You are pregnant and feeling amaze that you are carrying two babies instead of one. After the excitement, you may start to have questions or concerns about your pregnancy. Generally, expectant mothers will discover their special condition at their 12-week scan.

The parents can expect identical twins when the fertilized egg splits into two. Non-identical twins will result when two separate eggs are fertilized by two sperms at the same time. Below are common questions from expectant mothers of twins.

#1: Will there be enough space for two babies?

Yes, the womb can stretch to accommodate two babies easily. Twin pregnancy is considered full term at about 38 weeks instead of 40 weeks as in a single pregnancy. During the first two trimesters, twins will grow about the same rate as a single baby. However, from weeks 26 to 28, the growth will slow down.

#2: Will the mom be bigger in size?

The expectant mother will not be twice the size but the bump will be bigger. The mom will also show earlier at about 11 weeks with twins compared to 13 weeks for a single baby.

#3: Will the mom have double the morning sickness?

Pregnant with twins may cause the mom to suffer the usual morning sickness and may be slightly worse and for longer duration.

#4: Will the mom need to eat for three?

Expectant mothers do not need to eat for three people like having three slices of cake, three servings of meat, etc. In the last trimester, the mother only needs about 600 more calories per day. It is important to eat nutritional foods like nuts and yoghurt instead of taking in empty calories only.

#5: Will the mom need a Caesarean section?

The delivery process depends on the position of the babies. If the babies are in breech or transverse position, i.e. lying across the uterus, normal vaginally delivery is difficult. Your doctor will monitor your condition and decide the best option for you.

photo credit: Organic Haus