Twins Are in Our Future!

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Don’t get excited now, they are not mine!  My sister-in-law is pregnant with TWINS!!  Yup, I said it…TWINS!!  We (the entire family) are thrilled for her and her husband.  As for them, I know they are happy but I don’t exactly know that “thrilled” is the word they would use.  Maybe something more along the lines of “nervous” is in their vocabulary now.  Either way, nervous and thrilled, we are all looking forward to meeting the two little blessings this late spring/early summer.

My sister-in-law, Marla, is now 18 weeks and has experienced almost everything pregnancy can do to your body since week six.  Remember that post Vannessa wrote about your pregnant body?  Well, Marla has experienced a bit of morning sickness (all day long) everyday for the last 12 weeks.  With all the changes occurring in her body and all the adjusting, she’s been doing great!  We are just waiting to find out the gender of the two little angels so we can start buying her necessities…she’s going to need a lot!

Since Marla found out she’s having twins, she’s done a lot of research on twins.  I thought I’d do some of my research and share with you.  You never know, twins might be in your future.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology :

What causes twin pregnancy?

Having twins runs in some families. The most important factor, however, is age. Women older than 30 years are more likely to have twins than are younger women.

Women who take fertility drugs or use in vitro fertilization have a greater chance of having fraternal twins.

What causes fraternal twins?

Usually, a woman releases one egg during ovulation. Fertilization occurs when one sperm joins with one egg. Sometimes, a woman releases two eggs, both of which can be fertilized by different sperm. When this occurs, it produces fraternal twins. These twins are no more alike than siblings born at different times. These twins can be boys, girls, or one of each. Each baby has its own placenta and amniotic sac.

What causes identical twins?

Identical twins occur when one fertilized egg splits and develops into two embryos. Identical twins may share a placenta or have separate placentas, but each baby usually has its own amniotic sac. Identical twins are the same sex and have the same blood type, hair color, and eye color. They usually look very much alike.

Are there more complications with a twin pregnancy than with a single pregnancy?

The risk of certain complications is higher in a twin pregnancy. Complications associated with a twin pregnancy include preterm labor, preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and growth problems. Some of these problems may be prevented with early detection and care.

 

Have you had twins?  Do you have any suggestions for the expecting couple?  Please share with us.  

Congratulations to Marla and Lupe!

There is so much to learn about when carrying twins.  Check back with us tomorrow for a post about shopping and preparing for twins.

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