What are the disadvantages of having twins?

With twins, you're at greater risk for:
  • Premature birth. Twins are born prematurely more than half the time. ...
  • Low birth weight (LBW). More than half of twins are born with LBW, weighing less than 5 1/2 pounds. ...
  • Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).


What problems do twins have?

Multiples are about twice as likely as singleton babies to have birth defects, including neural tube defects (such as spina bifida), cerebral palsy, congenital heart defects and birth defects that affect the digestive system. Growth problems. Multiples are usually smaller than singleton babies.

What having twins does to your body?

Women with twin pregnancies are more likely to have pregnancy health problems and complications like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, premature labour and bleeding. Twins who share a placenta might have extra complications.


Are twins difficult to raise?

The reality is that raising multiples is hard. You have double or triple the feeding, diapering, and laundry and, as a result, less time to spend cuddling and getting to know each baby. To be sure, there will be days when you feel as if you're walking up a down escalator.

What age is best to have twins?

Age. According to the Office on Women's Health , women who are aged 30 years or older are more likely to conceive twins. The reason for this is that women of this age are more likely than younger women to release more than one egg during their reproductive cycle.


Advantages of Having Twins as Your First Children



How long do twins usually live?

Longer lives

When analyzing the data by gender, the researchers found that female identical twins lived, on average, about 63.4 years, whereas female fraternal twins lived about 61.4 years and the general Danish female population lived about 58.8 years, Sharrow said.

Do mothers of twins live longer?

For women born 1870-1899, moms of twins averaged reproductive spans of 14 years 11 months versus 14 years for singleton moms. Both results were statistically significant. Moms of twins also were older at the time of their last birth.

What is the hardest stage with twins?

Moms of multiples will tell you that the first three to four months is a stage of pure survival mode and sleep deprivation. The babies are colicky, gassy, and don't even offer a smile in return. Tandem breastfeeding is awkward, and you still have to cradle their heads.


What do parents of twins need most?

Here are some gift suggestions that would be appreciated by most new parents of twins, triplets, or more.
  • Offers of Help. ...
  • Lightweight Umbrella Stroller. ...
  • Nursing Pillow or Boppy. ...
  • Bouncer Seat. ...
  • Foot Rattles. ...
  • Personalized or Twin-Themed Gifts. ...
  • Something for Mom. ...
  • A Word About Clothes.


Why do mothers of twins live longer?

Having two babies at a time is associated with a longer life, according to a new study. But that's not because doubling up on dirty diapers increases life span; instead, moms of twins are physically stronger in the first place.

Which parent controls twins?

This is why fraternal twins run in families. However, only women ovulate. So, the mother's genes control this and the fathers don't. This is why having a background of twins in the family matters only if it is on the mother's side.


How long do you stay in hospital after twins?

Healthy Babies

Expect around nine to 25 days after birth if your twins need to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But remember, that not all twins need time in the NICU.

What is the safest type of twin pregnancy?

A twin pregnancy with two placentas and two amniotic sacs is the optimal twin pregnancy, as each baby has its own nutritional source and protective membrane.

Do parents get confused with twins?

Fortunately telling twins apart is one fear that can be taken off the list. Most parents find that mixing up their babies is the least of their concerns. After only a few hours or days at most, they are distinguishable as individuals. Even if they look alike, parents just know the difference.


Is pregnancy worse with twins?

With twin pregnancies, both the pregnant person and twins face a higher risk of complications. Prenatal checkups occur more frequently with twin pregnancies, making it possible to detect issues in earlier stages. Twin pregnancies are high risk because there are many potential complications.

Do twins have more mental health issues?

The strongest risk factor for suicide is mental illness and studies show that mental illness is slightly more common among twins.

Do you need 2 cribs for twins?

Can my twins sleep in a single cot? You can put your twins to sleep in a single cot while they're small enough. This is called co-bedding and is perfectly safe. In fact, putting twins in the same cot can help them regulate their body temperatures and sleep cycles, and can soothe them and their twin.


What is the normal weight of twins at birth?

Twins and triplets often don't have a chance to reach a healthy weight before they're born. While the average single baby weighs 7 pounds at birth, the average twin weighs 5.5 pounds. Triplets typically weigh 4 pounds each, and quads weigh 3 pounds each.

Do you get extra benefits for twins?

You're not entitled to extra maternity or paternity benefits if you're expecting twins or multiple babies. Your entitlements to leave and pay are the same as if you were expecting one baby. But you can claim Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit for each of your children.

What to do when both twins are crying?

Try some baby-soothing tactics

Try singing or reading to them, giving them a little massage, doing a funny dance to entertain them or even taking them outside for some fresh air. Just remember that what works for one baby may not work for the other, so you may have to try something totally different for each infant.


How much does it cost to raise twins?

Current estimates state that a family with twins should plan to shell out nearly $26,000 per year—but that's not entirely accurate. Still, it's a great motivator to set—and maintain—a family budget.

At what stage do twins split?

Zygotic splitting occurs between days two and six when the zygote divides, usually into two, and each zygote then goes on to develop into an embryo, leading to identical twins (or triplets if it divides into three).

Do twins depend on Mom or Dad?

For a given pregnancy, the odds of conceiving fraternal twins are only determined by the mother's genetics, not the father's. Fraternal twins happen when two eggs are simultaneously fertilised instead of just one.


When should I stop working pregnant with twins?

It's a good idea to leave a period for rest and relaxation at the end of your pregnancy, and most people who've experienced this recommend stopping work at some time between 28 and 30 weeks.