Here are answers to a few of the questions I commonly am asked about my pregnancy with the twins:
Do all twin moms have to go on bedrest?
Nope. My neighbor has triplets AND twins and carried both sets to term (38 weeks) and never had any bed rest. Other friends of mine have done the same. It is completely dependent on the mom and the pregnancy.
Were you sicker for this pregnancy?
Well, considering the fact that I have never been pregnant before, I couldn't say. However, my symptoms were extremely easy compared to most pregnant women so I truly think it, again, is dependent on the mom and the pregnancy. Another neighbor of mine is much sicker with her twins right now than she was with her first baby, but that can happen to any mom. I did get migraines with the twins, which I never had before.
How much weight did you gain?
I only made it to 30 weeks gestation with my twins, so my weight gain isn't exactly helpful. But, I gained 30 pounds with my twins. I started showing at about 12 weeks and got bigger and bigger each day :). My mother-in-law constantly reminded me of that fact when she would say "Wow, you look 7 months pregnant" when I was only 5 months along. Not necessary :).
Were the doctor appointments different?
Again, I don't have my own pregnancies to compare this too--but I do have 4 sisters who have children so I can compare it to them. I got to have ultrasounds at every single appointment, unlike most pregnant women. I also always measured a lot bigger than women with one baby. We did a lot of discussion about preemies and stress and stuff that probably isn't discussed as much in singleton appointments. Also, at 29 weeks I started going for stress tests (which were going to happen every week).
Were you allowed to work out?
I was not. I was allowed to walk (but not too fast) and swim (but not too fast). I spent a lot of time walking in the pool at our neighborhood gym. It felt so nice to feel the pressure relieved and to be doing a little exercise.
Did you continue working?
I was a sixth grade teacher and worked up until my 27th week when I was put on bed rest. Perhaps this is part of the reason I went into premature labor--it was a high stress, high energy job and I may have pushed it a little hard. However, I loved it and still feel sad I left my students so early.
How was it to have 2 babies moving inside of you?
It was so much fun to feel the interactions so early. I remember distinctly when Owen was kicking Isaac like crazy one night. Owen was ALWAYS our active baby and Isaac was much less so (and so their personalities have continued). Well, after about 30 minutes of being kicked Isaac had had enough and I felt this HUGE kick that you could see on my stomach. There was quite a lull in movement for a few moments after that! It was tricky when one would be up in my ribcage and the other would be down near my pelvis--that was pretty uncomfortable, but it really was amazing.
Did you know if they were fraternal or identical when you were pregnant?
We were pretty positive they were fraternal because of our infertility treatments. They were also in two separate sacks. However, that doesn't always mean they are fraternal. If they share a sack they are ALWAYS identical--but if they are separate it could mean they are identical or fraternal.
Did you want 2 boys, 2 girls, or 1 boy and 1 girl?
I was really hoping to have a boy and a girl. I had always thought that was the perfect combination. Of course, when I found out it was 2 boys I was thrilled and knew that it was just the way it was supposed to be, but I am still hoping for a little girl someday. I am so thrilled that the boys will always have each other though, and have loved every second of the baby boy lifestyle :).
Any other questions?
No comments:
Post a Comment