What You Really Need to Learn About the Twin Pregnancy

I received a great question from an expectant twin parent: “What do you really need to know about the twin pregnancy (does it pay to read all the books that talk about risks, scary births, nicu, etc)?”

Twin pregnancies have their risks and unique experiences which singleton births don’t have.

Do you need to read every book about all the risks involved? No.

If you read about all the possible negative aspects of the twin pregnancy, things will seem rather depressing.

Look at your learning as a “just in time learning.” If the doctor tells you about a condition or concern, then go learn about it and dig into the details.

Hope for the best. But when complications arise, get informed and move forward.

For Dads, I recommend Armin Brott’s Expectant Father book which details the pregnancy very well. It isn’t specifically about twins, but does cover a lot of the medical aspects as well as preparations for having a baby.

My book, The Dad’s Guide to Twins is focused on the logistics of taking care of yourself, your family, and life during the twin pregnancy and how to prepare for the twins’ arrival.

Some highly recommended books for expectant twin moms are Ready or Not Here We Come! and When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads.

Don’t feel like you have to read every book, cover to cover. Try visiting the library or bookstore and just skimming the chapters that you feel are relevant to you at this stage of the twin pregnancy.

In addition to books, try searching or posting on a forum like BabyCenter’s Community or Multiples and More. Sometimes the best answers come from other parents that have been in your exact same shoes.

Picture by Nayelli Rodriguez