough 19 weeks and the doctors dnt help by scaring the hell out of u about being at risk everytime you see them, i have been signed off work since 12 weeks due to a suspected miscarriage but so far so good and im sure i can feel them wiggling about in there but as im a first time mum im not sure that it isnt just a growing pain! which i seem to be having lots and lots of, 8th March is the next timei will see them i am so excited and nervous i wish the day would come lol x

growingagain2012 - 1195 days ago.
momof4inoc-In early pregnancy the dates can be within 2 weeks of estimated conception. Just as long as they keep growing is the good thing. That's what I look out for.

growingagain2012 - 1195 days ago.
Wow! That sounds like me. I swear from like 2-3 days on I knew I was pregnant. I just chalked it up to me being pregnant 4 times before. I have two sons. I took a test about 2 days ago. It was a First Response. Well, it came up right away. The next day, yesterday, I took a cheap dollar store. It was even darker than the First Resp. Neither was my first urine. Or had I been holding it for a while. I looked at the due date calculator and it says, Congratulations! Your 3 weeks pregnant. Maybe the test are jut really sensitive. But, the way the lines look. It looks like I could have taken the test 7 days post O and it come up positive. I have the test on my page and I plan on testing more. When the test came up I looked at my fiance and said, boy that took the fun right out of guessing. What am I going to do with the rest of the First Resp. value pack. I still have 2 tests left.

momof4inoc - 1197 days ago.
Im not sure how to post messages on here, Im hoping this is the right spot! lol Im about 9 weeks pregnant with Fraternal twins and im scared! When i got my ultrasound, one of the babies was measuring at 7 weeks 1 day and the other was measuring 7 weeks 6 days. Did that happen to any of you? They did have strong heartbeats, The doctor is going to give me another ultrasound next week, but it's killing me not to know how they are doing and if they are ok. She mentioned the vanishing twin syndrome and I can't help but worry!

jmercer - 1200 days ago.
i am 14 weeks an 4 days i found out i was pregnant when i was just 2 weeks i felt different from the begining as i already have 6 children jsut put it down to that,then i started feeling mega sick mega tired an my boobs got really painfull i also started to have twin dreams..lol my scan reveled i am defo having twins which was a shock an rather scary as i had a feeling i was. i cant wait till my next scan at 20 weeks to try find out what they are an that all is well even though i have 6 i am rather worried an scared at the mo about this pregnancy lol trying to read up as much as i can......

go team pink :) - 1203 days ago.
iv had a wird feeling since finding out i was pregnant that it might be twins. i dont know why, im 9 weeks and already feel the same size as i did with my fist at 12 weeks. i have a scan tomorrow so i will know i gues, its prob just one, i just get this weird feeling.

mom of 7 plus 2 - 1204 days ago.
I am PG with twins and have to have a Amiuno. I don't want to but I dont have a chosse. I am 40 years old. I have had 9 kids and this is my 2nd PG with twins. I had my own twins at 38 weeks. And did no extra testing. But these are not mine so I dont have a say so. Belive it or not I hate needles after all those kids I hate needles. Has anyone had one done carring twins? If so let me know how it went. Thanks

saraheubanks10 - 1207 days ago.
I was horribly ill at the beginning of my pregnancy. I am now almost 30 weeks with twins and although I haven't been sick to my stomach in quite a while, it's definitely different than having a singleton. Then again, I am 5 years older so who knows how much that plays a part.

irishdaisies - 1219 days ago.
Hello everyone, i'm obsessed with twins, my dad is a twin, my mum had twin brothers, my husbands sister was a twin but his mum lost one of the twins, and his other sister lost one of her twins. I've had one scan so far at 6 weeks as i was bleeding a lot and there was only one little chick pea bouncing around in there, i hear stories of how a twin can hide behind another and you don't know you're having them until it pops out!!! Is this true or a wives tale. It's my first so i think i'd have a nervous breakdown if i had 2 in the first go lol but all the same, they would be a miracle. A boy and girl would be perfect, hee hee who would suffer, dress them both in pink or both in blue (kidding) Good luck all xxx

manda-may - 1229 days ago.
KWA we found out at the 12 week scan. It seemed to be a pretty normal pregnancy up till then... not much morning sickness, I wasn't huge... and it was our first. The boys are now 16 months and it is great!

itstwins - 1249 days ago.
Hi everyone, i'm 10weeks pregnant and have just found out its twins! I have 3 children already do although i'm excited i'm also a little worried about how i will cope. Would be great to hear from others who are expecting twins.

Kwa - 1273 days ago.
Sorry everyone, I am extremely tired. Also, I have gained 15 pounds so far.

Kwa - 1273 days ago.
Hello. I am 9 weeks pregnant with 2 other children. All of my symptoms are double compared to my previous pregnanices. I had an ulta sound(vaginal) and I do not think that the doctor was concernded. He showed me the body and heart beat of the child but there was something else on the other side, which I believe my be another child. At what month did you(anyone) discover that they were pregnant with multiples? Twins run in my family and my son was a identical twin but by the 3rd ultra sound it was just him left.

manda-may - 1306 days ago.
Hi, with my twins, I looked normal size at the beginning, had very mild morning sickness with no vomiting and had no idea I was having twins.... although when I found out, I then realised that over the years if I had ever dreamed about being pregnant (seldom happened but if it did...) I always dreamed that there were two babies. And when I was actually pregnant, I dreamed about giving birth to triplets. Of course, this meant that my partner made the lady search with the scan to make sure that there were absolutely only two babies when she told us at the 12 week scan!! lol. I guess everyone is different. Also, M2B*again, my friend who was on her third pregnancy at the same time as me and was due at the same time, was much bigger through her whole pregnancy with people even asking her if she was having triplets. ...She had one boy... 9 or 10 lbs I think.

m2b*again - 1307 days ago.
I just wanted to know if any of the people that are pregnant with twins knew/had a feeling before it was confirmed with an u/s? Im 13 weeks and really really big. Everyone is asking me if Im having twins as I look about 5 months instead of 3. I have had worse morning sickness and other symptoms than I had with my other pregnancies and earlier symptoms too. I have had stretching pain but its been really bad and I would have thought after 3 babies already my uterus would already be stretched?! I have had a few dreams that Im having twins but thought it may have been because everyone is saying it to me at the moment. Anyway just thought I'd see if anyone else has had similar and what was their outcome? I have my 1st scan in a couple of days.

dsquared83 - 1394 days ago.
Hello everyone.....I'm 9 weeks and 1 day pregnant with twins. I don't know what they are yet, but I do have a question. I'm having a really hard time functioning at work in the morning time. I'm just very tired. Has anyone else have this issue? Please leave a message on my page. Thanks!

Esmeraldajane - 1399 days ago.
Hi everyone, this is my first pregnancy and I am 11 weeks and 5days pregnant with identical twins sharing a placenta... the doc advised me there could be some risk of twin to twin transfusion, but not to worry... as long as you are getting the right care the docs and scan team will monitor you closely for this and deal with whatever may arise... there are procedures that can correct it so try not to worry too much :) congrats to you all.

michele d - 1448 days ago.
Hello everyone I am 18 weeks 2days pregnant with twins. I have a couple of questions for anyone that may be able to help. Is anyone experiencing perineal pressure at this point? I thought it would be way to early to have this feeling but maybe it isin't because of the twin pregnancy. I also had my second ultrasound on Monday and found out that one is a girl and not sure about the other yet because he wouldn't cooperate. I was very happy to see them both so energetic and healthy. My question is regarding the fact that the ultrasound tech could only find one placenta. I read a lot of negative info on this and now I am looking for someone to give me some positive insight into this. Thank you to anyone that can help.