Twins are usually delivered around 36 weeks. With that knowledge in hand you already know you have (on average) 4 less weeks to prepare than a singleton mom does. And chances are that you will not feel like, or be capable of doing much those last 6 weeks. So I just wanted to throw out some quick tips on things to complete prior to 30 weeks of pregnancy.
1. If someone is throwing you a baby shower, do it before 30 weeks! I personally think the 26-28 week mark is optimal. Some random people could make comments about it being 'early' or say, "You still have a while to go."- ignore them. Also, don't forget you will likely have to make returns and purchase the leftover items you are still in need of. You might not have an issue using the handicapped scooters in Target to do your shopping- but I was glad I got all the shopping done while I was still able to walk :)
2. Complete maternity pictures- if you desire to do them. Google image search "twin pregnancy belly photos" if you need more convincing. Trust me, the later you get into a twin pregnancy the more likely you are to look as though you have alien objects under your shirt. As soon as you get a cute rounded belly- do your pics then! You are also more likely to retain fluid as time progresses so imagine swollen hands, feet, ankles, lips, face, etc.... not to pretty of a picture to think of huh?
3. GET THE ROOM READY! Serious. Do this as early as you can. My advice would be to pick out all things that are not gender specific and have them ready. Cribs, dresser, changing table, blah, blah, and so on. That way once you find out gender, you can proceed with the gender specific bedding and accessories you want. (If you choose to not know genders- and go neutral nursery then you can really finish early!)
4. The moment you find out you are prego with twins (or more) go get the book "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads" by Barbara Luke. Seriously, buy it and read it as fast as you can. I was going to try and save the $13 it cost to buy and try and just research it online. Nope, don't do that. It is entirely worth your money and is a great reference to use throughout your pregnancy- you will want your own copy!
5. If you are wanting to do the "babymoon" trip do it early and don't get too exotic. We had a trip to Cancun, Mexico planned (& paid for) before I was even pregnant. The trip would have fallen around week 19 of pregnancy. When we found out twins were coming (at 6 week ultrasound), my husband's first question to the doc was about our trip. Her advice?- Cancel. Too high risk with twins to be out of the country was what she said. Thank goodness we had trip insurance! The vacation money went towards a mini van :(
6. Pick out a pediatrician- And make sure you have completed the necessary pre-birth paperwork for said pediatrician. I barely made it- the day before I was 'sent to bed' I was signing up at the pedi's office. I waited just a little too late.
7. Attend birth classes- Obviously this is a bigger deal if you don't already have children. I found the classes, especially breastfeeding and infant care info to be very helpful. However, if you do nothing else at least take a tour of the hospital you plan to deliver at. It will greatly ease some stress of an already stressful situation if you know where to park, register, etc.
8. Gain 24 pounds by 24 weeks!! Dr. Barbara Luke goes into depth on why this is important in her book (see #4). But the short and sweet of the story is that early weight gain with multiples will reduce your chances of preterm labor.
9. Seek advice about life with twins/multiples!!- Having two (or more) babies at once is a lot. I believe the more prepared you are the better! Some great sources that I have found personally are books like Dr. Barbara Luke's, other families with twins/multiples, blogs, and this facebook group.
10. Get your hospital bag ready- I'm not saying that you have to have it totally packed, but get your list of what to pack ready. I 'pinterested' to find out what was helpful and important to have for the big event. Turns out there was several things that I still had to purchase (nursing tank tops, slippers, etc). I'm grateful that I got an early start because I had to go on bedrest by the end of 31 weeks.
