Mom's of Multiples (MoMs) Check In - 5/9 (for current MoMs and expecting MoM's)

tmk0325 · May 2017

I thought it might be fun to have a check in for the expecting MoM's and those of us who have Multiples. We can do some general questions and then answer any questions that the new mom's might have!

How far along are you (how many babies)?

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?

Expecting MoMs - What burning questions for current MoM's?

Current MoM's - How old are your multiples?

Current MoM's - What advice do you have for expecting MoM's?

Please feel free to add any other comments or questions!

tmk0325 · May 2017

How far along are you (how many babies)? 8w4d (TBD on how many are in there currently)

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? So... I had my blood draw to confirm this pregnancy on Friday, got my labs back yesterday and my HCG levels were around 148,000 which is in the normal range, however very high. I honestly never knew what my levels were with the twins (they never told me, I never asked) so I'm slightly paranoid, we might have two in there. We don't have our first ultrasound until May 26. Does anyone know what their levels are/were around 8 weeks???

Expecting MoMs - What burning questions for current MoM's?

Please ask away!

Current MoM's - How old are your multiples? My identical (mono/di) twin boys are 10.5 months! They will be 18 months old when this baby arrives.

Current MoM's - What advice do you have for expecting MoM's? I have advice for those of you who are having momo or mono/di twins. Starting at around 16 weeks, you need to start seeing a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor if you aren't already. They are considered high risk twins and carry a very big risk of developing Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). Those that have fraternal twins do not need to worry about this since they have separate sacs and placentas. All I can say is definitely familiarize yourself with the type of twins you are having!

beary67 · May 2017

Thanks for starting this, @tmk0325!!!

How far along are you (how many babies)? 9+4 with Twins

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? I graduated from my RE last week and the appointment went great. Both heartbeats were strong at 178 and 187. I have my first OB appointment tomorrow.

Expecting MoMs - What burning questions for current MoM's?

Did you find that you got extra appointments/ultrasounds? Is everyone with twins considered 'high risk'? Did you to NIPT? NT scan? Any other testing?

Current MoM's - How old are your multiples? NA

Current MoM's - What advice do you have for expecting MoM's? Please share!

Please feel free to add any other comments or questions!

tmk0325 · May 2017

@wabash15 @HAMelton @bethk1993 @cmj689
I just went through the introductions quick and tried to gather who was expecting multiples or have multiples! Please feel free to tag anyone else.

@beary67 I think all twin pregnancies are considered high risk, however some are more high risk than others. Momo is the most high risk (one placenta/one sac) and mono/di (one placenta/two sacs) are the second most high risk. Mainly for the risk of TTTS and cord tanglement with momo. If you end up having fraternal twins di/di (two sacs/two placentas) the risk goes down, however carrying twins is a risk in itself. Do you know what type of twins you are having?? I would ask at your next ultrasound! Also a full term pregnancy for twins is 37 weeks, so you most likely will not go longer than that. My boys decided to come on their own at 31 weeks, so I never made it the last two months!

edited to add: we opted not to do any other testing, however I did see MFM every two weeks, so they were able to see a lot then and if they would of suggested some other stuff, we would of done it.

beary67 · May 2017

@tmk0325 I will have to ask. I know we have two sacs and I assumed they were fraternal because we transferred two embryos (we did IVF). We have had 4 ultrasounds so far with my RE, but he did not mention anything about the type. If they are fraternal, does that automatically mean they are di/di?

wabash15 · May 2017

How far along are you (how many babies)? 7+1singleton

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? first US last week confirmed a singleton (there as a chance of multiples again) everything was right on track

Expecting MoMs - What burning questions for current MoM's?

Current MoM's - How old are your multiples? They just turned two. boy/girl

Current MoM's - What advice do you have for expecting MoM's? take it easy on yourself. your going to be tired and occasionally breathless even in the first trimester. Expect to grow out of alot of maternity cloths.... Enjoy this as much as possible, twins are challenging but they are also magical and it is amazing to watch /feel them interact. Oh there is a national geographic documentary on multiples in the womb and how they interact, it is fascinating and worth the watch!

@tmk0325 thanks for getting this started!
@beary67 yes all twin pregnancies are considered high risk. if you have no other risk factors and your OB is OK with twins than you can go that route. my twins were di/di so the lowest of the twin risk group but also being AMA and factor V I saw an MFM as my primary OB the whole time. I loved getting the extra US (every month than bi weekly, then weekly) getting to see them and make sure everything was good. (we did have some growth issues that thankfully self corrected) We did do the NT scan but did not do any genetic testing. DH and I had decided we were not willing to do a medical termination due to the risk of loosing both so we would just take what ever came. Thankfully both were healthy.
37-38 wks is considered full term for twins. Generally an MFM won't let you go longer than 38 weeks because the risk of stillbirth increases after that (though I have heard of some OB's letting MOM go longer) I had a C-section at 37+2 because the twins were getting so big they were concerned about space issues and DD was breach.
typically if they are Di/di they are fraternal but there is still a chance they can be identical if the embryo just split super early prior to implantation.

cmj689 · May 2017

How far along are you (how many babies)? 8+6 with twins.

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go? Last appointment was a week and a half ago - the same day we found out. Two strong heartbeats

Next appt in two weeks.

Expecting MoMs - What burning questions for current MoM's?

Image: https://forums.thebump.com/resources/emoji/smile.png

How far along were you when you went into labor/gave birth? How big were your babies? Any NICU stays?

Current MoM's - How old are your multiples? NA

Current MoM's - What advice do you have for expecting MoM's? NA

Thanks for starting this thread, @tmk0325 !

beary67 · May 2017

@wabash15 do you think it's fine that my first appointment with my OB is at 9+5 since I just graduated from my RE last Wednesday? Will the OB then refer me to the MFM after they have met with me? Did the MFM do your NT scan?

tmk0325 · May 2017

@beary67 I found this link pretty helpful to understand the different types of twins: https://hdydi.com/2014/03/12/identical-or-fraternal-a-primer/

And even if you did IVF there is a chance that they aren't fraternal. A friend of mine did IVF for her twin girls, they placed two and only one took, but that one split. So they ended up with identical IVF twins. Most likely they are probably fraternal, but you never know!

@cmj689 My water broke at 31 weeks exactly. Looking back I had a slow leak a few days prior (and I just assumed it was urine FTM then) and didn't really think much of it. My water broke at 4 am in bed and they tried to stop my labor all day. I was given two steroid shots and was on magnesium all day... When I went in my contractions were 3 minutes apart -- I didnt even realize I was having contractions because I had braxton hicks all the time-- and they were able to slow them to random 10-15 minutes during the day. They told me that even though my water broke you can stay on hospital bedrest for days or weeks even. Unfortunately the boys had other plans and by late afternoon I was dialated to a 4 and they started prepping me for a c-section. I was 95% sure I was having a c-section because Baby B was transverse the whole entire pregnancy and never moved. The boys were born and weighed 3lbs10oz and 3lbs11oz and were 16 and 17 inches long. They were a really good size for 31 weeks. They spent 35 days each in the NICU basically to feed and grow and got to come home together. They did come home on sleep apnea monitors, but after two months they were off of that. They are currently 17lbs and 30 inches.

One thing I will tell any twin mom, is make sure you eat protein, protein, and more protein. Every meal and every snack. My MFM said, aim for a minimum of 128g in a day. I stuck by that goal and I think that's why they were such a decent size at 31 weeks!

clovelyone · May 2017

Hi ladies! I'm 8+3 with fraternal twins. I had an appointment yesterday because my acid reflux, heartburn and nausea have been unbearable. I decided to start with the reflux/heartburn meds first to see if that would help with the nausea, but I think I might have to increase it to the max dose. I'm also still pretty nauseated so I might try the Zofran today as well. My next ultrasound is on the 23rd.

For current moms, did you prefer the strollers that seat the kids one in front of the other (narrower) or side by side?

tmk0325 · May 2017

Sorry I missed you @clovelyone! Welcome!
Ugh the heartburn.. I had the best luck with Zantac 150 and gaviscon tablets.

As for strollers, if you are doing infant car seats I highly recommend a double snap and go! We loved ours, the infant car seats just popped in and out. We have a front to back (it can go a bunch of different ways) Contours Options Elite stroller. It's really nice but it can be kind of clunky. My daycare lady has a small fold up umbrella side by side stroller and she likes it when they go on walks and stuff. I think there are pros and cons to each!

Marley629 · May 2017

@KathrynJ088 I think is expecting twins too

tmk0325 · May 2017

@Marley629 Thanks!
Welcome @KathrynJ088 and I looked at the spreadsheet and it looks like @stella_700 and @mrswifeytoad
are expecting multiples too!

KathrynJ088 · May 2017

How far along are you (how many babies)?

10wks+3, di/di twins

Any appointments this week/last? How did it go?
US last week just for my sake, **TW** my last pregnancy ended in missed mc (5 weeks went by before I found out) , so I've been a bit anxious this time around. Everything went fine, babies are both on track in size and heartbeats were great!

Expecting MoMs - What burning questions for current MoM's?

How to add more protein to my diet? I've lost weight instead of gained so far and I am trying to eat more, but can't seem to keep any lbs. I'm a pretty thin person, about 120 lbs pre-pregnancy, and have never had a large appetite, so adding the recommended 600 calories a day is proving to be difficult! I do have morning sickness, but not throwing up. Just started dicelgis hoping to alleviate the nausea.

Super hormones made me cry reading through these.. can't wait for them to let up just a bit!

KathrynJ088 · May 2017

Anyone bumping yet? We haven't officially announced at work or Facebook, and I'm finding it difficult to hide!

babytime24 · May 2017

I'm not expecting multiples, and maybe this is a dumb question, but how far along do women usually find out they are having multiples? I had my first ultrasound at 7wk4d, and we only saw one. I just can't help but thinking, could there be another in there? So sorry if this is a dumb question! FTM here!

KathrynJ088 · May 2017

babytime24 said:

I'm not expecting multiples, and maybe this is a dumb question, but how far along do women usually find out they are having multiples? I had my first ultrasound at 7wk4d, and we only saw one. I just can't help but thinking, could there be another in there? So sorry if this is a dumb question! FTM here!

I found out at my 7wk+4 appointment, it was pretty obvious bc there were 2 sacs. Different types of twins carry differently and can sometimes hide

tmk0325 · May 2017

@babytime24 I found out during my first ultrasound with my OB at 11 weeks. I have heard of babies hiding and being missed up until the anatomy scan (around 20 weeks). When is your next ultrasound? They should be able to for sure tell the farther you get along.

tmk0325 · May 2017

@KathrynJ088 I'm in denial, but yes I have a little bit of roundness starting!

As for protein, greek yogurt, peanut butter, protein shakes/ensure, string cheese, milk, cottage cheese, were all at the top of my list for go to snacks. The farther I got along I would just chug an ensure once or twice a day!

KathrynJ088 · May 2017

@tmk0325 I'm lactose intolerant

so lots of those are already crossed of my list. I'll look into protein shakes, and I've been snacking on mixed nuts (slightly salted). I also can do yogurt surprisingly, but gag at the texture of Greek yogurt. Thanks for the suggestions!

babytime24 · May 2017

@KathrynJ088 Thanks for the info!

@tmk0325 My next US isn't until 20 weeks. Not that I'm counting on multiples, but if that's the case I'd just like a little more notice than 20 weeks!

stella_700 · May 2017

How far along are you (how many babies)? 8wks 4 days

Any appointments this week/last? appt with RE on Thursday

Expecting MoMs - What burning questions for current MoM's?

My biggest question right now is diaper related. Cloth diapering with twins? suggestions? cost? brands?

Current MoM's - How old are your multiples? EDD of December 17

Current MoM's - What advice do you have for expecting MoM's? Oh I'll be checking on this thread often. I know DH and I will need help.

Please feel free to add any other comments or questions!
I never imagined that my FTM experience would be with twins. We are over the moon excited. Wishing my family lived closer to help more.

I'm a bigger girl so I'll not show till much later on. KathrynJ088 there really isn't hiding that much longer! I plan to move through summer in long flowy sundresses myself.

wabash15 · May 2017

@cmj689 I may be the unicorn of twin moms but this does happen. I made it to 37+2 when my MFM elected a C-section due to the twins getting so large. On US they were measuring close to 8lbs each. In reality they were 6.5lbs each, and no NICU time. I also worked until the night before my C-section in a physically active job.
@beary67 that should be fine timing for your next appointment. I also moved across the country mid first trimester so I just started with MFM and not an OB. (that was my choice) So yes my MFM did all my scans.
@tmk0325 oh I second you on the protein though in the first trimester it can be so hard when you feel crummy. @kathrynj088 how about nut butters and almonds or other nuts.... sorry about the lactose intolerance, that makes it harder. does your hospital system have a nutritionist you can consult with? Ours did.
@clovelyone we opted for side by side because most of the front to back systems were either unwieldy or did not give one baby much space. We got the mountain buggy duo. its the only side by side that can do 2 car seats (with the attachment). and its only about 25inches wide so it will fit through most doorways. its also a "jogging" stroller so its good off-road. I guess my biggest tip is to practice opening and closing the strollers to see what is easy or hard for you and also try to fit them in your trunk to make sure they fit.

tmk0325 · May 2017

@KathrynJ088 oh no the lactose part really sucks!! Do you like meat? I always strived to have meat in my lunch and dinner as well. What about hard boiled eggs? I remember having a lot of eggs. I wasn't a big nut fan but nuts would work too. My Ob said protein shakes were fine so I would do smoothies a lot too with fruit and spinach and the protein powder!

@stella_700 I have no suggestions on cloth diapers. We used disposables. I can't imagine doing more laundry! My favorite brand is pampers.

clovelyone · May 2017

@tmk0325 and @wabash15 Thanks for the tips! I did take the Zofran today and it was a lifesaver! I actually ate almost half of a cheesesteak hoagie. I had been craving it, but the thought of food made me nauseated. It was so good after a diet of yogurt, chicken noodle soup (broth and carrots only), crackers and I tried to eat guacamole and chips because I heard avocados have B6 which can help with MS. I threw that up today before I took the Zofran. I feel so much better now! The only thing that sucks is my sinuses are draining really bad which makes me gag/throw up and the yogurt is making it worst. I need a new go to food because I've been eat 2-3 yogurts per day, but I can't take all of this mucus (sorry to complain so much and sorry if that's TMI).

bethk1993 · May 2017

Hey everyone! I'm a current MoM, fraternal twin boys, they'll be 3 on June 4th.

My advice is to to figure out your support system now. You will need it. I figured that out late, and I think I could have saved myself a lot of overwhelmed nights if I had more people set up to help.

cmj689 · May 2017

@babytime24 I found out at 7 w 1 d - when the pulled up the ultrasound on the screen I only saw one flicker, then when they moved the wand around the other one was just as clear!

tmk0325 · May 2017

I second @bethk1993 . My boys were bottle fed and in the beginning when they came home on monitors and they had to be held a certain way, so we had a schedule for the first 3 weeks of people coming by to rotate and help with feedings while my SO worked. The perk of having summer babies were that we have a lot of teacher friends and we took everyone and anyone up on their offer to help. If people offer to help, do not hesitate to let them. Even if it just means for you to shower, pump, go to target whatever. You'll need it.

wabash15 · May 2017

I have to say having help would be nice but it can be done on your own. DH and I had recently moved to a new city with no family or friends near by and DH only had the day of their birth off. It was tough but we made it work, you just have to set your expectations. are the babies in clean diapers, fed and are you fed... the rest is gravy.

KathrynJ088 · May 2017

@tmk0325 I'm not having any food aversions, and prefer chicken over beef. We definitely eat meat with every meal, I'm just hoping it's enough! Smoothies are a bit tricky bc they usually have milk (or bananas, which I can't stand). Any recommendations on protein powders? I've never really focused on my "diet" and just eat balanced meals.

KathrynJ088 · May 2017

Is the gallon of water a day thing true/necessary? I mean, I know its good to stay hydrated and water should be first choice, but I'm having such a hard time comprehending how to manage a whole gallon in a day.

tmk0325 · May 2017

The rule of thumb for water outside of pregnancy is half your body weight in ounces of water in a day. For pregnancy I was told to up it even more. I weigh 150 lbs so that is 75 ounces of water in a day. I strived for 100 ounces when I was pregnant.

@KathrynJ088 I really liked the Vega One brand. You can buy it at target or amazon. Prior to pregnancy I was using their all in one nutritional powder, but they have a just a proteins & greens powder. They are all plant based products so no weird stuff in them. I tended to buy the vanilla as it was the easiest to mix flavor wise for me. You could do frozen fruit, ice cubes, the powder, spinach, or any other fruit or veggies you want. You could probably get around milk or yogurt.

wabash15 · May 2017

@KathrynJ088 I'm with @tmk0325 I was told ~100oz during pregnancy... I just try to have a large water cup with me at all times. It takes some getting used to but its not too bad.

tmk0325 · May 2017

@leilagphillips Saw you were expecting twins! Congrats! This was our board from last week and we'll have a new check in tomorrow. Welcome

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