About being pregnant with twins

Approximately 1-2% of all pregnant women are expecting twins. A twin pregnancy is different from a single pregnancy. To help you as much as possible, we have prepared an overview of what to expect.

Impact on pregnancy

Many twin pregnancies are uncomplicated. However, there is an increased risk of complications when you a pregnant with more than one baby. You will therefore be offered additional check-ups during your pregnancy, so we can make sure everything is going according to plan.

Possible complications during pregnancy

There is a risk of complications with all pregnancies, but there is a higher risk of the following complications during a twin pregnancy:

• That the babies will be smaller than usual.
• Preterm birth.
• Pre-eclampsia.
• High blood pressure.
• Itchiness caused by the pregnancy’s impact on the liver.
• Gestational diabetes.

Increased discomfort during your pregnancy

In comparison to women with single pregnancies, women who are pregnant with twins can experience increased levels of discomfort such as:

• more nausea
• more fatigue
• more muscle soreness
• increased back and pelvis pains
• more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions.

Appointments and check-ups

Appointments with a midwife

You will be offered consultations with a midwife specialised in twin pregnancies. The number of consultations necessary varies from woman to woman. The midwife will monitor the development of the foetuses and talk to you about healthy habits for you and your babies. The midwife will also talk to you about the physical and psychological changes you will experience during pregnancy, and she will prepare you for delivery. We provide special antenatal classes for women pregnant with twins as well as group consultations with other women pregnant with twins.

Due to the increased risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy, you will be offered a test where we measure your blood sugar levels. The test is known as a glucose tolerance test.

Appointments with your general practitioner

You will be offered consultations with your own doctor around weeks 8-10 of pregnancy and weeks 25 and 32 of pregnancy. Your own doctor will also keep an eye on whether your pregnancy is progressing as normal. You have to book these appointments yourself.

Ultrasound scans during your pregnancy

It is normal for women who are pregnant with twins to be offered additional ultrasounds. We will regularly assess the need for any additional ultrasounds.
You will be offered an internal scan of your cervix at the 23rd week of pregnancy to ensure it is not too short. A too short cervix increases the risk of premature birth.

Appointments with an obstetrician

You will be offered consultations with an obstetrician in connection with the ultrasounds.
The consultations with the obstetrician will take place at Svangreambulatoriet (pregnancy outpatient department).

Do not change your appointments at the hospital

We recommend keeping your appointments at the hospital as far as is possible. Any changes will usually mean new appointments will be scheduled much later than the original appointment.

Sick leave during your pregnancy

We recommend taking sick leave from your job or education when you are almost halfway in the pregnancy. Sick leave can lower the risk of preterm birth. We often recommend taking sick leave earlier if you have a physically demanding job, if you experience excessive discomfort in connection with your pregnancy, e.g. strong Braxton Hicks contractions, or if your cervix is too short. Sick leave is prescribed by your general practitioner.
In some cases, you may need to go on bed rest at home or at the hospital.

Delivery

We recommend inducing delivery or scheduling a caesarean section 2-4 weeks before your due date to limit the risk of complications that arise later in pregnancy.
We recommend giving birth vaginally if both children are growing as they should and if the twin we are expecting to be delivered first has its head in a downward position. We recommend scheduling a caesarean section if we think that the twin who will be born first is positioned bottom first.
If any complications develop during pregnancy or delivery, the children will most likely be delivered via caesarean section regardless of their position in the womb.

After giving birth

You can stay at the hospital after giving birth. Based on your well-being, we will make a plan for how long you can stay on the maternity ward. We will also help you get a good start on breastfeeding.