Twins are by far the most common multiple births. Identical (monozygotic) twins are formed by the splitting of a single fertilized egg: the two babies develop from one egg and one sperm and share a placenta. Twins that develop from the fertilization of two eggs by two sperm and have a placenta each are called nonidentical, fraternal, or dizygotic. Multiples of more than two can occur in any combination of identical and fraternal.
Pregnancy and Birth
Early rapid weight gain is a common sign of multiple pregnancy, The minor complaints of pregnancy can become more uncomfortable, and there are a few clinical conditions that are relatively more common in multiple pregnancies, such as anemia or fluid retention. Make sure you eat well and get plenty of rest.
A twin birth follows the same course as the birth of a single baby except there’s a gap between the delivery of the first and second babies, which may be anything from a minute or so to a half an hour or more. The first stage is the same as for a single birth but, depending on the time lag between the two births, you may have to go through pushing twice. Multiple births are more likely to be premature than single babies.
Feeding
There are some special considerations if you are trying to feed twin babies and, whereas I would always advocate breastfeeding, you may want to consider the pros and cons set out in the chart below.
When you come to establishing daily routines, there are several ways in which you can try to get your twins to eat and sleep at sleep at similar times, though initially one may wake early and want feeding and the other may simply sleep on. You could feed the baby who a wakes first while waiting for the second, then reverse them; or feed both at once and spend time talking or playing afterward.
Should They Sleep Together?
Twins are sometimes put in the same incubator after the birth, with the idea that they have been together since conception and would miss one another if apart. You could try putting your twins together in the same crib to help them settle and sleep. Some twins do seem to sleep better this way - perhaps they derive security from each other’s presence - but others simply kick and keep each other awake. Twins can usually be left to sleep in the same room together or side by side in cribs or bassinets. They rarely wake or disturb one another; it seems as if they are immune to each other’s crying. For twins who have been tightly pressed together before birth, swaddling may give them a greater sense of security.
Diaper Changing
When twins are small they may seem fragile, and it may take longer to build up enough confidence to care for them efficiently and speedily. You do a very great deal of diaper changing with twins so you want to make the maximum use of disposable diapers. If you have a good supply of fabric diapers left over from an older child, it can make economic sense to stick with them, though you may decide that you do not want to add washing and drying to the task of changing two sets of diapers. With a diaper service, it’s just a matter of ordering a larger quantity each week. Your twins may fit into the newborn disposable size for some months. Some parents cut ordinary fabric diapers in two, using one half on each baby.
Importance of Play
Because of the demands on your time, your twins may get less adult stimulation through play and physical contact than singletons, but more peer stimulation and company. Loving interaction, however, is not a luxury - it’s essential to their physical, mental, and social development.
Pick a set time for play every afternoon, or plan the babies’ sleeping times so they are awake in the evening when both parents can play with them. If one twin is asleep, give your other baby complete attention. Even five minutes of intimate play will be of great value to him. If you have older children, you may have even less time to play with your babies, but your older children can take your place.