Coping with a twin pregnancy - symptoms and signs

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Discovering you are pregnant can be a momentous occasion, finding out it's a twin pregnancy can come as a bit of a shock. For most first-time parents the prospect of coping with twins or a multiple birth can be daunting.

Your first hint that you may be having more than one child will most likely be exaggerated pregnancy symptoms such as severe morning sickness and tiredness. An ultrasound at 12-14 weeks normally determines how many babies are present and may be able to say if the twins are identical.

Once it's been confirmed that it is a twin pregnancy you will need more frequent check ups and ultrasound scans than a mother expecting a single child. For mothers of fraternal (non identical) twins this may be every four weeks, for mothers of identical twins every two weeks. Complications are more common with identical twins so the check ups are more frequent.

As the twin pregnancy continues you may find that you can only eat small amounts of food as your stomach has less space for food with two growing babies inside you. You may also feel incredibly tired; this is normal and you just need to ensure that you get enough rest in order to avoid over exerting yourself.

Backache is a common problem with a twin pregnancy and you should be very careful about your posture right from the start. It may also be worth buying a specially designed pillow to support your back later in the pregnancy. If you are suffering from back pain swimming front or back crawl (but not breaststroke as this arches the back) can help alleviate the pain.

About 50 percent of twins are born early, usually around week 37. Your doctor will advise you about due dates and birthing methods. About half of all twins are born vaginally, for most others the first child is born vaginally without complications but the positioning of the second baby may require a Caesarean section. For this reason an anaesthetist will normally be on standby during labor .

Coping with twins after the birth will mean establishing routines early and getting extra support from your partner, family and friends. There's no point denying it's hard work but soon the sight of those two smiling faces gazing up at you will make it all worth it. Parents of twins would be well advised to contact the Twins and Multiple Births Association in the UK or the Multiple Birth Families Association in Canada for advice and information, tips on coping with twins and to talk to other parents of twins for help and support.

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