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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Twins!

10 replies

boodles101 · 11/03/2019 12:59

I had my 12 week scan yesterday and was put forward to 13+2 and also discovered I'm expecting twins! Very shocked as no twins in mine or DH families. Had no morning sickness or any 'symptoms' that might suggest twins, other than showing early but as this is my second pregnancy, I just assumed that was normal.

Anyway, the shock from the scan has worn off slightly and I'm now looking for any information from mums with twins!

Should I ring my midwife and let her know or just wait til my next appointment on 27th March?

Do i need to take any extra/higher level vitamins or folic acid?

What can I expect going forward? They said I would get regular scans but what does it look like? Guessing I will be consultant led?
If i want to deliver by c section, is that easily granted or will I find it a bit of a struggle to get it agreed?

And also, I breastfed my first for a year. How feasible is it to actually breastfeed two? Even if for a short amount of time I'd like to try!

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newrubylane · 11/03/2019 14:13

Congratulations. Hope you're recovering ok from the shock. So I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant with twins and may be able to answer some of your questions. I am having non-identical twins. Also a shock for me, as they don't run in the family. (Identical twins is a total fluke and nothing to do with genetics, though, so if you're having them then you probably just got lucky!)

You should expect to have an appointment with the consultant soon; I was booked in for mine asap after my 12w scan, but it may depend on where you live. They will advise you on what you should be taking. it will likely be iron and extra folic acid, and possibly aspirin as well, but I wouldn't start that until they tell you.

You shouldn't need to tell your midwife before your next appointment, but obviously make sure she knows when you see her!

The care path depends on the type of twins you are having and the relative risks – there are a few variants on it, but to simplify, whether they are identical or not. non-identical is the lowest risk type. I have had scans every 4 weeks from 20 weeks onwards; these are primarily to check growth, as twins can sometimes struggle on this score. Identical twins carry more risks and I think you are often scanned every 2 weeks with them. I see the consultant at every scan, but they're mostly just monitoring for growth or other complications, so it's a fairly simple process - I usually see a hospital midwife who does blood pressure, urine samples, bloods as required (at 20 and 28 weeks, if I remember rightly) and then the doctor just pops in afterwards to check everything and discuss any concerns etc.

My hospital have really only just started discussing delivery with me. They seem confident I'll be able to deliver vaginally, based on the position at 32 weeks scan last week. They will be able to identify which twin is lead/presenting based on their positions, and if that twin is breech in the later stages then they'll recommend a C-Sec. if not then you'll have more options. How open they will be to do one if it's not medically necessary depends on the doctor/area, as with any other baby, I think. You are more likely to end up having a C-Sec overall, but quite often that's to do with how the birth goes - any issues with the lead twin can be very dangerous for the second one, so you're probably much more likely to have an unplanned section, and they will recommend that you have an epidural put in early in labour, in case intervention is required.

I can't help on your breastfeeding questions yet, although I understand that it is perfectly possible to breastfeed twins, but to EBF for any length of time I imagine might be challenging. I am intending to attempt mixed feeding, for flexibilty.

SheRaTheAllPowerful · 11/03/2019 14:17

Yes you’ll definitely be allowed a section and I successfully breastfed my twins for a year after surgery. If your twins are identical it will be fortnightly scans if fraternal you will get extra scans but not as many :)
Congratulations it is wonderful being. Twin mum x

Whitelisbon · 11/03/2019 14:36

Congratulations!
When I had my twins, I was told we'd discuss birth choices etc "later", and was told I'd get to choose c-section or vaginal. However, twin 1 was transverse, so c-section it was!
Twins automatically puts you on the red pathway, which means you'll be consultant led, and you'll get plenty of scans - I had them 4 weekly, with a couple of extras thrown in to check position and stuff.
I didn't have to take any extra vitamins (I don't think, can't remember!), but it might have changed.
I managed to ebf mine, but expect it to be hell for the first 6 weeks or so, much more so than having one. I kept telling myself it would all pay off when I didn't have to wash, sterilize, make, etc bottles in the middle of the night, and it was less crap to carry when we went out! My twins fed until 23 months, when I weaned them as I was 6 months pregnant, and having nightmares about having to feed 3 children!
My twins are 5 now, and the hard work of twin babies has paid off, as they are fantastic friends, and a joy to be around.

boodles101 · 11/03/2019 14:55

Thanks so much for replies. I'm having DCDA twins so more likely to be non-identical but still the chance of being identical. Alot to take in and get my head around in the last 24 hours but am very happy and excited.
I suppose the consultant will be best to answer any questions I have going forward. And I'm glad to hear some of you had success with bf, so fingers crossed I can do the same!

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Rememberallball · 11/03/2019 15:05

I’m a little behind you at 10+4 but have known for the last 4 weeks that I’m expecting twins following IVF. I’m following your thread with interest as I’ve got a few similar questions but have also got the added complications of being very old for a first time parent!!

JumpingFrogs · 11/03/2019 15:09

Congratulations. My third and fourth were identical twins and I breastfed them till they were 18 months and 22 months respectively. You have the advantage of having successfully breastfed your first baby. Get loads of pillows and cushions, and make sure you keep a supply of drinks and snacks by your chair. I ate LOADS - husband used to bring plates of sandwiches between meals. Positioning the second twin once first is latched on can be tricky at first. Mine used to come into bed for the first night time feed, and stay there for the rest of the night, so husband spent several months sleeping in the spare room, but it meant we all got a reasonable amount of sleep, which enabled us to juggle 4 children ueing the day with reasonably good humour. It can be daunting, but on the plus side, I always said at least I knew one end of a baby from the other, so didn't feel the need to call the GP every time one of them sneezed. I'm sure you will cope admirably. Join TAMBA, they can offer all sorts of advice and support. Good luck !

lstef · 11/03/2019 15:11

@boodles101 - congratulations! I'm also expecting DCDA twins, 27 weeks now. DCDA are lower risk so you'll have scans every 4 weeks from 20w onwards to check growth.

I'm planning to ebf - have bought two different types of feeding pillow, an m-shaped soft one and a peanut&piglet firmer one. Ive joined a twin group and lots of them are breastfeeding, some combined with formula.

I'm hoping for a natural delivery but it depends on position of presenting twin.

Good luck and hope it all goes well :)

boodles101 · 11/03/2019 15:15

Thanks for the bf tips jumpingfrogs
I'll have a look on the Tamba site.
And congrats to all the other twin mums!!

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ClareB83 · 11/03/2019 15:32

I think your questions were all answered. But can I also suggest you join a twin group or two on Facebook as they're very active and you'll get more of a flavour of twin Mum life.

There's mummies of multiples and twin mums in the uk. Plus various selling pages where you can lay your hands on two of things.

You'll see a dozen different ways to feed two at once. Examples of breastfeeding mums and combi mums and formula feeding mums. You'll get tales of c sections and natural births and mums who delivered one naturally and one by c section.

You'll also hear about prematurity and pre eclampsia which are more common in multiple births.

villainousbroodmare · 11/03/2019 15:45

Twins are brilliant! I ebf mine with the odd handy bottle till 6 mo, and still partly bf now. TAKE IRON. Lots. Little vampires suck it out of you in utero.

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