Twin Pregnancy: 7 Facts & Myths You Should Know

The ultrasound scans, during your pregnancy, will tell you whether one baby or twins are on the way. When you know that you’re pregnant with twins, you feel on cloud nine. Indeed, a twin pregnancy is a double blessing. You must also have heard about twin pregnancy risks and superstitions. Besides, read on to find out the facts about what is going on inside you, in your day-to-day life, before your twins arrive. 

Myth 1: Twin Pregnancy is a Rare Thing 

The Fact is: Twin pregnancies are more common than you can imagine. According to the reports of the CDC around 33 out of 1000 twin babies are born in the US. But, according to the reports of the National Center for Health Statistics, since 1980, the birth rates of twins have gone up to 70%. Having said that, it has been researched and found that, 1 in 250 pregnancies can be twin pregnancies. In fact, age, previous pregnancy, heredity, ovulation stimulating medicines, In vitro fertilisation are some of the causes of twin pregnancies.

Myth 2: Identical Twins Run In Family History 

The Fact is: If your sister had a pair of twins, that does not mean you will follow suit.  Visit your healthcare provider within 10 to 12 weeks of your pregnancy for an ultrasound scan. This is the best time for your healthcare provider to find out about the placentas, amniotic sacs, and of course the type of twins you’re carrying in your womb. You can be pregnant with two types of twins.

Fraternal Twins

Occur when two different sperms fertilise two separate eggs. Each twin has a separate placenta and amniotic sac. In this case, you can expect twin girls, boys or a boy and girl.

Identical Twins

Occur when a fertilized egg divides into two and gives rise to two foetuses. These twins may either share the same placenta and amniotic sac or the same placenta and separate amniotic sac.

Myth 3: Ultrasound Exam is the Only Way to Find Out That You’re Pregnant With Twins

The Fact is: Well! Yes! Your doctor won’t be able to say you have twins, till such time that you undergo an ultrasound scan in your first trimester. But, your doctor might also take other twin pregnancy tests to find out that you’re carrying twins:

• Take you through a few blood tests during your pregnancy.

• Take a pregnancy hormone test (As the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

• Take a doppler test (which will check the foetal heartbeat).

In fact experts will be able to identify twins by hearing the foetal heartbeats. 

Myth 4: No Feeling of Morning Sickness  

The Fact is: Well! Morning sickness is an early sign of pregnancy. Due to the soaring human chorionic gonadotropin hormones (hCG), the morning sickness may be worse between 9 to 10 weeks of your pregnancy. However, if you’re pregnant with twins, severe morning sickness can be one of the signs of twin pregnancy.

Myth 5: You Will Gain Double Weight During Twin Pregnancy

The Fact is: The amount of weight you gain during your pregnancy, is essential not just for your health, but also for the health of your baby in your womb. According to a study, you can gain:

• 6 kg, or 13 1b, at 28 weeks.
• <7 kg or 1b, at 32 weeks.
• <8 kg, or ~18 1b, at 36 weeks of gestation.

We’re sure that doesn’t mean gaining double weight while you’re carrying twins.

Myth 6: You Might Be Eating For Three 

The Fact is: It’s not about eating for three. It’s about making a healthy choice. After all, calorie intake is essential to help you and your baby be healthy during pregnancy. That said, according to your healthcare provider, you should get 300 calories for each baby in your first trimester, 340 in the second, and 452 in the third.

Myth 7: Twin Pregnancy Delivery is Possible Only Through an Emergency C–Section  

The Fact is: While you’re carrying twins in your womb, it may seem an emergency C – section is the only option available. But that’s far from truth. You can also deliver your twins naturally or vaginally depending on your health and the way your baby’s developing.

You might face challenges with twin pregnancies, but after all the hardship, when you hold the cutest twins in your arms, your happiness knows no bounds. In fact, this is the blessing and gift that you’re worth. But, just getting gifted with twins is not enough, do everything to take care of the babies. While thinking of taking care of your little twins don’t forget to bank your twin babies stem cells after birth.