Having a Successful Twin Pregancy

By Robyn Painter

Are you pregnant with twins or know someone who is? What a pleasant surprise it is to find out you're pregnant, and an even bigger surprise to find out you're pregnant with twins. You ask yourself, "So what do I do now?" Being pregnant with twins myself, I know can be a very daunting task, but let me tell you a few things that helped me.

Adjusting to the Idea of Twins You just were told the greatest news that you're bringing two beautiful little angels into the world. How exciting! This will be a big adjustment for you and your partner. Start doing your research. I can not stress this enough. You will need all the information you can get on twin pregnancy and childcare for this is very different than just your normal pregnancy. Prepare yourself and your partner (or the person that will be helping you out) with the daily stresses of money, worries and fears of having twins. To help you in this area you will definitely want to build a support system. This can include family and friends of course, as well as neighbors, parents of a Twin Parent Organization, teenagers willing to baby sit, or a nanny. You get the idea. You will need all the help you can get with daily activities such as bathing or errand running.

Mothers of many twins including myself will suggest to you to do as much organizing and planning as you can before you new babies arrive. That takes you back to all that research I told you to do in the beginning by getting on the internet where you can find lots and lots of information to help you along the way. Don't forget to also get one on one feedback from your doctors and other mothers of twins who can teach you from their experience. Also, start those parenting classes early because your babies might come a little early.

The Risk of Prematurity Along with the miracle of twins comes a price. I'm not going to run you down with a bunch of statistics but the risk of prematurity is a lot higher in twin and multiple births than with singletons as we call them. The bigger the babies get, the less room there is inside which will force them to want to come out.

The most important aspect to keep those babies healthy and get them fully developed before this happens is good nutrition. Start good nutrition early on. Double the intake of your proteins, carbs, and fats. What you need in a normal pregnancy, double or triple (if pregnant with triplets). To ensure the longest time in your womb, it is highly recommended to reduce your activities after 20 weeks. Drink water, water and drink more water. This can keep your uterus from contracting and going into early labor. Stay hydrated. Your goal is to keep your babies in the womb as long as you can.

Having twins is a once in a lifetime miracle so don't take it for granted. God has blessed you twice over and it is your job to be a great mother and father to your two little angels. To ensure the best possible pregnancy get the proper education, planning and await their arrival. You will learn so much along the way as well. It is a stressful job being parents of twins or multiples but it is very rewarding.

Robyn Painter is experienced in pregnancy and childcare having written many articles and blogs on the subject. If you would like more advice, readings and inspiration just click on the link provided http://robynpainter.blogspot.com