6 Things to Know About Twins

Some couples may desire to have twins. By having twins, they expect the happiness to be doubled. But before you start planning to have two children at once, let's take a look at the following things about twins. Behind the happiness that exists because of the presence of twins, there are actually various challenges that you may experience. The following information is expected to help you in preparing yourself before having twins, from pregnancy, childbirth, to care and attention which are certainly different from single babies.

Various Challenges of Having Twins

Here are six things about having twins that you may not have known:

1. More risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth

When you are going to have twins, you must be prepared with the risk of complications that are more likely to occur during a twin pregnancy, ranging from gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery of twins that can occur earlier than the expected day of birth (HPL), to bleeding after delivery. In addition, twins are more likely to develop breech and other complications, so they may have to be delivered by caesarean section.

2. The possibility of experiencing more severe morning sickness

The hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) which causes pregnant women to experience morning sickness will be higher when pregnant with twins. So, you should be prepared to deal with the more severe nausea and vomiting in the first three months of pregnancy.

3. Increased risk of postpartum depression

Having just one baby is already a headache, let alone two babies at once. For some women, this can trigger postpartum depression, due to lack of sleep and the time it takes to take care of the twins. Postpartum depression can also arise because the mother lacks support when caring for twins or becomes difficult to leave the house (feeling isolated).

4. The process of breastfeeding the twins is more troublesome

Although you can breastfeed the twins at the same time, it requires more coordination and patience. You must embrace two babies at once in a hug while giving him breast milk (ASI). If this is difficult to do, you can breastfeed one baby and bottle-feed the other, or bottle-feed both.

5. The twins easily share disease

If one baby is infected with a certain disease, then his twin is also at high risk for the same infection. So, immediately separate the twins when one of them is sick, until they are completely healthy. Although this method may not necessarily succeed in preventing the twins from transmitting the disease to each other, at least it will be less likely.

6. The behavior of twins is not always the same

Although they look the same, basically twins are two individuals with different personalities. So, never compare them, especially if there is one that stands out more. Also avoid thinking of them as the same person. Remember, everyone must have their own advantages and disadvantages, as well as twins.

Can you guess what it's like to have twins? Well, if you still intend to have twins or are pregnant with more than one baby, prepare yourself well for the six things above. You can consult a gynecologist to find out more about preparing to have twins.