If a couple gets twin pregnancies unexpectedly, it is normal if they are shocked. Their feelings can mix between happiness, welcoming their children and worrying about the future. If you and your partner are expecting twins, you can check out the preparation below so that everything can run smoothly until the day of the delivery.
Pregnancy is something that almost every married couple looks forward to. However, it could be something unexpected if the pregnancy is outside of the plan, for example due to unprotected sex, leaking condoms, or getting pregnant at the age of more than 40 years old. One example of an unexpected pregnancy that also often occurs is twin pregnancies, especially pregnancies with triples or more. To keep the pregnancy healthy until the day of the delivery, the couples should prepare many things well and everything should be communicated.
Facts About Twin Pregnancy
Apparently, every woman has a chance of being pregnant with twins with a 1:250 chance. The statement means that out of 250 pregnant women, there is a possibility that 1 woman will experience twin pregnancies.
Read also: Facts about Twins from Nancy L. Segal Ph.D.
There are a few factors that can make twin pregnancies happen, including being pregnant at the age of 35 and older, having a family history of twin pregnancies, undergoing IVF, being obese, and having given birth to twins before.
When pregnant with twins, pregnant women have a higher chance of getting pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. This is why pregnant women need more frequent checks from the obstetrician and pay more attention to nutritional intake, such as folic acid.
Aside from that, twin pregnancies can also increase the risk of premature birth. In some cases, those who are pregnant with twins tend to give birth sooner, which is in the 34th week, while the normal ones are usually in the 36th or 37th week.
Various Preparations for Twin Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be something that is emotional. It can be something special, especially if it is a twin pregnancy that was not expected before. The feelings can vary, including happiness, confusion, and anxiety. This kind of thing is actually normal and common in married couples who are expecting the birth of their baby.
However, if you are expecting twins, you don’t have to overthink, because it can also be fun as long as you prepare everything well. Below are a few things that you and your partner do to keep your twin pregnancies healthy and to prepare for the delivery:
1. Understand and accept the fact of being pregnant with twins
It is actually normal when you are surprised and worried during the early pregnancy, especially if it is your first time expecting twins or you have never been pregnant before. To calm yourself, you can try to accept the fact that you are pregnant with twins. Not only that, it can also encourage you to prepare everything better to undergo twin pregnancies and face future deliveries.
2. Prepare yourself during a twin pregnancy
After accepting the fact that you are pregnant with twins, you need to prepare a lot of things, starting from finding out how to properly care for twin pregnancies, anticipating if you have to get a caesarean section, to studying or attending parenting classes. I recommend you need to have 5 parenting books for new parents.
3. Fulfill nutrition intake during twin pregnancy
In order to support the growth and development of the fetus in the womb, fulfilling nutritional intake during a twin pregnancy is very important. As a pregnant woman, you can do it by consuming nutritious food and pregnancy supplements prescribed by a doctor.
4. Take care of your physical health during twin pregnancy
Not only consume nutritious food, you can also keep your body healthy and fit by exercising regularly and getting enough rest. Some types of exercise that you can do include relaxing walks and swimming. However, you should consult with your doctor first for the sake of you and your pregnancy’s safety.
Apart from that, you should also make sure to visit the obstetrician regularly to monitor your health, as well as the condition of the fetus. If needed, you can also make notifications on your phone to remind you of the next examination schedule.
5. Ask for support from those who are closest to you
Support from your partner, family, and friends can mean a lot for you to undergo twin pregnancies. These people can be your support system. Not only get support from people that are close to you, you can also choose a unique name for twins to improve your mood and to make you more excited.
6. Manage finances and prepare more funds
Managing finances and preparing more funds to raise and care for twins are also as important as maintaining physical and mental health so that their future is guaranteed. One of the things that you can do to prepare for their life at an early age is to have life and health insurance. These two are important to protect families from various risks of unexpected medical expenses, such as those resulting from chronic illness or even death.
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that unexpected twin pregnancies do require extra effort. However, you and your partner can be calmer in dealing with twin pregnancies and the delivery process if you prepare everything from the start. If you, as a pregnant woman, still have questions regarding twin pregnancies or experience something bad during pregnancy, make sure to consult a doctor.
