Having twins: How will my pregnancy be different?
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If you've had kids before then you're likely to find being pregnant with twins quite different.
By the end of your pregancy the volume of your womb will have nearly doubled to 17.5 pints compared to 9 pints for a single pregnancy and you may have put on as much as 25kg (56lb), although the recommended weight gain is nearer 18kg (40lbs).
You might've worked right up to your due date with your last baby but with twins you need to be realistic and understand that you'll find it a lot harder to do this time. For those of you that don't have the luxury of maternity leave, it can be tempting to carry on working for as long as possible but you need to think about whether the extra pounds are really worth you struggling in on public transport every day and putting up with the stress of a full-time job.
We hate to be the bearers of bad news but women pregnant with twins are also more likely to suffer from fatigue, morning sickness, heartburn and indigestion. There's also a slightly higher risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes which is why it's extra important to attend all your antenatal appointments.
One last thing we'd advise is to make sure you're prepared for the birth quite early on. Have your hospital bag packed and make sure you know how you're going to contact anyone you'll want at the birth from around 32 weeks - twins have a habit of coming early.
By Charlotte Gunn
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