Healthy Twins
Staying healthy during your twin pregnancy is essential to delivering a healthy set of twins. You need to know what is normal, eat properly and what to expect. Carrying twins isn't the same as carrying only one child; the risks are much higher and your body is under a lot more stress. Doing your best to have a healthy twin pregnancy is the most important thing that you can do, both for your babies and for yourself.
Finding the Best Care
You will probably know that you are carrying twins by the 10th week of your pregnancy. By that time, most expectant mothers have had their first ultrasound, and you should be able to hear the heart beats of both babies during a doctor's visit. Finding the best possible care for you and your twins is absolutely essential, especially if you have had complications in previous pregnancies. Find a doctor that handles a lot of twin pregnancies and has experience taking care of any complications that may present themselves.
Once you find a great doctor, follow her instructions. Trust that she knows what she is doing, and that she is doing her best to make this pregnancy as safe as possible for both you and your twins. According to the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club, 70% of all twin pregnancies require bed rest. If your doctor suggests bed rest, or a change in your diet, take the advice. Remember that twin pregnancies require special care, and that any suggestions your doctor has is for the health of you and your babies.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is important to having a healthy twin pregnancy. You need more calories than a woman who is only carrying one child, but you also have to watch your weight closely; gaining too much can put extra stress on your body. According to Babycenter.com, mothers of twins needs 600 extra calories a day, 300 for each baby. Make sure you are getting enough iron and other nutrients by taking a prenatal vitamin. When the twins start to grow, you will not be able to comfortably eat large meals. Eating a smaller meal every two or three hours will be more comfortable for your compacted stomach and also keep your blood sugar from dipping too low (which could lead to contractions and preterm labor).
Staying hydrated is another important part of a healthy twin pregnancy. Even mild dehydration can lead to complications. Always have a bottle of water with you, and drink from it regularly. According to the Babycenter.com Medical Advisory Board, you will need 15 to 16 glasses of water a day. If drinking enough water is challenging, set a goal to increase your water intake every couple of days, and reward yourself for each goal you meet. Start at a minimum of seven glasses, and go up from there, but be sure to make up the difference with water, juice and other caffeine free beverages.
Education
Educate yourself. Even if you've been pregnant before, a twin pregnancy is much different. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have, read books about twin pregnancy and birth, and talk to other moms of twins. The more you know, the better prepared you will feel. Reaching out to other moms of twins can also help you feel less anxious. You will be able to see how the other mothers got through their pregnancy, talk about your own concerns, and get tips on handle bed rest and other challenging aspects of being pregnant with twins. To meet other mothers of twins, contact the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club. (http://www.nomotc.org/) There are local chapters of this organization, and other twin parenting clubs, all over the world to help mothers of twins and other multiples.
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