Questions...

Hi everyone. I love reading all the posts and learning so much. I am pregnant with twins (12w2d) and I have a 19 month-old daughter. I just have a few questions...that I would love some feedback on. I'm totally clueless at this point.

1) I had a vaginal delivery with my daughter that was very fast and relatively easy..although I did have a small shot of stadol to help with the pain.. Considering I had such a great birth with her I really want to do it again. Do doctors nowadays mostly only deliver twins vaginally if they are both head-down?? What if the first is head-down and the second breech? Just wondering what other doctors out there are doing... I haven't seen my regular ob/gyn yet (we did IVF), so just wanted an idea...before I saw him.


2) For those of you that have a doppler at home, how long did it take before you could differentiate the heartbeats? I kinda think I did today, but maybe not.

3) Those that already have one child or more (not multiples) did you buy more baby gear other than a carseat..or just wait to see if they both liked the swing, bouncy seat etc?

4) Did most of you get big fast? I feel right now at 12 weeks as big as I did with my daughter at 20 weeks...I've also gained about 10lbs (which I did in the 1st trimester with my daughter as well). I'm 5'7 and I started at 122 and I'm about 131/132 now. I feel huge already!! I know...I have a LONG way to go.

5) Working-out while preg. with twins...is it possible to still do "light" aerobics, no jumping while pregnant with twins. It's too hot for me to go outside in the summer here (houston), so I'm hoping that kind of exercise is still okay. (Not that I'm been doing any since before christmas. Anybody work-out during their pregnancy or is walking or swimming the best thing.

6) I'm going to read the recent post on working... I do work p/t as a teacher. I'm gone for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours a day. I'm hoping I can work as long as possible, but if I do end up on bedrest, that doesn't start my FMLA leave does it? I do have disability which I'm hoping would kick in and then the FMLA (12 weeks) after the babies are born...

Thanks so much for reading...feel free to comment on some or all...
TIA

Janna

 

Hi Janna!
I can answer one of your questions:

When I had my twins, they were very early (29 wks) but my 2nd was breech. They were prepping my for a C-section when all of a sudden I told the nurse I felt a lot of pressure again. She called the Dr back in and she did another quick ultra sound. She then said, "OK I'm going to put my hand in there and when I say push, PUSH!" I'll never forget those words! He came out foot-butt-foot. He was a little spread eagle (legs) for awhile but everything was fine and no C-section. Mine were little though, 2lbs 14 oz and 3 lb 1oz. Maybe she was able to do that b/c they were so little. Good luck to you! Take care!

 

I thought I would answer a couple of your questions-- as far as purchasing things. We had two swings, one we bought and one we borrowed--started out with one and discovered we needed two. We then bought two bouncy seats (fisher price infant to toddler rockers) when they were just weeks old which are still used to this day--best purchase ever. We also had one play saucer and one of those jumperoo things when they got a little bigger (about 6 months). When one was in the jumperoo, the other was in the saucer and we could switch them up.

As far as getting big--I'm 5'9 and very long waisted. Many people couldn't even tell I was pregnant with twins until the eighth month. That is when things exploded for me. However, my ankles swelled constantly--I'm a teacher and was up all day long most days.

Exercising--many doctors are different on this--mine told me she didn't want me to do anything, especially since I was up all day teaching. She said just take it easy. Plus, I would have bleeding episodes--so that could be another reason she told me no exercising.

Can't tell you about the rest--I opted for a C-section even though both of my girls were head down. Just was too afraid of the complications that could happen with vaginal birth and twins. However, many, many people on the website have had very successful vaginal deliveries.

 

As for excersing I still do it and I will be 19weeks tomorrow. As long as there is no bleeding and I don't over tire myself out I have no limitations, but usually I only do treadmill or eliptical. As for getting 2 of everything so far I only have 2 cribs, 2 exersaucers, and would like to get another swing. I figured they both would like the swing and saucer the most.

My dr. says that I can have a vaginal delivery as long as baby A is head down.

 

Welcome. I am fairly new to the board and wish I would have joined when I was preggo. Here are some answers to your questions based on my experience. DS was 21 months old when the twins were born:

1) MY OB was awesome. She said it was totally up to me if I wanted to push for vaginal delivery. She gave me several scenarios. They tell you what can happen if one is head down and the other isn't. You can still try, but if it doesn't work out, C-section. I was lucky to have both babies head down and they both just slid right now. Way better than my son's 26 hours of delivery, vaccuum and forcepts, episiotomy and final delivery.

My ob was very pro-vaginal delivery and made me very comfortable.


3) Since I already had one of each, I registered for a second of everything and out of all of the items, we used the swing the most. Bouncer seats not so much. I guess it depends on the babies.

4) I didn't know I as having twins until my 20 month ultra sound. I did notice a few weeks before then I all of a sudden popped out and didn't even get to wear my first stage of maternity clothes I wore with my son. I usually lost weight the first trimester due to morning sickness, but all of a sudden gained 8 lbs in one week. Only explanation on the web was twins. US confirmed that.

5) I would not do anything bouncing. I actually swam for the first seven months of pregnancy. For me, my body hurt so much because of all the weight I was carrying. Swimming made me weightless and was nice. I just used a kick board or the swim belts to do swim excercises and laps. I would talk with your doctor, becasue as you get bigger, more risk is involved.

6) If you have to go on bedrest, I believe that would start your FMLA. I worked full-time with my son, and I had PUPPPS and wanted to start time off early, but it would have started my FMLA, so I suffered till he came at 38 weeks.

I am guessing you should be fine with your job. Many women on here worked for a good amount. I got put on modified bedrest at about 29 weeks. My son had to live with my family in NM until the twins were born.

 

There are quite a few doctors who will deliver twins that are head-down and breech. That's how mine were and we were planning a vaginal delivery. I ended up with complications though and we had to induce earlier than my body was ready so I didn't progress at all and I ended up having a c-section before the complications got worse. I had a long, induced vaginal birth with my son later on and that was way easier in both delivery and recovery than the c-section was so I recommend a vaginal delivery if you can.

I thought it was interesting that a pp mentioned that she was too scared of the complications that can happen during vaginal birth of twins because I would be too scared of the complications that can happen with a c-section in an otherwise healthy pregnancy. Personally, I wouldn't deliver vaginally with a breech Baby B unless Baby B was smaller than Baby A but that's just me. With both babies head down I would deliver vaginally no question and I also would do it if Baby B was breech but smaller.

As for gear, there are many people who don't have any kids yet but they are still only getting one swing, bouncer, etc. to make sure the babies like it before getting another one. We only had one swing and it was fine. At about 2.5 months old, we got a travel swing as well so that we could take it on our trips.

I did get big fast with the twins. I was well into maternity clothes at 12 weeks and they were my first babies. Being nearly 42 weeks pregnant with Dax was a breeze compared to being 35 weeks pregnant with the girls. Carrying twins is an entirely different experience from carrying one baby.

For exercise, I just walked. Honestly, by the time I was about 28 weeks even that was too hard. Good luck and congratulations!

 

I can only answer for what I have been told and what I have experienced.. I am not all that much further along then you.

1) I had a vaginal delivery with my daughter that was very fast and relatively easy..although I did have a small shot of stadol wink.gif to help with the pain.. Considering I had such a great birth with her I really want to do it again. Do doctors nowadays mostly only deliver twins vaginally if they are both head-down?? What if the first is head-down and the second breech? Just wondering what other doctors out there are doing... I haven't seen my regular ob/gyn yet (we did IVF), so just wanted an idea...before I saw him.

From what I have heard.. its getting more and more hard to find a dr. that is willing to deliver baby B breech. I got really lucky and both my MW and OB said that because of my history they have no problem with me delivering a breech baby.. My last baby was almost 9 lbs and came sunnyside up brow presentation.. so they said I could deliver a small baby breech anyday.


2) For those of you that have a doppler at home, how long did it take before you could differentiate the heartbeats? I kinda think I did today, but maybe not.

I still can't.. my girls hr's are way to close together.

3) Those that already have one child or more (not multiples) did you buy more baby gear other than a carseat..or just wait to see if they both liked the swing, bouncy seat etc?

We haven't gotten anything yet.. but I already own 1 swing and 1 portable swing.. we don't plan to buy another they can take turns..lol.. we are purchasing, 2 carseats, a double stroller, 2 bouncers and 2 small highchairs...and an arms reach co sleeper. We will also be getting 1 crib to start with and will purchase another when we need it.

4) Did most of you get big fast? I feel right now at 12 weeks as big as I did with my daughter at 20 weeks...I've also gained about 10lbs (which I did in the 1st trimester with my daughter as well). I'm 5'7 and I started at 122 and I'm about 131/132 now. I feel huge already!! I know...I have a LONG way to go.

I grew really fast in the beginning.. then from about 12-18 weeks I didn't grow much.. and then wowsers.... now it seems I wake up every morning bigger then the night before.. when comparing my belly picture now.. to my last pregnancy.. its comparable with my 31 week belly.. I am only 22 weeks..eeek.

5) Working-out while preg. with twins...is it possible to still do "light" aerobics, no jumping while pregnant with twins. It's too hot for me to go outside in the summer here (houston), so I'm hoping that kind of exercise is still okay. (Not that I'm been doing any since before christmas. Anybody work-out during their pregnancy or is walking or swimming the best thing.

My mw said walking was okay unless I noticed contractions starting.. and stretching.. such as prenatal yoga.. but nothing else..I don't think she would mind me swimming as long as I wasn't try to do laps.. but every dr is different with what they prefer their patients to be doing so I would ask your OB.

 

well i think all your questions were answered, so hi and welcome! :wavey:

umm, doppler...when i was as far along as you i could never tell the difference. and theyre very close in HR anyway. now i usually have a general idea of where each one is, and as theyre running out of room its getting easier. i only use my doppler when i havent felt them move by mid afternoon. just sorta makes me feel better, but in the beginning i used it every night.

i didnt get big in the belly for quite awhile, but this is also my first pregnancy. im on the july expecting club at ivillage, and im about the same size as most everyone there, and theyre only carrying one. im measuring 32 weeks even though im only 28, but i think that has alot to do with how high your uterus is. mines been at my ribcage for awhile now, and i think when you carry one baby its only supposed to be 2 inches above your belly button at this stage.

 

1. I had a vaginal - both of mine were head down. Some doctors will deliver vaginal if baby A is head down and b is not - depends on the doctor though!
2. No doppler. Too difficult to distinguish the 2.
3. I went ahead and got 2 bouncies and 1 swing

4. That's good weight gain! I lost weight in the first tri. I ended up gaining 50 lbs total

5. I was allowed to do exercise, but didn't. As lomng as my cervix stayed closed I had no restrictions. It just depends on what your body does.
6. I am also a teacher and worked full time until 30 weeks. You need to talk to your HR about leave. For teachers it is different. I have private disability and am using that for before and after birth. I'm not using FMLA because I'm using disability and sick leave.





QUOTE(cathefan @ Apr 12 2008, 02:29 PM) [snapback]718347[/snapback]
Hi everyone. I love reading all the posts and learning so much. I am pregnant with twins (12w2d) and I have a 19 month-old daughter. I just have a few questions...that I would love some feedback on. I'm totally clueless at this point.

1) I had a vaginal delivery with my daughter that was very fast and relatively easy..although I did have a small shot of stadol to help with the pain.. Considering I had such a great birth with her I really want to do it again. Do doctors nowadays mostly only deliver twins vaginally if they are both head-down?? What if the first is head-down and the second breech? Just wondering what other doctors out there are doing... I haven't seen my regular ob/gyn yet (we did IVF), so just wanted an idea...before I saw him.
2) For those of you that have a doppler at home, how long did it take before you could differentiate the heartbeats? I kinda think I did today, but maybe not.

3) Those that already have one child or more (not multiples) did you buy more baby gear other than a carseat..or just wait to see if they both liked the swing, bouncy seat etc?

4) Did most of you get big fast? I feel right now at 12 weeks as big as I did with my daughter at 20 weeks...I've also gained about 10lbs (which I did in the 1st trimester with my daughter as well). I'm 5'7 and I started at 122 and I'm about 131/132 now. I feel huge already!! I know...I have a LONG way to go.

5) Working-out while preg. with twins...is it possible to still do "light" aerobics, no jumping while pregnant with twins. It's too hot for me to go outside in the summer here (houston), so I'm hoping that kind of exercise is still okay. (Not that I'm been doing any since before christmas. Anybody work-out during their pregnancy or is walking or swimming the best thing.

6) I'm going to read the recent post on working... I do work p/t as a teacher. I'm gone for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours a day. I'm hoping I can work as long as possible, but if I do end up on bedrest, that doesn't start my FMLA leave does it? I do have disability which I'm hoping would kick in and then the FMLA (12 weeks) after the babies are born...

Thanks so much for reading...feel free to comment on some or all...
TIA

Janna

 

I was visibly pregnant at 12 weeks. People were already asking me when I was due. Yikes! We've bought 2 cribs, 2 swings and 2 bouncy seats so far. I want to have a vaginal delivery as well and my OB will as long as the first baby is head down. Right now they are both breech so I have no idea what I will end up with. I don't know about work leave but I felt pretty good up til 24 weeks. Now at 30 weeks I can't imagine working but I know gals are still doing it. Maybe if I had a sit down job but standing for more than 30 mins is tough!

 

QUOTE
1) I had a vaginal delivery with my daughter that was very fast and relatively easy..although I did have a small shot of stadol to help with the pain.. Considering I had such a great birth with her I really want to do it again. Do doctors nowadays mostly only deliver twins vaginally if they are both head-down?? What if the first is head-down and the second breech? Just wondering what other doctors out there are doing... I haven't seen my regular ob/gyn yet (we did IVF), so just wanted an idea...before I saw him.

2) For those of you that have a doppler at home, how long did it take before you could differentiate the heartbeats? I kinda think I did today, but maybe not.

3) Those that already have one child or more (not multiples) did you buy more baby gear other than a carseat..or just wait to see if they both liked the swing, bouncy seat etc?

4) Did most of you get big fast? I feel right now at 12 weeks as big as I did with my daughter at 20 weeks...I've also gained about 10lbs (which I did in the 1st trimester with my daughter as well). I'm 5'7 and I started at 122 and I'm about 131/132 now. I feel huge already!! I know...I have a LONG way to go.

5) Working-out while preg. with twins...is it possible to still do "light" aerobics, no jumping while pregnant with twins. It's too hot for me to go outside in the summer here (houston), so I'm hoping that kind of exercise is still okay. (Not that I'm been doing any since before christmas. Anybody work-out during their pregnancy or is walking or swimming the best thing.

6) I'm going to read the recent post on working... I do work p/t as a teacher. I'm gone for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours a day. I'm hoping I can work as long as possible, but if I do end up on bedrest, that doesn't start my FMLA leave does it? I do have disability which I'm hoping would kick in and then the FMLA (12 weeks) after the babies are born...


1. Talk with your doctor. Most have different philosophies on delivery. Mine would have been comfortable with vaginal if both were head down. He is not comfortable with delivery in A is vertex and B is breech. Some doctors are ok with this presentation and will proceed with vaginal. Just know you will most likely be in the operating room regardless, just in case a section is required. I had two previous vaginal births, very easy and quick. This time, I will have a c-section due to complicatios with B.

2. No doppler at home, but I'm sure they get easier to detect as they start to grow. My babies have been in distinct positions for months and are very easy to check.

3. I have two bouncy seats, only because they were so invaluable with my older girls. I also plan to have two cribs, but will try sleeping them together for the first 4-6 months. I plan to rotate the girls thru everything else: activity mats, swings, etc.

4. I got huge fast too! My weight gain has been very consistent over time. I was out of my regular pants by 8 weeks. I'm carrying the babies very low, just like I did with my second baby. I'm 5'8, started at 126, now 155 at 27w4d. I measured 30 weeks at my OB appt last week...

5. I did some walking and prenatal yoga early on....Now on strict bedrest so can't do much! Can't wait to get back to the gym, though!

6. I'm self-employed and work from home....so no help there!!

Good luck to you!!! And congratulations!

 

Hi Janna, and welcome to TS! We're glad you found us.

I'll try to answer some of your questions:

1) I also had a great vag birth with DD1, but due to complications with the twins, they had to be delivered c/s. Until those complications arose, however, my doctor was all for another vag birth. So it depends
2) My DD was older when the twins were born, so we had nothing and had to buy all new.
3)I didn't have a dopler
4) I got big fast. I didn't find out twins till 13 wks, but by 10 wks I was sure that I was bigger than before; although the thought of twins literally never crossed my mind!
5) I didn't dare work out since I'd had premature labor with DD1 and didn't want to risk it. But that depends too!

Anyway, congrats on your twins!

 

Hi Janna! Some answers from me:

1. Great vaginal birth with my first child, but had to have a c/s with my twins because baby A was breech.
2. I bought two cribs and bouncy seats but kept my one swing. We didn't use it much with the boys but used the bouncy seats all the time!
3. Never had my own dopler
4. I got very big, very fast! Much fast than with my singleton!
5. I walked and did stretching with the boys - my husband is a personal trainer and found some really good sources for pregnancy fitness. I'll be happy to dig them out and send to you if you'd like!
6. I was on bedrest for around four weeks before the boys were born and used my short-term disability. I started FMLA when they were born which was the end of January. I didn't go back to work until April.

Hope that helps! Congratulations and welcome!