A positive pregnancy test often sends expectant parents to cloud nine. However, if it turns out to be two babies, it doesn't necessarily mean double the joy. Instead, uncertainty spreads. What can you expect with twins? Isn't a twin pregnancy dangerous? What does it mean for the birth? In this article, we try to provide a few answers.
Twins and pregnancy: What now?
With twins, there is an increased risk of premature birth. Because the higher pressure of two babies rests on the cervix, it sometimes opens too early, which triggers premature labor. That's why your gynecologist will thoroughly examine the cervix at every prenatal check-up to make sure it is still firmly closed.
Premature labor can also be caused by a premature rupture of membranes, which also occurs somewhat more frequently in a twin pregnancy. Therefore, a twin pregnancy is usually slightly shorter at about 37 weeks than a pregnancy with only one child, which lasts about 40 weeks. In addition, the risk of gestosis (pregnancy poisoning) is about 20% higher in a twin pregnancy.
Symptoms of gestosis
- Swelling of hands, legs, and face
- Sudden weight gain (large water retention)
- High blood pressure
- Protein in the urine.
The gynecologist will also examine the expectant mother thoroughly in this regard, but you should also pay attention to signs yourself and consult the gynecologist as soon as possible if symptoms occur.
In addition, there are the usual pregnancy complaints such as nausea, fatigue, digestive problems, water retention, and mood swings, which can be even more pronounced in twin pregnancies. Despite all this, however, there is no real reason to panic. Even if they are rarer than singletons, twins are born every day all over the world, and often enough the pregnancy proceeds smoothly. So it's not that bad.
From when can the gynecologist determine a twin pregnancy?
Thanks to state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, a twin pregnancy can nowadays be recognized as early as the eighth week of pregnancy. Sometimes one of the babies hides, so your doctor needs a little longer to find it. If it only dawns on you late in the pregnancy that you are about to become double parents from the start, this news can be quite overwhelming, especially for the mother. It is then lucky that the examination is carried out lying down.
Preparation for the birth
Especially with twins, it is recommended to be accompanied by an experienced midwife before, during, and after the birth and to be cared for during the postpartum period. That's why you should look for a suitable midwife soon after the pregnancy becomes known. If it is the first pregnancy, a birth preparation course is also recommended. In it, you will receive many useful tips on the topics of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Remember to register in good time, because these courses are very popular and are booked up accordingly quickly.
However, a bit of speed is generally required for birth preparations, as the pregnancy is generally shorter for twins and the birth can sometimes start quite surprisingly. Therefore, do not take too much time with the most important preparations. We have put together a checklist for you to help you keep track. It's best to print it out and check it off point by point.
Is the birth of twins different?
For a twin birth, you should look for a suitable maternity clinic. Medicine and technology have made great progress, so that 90% of twin births today are successful. However, twin or multiple births are still something extraordinary, so you should make sure that the clinic has a neonatal intensive care unit just in case. In the event of complications, the babies can then be provided with expert care immediately. Because overstretched uterine muscles can lead to labor weakness, there is also a risk of labor arrest, especially in twin births. However, the second child should follow the first as soon as possible, as the uterus begins to shrink immediately after the first birth and the placenta can also detach soon. In the event of delays, a vacuum extractor, forceps, or even a C-section are quickly used in a maternity clinic.
The postpartum period with twins
The daily baby routine with twins is also quite challenging at first. Of all things, when one baby finally sleeps peacefully, the other baby might just become restless. Or both babies need your full attention and care at the same time. The only thing that helps is to stay as calm as possible and get support. But the motorized automatic baby hammock from swing2sleep can also provide you with invaluable service here – and it is even available for twins!
Conclusion
Multiple births are still a special case and not without risk. However, medicine today is so well positioned that the complaints and dangers can now be managed quite well. And at the end of the day, you will be richly rewarded. Precisely because twins are something very special. Everyday life may be a bit more demanding, but it also has many enchanting sides. Seeing twins grow up together and experiencing their special, deep connection is a gift that only a few receive. In this respect, two babies do mean double the joy after all.
The swing2sleep for twins
Our twin automatic baby hammock is the perfect support for you. With space for two babies, it brings relaxation in a double pack. Your babies simply feel completely secure and safe thanks to the gentle up and down bouncing and the cozy limitation, so that they can fall asleep without any problems. Of course, this also works with just one baby while you can give the other your undivided attention. But letting both be pampered by the swing2sleep at the same time certainly has its advantages: Finally, you can breathe again and have a moment for yourself. You can then take care of things left undone in the household or simply treat yourself to a relaxed cup of coffee. Especially with twins, the swing2sleep is much more than a sleep aid – it is an investment in real quality of life.
