Pregnant With Twins: Double Complaints?

Double Complaints?

While your pregnancy with twins may not be fundamentally different from a pregnancy with just one baby, multiple pregnancy brings with it some peculiarities that can be referred to as “double” ailments. That is why we have compiled the most common complaints of expectant twin mothers for you.

1st trimester: Increased nausea

Your body produces more pregnancy hormones than with a “single baby”. It is therefore possible that you will suffer more from nausea , especially in the first trimester of your pregnancy – but this does not have to be the case. You should drink a lot during this time because the body quickly loses fluids due to the frequent vomiting. Antispasmodic teas, for example made from ginger root, are ideal for balancing out.

2nd trimester: tingling, water retention, back pain

During the second trimester of pregnancy, you may experience tingling in your hands more often, especially just after waking up. Or arms and hands fall asleep more often than you are used to. Under the influence of the hormone progesterone, your body has stored additional fluid, which is now pressing on your arm nerves. This creates the tingling in your hands and is also called carpal tunnel syndrome. When you are pregnant with twins, more progesterone is released, so you suffer more from water retention. You don’t need to worry though, it’s completely harmless. You can run cold water over your wrists more frequently or raise your arms overhead to stimulate circulation. And it’s best to put your arms and legs up as often as possible. Then the tingling disappears all by itself.

While singleton mothers gain an average of 25 to 25 pounds during pregnancy, mothers of twins can expect to gain 27 to 30 pounds. The extra weight puts strain on your back and ligaments, so it’s important to start strengthening your back muscles early on. Swimming, for example, can help you to relieve the muscles. However, if the pain feels different than usual and is accompanied by increased vaginal discharge, you should consult your gynecologist immediately. The pain can herald a premature start of labour.

3rd trimester: breathlessness

In a multiple pregnancy, the uterus will grow faster to accommodate the twins. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the uterus may press on your lungs and make you run out of air more quickly . Right now you should get a lot of rest. Yoga exercises for pregnant women can also bring you relaxation. Try to put a pillow under your back when you sleep. In the semi-sitting position, you will breathe better than lying down.

Your twins have to share space in the uterus and interact a lot with each other. Towards the end of pregnancy things can get tight. You will push and kick more often than in a singleton pregnancy. In addition, there are different sleeping rhythms: it can happen that one twin is sleeping and the other is alert. Even if it is sometimes difficult, try to see the movements as something beautiful. Because of your positive attitude, it doesn’t seem so strenuous anymore.

If you would like to learn more about twins and are looking for further tips and assistance, take a look at our Twins & Co section .