The 10 Worst Things About Twin Pregnancy

Morning Sickness

One of the first (and worst) symptoms of pregnancy is morning sickness. For many moms, morning sickness doesn't just hit in the morning—it can last all day. Usually confined to the first trimester, it is often intensified for moms of multiples.

Weight Gain

Women are often concerned about weight gain during pregnancy. As you might suspect, a woman who is having multiples will see more of an increase on her scale than if she were only having one baby.

The extra weight can be attributed to the babies' combined weights, but also to extra fluid, tissue, and uterine growth. There is also increased blood volume to supply the placenta(s) with nourishment for two or more babies.

Preterm Labor

While not every mom of multiples contends with preterm labor, many mothers of twins and nearly all mothers of triplets or more will face this complication. The treatments to stave off preterm labor can be unpleasant or inconvenient, and no one likes the accompanying anxiety and stress.

Heartburn

Heartburn is one of the most uncomfortable physical effects of pregnancy. It can keep you awake at night and make it difficult for you to consume enough calories and fluids. The burning sensation in your lower throat or upper chest is triggered by your expanding uterus and increasing hormones.

Bed Rest

Bed rest may be prescribed for pregnant mothers of multiples for a variety of reasons. While it may sound like a vacation to spend days or weeks in bed, medical bed rest is far from a picnic.

Aches and Pains

Stretching ligaments, contractions, leg cramps, back pain, headaches ... pregnancy can produce pain all over your body. And when there is more than one baby, the pain can be intensified.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Tingling and numbness in the arms and hands may be a surprising side effect of pregnancy. While many people think that carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by too much typing, it can also be caused by too many babies.

The "tunnel" formed by the bones and ligament in the wrist can become compressed by the swelling and fluid retention common in pregnancy. This squeezes a nerve that produces the painful sensations.

Stretch Marks

While many of the symptoms of pregnancy disappear once the babies are delivered, stretch marks can last a lifetime. There's no doubt that moms of twins will be stretched to the limit as their body accommodates two babies. Their stretching skin can result in a separation of collagen that leaves pink or purplish marks on the abdomen, breasts, hips, or thighs.

Lack of Sleep

Most parents expect to experience sleepless nights when their twins are babies. However, many pregnant moms are surprised by how difficult it is to get proper rest during their pregnancy with multiples. Physical discomfort and anxiety can produce occasional restlessness or full-blown insomnia.

Sheer Girth

How big will you get? For some moms, it is not the pain, discomfort or worry that is the worst thing about twin pregnancy. Rather, it is the sheer girth of a body incubating two babies. It's not just a big belly; every part of mom's body can be affected by swelling and bulges. Growing larger and larger, it becomes difficult to navigate through doorways, get in and out of the car, or get up out of bed.