WHEN I was pregnant, I used to wail "I'm scared" every now and again. And when Neil asked me why, I'd say: "Because I'm going to have two babies, waaaaah!"
But looking back, apart from those infrequent emotional outbursts, I think I stayed pretty calm.
I've just found the following in the bowels of my computer - some quotes I provided for a magazine feature while still working on behalf of Tamba. They encapsulate some of the worries of a multiple pregnancy, but also detail extra care provided.
I hope they may provide some comfort for anyone else stuck at the wailing stage. (And as you can see I think the picture on the right was taken when the model was about, ooh, four weeks pregnant...)
Linda Jones, mum of five-year-old twins Emily and Melissa, and a spokeswoman for Tamba, the Twins and Multiple Births Association, said: “Twin and triplet pregnancies can obviously be more difficult than just carrying the one baby, but not all complications of single pregnancies occur more frequently with an expected multiple birth.
Antenatal care will mean more ultrasound screening, tests and investigations and more appointments. It should also include social support and advice, to plan for the extra load before, during and after delivery.
In Tamba’s experience mums to be have felt that antenatal classes are sometimes lacking in relevant information for multiple births and have worked with midwives to set up specific classes for expectant multiple birth parents.
In the early days you may be more sick because of the higher concentration of hormone being produced from the placenta and as time goes on it is very important to take plenty of rest. An increased size of the womb can also lead to greater pressure on the veins in the legs. Problems such as piles can also be more common.
“There is an increased risk of congenital abnormalities and because of this, a very thorough ultrasound scan will be given at around 20-24 weeks.
“In the weeks leading up to the birth, there will also be a greater degree of monitoring with scans every two weeks.
Mums to be should also expect anetenatal screenings to be very thorough as multiple pregnancies can lead to more problems with high blood pressure and associated problems like eclampsia.
“The importance of rest can also be more pressing with a multiple birth pregnancy.
“There is an increased risk of premature birth, - most twins are born at 37 weeks. Labour starts early in 20–50% of twin pregnancies compared with 5–10% in singleton pregnancies.
Medical professionals aim to identify mums likely to go into early labour and prevent this if possible. Otherwise, if it isn’t, they will make sure the babies are delivered in a hospital with neonatal facilities to care for premature babies.
One of the most common questions asked of Tamba experts is ‘will my babies have to be born by Caesarian?’. The answer is no. Not all multiples are born by caesarean section. In the UK about 50% of twins are born vaginally, although the majority of triplets and higher order births are caesarean.
Expectant parents should talk to their health professionals about the best options. Tamba produces a range of material – including a booklet and video ‘Expecting more than one’ to find out more about birth options and when your babies are likely to be born.
TWINLINE - Time To Listen - A unique and confidential helpline for parents and expectant parents of twins, triplets or more Tel: 0800 138 0509 10-1 and 7-10pm weekdays 10am-10pm weekends
Tamba: www.tamba.org.uk 0870 770 3305
Related posts: Read articles about expecting twins, triplets or more from our archives here.
I've had both pregnancies -- a singleton and then twins -- and they were incredibly different experiences.
I suggest reaching out for support early on. My local mothers-of-multiples group was/is wonderful.
When I was pregnant, when my daughters were in the NICU, when I had insurance questions, feeding questions, questions about handling a toddler and two infants ... questions about anything, I could send an e-mail to dozens of mothers who had been there before me. It's a tremendously comforting support to have.
Posted by: Becky | May 25, 2008 at 01:24 AM