When an expectant woman finds out she is going to have twins, it can be quite a surprise to say the least. Just thinking about dealing with two infants can be overwhelming. Although I never had twins myself, they did run in the family. My grandmother had two sets of twins, my aunt had twins and my cousin also had twins. I was actually glad that I never had twins since the prospect of identical twins frightened me terribly. I couldn’t help thinking that I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. Thankfully, nature spared me that worry by giving me my children one at a time. But the twins in my family were great and seemed to enjoy each other immensely.

So what is the difference between expecting one child and being pregnant for twins? It’s not really all that different. Morning sickness may be more intense for the expectant mother of twins. Also she may require an increased intake of iron since anemia may occur. Women that are expecting twins usually gain about ten pounds more than those carrying a single fetus. Some women may have a problem with water retention, which can result in swelling of the legs and feet. Although this can occur in any pregnancy, it is more likely to occur when pregnant for twins or other multiple births.

Blood pressure is another important factor that may require attention. An increase in blood pressure can occur and may need to be monitored more carefully especially if the mother has a history of high blood pressure. Although fatigue is a common component of any pregnancy, women expecting twins are more likely to suffer from fatigue. If the fatigue becomes unusually severe or extreme she should contact her physician. There is more likelihood that women who are pregnant for twins may experience premature labor. This is not usually so early as to jeopardize the unborn infants or the mother but the physician will monitor the progress of the pregnancy and put the mother on bed rest if it becomes necessary. Twin pregnancies can progress normally just as any other pregnancy and usually do. A c-section may be required especially in the case of premature labor, but once again, this can occur in a single birth as well. Twins tend to occur more often in older mothers, women over thirty to thirty-five, and/or families that have a history of twin births but they can result in a woman of any age.

Of course preparation for twins is basically the same as for any birth except that everything doubles. You will need two car seats, double the amount of receiving blankets, sleepers, bottles, diapers and everything else. Hopefully, the baby shower will provide many of the necessities. The hospital itself can be quite helpful in providing items to help get you started. Although your needs will double, so will the amount of love and joy. When you are feeling a double dose of exhaustion and sleepless nights, just remind yourself of all the love you have to give and all the love you’ll be blessed with throughout the years.