Women who undergo fertility treatments understand the chances of a multiple pregnancy, while other expecting mothers are surprised to find out they are pregnant with twins. No matter how you conceive twins, your pregnancy and medical care is likely to change once your care provider discovers a second fetus. Recognizing the implications of having twins prepares you for the pregnancy and birth.
Physical Effects
A woman pregnant with twins has higher levels of hCG in her body. This hormone is often linked to morning sickness, so you may feel intense nausea. Greater weight gain than normal is another effect of a twin pregnancy. Because you are carrying two babies, you gain more weight than you would with only a single baby. A gain of about 35 to 45 lbs. is recommended when expecting twins.
Prenatal Care
Twin pregnancies are likely to involve more prenatal care visits than you would have with a single baby. Your doctor uses these extra visits to ensure both babies are growing properly. He evaluates your health and looks for complications so they are treated as early as possible. You are likely to have more ultrasounds and other screening tests as monitoring tools. Your doctor may pay more attention to your diet to ensure you are getting enough folic acid, iron and calcium to support both babies and yourself. Often around 2,700 calories are needed daily to maintain a healthy twin pregnancy.
Complications
Pregnancies with more than one fetus are at greater risk for certain complications. You are more likely to develop high blood pressure, according to the MayoClinic.com. If you're pregnant with identical twins, twin-to-twin transfusion is a possibility. The circulatory systems of both babies become connected through the placenta, causing an uneven dispersion of the blood. A mother pregnant with twins is more likely to go into preterm labor. If your babies are born prematurely, they are likely to be lower in weight and may have developmental delays. You are also more likely to have a c-section delivery.
Precautions
Because of the increased risk of complications, your doctor may ask you to take more precautions than normal. If she feels you are at risk for preterm labor, she is likely to restrict your activities and possibly put you on bed rest. You may need to take time off of work before your babies are born as part of bed rest or restricted activities. Travel plans later in a twin pregnancy are also subject to cancellation, especially if you plan to go a long distance from home.
