Twin Pregnancy
What to expect when you find you’re having twins
What to expect when you find you’re having twins
You’ve found out you're pregnant, and then you receive the news: you’re giving birth to twins.
You’re now growing not one life, but two, so it’s important that you get the right care during your twin pregnancy. You need to put extra focus on your health, and be aware of the increased potential for complications.
Whether you were expecting it or it came as a surprise, a twin pregnancy is exciting news, and we’re here to share your journey with you, and be by your side at every step of the way.
There are a number of factors that can increase your chances of having twins.
Women over 35 are more susceptible to giving birth to twins. Also, you’re more likely to have twins if there’s a family history of having them, or you’re receiving fertility treatment.
We can usually detect that you’re having twins during your routine antenatal check-ups. There are certain signs to look for, such as more severe morning sickness, or your uterus growing quickly, and at a larger size than usual. Some blood tests can also suggest a twin pregnancy.
Your ultrasound will confirm it for you, with the obvious tell-tale sign of two heartbeats.
Before you find out you’re giving birth to twins, you probably already know that there are identical and fraternal twins. But there are actually more than just these two types.
As you’re taking care of two babies now, there are more factors to consider for your consultations. You’ll need extra ultrasounds, and we schedule your appointments more frequently, so we can provide extra care for your complex pregnancy.
We’ll help you determine which supplements are right for your situation, with an increased dose to ensure health for both babies.
We also book you in for longer appointments, to ensure all of you get the time you need during your check-up.
With the right care your twin pregnancy will go smoothly, and you’ll give birth to two healthy children. But it’s important you’re aware that with twins comes the increased chance of complications.
This can include higher chances of:
But with the right care and support during your twin pregnancy these complications can be managed safely, and you’ll deliver two healthy, happy new babies. Dr Nathan and the team can provide you with all the resources and information you need to understand more about giving birth to twins.
We’re here to help you with the extra care you need during your twin pregnancy, including making your own health a priority.
We can help you make choices towards a healthy lifestyle, focusing on a healthy diet that’s rich in folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein. Because it’s less about eating more—and more about eating better quality food.
As you’re carrying two new lives, regular pregnancy symptoms are going to get a little more intense, so be prepared.
And when it comes to weight gain, 16kg to 20kg is considered a healthy weight gain during your pregnancy. This increased weight ensures that you’re providing the right environment to support the health of both your babies.
We're on this journey with you.
Get in touch today to book your consultation.
Dr Nathan will help you determine a birth plan that’s right for you, and works directly with midwives from your chosen hospital to ensure a calm and supported birth.
We want your birth to be a special moment and positive experience, and can discuss all the important aspects of a caesarean birth during your antenatal appointments.
Dr Nathan is experienced in managing all manner of high risk pregnancy situations, and will be there with you to ensure the safety and health of your baby.
We provide specialist pregnancy care treatment—and peace of mind—for women with multiple pregnancies.
Genetic testing provides you with more information about your baby, and allows you a safe, accessible way to work out the risk of any specific genetic conditions.
We recommend to call our office to book in for your twin pregnancy, soon after you find out you’re pregnant. During this call we’ll discuss options for your hospital bookings (Dr Nathan delivers at Cabrini and Waverley Private Hospitals), and book you in for your first appointment with us, which typically occurs at around 8-9 weeks pregnant.
You’ll need to see your GP prior to your first appointment to get a referral. You can book in an appointment with Dr Nathan prior to seeing your GP, however you must have the referral by the time of your first appointment.
Your appointment schedule will look like this:
At your first appointment we take a comprehensive personal and family history, and provide you with the opportunity to discuss all aspects of your health and pregnancy. We’ll also perform an ultrasound, which gives you the chance to meet your new babies for the very first time.
You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with Lisa, our midwife, at each pregnancy appointment.
Please bring your referral, your medicare card and private health insurance details, and any results for pathology or ultrasound.
If you’re able to fax, email, or send in your referral and other information ahead of time, this will help us to get to know a bit about you first, and will make your initial consultation much more specific to your needs.
You can call us on 9527 9000 to book in for your twin pregnancy. We’ll ask you for the date of your last menstrual period and calculate your estimated due date. We’ll then send through your booking to either Cabrini or Waverley Private Hospitals, whichever is best for you.
If you haven't seen your GP yet, it’s a good idea to do so and confirm your pregnancy. This allows you to claim back your Medicare rebate.
Then, we can book your first antenatal appointment to see Dr Nathan at 8-10 weeks. We look forward to meeting you.
Giving birth to twins has the potential to increase the risk of complications. There are a number of screening tests available that can tell you if your babies are at an increased risk of a serious health condition. Taken within your first and second trimesters, these tests typically combine results from a blood test and an ultrasound to assess the risk of your babies being born with either a genetic or chromosomal condition.
To find out more, the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services provides a comprehensive list of the types of tests available to you. We will discuss all the options available at your first appointment, and determine which ones are relevant to your situation.
The chance of undergoing a caesarean birth is higher with twin pregnancies, but you are still able to have a natural birth. This will be affected by the weight, health, and position of each of your babies.
Most forms of low-impact exercise are safe during your twin pregnancy, up to a moderate level of intensity.
Along with the physical benefits typically associated with exercise, it can also work to provide some much-needed stress relief, and is good for your psychological wellbeing during this time.
Come in and see us before you start your exercise program, and we can help you ensure there are no other issues that are stopping you from undertaking regular exercise during your pregnancy.
Many women will travel during their pregnancy. The second trimester is usually the safest time to travel as any nausea or vomiting is likely to have settled, there’s a reduced chance of miscarriage, and the increased physical changes of your pregnancy haven’t yet limited your movement.
For air travel, most domestic airlines won’t allow women who are more than 36 weeks pregnant to fly for any longer than 4 hours. Due to the distances involved, international flight can be restricted from 32 weeks.
It’s best to avoid any long, tiring car journeys too, as they can become quite uncomfortable and may also increase your risk of DVT. If you must take a long car trip, make a stop every two hours to get out, move around, and stretch your legs.
It’s recommended to take a general pregnancy multivitamin such as Elevit (R) or Blackmores (R) to help your body meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnancy. This also applies if you’re planning on getting pregnant, and will help your body build up the levels of nutrients it needs to support the initial growth of your baby.
Folic acid/folate 0.5mg should be started prior to conceiving, for at least 2-3 months, and can be continued until week 12 of your pregnancy.
Depending on the results of the blood tests we take during your consultations, further supplements may be required during your pregnancy. We can discuss these at your follow-up consultation and put you on the necessary supplement plan.
Our fees cover your entire pregnancy care, including all antenatal visits, Dr Nathan's on-call availability, midwife appointments, hospital visits, any extra appointments, delivery, and postnatal care up to 6 weeks after the birth.
Our pregnancy management fee is divided into two payments at 20 weeks and 28 weeks. Our reception team will discuss this with you over the phone when you book in for your appointment.
If you’re self funded, aren’t eligible for Medicare, or have an overseas health fund, give us a call or send us an email, and we can email the fee schedule to you.
Get in touch with us to book a consultation at a time and clinic that suits you. Either give us a call on the number below, or send us an email with your details and we’ll get back to you to confirm your appointment.
