What it is
Twin pregnancy, multiples, di/di, mo/di: the words come fast after the first ultrasound. About 3 in 100 US births are twins. Di/di twins have two placentas and two sacs. Mo/di twins share one placenta; they are always identical and need closer watching because the shared placenta can send blood unevenly. The type matters more than whether they are identical.
What's typical
Twins arrive earlier: the average is about 36 weeks. Scans come every four weeks for di/di and every two for mo/di. Nausea, fatigue, anemia, and swelling tend to be stronger. Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are more common. About 4 in 10 twin pregnancies end in a vaginal birth.
What's known
ACOG and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine set the scan schedule and timing of birth by twin type. Weight gain targets are higher, about 37 to 54 pounds for a mother in the middle BMI range. Mothers of multiples say food, iron, and rest early on are where they needed more help.
What helps
- Ask what type of twins you have and write it down.
- Eat small meals often, with protein each time, even when you cannot face it. Ask for a dietitian early.
- Line up postpartum help now. Two newborns is more than twice the work.
When to call someone
- Nowcontractions every ten minutes for an hour before 37 weeks, fluid leaking, bleeding, or either baby moving less.
- Todaysudden swelling of the face and hands, a severe headache, or a sudden jump in belly size.
- At your next visitquestions about twin type, the birth plan, and whether a vaginal birth is an option.
Who helps
Tools: Due Date Calculator · Postpartum Prep Checklist · Meal Train
Related
- Feeding twins or multiplesFeeding Your Baby
- When your baby is in the NICUBirth and the First Days
- Short cervix and signs of preterm laborPregnancy: Your Body
- Weight gain in pregnancyPregnancy: Your Body
- Planning a cesareanGetting Ready for Birth
What mothers here say
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Practice bulletin on multifetal gestations
- Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine — Patient information on twin pregnancy
- National Academies (Institute of Medicine) — Weight gain during pregnancy: reexamining the guidelines
Sources are named, not yet linked. The steward verifies each one and adds the link.
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