I’ve been wanting to write a post on must-have items when expecting twins for a long time, especially because I still get reader emails and comments regarding past posts on twin-specific tips and gear. In fact, the first few years of posts on this blog are very much twin-specific. At the time I was a brand new Mom of twins, and a lot of my readers were those I talked with online who were expecting twins of their own.
While the main focus of this space has evolved since then, due to interest and what life is like these days {and the ages of my children are a factor}, it’s always nice to re-visit those old posts and update them as such – since they are still such a valuable resource. I’m very excited to share this post with you today, because I’m not an expecting Mom of twins, yet have fully experienced the journey and that has given me full insight to what expectant twin Moms need. Yes, having twins is chaos and we need the advice. Yet rest assured it’s the best kind of chaos, and while it has its fair share of tough days and nights – you’re in for what I consider one of the most rewarding and blessed times of your life.
Pregnancy Essentials When Expecting Twins
Body pillow – My beloved body pillow was named ‘homer’ and he stayed with me for years. Getting into a comfortable position, and staying that way though the night when sleeping with a body hosting twin babies is very tough, and these pillows help tremendously.
Journal or App – Doctors ask a whole lot more information from you when you’re expecting twins, and it’s a challenge to remember. Combine that with the extra visits you’ll have to go through – that’s a ton of information! Using an app is helpful, and some even track baby progress and offer tips too – yet I loved using an old-fashioned pen and paper for journal keeping. I found I wrote down so many funny and memorable moments during my pregnancy, that I then used these notes in the baby books {which I still have yet to finish, but this part was easily done!}.
Body Cream – Oh how the skin stretches when expecting twins. Yikes! For example, when I was 31 weeks pregnant with my twin girls, I was measuring at 41 weeks pregnant. Trust me, you need a good skin lotion that has cocoa butter, Vitamin E, and shea butter. Not only is it a blissful massage in a bottle when your body hurts so bad – hopefully it’ll decrease the appearance of stretch marks.
Slip on Shoes and Slippers – When I was just a few months pregnant with twins, I already had trouble bending and moving. You can bet that near the end, there was no way I could put on my own socks nor tie shoes. No way. For this reason, make sure you have flat-soled and super comfortable slip-on shoes and slippers.
Twin Pregnancy Books – You might get a few, but you will need at least one. There’s a plethora of medical information specific to twin-pregnancies, birth and parenting – it’ll help you be prepared, and excited at the same time.
Maternity Clothes – Of course you need maternity clothes, but my point is – don’t get too many off the bat and plan to purchase more throughout your pregnancy. When I was expecting my singleton, I was able to use the majority of the same maternity clothes throughout, but that certainly wasn’t the case when I was expecting my twins. Take it month by month, don’t over-buy, and prepare to shed at least one tear when cute ‘average’ maternity clothes don’t fit at all.
Heartburn Remedies – I never had heartburn or acid indigestion before pregnancy, and it came a lot when I was expecting the twins. Have your heartburn products on hand at all times. While you’re at it, you might need anti-nausea medication as well. While I didn’t suffer from morning sickness at all with my pregnancies, the majority of twin-pregnancies do!
First Response Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies – Expecting moms absolutely need prenatal vitamins. Take 2 First Response Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies per day prior to conception, during pregnancy and keep taking them even when breastfeeding since they provide calcium for nursing moms. Simply take them with food a few hours before or after taking other medications or natural health products.
First Response Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies help to maintain immune function and bone health, and includes 800 mcg folic acid per day to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects. This is a necessity of a product that is beneficial for the long-haul.
For those that have a hard time swallowing pills, especially when pregnant – the First Response Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies are easy-to-take, and have a naturally sourced lemon-orange flavour. I craved sweet fruits so much when I was pregnant, I wouldn’t have forgotten to take these daily!
First Response Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies are available for sale at major retailers nationally. Visit www.1stresponse.ca to learn more about First Response products and receive conception tips and advice.
What are some of your pregnancy misconceptions? Share what shocked you the most, using the hashtag #conceptionmisconceptions, and you could win a $25 gift card for First Response products.
WIN IT: One Canadian reader will get a $25 gift card for First Response products.
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, yet as always all opinions are my own.
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One of my pregnancy misconceptions was the morning sickness. I didn’t realize that it is not just in the morning that it can hit, lol 😉
The “eating for two” misconception. Everyone tells you that you have to eat a lot during your pregnancy but In reality you don’t need that many more calories. Another misconception is exercising, if you do it safely you can exercise!!
Having to dial back on exercise
Spacing births because of low weight. I had mine close together and neither was low weight.
They talk about fish being unsafe due to high mercury levels (I thought all fish), but apparently Salmon is safe for pregnant women to consume. Plus you get the added benefits of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
I think one misconception is thinking you can’t have sex during pregnancy.
is exercise you can still do it but not as strenuous as you normally would
My misconception was thinking I don’t need vitamins before I got pregnant.
That you have to eat for two, definitely not true! My friend just found out that she is expecting, will have to tell her about the First Response vitamins.
One big misconception for me was having to eat for two.
Eating for two, or in my case three, is a big myth. During both of my twin pregnancies, it was just important that I eat healthily.
The biggest misconception for me was that morning sickness would just be in the morning – ugh, for me, sickness all day/night. 🙁
One misconception I had was that I wouldn’t be permitted to drink any coffee, but my doctor said the odd cup would be fine to have.
The myth that one needs to eat for two took me a long time to dispel!