10 tips for a peaceful twin pregnancy

Thanks to the various treatments to increase fertility and the assisted fertilization techniques that are now applied on a large scale, twin pregnancies are increasing more and more. On average in industrialized countries the rate of twin births has increased by as much as 76% in the last thirty years.

Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for it when you’re expecting more than one baby.

Put your health first

It’s important to eat healthy and hydrate properly because nutritional needs are different when you’re expecting twins. Also learn to listen to your body and not overlook symptoms such as cramps that could indicate some deficiency. Always talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms you have never had before.

 Expect a few more pains than in a singleton pregnancy

We humans were “designed” for singleton pregnancies. Twin pregnancies would in theory be the exception.

During a twin pregnancy, the uterus grows twice as fast and the belly twice as fast. So you may suffer more from back pain and pain in the round ligament of the uterus. These discomforts could already appear around 25 weeks of pregnancy. The greater weight that presses on the neck of the uterus and the pelvis could force you to reduce working hours or to rest.

Frequent appointments to the gynecologist

Twin pregnancies may require more frequent gynecologist appointments to make sure the babies are growing well. A twin pregnancy is considered to be more at risk than a single pregnancy and after 30 weeks it may be normal to have a weekly ultrasound to check the levels of amniotic fluid and the growth of the babies.

 Seek help right away

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that mothers of twins were 43% more likely to experience moderate or severe postpartum depressive symptoms. Many mothers who experience twin pregnancies come from previous abortions and failed attempts. of assisted reproduction, and therefore feel decidedly under pressure. This is why it is essential to ask for help from a family member, a friend or a babysitter or mothers’ help groups so as not to face this period alone.

Prepare yourself in advance

Typically a twin pregnancy ends around 37 weeks of gestation. But labor often starts earlier, so get ready with everything you and the babies need.

Intensive therapy

While many babies born after 34 weeks don’t need to spend time in the NICU, it’s a good idea to inquire about the nearest equipped hospitals.

However rest assured, most twin pregnancies proceed without problems for both the mother and the children.

Positivity

Always be positive, and this goes for all twin and non-twin mothers. Worry only if there are reasons to do so, never wrap your head too soon!

Feeding time

When you are still in the hospital, ask for the possibility of speaking to a breastfeeding consultant to understand how to deal with breastfeeding twins and get the right advice.

Hopefully if you know other mothers who have breastfed twins, hear their experience that can always come in handy

You can purchase a double breastfeeding pillow and alternate your babies breasts at each feed to keep milk supply the same.

Create una routine

If you can create a sleep and eating routine, the easier it will be to organize your days. It won’t be easy at first but with calm and patience the results will come

2×1

The probability (or bad luck) has it that the children will get sick more or less together or that they will have the discomfort of teething more or less at the same time. It won’t be easy to manage two in these situations, it’s already difficult with one! However, if it’s any consolation, once the first storm has passed, you’ll already know how to deal with the next ones. Experience helps a lot in this case!

Make time for yourself and your partner

Well yes, statistics say that couples with twins are more likely to separate. In order to avoid unpleasant situations it is important that, despite the double commitment with the children, you manage to dedicate time to taking care of yourself and also of your partner. So collaborate as much as possible in the management of the children and take advantage of the grandparents or babysitters to go out to dinner together for an evening of your own.