How to Prepare for a Twin Pregnancy

Finding out that you are pregnant is an exciting time in every couple's life, but finding out that you are pregnant with twins is both exciting and terrifying at the same time. With this step-by-step guide, you will know how to properly prepare for a twin pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Discuss finances with your partner and, if you are currently working outside of the home, create a contingency plan for when you have to go on maternity leave. Women that are pregnant with twins often need to go on bedrest before the babies are born, which means you may be going on maternity leave sooner than anticipated.

2. Find an OB/GYN that specializes in high risk and/or twin pregnancies. Discuss the appointment schedule the OB/GYN will want you to keep. With a twin pregnancy, you will likely need more check-ups than a woman with a single pregnancy.

3. Network online with other women who are pregnant with twins. Find out what others are experiencing and post any questions you may have (see Resources below).

4. Notify your employer about your pregnancy and provide a letter from the doctor stating when maternity leave is likely to begin.

5. Purchase maternity clothes. You may want to go with larger sizes than you would for a single pregnancy, as women carrying twins tend to get larger than women carrying just one baby.

6. Discuss birthing procedures with your OB/GYN. With a twin pregnancy, you are more likely to deliver by C-section than with a single birth.

7. Select the hospital where you will deliver the twins. Make sure the hospital has a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in case your twins are born prematurely or are of low birth weight.

Tips & Warnings

• It is a good idea to get a birthing plan in place by the time you are 6 months along in the pregnancy, as you are at a greater risk of premature delivery. Therefore, you don't want to wait until a couple weeks before your due date to make certain your doctor is clear on how you want the birth to proceed.
• If you are put on bedrest, be certain to follow your doctor's orders. Overexerting yourself can result in premature delivery of your twins, which can result in a number of serious health problems.
• There are more risks for pregnant women as well as for the babies when carrying twins, so be certain to get regular check ups, proper rest and adhere to a healthy diet.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic information about twin pregnancies.
• Medline Plus information about twin pregnancy.
• Online community for parents of twins.