Being blessed with a multiple pregnancy definitely leads to exponentially more fun than the average family can possibly understand. That being said, you should be aware that while you are about to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams, this pregnancy calls for a heightened sense of awareness and responsibility. Please consider the following advice to make your twin pregnancy as smooth as possible.
Step 1-Find the best care
Any mother that has given birth previously knows the prenatal care routine. A few visits and checkups, some calls with questions, and not much more. Because all multiple pregnancies are termed "high risk," you want to find a doctor/office that specializes in multiple and/or "high risk" pregnancies so there are no surprises-for you or your doctor. If you cannot find one on your own, it might help to contact a local twins club for some advice.
Step 2: Educate Yourself
I can say with authority that there is comfort in knowledge, so doing homework on what you can expect with a high risk pregnancy saves stress when you need it least; during the actual pregnancy. One of the best books I ever read was "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy," by Barbara Luke, and Tamara Eberlein. Let's just say you'll be happy you read this.
Step 3-Nourishment-Mind and Body
Experts agree that nutrition plays a huge factor in multiple pregnancies; more specifically, the better you eat, the better the chances of going full term. The book described above will wow you with a complete list of food choices and calorie recommendations. Sometimes it is hard to accomplish, but you want to be strong-which leads me to the mind. Whether it is the water retention, the ever-expanding belly, or the food requirements, at one point we all say, "I can't do this anymore!" Venting is ok, but just know beforehand and during the pregnancy, millions of others have, and you can too. It's the challenge of a lifetime, but it is also the initiation into the world's most exclusive and rewarding club!
Step 4: Ask for Help
You'll become a pro at accepting help soon enough after the children come along. For now, please start practicing to not be so proud, and take help wherever you can get it. Your job is to make this pregnancy go full term no matter what, so take help with cleaning, cooking, laundry, work, or whatever you're doing. After those babies start keeping you busy (and laughing), you'll be telling everyone that they need to come visit (and give you a nap break somewhere in there)!
