Full Term for Twins

Expectations and Full Term for Twins

A doctor can usually predict a multiple birth in the first trimester. A second heartbeat may be heard as early as 8 weeks, but generally a mother expecting multiples will know by around week 12. If full term for twins is roughly 37 weeks, this gives mom about 25 weeks to get ready.

Sleep

Pregnancy can be hard on the body and your body will demand a lot of sleep. Multiples can actually increase how much sleep your body requests. Avoid falling into the trap of avoiding naps since even a thirty minute nap can help you achieve a healthier outlook mentally, emotionally, and physically.

As pregnancy progresses, you may find that you’re not always comfortable when you are asleep. Whether you invest in a maternity pillow or choose the recliner, find a comfortable position and place where you can put your feet up. A good trick when sleeping on your side is to layer a pillow between your knees. This actually helps keep your hips aligned and puts less stress on your back.

Balancing Life and Activity

Your body is usually a good indicator of what you need. By their very nature, a multiples pregnancy is considered high risk. Never try to increase your level of activity, especially if your body is screaming with fatigue. If you feel uncomfortable or pained, consult your physician since he or she will likely want to see you more often during the months leading up to birth than during a typical single pregnancy.

Moms who already have children and are expecting twins should keep their spouse and other family members in the loop to get some relief when you need to take it easy. If you were already exercising regularly before the pregnancy, chances are it is safe for you to continue exercising at a lower intensity, but always consult a physician with questions regarding your physical fitness for activity and if you notice spotting or pain during physical activity, cease it immediately.

Getting Ready for Babies

You don’t necessarily need to buy two of everything when you are planning for twins, but you will want to stock up on extras so you don't have loads of laundry every five minutes. Two babies will definitely use twice as many diapers and you’re likely going to want a larger crib space. Letting twins share the same crib (albeit larger than a standard crib) can often provide the babies with tactile comfort and give you more time to rest after they are born.

Be prepared to be unprepared. As with the arrival of any infant, twins provide their own unique challenges. Two infants will need to be cuddled, fed, changed, and rocked to sleep. Plan how you will handle the first few weeks, including breast pumping in order to provide nursing and bottle feeding as needed.

Birth Plan

Some physicians will counsel that inducing labor or a caesarean section are your only options with multiples. Be sure to talk out all the complications and possibilities with your doctor beforehand. Be comfortable with the birthing plan you and your spouse choose. Twins can be delivered naturally through the birth canal without undue harm to either infant in many cases.

When the babies are sharing the same placental membrane, there may be increased risk of the cords wrapping around one or the other infant. Your physician’s pre-natal examinations and sonograms can help you determine the best birth plan.

Take Time for You

As you go through your pregnancy and plan for your multiple arrival, do not forget to take time for you. Time spent in relaxing and restive activities that help Mom feel like herself are as important to your overall well-being as eating right, getting enough rest and seeing the doctor regularly.