Usually a woman learns early on that she is not only pregnant, but doubly pregnant. This often raises more than twice as many questions, especially in the early stages of pregnancy – and you’re already quite busy when you’re expecting just one child. Almost every 60th pregnancy in Germany is a twin pregnancy, and more than 20,000 twins are born in our country every year.
Identical twins rarer than fraternal twins
Although we almost automatically think of identical twins when we think of twins, it is much more common for twins to be fraternal: They are formed from two different eggs that are fertilized by two different sperm at more or less the same time, and then they don’t share their mommy from birth (like other siblings) but implant together in the uterus during pregnancy. These twins are as related as any other sibling, which means they don’t necessarily look very similar, may be of different genders, and may have very different interests. In identical twins, during the first few days of pregnancy, a division of the fertilized egg at an early stage results in two embryos that are genetically identical, meaning they have the same genetic makeup and often look confusingly alike. They also always have the same sex.
Peculiarities of pregnancy
Being pregnant with twins brings a few special features already during pregnancy:
- Attend all preventive checkups. A twin pregnancy may or may not be complicated. With regular checks of your gynecologist you play it safe.
- You do not have to eat for three or take special care of yourself. Your doctor can give you many tips to help you feel good during pregnancy.
- A doctor experienced with twin pregnancies, a hospital that knows about twin births, and a midwife who has cared for twin moms more often will be able to ease a lot of your worries, provide you with all the important information, and make you feel comfortable. Surround yourself with these important helpers early on – it will put your mind at ease.
- Twins, unfortunately, sometimes tend to come into the world a little early. Therefore, approach your preparations for the new citizens of the earth early and do not plan to start it in the last week of pregnancy.
Prepare everything
Many a soon-to-be twin mom already finds herself drowning in mountains of laundry and diapers – but what do you really need? Buy everything twice? Consider whether it’s really practical to dress your children in the same wardrobe. Then, do you really want to change both of them when one child has spit up? Before you buy huge amounts of clothes, contact other mothers of twins and ask about their experiences. Often, a generous amount of initial equipment and even just a crib is perfectly sufficient in the beginning. Consider delivery time: Twin strollers often have longer delivery times – plan for this when buying. Will it fit in your car / stairwell / bus / through the door? Important paraphernalia: many twin moms swear by rockers and nursing pillows, which are needed to feed two hungry children. Make a list of items you think are essential and talk to experienced twin moms about the sense and nonsense of these purchases. If you are unsure, buy second-hand first. Naming: Ernie and Bert, Max and Moritz, Fritz and Fratz – such names make it difficult for your children to establish their own identity. Perhaps you can make friends with names that – especially in the case of identical twins – do not add to the confusion. Your children will thank you later.
Schedule help early
When you get out of the hospital, you’ll be glad to have some helping hands to support you – especially if you delivered by C-section, for example.
- Check with your health insurance company to see if they will cover the cost of a home health aide to help you for a few hours a day or a week. Choose them before the birth and instruct them, then your new daily routine will start with less stress. In addition, in some cities there are volunteers who come to the house and take work off your hands.
- Some parents decide to hire an au pair to better cope with the new demands. Contact an au pair agency; they will help you with the selection and formalities.
- Your husband should discuss with his employer that he needs leave in the period around the birth (two or three weeks are good). If possible, it would be useful to keep this period flexible, as twins are often born earlier and almost never wait for the delivery date.
- Discuss with parents, siblings and friends who can help you in the first time under the arms. This can be in the form of shopping service, also something cooked from other hand will be welcome to you. Do you already have children, perhaps someone could do something nice with your older child – so he does not get the feeling of being unimportant.
