pregnant with twins

Debbie - posted on 12/10/2010

I was pregnant for twins and chasing a 4 year old and a 14 month old. I didn't have any problems with either of these pregnancies, so I didn't anticipate any problems with the twin pregnancy. At around the 32 week, I broke out in hives over my entire body - my system was so stressed out. My ankles were the size of trunks and I looked like I had swallowed a whale. They did an ultrasound and found out they were both more than 6 pounds each, so I begged them to take them out! My doc told me to wait and they came on their own at 38 weeks. Except for being huge, and the hives, everything was fine - just make sure you take the opportunity to rest whenever you can because you won't rest much after :)

Marcy - posted on 12/09/2010

I carried my b/b fraternal twins to 37 weeks and was never on bedrest. My daughter was 16 1/2 months old when they were born.
My advice is to pay attention to your body. If you are feeling pain or like you're doing too much, sit or lay down. There were some days all I could do was just lay on the couch with the remote and watch TV or read stories with my daughter, especially when one of my boys decided to hang out on my sciatic nerve! My doctor's view is that if you can avoid bedrest, your recovery will be that much better. I'm grateful for that doctor because the one I had for the first half of my pregnancy (my dh was transferred out of state for work) said I would be on bedrest at 28 weeks no matter what. There were some days I probably should have stayed down more, but your body will let you know what it can handle.

You can do it!!

Congrats on your pregnancy!!!

Tracy - posted on 12/05/2010

Stacey,
Although that is a possibility I wouldn't assume that to be the case. I never went on bed rest but was taken off work earlier than normal. Had my girls at 37.5 weeks and probably would have went longer if the doctor didn't decide to induce me. In addition, belong to a twin group and only 3 of the 11 of us delivered significantly early (less than 37 weeks).

If you actually have time to read with a toddler I suggest you read "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, Quads or More" by Dr. Barbra Luke. It gives fabulous advice on things you can do to ensure a safe pregnancy with multiples. It talks about bedrest. If I remember correctly it specifically said bed rest with twin pregnancies is not as common nowadays.

Rita - posted on 12/05/2010

I carried my fraternal twins to 37 1/2 weeks while living my normal life and chasing around my toddler -- who was just 16 months old when my twins were born. Your body will tell you when you need to slow down and take it easy. Nap whenever possible! And listen to your doctor! Even if you have to go on bedrest, its worth it in the end! And take people up on their offers of help. If you're like me, its hard because you are used to taking care of everything yourself, but it is worth it. You need to conserve your energy for those babies! All three of them!

Alicia - posted on 12/05/2010

I worked up until the day before I was induced at 37 weeks :) it all just depends!

Chantal - posted on 12/05/2010

honey each pregnancy differs. i had my b/g fraternal twins at 36 weeks and each baby weighed a very healthy weight at just over 6 pounds each!! i also had natural birth with them and we were sent home on the 2nd day!! i was a very active pregnant mom, swam and walked alot... so just listen to your body and you'll know what's good for you... all the best and most importantly ENJOY ;-)

Natasha - posted on 12/04/2010

when i got pregnant with my fraternal twins (boy/girl), my toddler was only 2 years old..he is very active and kept me on my feet ALLLL the time. i was told to sit and rest alot with my feet up while i was pregnant, which was near impossible..around 30 weeks i was told that my boy twin was pushing on my pelvic bone and that if i didnt relax hed push harder and break it, or id be put on bed rest. i still couldnt really relax much. i never got put on bedrest and never got my pelvic bone broken. i had a c-section for my twins at 38.2 weeks and they came out 7.1 lbs (girl) and 6.13 (boy) and perfectly healthy! it all depends on the pregnancy really..try to relax a bit but still stay active (cleaning, walking) like u were b4...good luck!!

Lynn - posted on 12/03/2010

Stacey...me again...laugh a lot and enjoy being in love with being pregnant. It is a fun time... really. Glow in your pregnancy and you will find that it will be great carrying your babes.

Lynn - posted on 12/03/2010

Hi Stacey...congratulations on your twins...I am a fraternal twin and when we were born both of us were almost 6lbs each. We were born on time. My mom did not have any trouble and did not go on bedrest. She also had a son who is a year and a half older then us. After we were born she had my last brother one year later. Just keep active with the normal things you have to do and keep positive. You will do well...

Vicki - posted on 12/03/2010

I totally agree with everyone saying not to stress about it. twin pregnancies are so closely monitored. yes, listen to your body (it'll be kinda hard to ignore :) and I hate when dr's tell people they have to go on bedrest for the simple reason that it is a multiple preg even if it is progressing well! I delivered at 36 weeks (also IUGR) and a one vessel chord for my son. NO problems at all. born healthy and just a bit small so in NICU for a short time. try to relax and just send good vibes and loving thoughts to the babies nestled deep inside you! and yes, eat that protein...I've heard that as well.

Mareese - posted on 12/03/2010

Hi, when my twins were born my daughter woz 19 months old, she woz mums big helper and she loved it, I think as long as you have a routine you will be fine, just rest up when ya can, and include ya little girl and hope for the best...its not easy but its an experiance..good luck hunni :)

Kerena - posted on 12/03/2010

honey it really is going to depend on the pregnancy....I was in the hospital for two weeks from 32 weeks to 34 weeks and delivered at 34 weeks and 2 days....mine was because baby B was IUGR (inter uterine growth restricted) and I was being monitored from 26 weeks till I was hospitalized. However, it depends, try to make sure that you stay hydrated and rest when you can....I know that it is hard with a 20 month old. I had a 3 and 5 year old when my b/b twins were born...rest and reduce stress as much as possible....ill be praying for you!

Neena - posted on 12/03/2010

Don't be scared, I wasn't on bedrest. I had a 20 month old girl, while delivering twin boys in Oct 2009. I worked until the last week before I went in labour, so don't worry, everyone is different. If you don't have any health problems you will be ok. Keep activity in your daily routine. I walked everyday for as long as I could. I went to prenatal yoga classes once a week until I was 28 weeks, after that I kept walking as much as I could handle. Everyone is different, just eat properly and have some activity and you'll be fine!

Diane - posted on 12/03/2010

Eat lots of protien! Some newer studies that are coming out are saying that it is lack nourishment that causes twins to come early and that women on bedrest actually tend to have their babies earlier than those who stay active because they end up eating less. Look up the Brewer pregnancy diet and eat lots of protien!

Kelly - posted on 12/03/2010

With my first set of twins I went into labor at 36 weeks and worked right up until they were born. No bedrest at all. They wre 5lbs 4oz and 5lbs 7oz and came hope with us three days later. With my second set, they took them at 36 weeks because one baby was measuring much smaller then the other. Again, no bedrest and I had no problems taking care of my three older children during the pregnancy. The babies were 5lbs 4oz and 5lbs 14oz and came home with us three days later. Every pregnancy is different, but bedrest is definately not a given with twins.

Marcy - posted on 12/03/2010

Hi Stacey, I also had fraternal twins, they are now 3-years-old. At 32 weeks I lost the mucous plug and the doc put me on a bit of bedrest, only to get up for the bathroom, etc. I found that in the later stages of the 2nd trimester and into the 3rd whenever I walked I had so much pressure that I really didn't want to walk very much anyway. There is no guarantee whether you will be or won't be put on bedrest or have them early. What I found out is that normal gestation for twins is 37 weeks' and I was bang on..I went into labor, but I had one breech so I had a C-section. I had a very uncomfortable pregnancy and by the 34th week I was beyond ready to have them come out. Once, they are out though, you will be exhausted so have LOTS of help and enjoy your rest time now.

Carla - posted on 12/02/2010

There is no proof that you will indeed end up on bed rest. That will be for you and your doctor to decide when/if the time comes. I carried my twins till 38 weeks (6lbs and 7lbs3oz)and I worked full time up to 32 weeks with no problems and I had a 2 year old at the time,now 4. Everyone's pregnancy is different. If you had no troubles with your first pregnancy there is nothing to say that you will have trouble this time around. Listen to your body, rest when you need to, eat well and you should be fine. Remember to take good care of yourself and listen your doctor. Don't let everyones horror stories scare you, they don't have to necessarily happen to all mothers of multiple. Good luck to you.

Meg - posted on 11/30/2010

Jodi - I would really think about going to a birthing center instead of a hospital - you never know what could happen during labor and with twins they are more likely to need extra help after they are born. During my labor with my twins my son turned breech - he had been head down for weeks! They also even and 5 lb 13 oz and 6lb4oz needed the nicu for a week. There are just so many complications that can happen. I didn't need bedrest and and did fine until I went into labor a 34 weeks.

Liz - posted on 11/30/2010

All pregnancies are different. With my first pregnancy with my b/g twins I had a pretty much skate free pregnancy up until 30 wks. Then I was in the hospital every weekend up until I gave birth to them at 33 weeks 6 days. My daughter was ready but my son was not so I had to have an emergency c-section.

They are two years old now and you could never tell they were preemies. I just had a son July 12th, of this year and he was born at 38 weeks 6 days.

Jodi - posted on 11/30/2010

I had to compromise with my OB. She informed me that it is her policy to put twin moms on bedrest at 28 weeks simply because there are two babies in there. We have come to an agreement that as long as everything looks fine and I promise to not over-do my duties (i'm 26 weeks with a 21 month old at home!), eat healthy and follow her other regulations I can stay off of bedrest unless it's medically necessary. But, I'm also looking at a birthing center to transfer to instead of my hospital where they're A LOT more relaxed about pregnancy and delivery. (Not that they ignore any complications, they just don't see the need for uneccessary interventions, and I happen to agree! lol) Best of luck, and try not to stress about it, what happens will happen.

Rebecca - posted on 11/29/2010

I forgot to add that you are less likely to have problems (unless you had problems in your first pregnancy) and more likely to carry twins to term if you've already had a child -- which you have!! If your uterus has already stretched out to accommodate a baby once, it has an easier time stretching enough to carry two. So you definitely have that weighing in your favor as a positive factor!!!

Brianna - posted on 11/29/2010

I was a stay at home mom to a 15 month old when I delivered my twins at 35 weeks. I never went on bedrest, nor had any problems before going into preterm labor. Just take it easy and listen to your body and you should be just fine!

Bianca - posted on 11/29/2010

I am 20 wk preg w/ twins (I have 2 older [singleton] kids). I was put on bed rest in my 1st trimester due to bleeding. After a diagnostic US, dr determined everything was ok & I was given the ok to resume activity. I haven't had any problems since but I totally understand how you feel; ppl can really scare you sometimes! From what I gather, a lot depends on your dr. Case in point: I know a personal trainer whose OB "allowed" her to instruct a boot camp class throughout her pregnancy (she was carrying 1 child). However, this same OB told a friend of mine (pregnant w/ twins) that she WOULD go on bed rest at 27 wks & WOULD have a c-sect--simply bc she was having twins! Fortunately, my OB & I are on the same page & she is so supportive of me & my wishes. I think communication & support is a MUST for you (twin preg or singleton). Good luck :)

Amanda - posted on 11/29/2010

Hi Stacey! My name is Amanda and I am the mother of a set of 3 year old Fraternal twin girls. I had a c-section at 34 weeks but it was due to me have severe eclampsia and edema. We were lucky that both girls were born healthy weighing in at 5lbs 5oz. I never was put on bedrest but I did have serveral scares of preterm labor but was able to stop them. As long as you do everything right and follow your doctors advice then you should have no problem with this pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different but I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted as you progess. Oh by the way I am the moderator of this board so if you ever need anything please feel free to contact me or contact Heather she is administrator of the board.

Rebecca - posted on 11/29/2010

Maybe, maybe not. I was put on house arrest (not strict bedrest) at 34 weeks, but it was also the week after my mother died of cancer. I didn't deliver early at all -- 38 weeks. You may sail through the pregnancy; you may have problems -- there is no way to predict what will happen. Don't let everyone worry you -- twins isn't a guarantee of problems!!!