Twins: Pregnancy Through Infancy
The wonderful news that you are expecting is only multiplied when you discover you are having twins! Usually, the ultrasound or sonogram will reveal the first indication of twins. This information can be both exciting and frightening. The joy of adding not one, but two children to the family may be overwhelming at first. Often, as parents, your thoughts turn to purchasing two of everything!
What Can Affect Your Chances Of Having Twins?
The chance of having multiple fetuses can vary due to many factors. Nationality, birth control methods used prior to conception, age of the mother, and family history of twins are only a few factors. Also, with the use of fertility drugs, the chances of multiple births may increase.
What To Expect During Pregnancy
As with any pregnancy, it is important to visit your doctor regularly. Due to the possibility of complications, your pregnancy will be considered at a higher risk than that of someone carrying one child. More than likely, it will be expected that you are to gain a few more pounds during your pregnancy. More ultrasounds may be performed during your pregnancy to help your doctor better assess the health of you and your babies. Some women carrying twins are more likely to have a greater risk of preterm labor. For this reason, it is common to have more frequent visits to the doctor during your last trimester.
Delivery of twins can be by a Cesarean section or a vaginal delivery. Numerous factors can affect the decision to decide which method is safest for you and your babies. In many cases, a vaginal birth is the safest way to deliver your twins. In some instances, a Cesarean delivery, or C-section, is recommended. One reason for a C-section may be due to the position of the fetuses. If the child entering the birth canal first, usually called Baby A, is breech or a compound presentation, a C-section is typically recommended.
Breech positioning is when a fetus enters the birth canal with the feet or buttocks first. An example of a compound presentation would be when the baby is head down, but an arm is also extending into the birth canal.
A VBAC, or vaginal birth after Cesarean, may be possible. Talk to your doctor about your history of delivery with previous pregnancies to decide if a VBAC is right for you.
At The Hospital
While still in the hospital, you may be surprised by the amount of information you will receive. You may be given paperwork regarding your babies’ blood type. Also, if needed, pathology reports may help to indicate whether the twins are fraternal or identical.
Identical twins are of the same sex. One fertilized egg splits into two separate parts early in the pregnancy resulting in two identical fetuses. Fraternal twins can be of the same sex, two boys or two girls, or possibly one male twin and one female twin will result. If your twins are fraternal, they were conceived from two separate eggs. This means that even if you have two sons or two daughters, they may look nothing alike! On the other hand, it is possible to have fraternal twins that look very similar.
The only way to be absolutely certain whether twins are identical or fraternal is to perform a DNA test. This is a test that is typically unnecessary, and can be rather costly.
Feeding your twins by breast or from a bottle can be a difficult decision. Bottle feeding may seem much easier and appealing to many mothers of twins. Some moms are concerned that they may not be able to provide enough milk for their infants. Breast milk is formed based on supply and demand. The more a baby nurses, the more milk your body will produce. It is possible to successfully nurse twins. Ask a nurse or lactation consultant at the hospital for help if you are interested in nursing.
Bottle feeding your babies, whether it be formula or breast milk, can have some advantages. Other family members can help give Mom a break or a much needed nap. This may also be a great way to include Dad or an older sibling. The choice to breast or bottle feed is a very personal decision. Your doctor can give you information about making the decision that is right for you.
Going Home
The highly anticipated arrival home can be a stressful time. Prepare the nursery in advance. Tell family and friends before returning home of your decision when to have guests. While some parents prefer to be surrounded by family and friends the moment they arrive home, other parents may choose to have an amount of time to rest and adjust to their recently expanded family.
The first three months are the most hectic. It can be handy to have a close friend or relative drop by to help out. A baby needs round the clock care, and two hungry infants can be demanding on parents. A fussy baby that needs rocked or held may be compounded by the crying brother or sister.
As you get to know your new babies, you will learn their likes and dislikes after a few short weeks. One child may prefer the mobile above its crib while the other likes the heartbeat bear.
It can be tempting to draw similarities between the two, or even to contrast their preferences. Parents are often reminded not to draw comparisons. It is nearly impossible to avoid this behavior.
Your Babies’ Firsts
The joy of twins comes with each and every new first. Both babies will not only have their first smile and first steps, but they will have one of their first friends in one another. It is such a pleasure to watch your twins interact at even such an early age. The coos of one twin to the other from one bouncy chair across the room to another can be amazing.
Getting through the first year will be filled with a great deal of work, but it is certainly worth it. Soon your children will be taking their first steps, and you will be off and running!
