10 Differences Between Singleton & Twin Pregnancy

Let’s try for baby #3 we said…I thought it would be a breeze. Just when I thought I knew everything about being pregnant, labor, and raising babies I got a HUGE surprise. Baby #3 turned out to be a twin pregnancy with babies #3 and #4.

Turns out, guys…I don’t know as much as I thought haha! But I am learning and sharing! So what’s so different about being pregnant with twins? Let me fill you in…

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1.People’s Reactions

I mean ALL people’s reactions. We got a lot of disbelief when we first told our family and friends. To my Instafam- you guys were so supportive and excited! Our family and friends were in shock…some still are in shock.

We basically walked around with our sonogram picture to prove it lol. Along with shock and disbelief some family members are afraid and nervous for us-I guess two babies is not for everyone.

2.Our Twin Pregnancy Reaction

The first 3 weeks after we got that positive test we went from the normal excitement to questioning whether twins was a possibility. People think we are nuts because we had a hunch there were two.

The truth is everything about the pregnancy felt EXTRA and fast causing us to wonder if we had one or two buns baking. At our first ob appointment, our hunch was confirmed.

We were also shocked but excited. Sure, we know it’s going to be quite the adventure and super new, but we were ready and excited.

3.Twin Pregnancy Symptoms

To start off I never felt morning sickness with any of the girls. At 5 weeks I was feeling nauseous and grossed out by certain foods. It felt all too soon.

Once twins were confirmed our doctor mentioned twins can make morning sickness worst than when pregnant with singles. It was worst between 6-18 weeks.

And breathlessness- it’s real! I found myself more out of breath than usual. What causes that? Added levels of progesterone are to blame. Not to mention as I got bigger there will be two babies pressed against my diaphragm.

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4. Twin Pregnancy Bump size

I’m sure it’s a combination of twins and the fact that it was my third pregnancy, but my baby bump was out for show since about week 7. I stopped wearing my regular pants at week 6.

Generally, I measured between 4-5 weeks ahead throughout the full 9 months. I learned to embrace it and enjoy my baby bump and all my body was doing.

5.Frequent peeing

I know all pregnant women feel my pain. However, with the girls I did not get woken up by the urge to pee until the third trimester. I would wake up twice during the night right from the get go.

At first I fought it and tried to hold it…but guess what changed? I got a UTI-probably as a result of holding it. SO DON’T HOLD IT!

6.Baby product researching

The products I need to research and shop for have changed! Double strollers, two cribs, two car seats, a twin nursing pillow? Most items are the same but choosing a double stroller was one of the most important ones.

7.My birth plans

Zoey was born via c-section due to her being in distress during my induction. Lia was born via a successful VBAC. Originally when we thought of 1 baby the VBAC seemed an obvious choice.

Since twins are high risk we made the choice to have a scheduled c-section. It was not what I intended but I came to terms with it.

8.My timeline

Did you know full term for twins is 37 weeks and not the traditional 40 weeks? It was news to me too! When c-sections are scheduled they are typically scheduled usually between 37-38 weeks.

Our baby shower was scheduled earlier to give me time ot relax and prepare. We wanted to make sure we were ready early in case of preterm labor.

9.My day to day

My name is Karen and I’m a workaholic. I have always been one of those people who runs around all day long. My twin pregnancy taught me to slow down. I took naps when I was tired and gave myself the okay to relax.

Something that was huge was asking for help. I learned to ask for help.

10.My appetite

I had crazy cravings! The cravings would come suddenly and intensely. I typically would eat every 2-3 hours and be better off with small meals all day vs the traditional large meals.

Everything just seemed to fly by and happened much faster yet also took much longer, if that makes sense. I am enjoying every little moment and making the best of this unique and hopefully once in a lifetime experience lol!