Twin Pregnancy Facts

Learn important facts and risk factors for twin pregnancy.

By the editors of American Baby magazine

What can you expect when you're having twins? You'll gain more weight, need extra vitamins, and be carefully monitored by your obstetrician. While the rewards of a twin pregnancy are twofold, there are some concerns as well. Learn the basic facts about twin pregnancy.

There are two types of twins: fraternal and identical. Identical twins are less common than fraternal because identical twins require the splitting of a single fertilized egg, which is very uncommon. Fraternal twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm and implant in the womb at the same time.
The likelihood that you'll have twins is greater if there is a history of twins in your family. Fertility drugs also increase the incidence of twins because they often cause the release of more than one egg during ovulation.
Your doctor will diagnose a twin pregnancy by listening with a stethoscope to determine if there is more than one heartbeat, or by using ultrasound.
When you're pregnant with twins, you'll need to eat at least 2,700 calories each day. You'll probably be prescribed extra vitamins and minerals to take. Women pregnant with twins are more susceptible to anemia because more iron is needed to support the healthy growth of two fetuses. Your doctor will also prescribe enough folic acid for the healthy development of your twins.
With twins, you'll gain between 35 and 45 pounds by the end of your pregnancy. During the first half of pregnancy, your doctor will suggest you gain one pound a week. During the second half, you'll be encouraged to gain a bit more than a pound a week.
Because of the additional weight, twin pregnancies tend to be more uncomfortable. Get plenty of rest and put your feet up frequently to reduce swelling and leg pain.
Your doctor will likely monitor your twin pregnancy using techniques such as ultrasound (to check fetal heart rate, levels of amniotic fluid, and fetal growth), cervical exams (to rule out signs of preterm labor), and counting the babies' movements to make sure they are healthy and energetic.
Twin pregnancies have an increased risk of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, uneven growth, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and diabetes. Your doctor will carefully monitor you for these conditions throughout your pregnancy.
There is a higher rate of c-section with twins. It's possible to have a vaginal delivery with twins, but it depends on the position and weight of the babies, your health, and the health of the babies.
Labor is sometimes longer than usual with twins, but the actual delivery is not much longer. Twins are usually born only minutes apart.
You can certainly breastfeed twins, but you'll need at least 500 additional calories each day to keep up with the demands of producing the necessary breast milk. If you've had twins or are expecting them, be sure to meet with a lactation consultant for special support and advice.

Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Reviewed 11/02 by Elizabeth Stein, CNM

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

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Comments

Comments (23)

elegantangel20 wrote:

Im 16 weeks pregnant with twins...ths is the most beautiful thing tht hs happend to me...really exited!!!jst begnin to enjoy my pregnancy after 3 months of throwin up lol..n nw the dizinss n faints...lazy lazy all d time ..relaxd seein m nt the only 1 feelin ths way n its normal!!cn eat wtevr i wnt nw...:)

5/9/2011 11:38:33 AM Report Abuse

delhlegler wrote:

I am 5 wks pregnant and this is my 3rd pregnancy. I dont know if it is twins yet but I wondered if anyone noticed weight gain right away in their pregnancy? In my other two pregnancies I NEVER gained weight this fast. My husband is a twin and my mom is a twin as well so it is very possible.

2/23/2011 08:58:12 PM Report Abuse

hknapp3973 wrote:

I am 28 wks and am actually feeling pretty good! I'm big but still pretty mobile, as long as I listen to my body and rest when I need to. I don't really have any pain, just a few aches here and there. I feel them kicking all the time! I never had a huge increase in appetite, don't think there's much room in there for food. I am doing prenatal yoga, massage, and chiro and I think it helps a lot. Not ready to meet my girls yet, I'm aiming to keep 'em in for all 40 weeks!

1/24/2011 06:01:39 PM Report Abuse

alfordtammy1 wrote:

wow i just found out im pregnant with fraternal twins and i already have identical twins. yes im still in shock

1/21/2011 12:07:17 AM Report Abuse

katy_marg wrote:

I'm 13 weeks pregnant with identical twins. I've been very sick and have lost 12 pounds so far. I'm starting to feel a little bit better now and I've just started showing a little. I also am getting those dizzy/fainty spells. (I'm so relieved to read this is normal.) Getting up to do anything at all is completely exhausting. I envy all my pregnant friends who can go about life as normal. Despite all of this, I have never been so excited in my life.

1/16/2011 10:06:30 PM Report Abuse

doublesexylady wrote:

I am 14 wks pregnant with identical twins. I was very sick and lost 13 pounds. I am starting to feel better now. I feel hungry all the time now, tired all the time. My vitamins give me no energy. I look 5 months pregnant. Waiting to find out if we are having boys or girls. Worried about the delivery and the first year of raising them.

1/14/2011 11:15:23 AM Report Abuse

yelena_sf wrote:

I am 28 weeks pregnant with twins - boy and girl. I've gained only 17 lbs up until now. I have absolutely no gain in appetite. In fact, my appetite shrunk. It seems like I have no place for food at all. Had a problem with sciatic nerve. Went for pregnancy massage. I was in more pain for 1 week and then it was all gone. Time flies!

12/27/2010 12:29:04 PM Report Abuse

liannywolff wrote:

I'm 17 wks pregnant with twins. I feel like crap all the time. I have a lot of pains, I throw up day and night, usually right after I take my pills, I'm not gaining enough weight, can hardly eat anything without throwing up, I'm tired all the time, get very dizzy very often, I cant sleep cuz it hurts to lay down, cant sit cuz the constipation makes it painful. I'm the happiest person on earth cuz we finally conceived, but this hurts! If anyone out there has any tips please talk to me!

11/16/2010 01:29:32 PM Report Abuse

jenny.alabamagirl wrote:

I am 24 weeks pregnant with fraternal twins. I am very excited and ready to get this over with.It hurts so bad!!!

11/13/2010 11:18:19 AM Report Abuse

cryssilynne wrote:

I'm 22 weeks pregnant with boy/girl twins. I didn't even know it was twins until my first ultra-sound 3 weeks ago. Quite a surprise, but explains a lot now. I knew something was different than my first pregnancy. I'm also hungry all the time, have constant nausea, am dizzy quite often, and down-right uncomfortable! It's nice to hear all your experiences and to know this stuff is normal with twins. I can't wait to meet my 2 bundles of joy though...it'll all be worth it in the end.

10/12/2010 05:27:14 PM Report Abuse

sdhite2 wrote:

All I know is that I was told that its normal to be hungry all of the time. I have been on complete bedrest for about 1 month now. I am also tired of just laying around. I do cheat though and walk around the house or go out to get something to eat. I get really tired really fast though. I just can't wait to see my little girls and have them meet the rest of the family. Good Luck everyone!

8/31/2010 03:26:47 PM Report Abuse

sdhite2 wrote:

I am 31 weeks preg with twin girls.. They are fraternal.. I am also hungry all of the time. Right now it also seems like I can't get enough to drink either. I have so far gained 17 lbs. The only thing that I want to eat alot of is fruit. I do have a bowl of fruit and crackers with a 32oz glass of water next to my bed at night for when I wake up hungry. I don't know if they eat at the same time or what.

8/31/2010 03:26:41 PM Report Abuse

camilia_woods wrote:

I am 27wks2d pregnant with twin gurls I have been doing good so far except for everytime I drink somethig I gotta pee but I'm used to it now. Just ready for mi angels to arrive.

8/30/2010 06:58:59 PM Report Abuse

Luxuryessential wrote:

I am 9 weeks pregnant with fraternal twins! couple days ago had a gush of blood that stopped right away upon contacting doctor advised me it is expected and normal with twin pregnancy....Did Ultra sound today ...the heart rate of Baby A is 175 and baby B 167 is different heart rate in twins normal? and 2nd seems a little smaller as well is this....I am a little worried? any any advise your exprience would be appreciated.

8/30/2010 05:14:27 PM Report Abuse

queenofnailz wrote:

I'm 27 weeks preg with fraternal twins. I want them to be healthy so I push through. I feel pain at times. I'm just getting use to them kicking me. I have good days and those are usually the days I get up and go.

7/26/2010 05:17:26 PM Report Abuse

casmith_25 wrote:

I'm 28 weeks with twins and been on complete bedrest forthe last 7 weeks getting really tired of laying around...

6/14/2010 11:07:30 AM Report Abuse

williamskarenrenee wrote:

I'am 28 weeks and i'am ready for this to be over i have pain in more places then i have in my whole life. This is crazy for me

5/18/2010 09:54:00 AM Report Abuse

Jamieborowski wrote:

I am 17 weeks pregnant with twins and feel like im getting huge but the dr says im not gaining enough weight! And i feel like all i do is eat... it makes no sense to me...

5/14/2010 10:12:13 AM Report Abuse

sdhite wrote:

I am 11 weeks preg with twins.. I don't know if they are fraternal or Identical yet.. I have gain 8 lbs already and I am tired all of the time.. Is this normal?

4/16/2010 05:06:29 PM Report Abuse

ulandadelevante wrote:

i just want to know, how to getv rid of the dazzy fainting spells with my fraternal twins?

4/6/2010 08:56:54 AM Report Abuse

chickflick242000 wrote:

I don't know if they eat at the same time. I, too am having twin's and currently 29w 2d. I eat like a pig now and have been since around 12 weeks.

3/17/2010 01:55:22 PM Report Abuse

libni1520041 wrote:

im 21 weeks and having twins im getting very very hugry thats why i ask !!

3/17/2010 02:39:20 AM Report Abuse

libni1520041 wrote:

do fraternal twins eat at the same time in the womb!!!