What I wish I knew about twin pregnancy

If you asked me a few years ago how many children I wanted to have, my answer would have been five without a doubt. Fast forward to now that I have two, my answer is I don’t know. Twin pregnancy has been one of the most difficult things I’ve done, yet one of the most empowering things I have also done. It’s a beautiful mix of being a superhuman with superpowers yet very human.

There are a lot of things I was ignorant of prior to my twin pregnancy. I’ve always had a nonchalant, go with the flow type of attitude about me that when I found out I was pregnant with the twins, nothing changed. Most moms spend a lot of time stressing and researching and going through all types of angst because it’s their first pregnancy, however I was filled with so much peace because I made up my mind that I was going to just go with the flow and allow my body to do what it was supposed to do.

Despite my nonchalant and go with the flow attitude, here are a few things I wish I knew prior to becoming pregnant or at least during the first few months of twin pregnancy:

The weight gain is real.

Let’s just say I wasn’t ready for this one. While the average amount of weight for a pregnancy is between 30-50lbs, I gained 80lbs with the twins. Yes, 80lbs. While I am not terribly sad about the weight gain, I wish I knew about these numbers and worked out throughout my pregnancy to maintain a healthier weight. 

A C-section is very much so an option.

 Twin pregnancy is considered high risk pregnancy and with it come a lot of risk. I was flexible as to how my children came into the world because my main concern was for them to be delivered the safest way possible for mommy and babies. This should always be every mom’s wish, to deliver your child/ren as safe as possible for you and them. One of the key factors that comes into play for twin delivery besides other medical conditions or difficulties is the positioning of the twins.

Twins are referred to as Twin A and Twin B when in Utero. Twin A is often the one closest to your cervix. One of the reason why you may be an eligible candidate for a C-section is if the twins aren’t positioned correctly especially Twin A. In a perfect world, Twin A would be in head down position and Twin B will have no problem sliding out once Twin A is born. But for many twin moms that is not always the case. Most doctors won’t go with a vaginal birth if Twin A is not head down because the risk of getting Twin A and Twin B out safely is very low. My advice, be flexible with your birthplan.

You will give birth in an OR.

This was a shocker for me. I have never gone through a major surgery so being prepped to go to the OR for the very first time to give birth was nerve racking. Even if your twins are positioned for a vaginal birth, there’s a possibility that an emergency C-section may need to be performed and because time is of essence, it’s safest to deliver in the OR where everything is ready for the “worse” case scenario.

A drug free birth is unlikely.

I found out that most doctors will not recommend and some won’t even agree to a natural birth (drug free) when it comes to twin pregnancy. Twin pregnancy is very unpredictable especially when it comes to the time for the babies to be born. Although both babies can be positioned to come out vaginally, chances of one flipping into breech position is possible and with that – most doctors would have to perform a C-section.

For this reason, they will likely want you to be medicated because if a C-section was to be performed after Twin A was born, there would literally be no time for them to medicate you, wait for the medication to work then perform the surgery. Remember, the goal should always be for the process to be the safest for both baby (ies) and mommy. So take the meds girl! 

Your babies will be preemies.

The average twin mom gives birth at 35 weeks. There’s a good number of twin moms who don’t make it to 35 weeks while some are able to make it past the 35 weeks. However, it is very unlikely that you will carry your twin pregnancy to 40 weeks because after 38 weeks it becomes dangerous for both mom and babies.

I had a very healthy pregnancy and was able to carry my twins until 38 weeks and 1 day when they were born. As difficult as it was to get to 38w+1d, I am so glad we did because that meant no/reduced NICU time for them. In our case, both babies were super healthy, one of my twins inhaled amniotic fluid and had low oxygen levels at birth so they spend 24 hours in the NICU to be monitored but otherwise at 38w+1d, they were perfectly healthy. 

You are stronger than you think.

If you told me this while I was pregnancy, I probably laughed at you, quickly dismissed your comment or flat out ignored you because I didn’t believe I was. But looking back, it amazes me that my body was able to create not one, but two lives. As I reflect on my pregnancy journey, I realize just how strong I am and I have no doubt that if you’re currently expecting whether it’s a singleton, twins or triplet – you have everything within you to carry your baby (ies) and no matter how difficult it might get – you are indeed much stronger.

I am curious to know, what are some things you wish you knew prior to being pregnant?