Pregnant with Twins!!!

I just had boy/girl twins last October. I also had a lot of pain in my hips. I could hardly walk until I went to physical therapy. The exercises they gave me really helped ease the pain. Good luck! You can do it, and it is so worth it in the end!!

I was pregnant with twins when my son was only 12 months so i know how you feel. Please feel free to contact me any time and i will give you some helpful tips. ____@____.com

B.

Just wanted to say congratulations! Drink lots of water. Rest when ya can & take all the help ya can.
Philippians 4:13

I LOVED being preggo with my twins, but I think that the pregnancy was easier than my other one because I was so active (walks with my daughter, working full-time plus overtime, taking care of my daughter...). My first pregnancy was full of aches, pains, morning sickness, stiffness, swollen ankles, high blood pressure... all simply because I wasn't as active as I should have been. Also... lots of water. And yes, those twins are VERY active, unfortunately, my tummy was so stretched out, I couldn't even feel the babies moving around (after about 6 1/2 mnths, but that was just because they were big babies lol), but my friends used to watch while my tummy would shift from one side to another, a foot here, an elbow there... But try to relax and enjoy your pregnancy, I miss those days soo much!!

congrats. just think positively...if you tell yourself you can handle it, then you can handle it. has your ob confirmed how far along you are...sounds like you might be farther along than you think. a lot of woman have complications with miltiples, but then again, alot of woman don't and go on to have healthy full term babies. just take care of yourself and stay calm and pray for God to give you strength and keep your pregnancy on track and let your babies be happy and healthy.

I feel for you. My twins will be 5 yrs old next month. At the time of their birth I had a 2 1/2 yr old, 3 3/4 yr old, and a 6 1/2 yr old. Yes, it is hard, but God will see you through. First, and formost...do not be afraid to ask for help. My church family was a huge blessing to me. I had women cleaning all areas of my house, cooking for us, and playing with my kids (before and after the births). I had a perfect pregnancy and my twins were born via c-section at 38 1/2 weeks. My daughter weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and my son weighed 7 lbs 13 oz. Yes, almost 15 lbs of baby. My belly was huge to say the least. Don't worry about all the complications, give them to God. I am not sure why, but I never thought about the what if's of carrying twins. This will be a hard time, but you can do it. Know your limits. Take it easy and don't ask too much of yourself. Little things, like taking my children to preschool would wipe me out. A shopping trip of 20 minutes and I couldn't do much else the rest of the day. This pregnancy will not be like your first two by any means. Enjoy it as much as you can. It will be over before you know and then life with twins will be begin and you will ask yourself what you did to deserve such an awesome blessing. I would like to suggest reading Baby Wise. A lot of people frown upon this book, but it really is an awesome book. A lot of people think the book is about just letting a baby cry and cry until they go to sleep, but it is not and there is so much more to it. It is about teaching your infant routine and structure. It will help especially with having twins and not pulling your hair out because they are on total opposite schedules. Check it out. I will be praying for you. Congratulations.

After reading some of the other responses I had to come back and add this. Yes, get chiropractic care (I can't believe I had forgotten to tell you this at first). My husband was a chiropractor before he had his calling into full time ministry. If you can find someone who specializes in pregnancy that would be great, but it could be a little difficult. Check if they know the webster technique. Chiropractic is amazing and you would be surprised with what it can help with. I have a good chiropractic friend in Raleigh, NC who specializes in pregnancy. I could get you in contact with her and she may be able to find you a chiropractor in your area.

Please contact me if you have questions at ____@____.com

I have not been pregnant with multiples, but I do have very hard pregnancies. My last one I could barely walk for the last 1/3. Of course I found out how a chiropractor could help me AFTER I had the baby! But they next time through I am going regularly!!!! ( my back was out of alinement and my pelvic bone was twisted! one visit and what a relief!

H.

I have had 5 children & each one different than the one before it. I remember going to the emergency room with #2 because I had pains that I thought I was losing him. Turned out to be normal in subsequent pregnancies, extra ligaments or something? Hurt like it did when you jog & get that side ache...

I don't have multiples, always wanted to, but God knew better, LOL. I would talk to your doctor but I think it's just part of being a pregnant mom with 2 other children and multiple responsibilities. Take time to rest my child, prop your feet up with a cup of tea when you can & have quiet.

And if you can afford it, chiropractors do great work on pregnant women!!

Good luck to you & where are you a youth pastor?

Hi P.,
I am a mom of 18 year old twins who are seniors in high school. I know it's been a long while since I was pregnant, but I can at least offer you some encouragement. Since I was only pregnant one time, I wasn't able to compare pregnancies as you are doing...which might have been easier! I think part of your concern is stemming from noticing how different everything is this time. Maybe you should try to just accept that this will be a completely new experience and just focus on getting through each day and each stage now instead of always comparing it with your other times. Also, even though pregancies with multiples are considered "high risk," it DOESN'T mean that yours will necessarily come with all the textbook complications. Yes, you need to be prepared for whatever happens, but try not to focus on problems so much. I was very fortunate that I carried my twins to 38 weeks and had a relatively problem-free pregnancy until the very end when my blood pressure started to rise. But they weighed over 7 lbs each and other than a little jaundice had no problems at birth. And somehow we've managed to get them to adulthood...even through one twin's leukemia at age 4 and a diagnosis of kyphosis that led to her wearing a back brace every day through middle school, and the other twin's ADD and behavioral issues. Wishing you all the best...just try to relax and enjoy each day the best you can!

You are both doubly blessed and challenged! Try and find some very good "whole food" nutritional supplements to support your body's growing needs (and their's!)and especially get on a high quality fish oil with higher EPA levels (which supports brain & nervous system development)during your last trimester. Have you ever looked into Bach Flower essences or remedies...it uses flower essences to balance our emotional being and they have 1 that is a combination of 4 flowers called Rescue Remedy and it can truly be miraculous as a calmer and balancer. The last suggestion would be to find a great "low force" technique chiropractor (Activator, crainal sacral, SOT, BEST,)to help keep you be in the best shape and alignment possible for your pregnancy and easy delivery... (I even had my chiropractor adjust me during early labor to make sure all the nerve channels were open and communicating).
Best of everything for a beautiful pregnancy, birth & blessed life!
A. H

Hi, P.!

I haven't had twins myself, but as a childbirth educator, I have worked with and known many women who have. What you're describing is very common. I'm sure you're doing great!

I do want to recommend something that many moms of multiples who I know use to make their pregnancies more enjoyable and comfortable.

http://www.hypnobabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&...

I recently had a student who knew she would be having a c-section for medical reasons, and she still found the CDs very helpful. She is convinced that the CDs and the complete Hypnobabies class are the only reason she managed to carry her babies well into the 38th week, and have a 7.5 and 6.5 lb set of twins. It really changed her stress level and expectations about how a twin pregnancy could be.

Good luck!

-S.

Hello and congrats!! I have have seven year old twins. What a blessing they will be- especially in each others lives. I understand some of the things you are feeling...experiencing everything x2. You will get a lot bigger quicker and you WILL be able to handle this!!! God has designed your body to carry these babies and yes it can be scary. Take it as easy as you can. Sleep with pillows surrounding every cruve to alleviate any pressure. Get you husband to massage your back. I experienced horrible pack pain and labor pains only with my twins (not with my single babies)so pillows became a life- saver. Complications can surround all pregnancies. There is a great chance to carry these babies well and go full term or close to it. If there are complications, your Doctor will know what to do for you and them. Most common obviously is premature birth. You may have to go on bed rest. The pressure and will only become great so staying of your feet as much as possible (especially in the third tri) will take the pressure off. Also you are eating for three so get as much of the good stuff as you can (meaning fruits, veggies water, lots of calcium, and protein) The life threatening complications that you would be concerned with like "twin to twin" is a scary thought and I would encourage to take that to the Lord and pray that each baby gets what they need from you and not from the other. May God bless your pregnancy, Di

Dear P.:

Congratulations on your pregnancy with twins. It sounds as if you have been blessed with wonderful children. Now you are having twins. I worried so much about things that could go wrong during my pregnancy. I had to go through infertility testing to get pregnant. A lot of risks there. try not to worry so much. God will grant you the physical strength and endurance. He will give you all the strength and courage you need. You can do all things through Christ. We will keep you and your twins in our prayers. Remember God never gives us more than we can bear. Be realistic and know there is risks with the twin pregnancy but don't let it invade every moment. Try to enjoy as much as possible. As a 911 communicator what would you tell someone calling in to you. Keep up the positive things you do for your pregnancy and make sure to take time for yourself. May God bless you richly. Love and prayers, B.

Oh, I had to respond to you. I had twins with my 3rd preg. also. When they were born I had 4 children under 4 years old!! Yes, the pregnancy was very different from the others. I had an ultrasound with every doc visit and went every two weeks very early, like 4 months. I recommend the ultrasound with every visit if you doc doesn't do this. My doc said it the only true way to make sure you have two heartbeats and not just hearing the same one. It's just reassuring.
I was put on bedrest (as much as possible) at about 24 weeks, stayed on it religiously until 34 weeks then induced at 36. Delivered the twins vaginally, with the second one being breach. Some say this can't be done, well it can. We delivered in the OR just in case we had to do an emergency C-Sect. But everything went great. They weighed 5lbs.15 and 6lbs 1oz. and were 4 minutes apart. We went home after only 2 nights in the hospital.
I know I am a great success story but it can be done. You have to take each day as they come. It's the hardest thing you'll ever do but you'll do anything to have those 2 healthy babies!!!
Good luck and here's my perosnal email if you want to contact:
____@____.com

Congratulations! How exciting! Sorry I didn't see your post earlier. Hope this reaches you in time.
Most complications, including prematurity, with twins happen from malnutrition. Be sure you are eating enough protein & green leafy vege's. If you start swelling, increase your protein. Avoid junk food and empty calories, make every calorie count! The three of you need lots of Protein. In this hot weather, it is easy to want it all to be over, but patience is a virtue, every day they stay inutero, the safer it is for them to come out. The C/s rate is climbing at an alarming rate, hardly any twins are born vaginally anymore, but remember, vaginal births are usually safer than C/S, even for twins. It is safest if at least the first one is head down. If they are not in an optimal position, have a Chiroprator do the Websters technique on you before resorting to surgery. And did I mention how important PROTEIN is? Oh yeah, too much caffeine can stimulate contractions, so that should be kept to a minimum, if not avoided altogether. Dehydration also causes contractions, so drink lots of water during these hot summer days along with the protein.
My daughter had twins, naturally 8 months ago. The first was head down & the second was transverse, but came out breech after his brother came out and gave him room to turn. When she got to the hospital she was already 9 cms, having had me as a monitrice for the ten hours of labor up to going to the hospital. She was there for two hrs before they were born, one minute apart! They tried their darnest to get her an epidural, but she steadfastly refused. Don't go to the hospital without a monitrice or at least a doula! Their moral support & back rubs are invaluable!
There are many good twin births on Utube, my favorite twin video is "The Birth of Psalm & Zoya" by Mindy Goorchenko. She makes it look so easy... kneeling on the bathroom floor, catching her own babies, even the breech! It was an unattended birth, they planned to have midwives there, but the babies arrived before the midwives! Mindy was herself a doula & midwife's apprentice at the time of those births.
Remember, God never gives you more than you can handle! He must think highly of you to give you twins with two big "helpers"! Enjoy!

Hi P.! Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am a 45 year old mother of boy/girl twins. I did not think that my body could handle twins, but it did. I was uncomfortable early on, a full body pillow helped me, and we purchased a recliner that I was able to sleep in as the pregnancy advanced. Unfortunately, the aches and pains just go with it, and you have to grin and bear it. Towards the end (my babies were near full term, they were only 4 days early! They were 6 and 6 1/2 pounds!) I was huge, I could not easily reach the kitchen sink! The best advice that I can give you is to have a system set-up whereby you have a friend or family member STAYING with you when you get home for at least the first few weeks. If you plan to breast feed (I did for the first few months), someone will have to make you a lot of food, the calories that you burn are amazing. If you are not breast feeding, there is a hands free bottle system, that is available at BabiesRUs, I cannot remember the exact name, but it was wonderful. Lastly, there is a group called Mothers of Twins Club that was very helpful to me. If I can help you with anything else, please let me know! Good luck and enjoy your babies! L.

Great News!!!! I am 58 inches tall and had twins for my first pregnancy at 28 years of age. I was too scared for this new adventure. At 4 months, I looked like I was ready to have the boys. I went from 115 to 179 pounds and it was all baby.

The knots you are feeling are the elbows, knees, feet and hands of the babies. I had to use alot of mother's cream because I was stretched beyond limits. Cocobutter and a long body pillow to support the weight. I did as much walking and activity as I could and put a pillow under my legs to relieve the pressure from my lower back. Laying on my back would put pressure on my bladder from the twins, so a bathroom had to be closeby no matter where I went.

I did it, and so can you. Stretching is also important in the legs. After the babies are here, you will drop all the weight easily, so do not let that discourage you.

Congratulations! I haven't had twins but had to share in your excitement. Good luck!

Mel

I have twins girls who are healthy and happy and 29. They were born six weeks early.One had to stay till she gained up to five pounds, the other one had to have oxygen.It took about 4 years to get up to the normal weight of children their age. They were both honor students.They like to be called by names ,not the girls or twins.By the time they were in the 2nd grade, they did not want to dress alike. They are very close.image having your best friend with you all the time,that is what it is like to grow up with a twin.They think alike on most things,but is still an indivdual.Any books on twins will tell how important it is to be treated
as an indivdual. I gained 40lb.All my wieght was in front.You get very big.I had identical twins girls, I had a healthy pregancy.Expect to take it easy the last couple months,they do that so you will not go into labor too early.One had a birth mark on her back, the other didn't ,that one to tell for sure which twin you had. You will soon learn their different features.I used to watch them kick each other during the final months.God bless you and your family.

Congratulations! I know you are excited beyond belief!

I've had chiropractic care during all my pregnancies and regular care for the last 3 and it really made a difference in my ability to walk comfortably and eliminated back pain. A chiropractor who is comfortable and experienced in adjusting during pregnancy can help not only with your achse and pains but also in helping the babies to be positioned well during the last few weeks. Look for someone who is familiar with the Webster technique.

There are some great books on mothering multiples out there. Karen Gromada is the authors name I'm remembering? http://www.karengromada.com/karengromada/index.htm

La Leche League meetings are a great place to borrow books and get the support you'll need to nurse two.

Your diet is also very important, the biggest problem with multiples these days is prematurity.
http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/

HTH

Dear P.,
Being pregnant with twins can be a stressful time. Since you are a youth pastor, you should "let go, and let God." Pray for strength and serenity at this exciting time in your life. God trusts you with two babies; that is quite an honor. I am a mother of 6 year old twins and know first-hand that a twin pregnancy can be difficult on your body as well as on your mind. Don't read up on all the bad things that can happen to you, focus on keeping yourself rested (as much as possible)and calm. Let your doctor worry about problems and lay your own worries down in your daily prayers. You will get through this and your strength will pass on to all your children. Twins are amazing and you will enjoy watching them grow both together and as individuals. It's a good thing you already have two helpers, one for each of them! Try to line up some help if you can. If you can't afford to hire some help, look to your church and your friends for support. Donated meals, offers to babysit, running errands for you, are all ways others can help. Don't turn down offers. If someone offers something you don't need, suggest something you could use. You'll need help now and after the babies are born so start now making a list of those who are willing and happy to help out. I wish you all the best and will keep YOU and your whole family in my prayers. Congratulations!

R.

Hello P.. I also have four children including a set of fraternal twins. All of mine are girls and the ages are: 9, 7, and 5. So, when I had my twins I had one child turning 4 and one turning 2. Whew - I look back and wonder how I did it. That is just it - you do it. You just do what you have to the best you can.

As far as my pregnancy, mine went very well. I do understand about you looking much farther along than in your previous pregnancies. I did too, but I did not know that I was having twins until 20 weeks. I knew it was different b/c I felt the fluttering all over my tummy opposed to low as I did in my previous pregnancies. I also felt the pains as my belly grew LARGER and LARGER. But, I just listened to my body and rested when I needed to and was just fine. I was not put on bed rest at all. I did purchase a pregnancy belt that helped with my large belly a little. I hoped on a vaginal delivery but one of my girls was breech so I had a planned c-section at 37 weeks which is considered full term for twins. Mine weighed 6 lbs 8 oz and 7 lbs 8 oz. I know I was very lucky b/c I did not have any complications and my girls were healthy. So my advice to you is to listen to your body. If you are uncomfortable.....rest. Also, talk to your doctor about ANY concerns you have. It is not worth sitting around worrying about something if you can just ask.

One more thing...I breastfed my twins with no problems. So, it can be done. I had already breastfed my other two girls so I knew how and had no problems with them. It did take some time adjusting to feeding two, but I would not of missed it for the world. I know it is not for everyone and that is okay. They will still be healthy. But, for me it was the best choice.

I hope this helps. Just remember that you are not alone. Many of us do have twins and everything is just fine. Just enjoy it all b/c it is a great experience! Good luck and take care.

Hello P., I have 11 yr old identical twin girls along with a 21 yr old girl in college and a 17 yr old boy who is a senoir. I was 32 when I had my twins and overall I had a wonderful pregancy my son was much worse than my twins. I spent the majority of my pregancy in the hospital with him and finally had a c-section at 34 weeks and he weighed in at 3 lbs. But he was very healthy just small. I also had to have a c-section with the twins at 34 weeks and they weighed in at 5 and 5 1/2 lbs. They had a few problems but the are very healthy now. You need to focus on rest and let the doctors take care of you. Never turn down any help now and after the babies are here. Trust me you will need it. I was blessed my mom helped me a great deal. It was tough to start with already having a 6 and 10 yr old that was very active in sports among other things. Sometimes I felt overwhelmed and stretched to the limit but I did it. And trust me if I can do it any one can. Having twins is definitely a full time job even now at 11, you have two children the same age but very different. They do not have the same likes and dislikes. Oh, and the body pillow and recliner was my bestfriend. God Bless you and your family and you are in my prayers.

Congrats! I have 15 month old boy/girl twins, and often say I feel sorry for people that only get to have one at once. :) They are the joy of our life. They are our only children, so I obviously have nothing to compare it to. Mine were born way too early, but I had an incompetent cervix we didn't expect. It is different having 2. At 20 weeks I measured 38. It is harder on your body, and most women with twins do deliver a little bit early. They say 36 weeks is term for twins. It gets fun when you know which one is which. I'm not going to tell you it will be an easy pregnancy. But I will tell you it's totally worth it! It's common when you've had babies before to have more of the "discomforts of pregnancy," so some of this you may have had anyway. Just take good care of yourself. Pamper yourself when you can. I think it's normal to feel a little bit anxious- but God doesn't give us more than we can handle. Get a good body pillow to help with good alignment as you sleep. Wear good comfortable shoes. Rest whenever possible. Learn to let people help you when they offer. It makes a huge difference having a good support system. You can do this! Sure there can be complications, but plenty of them go really well. As an OB Nurse, I've seen lots of twin pregnancies/deliveries. I've seen a lot of complications with single pregnancies too. It doesn't mean there will be problems. Take it as it comes. I'm excited for you!!!

WOW!!! Congrads!! I am 51 now but when I was 20 I had twins and a 2 and 3 year old and they are great. I am also a twin. You are in for some really great times and some very tiring times but they are so worth it!! there is nothing like having twins it is just amazeing that GOD can make two or more little people that are so much alike. My twins have given me four beautiful grandchildren and I just found out last night that one of them are going to give me another one in Oct. that willmake number 12 for us!! but back to you. I found out that it was easier to feed them at the same time. you can contact the mother of twins club and get all kinds of help with any problem that may come along. your older children will be great help to like getting stuff for you. it takes longer to go places because everyone wants to look at twins and see if they loook alike and all that stuff but it is fun in the long run. i had to let the girls sleep in the same crib it was like they needed that closeness with each other and it is so cool to see how they relate to each other. mine had their own language and all they were and still are a blast!! i know some twins that are boy and girl and they are the smae way. you will start to feel better as you body adapes to carrying them. and not only that they give you better stuff when you deliver or they did in OKLA. and LORD the cool pics you can take . you can do mirror images that are really cool. mine are identical and i still wonder if i ever got them mixed up. oh well if i did what can ya do? LOL!!! good luck and you are very blessed!!! just have fun with them and be a duck just let the little things run off. one day the will all grow up and you willl have lots of time for the other stuff. i an still waiting for twin grandkids!!!!! wilma w

I have twins that are now 5 years old and it was a hard pregnancy, even though I was never on bed rest and I went to FULL TERM (and had to be induced). I was as big as a house but I will tell you that my body really responded and was raised to the challenge. Yes, my hips and back hurt with all the extra weight and strain but I told myself that it was just preparing itself to house two extra people for a while. Best wishes...you can do this!

I have 4 grown kids (no twins), but you'll do great. Keep the faith and persevere!

This is a GREAT time to delegate and utilize any help your older ones can give! Help them learn the joy of serving others by 'helping mommy' in any ways you can think of, and praise them for their efforts.

Blessings 2 U!

Hang in there! My sister-in-law just had twin girls in September and didn't think she would make it to the end of her pregnancy. She is very petite and the doctor said it would be catastrophic on her body (thanks alot doc!). Anyway, she started having contractions at about 24 weeks (she had the same early symptoms). She had to go to have them stopped a couple times but everything was ok. She was put on bed rest at about 32 weeks or so, but again everything was still ok. We kept thinking she was going to have them really early but she made it all the way to 37 weeks!! The girls were super healthy and she is doing great too! It was a little more difficult than a single pregnancy but with taking it easy and asking for help she made it through and has two healthy girls to show for it. Keep positive and you can do it! Best of luck to you and your babies!!

First thing do is quit worrying about things so much. You'll be okay. You don't want to get your blood pressure up. You're experiencing some different things now and it will take time to adjust to them. You also have to have patience too. Just take it slow and easy for right now. Hopefully, your feet and hands aren't swollen yet because if they are, your doctor might tell you to stay home and stay off your feet til the babies are born or be bed ridden. I might not have kids but I do have alot of neices and nephews though and I seen there mothers go threw it.