We're Having Twins!
Congratulations! You're having twins! What a blessing. Having 2 at once is something many couples long to have...but not many get. Here is some information about how you got twins and what to expect during your pregnancy.
How are Twins Made?Let me start out by explaining that there are 2 types of twins. Identical, and fraternal. By far the most common form are the fraternal twins. The statistics are about 1 in 30 births are twins...but only 1 in about 250 are identical.Monozygotic twins (identical twins) – when one egg is released and fertilized, but then splits within 1 -14 days later. They typically have one placenta but 2 umbilical cords. There is absolutely no way of predicting who will have identical twins, because scientists are not clear why it happens. Usually heredity plays a big role in who will have twins...but in the case of monozygotic twins, anyone can have them at any time and during any pregnancy.
Dizgotic twins (fraternal twins) – most couples who are having twins, will have fraternal twins. They are the most common. They form when 2 eggs are released during ovulation, resulting in 2 different fertilized eggs. They can be different genders, and look totally different...whereas identical twins are always the same gender and look very much the same.
Fraternal twins can be made in numerous ways. Sometimes they are a result of fertility treatments, IVF, genetics, or simply getting lucky! Risks Associated With Having Twins
If you are pregnant with twins, your doctor will want to monitor you more closely then with a singleton. Sometimes practitioners will want you to be seen by a specialist or high risk doctor. This is because there are more risks with being pregnant with multiples. You are at a higher risk for:*Premature birth *High blood pressure *Being put on bedrest or pelvic rest *Placental problems *Becoming anemic Keep in mind that not every multiple pregnancy will result in these problems or any complications. You have a good chance of going on to have a normal, vaginal delivery as well. It really all depends on your body, your babies and your doctors comfort level with twins. Twin Diet - What You Should EatYou need to be sure you are getting 600 additional calories per day. Your weight gain should be more then that of a singleton. An average range for twins would be between 30-45 lbs.Getting plenty of protein and drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day are very important for the development of your children.
***And don’t forget your vitamins! Taking prenatal’s will keep your babies on track and keep your body from getting too depleted. You need plenty of calcium, folic acid and iron (to name a few). How Will I Know If We're Having Twins?
Many doctors now-a-days, will perform early ultrasounds for most mothers. Just to check to be sure the baby or babies are growing fine and looking healthy. If your doctor doesn’t give early ultrasounds unless they suspect a problem or can’t pick up the heartbeat with a Doppler, then you may not find out you have twins until your second trimester. Most mothers who are having twins have uterus’s that measure large for their gestation. This is the normal indicator that twins may be in there. Or: Sometimes when the doctor is using the Doppler, more then one heartbeat is detected. Sometimes if a woman has abnormally high levels of hormones. Sometimes the other baby is not detected until birth. | Breastfeeding | Inducing Labor Naturally | Trying to Conceive | Diet | | Home Pregnancy Tests | Am I Pregnant? | Announcements | | Maternity Clothes | Hospital List | Holistic | | Baby Shower Ideas | Work from Home |
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