We just found out we're having twins! I'm still processing but I have TONS of questions. I'm excited, but mostly worried at this point. I'm hoping your collective wisdom will help. Here are a few of my questions:
1. The midwife we saw said I should double my prenatal vitamins. I have been doing so for the past two days, but some brief internet research suggests maybe I shouldn't. I don't qualify for for the midwives now, they don't take women who are having multiples so I'm a little skeptical about her advice.
2. She also said I shouldn't do ab exercises. I've heard different on that too...
3. This is the BIG question: Originally DH and I were planning to move from San Diego to San Francisco (back near our family) in August. I'm curious if any of you have experienced switching OBs and cities mid-twin pregnancy? My instinct is that we shouldn't add a move, when there are so many unknowns about when the baby might come or whether there may be complications. Am I overreacting? I am a worrier after all; DH is a take it as it comes kinda guy. His thinking is that it'll be better to have family around when the babies arrive. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Re: Intro and Lots of Questions
2. Can't help you there. In general, you shouldn't spend a huge amount of time on your back though.
3. Haven't switched mid-twin but switched part-way through with my DD. It was a pretty seamless transition. Just make sure you have a doctor set up with before the move. Much of the time a different OB will deliver anyways, so I wouldn't be overly concerned about that. Start asking around for OB recommendations now. Your current OB might know someone for you to transition to, so don't forget to ask him/her.
2. I never asked but was allowed to continue normal exercise for as long as I wanted. I got pg in late Nov and am an outside runner in a cold part of the country so I stopped pretty quickly bc morning sickness kicked my ass all day every day. Blah.
3. IMO, the early parts of a twin pg are pretty similar to a singleton. Late second tri and third tri is when the complications crop up. I was considering switching between 16-18w but I ended up not doing it. I wouldn't have been comfortable switching much past that plus many places have rules about these things. I'd switch as long as I was informed.
I moved when I was 22 weeks and didn't have any problems with it. Just make sure all of your file transfer over before you get there. They were still waiting on a couple things by my first appointment but wasn't a big deal, just had to redo some blood work. Being closer to family once they arrive will be soo helpful!
1. My OB told me not to double up, but she did recommend I add calcium to diet and later on an iron supplement. I asked her again halfway through the pregnancy and she said not to double up.
2. Best advice I could give you is listen to your body when it comes to a multiples pregnancy. I think it would be fine to do abs if you were doing it before you got pregnant, but when you get hot or tired then stop.
3. I think moving would be fine; twins pregnancy is harder on your body than a singleton but you can still do everyday things (I was walking my dog a mile when I was 37w), as long as you don't push yourself. Tell your husband you won't be that much of a help. Switching OBs shouldn't be a problem at all. People on my BMB have switched after 30w and it worked out well!
Happy & healthy 9 months!!!
2. He did not specify anything about exercise, but does put all of his twin patients on modified bed rest between 24-28 weeks.
3. I'd be pretty nervous moving in the middle of any pregnancy, but especially a twin pregnancy. It's just so hard to predict how things will be. But, I'd rather do it during the pregnancy than with newborns.
BFP#1: 11/20/11, EDD 7/25/12, Emily Iris arrived 7/29/12 at 7 lb., 3.5 oz.
BFP#2: 8/25/13, EDD 5/4/14, MMC confirmed on 9/23/13, D&C on 9/26/13
BFP#3: 2/3/14, EDD 10/15/14, fraternal TWINS confirmed 2/21/14, two BOYS confirmed on 4/15/14!
1. My OB and MFM told me NOT to double up...
2. I have had zero restrictions regarding exercise but stopped running fairly early bc it didn't feel right. There are many ab exercises that are ok in the beginning, but you won't want to continue to do those as your muscles start to move and separate. I would get some prenatal videos as your guides.
3. I would have been ok moving up until maybe 28 weeks. Switching doctors isn't ideal IMO, but I'd just try to get a good referral. Having family around will be worth it!
1) The only thing I've heard recommended to do differently with multiples is to take a bit more folic acid, so a separate pill rather than two prenatal vitamins. Definitely a doctor question.
2) General recs are that you can keep doing exercises you did prepregnancy within reason. It may change depending on your particular situation, or risk factors. Again, follow OB directions.
3) How far along are you? August sounds like it could be late for a move, IMO. Things can change super fast with twin pregnancies complications-wise (like bed rest) once you hit mid 2nd trimester. I'd also start researching doctors and calling around now since some practices have rules about accepting new patients and there are some who don't handle multiples pregnancies at all.
1) I doubled my folic acid, calcium and added iron. I still took my normal pnv.
2) No help but honestly it seems like a waste of time and counterproductive as your stomach is growing regardless.
3 ) I can only go based off my experience and say to expect the unexpected. I had a pretty seamless pregnancy, bought a new house and was set to move when I was 29 weeks pregnant. I ended being hospitalized at 27 weeks and remained hospitalized for 5 weeks until they were born. The title company had to come to the hospital, I had to sign over power of attorney and my husband had to move all by himself, it was very stressful. Just thought I would throw it out there. I assumed it would be fine but it was very unexpected. And ww only moved 10 minutes down the road so can't imagine moving the distance you are but go with your gut. Good luck!