Twins on the Way? Survival Guide for Expecting Moms of twins

You’ve just heard the words, “It’s twins!”—and your heart skips a beat. Excitement, joy, and let’s be honest—panic—can all hit at once. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or not, finding out you’re carrying two babies instead of one brings a whole new level of preparation. You’re not just expecting—you’re double-expecting. And that means double the kicks, double the ultrasounds… and sometimes double the overwhelm. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back. This survival guide for expecting moms of twins will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and how to stay sane through it all.

1. Accept That It’s a Different Pregnancy

Carrying twins is not the same as carrying one baby. Twin pregnancies come with a higher chance of early delivery, increased fatigue, and more frequent check-ups.

Key changes to expect:

More prenatal visits and ultrasounds
Greater risk of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
Earlier physical discomfort (back pain, shortness of breath, swelling)

General Scenario Example:
When Priya found out she was expecting twins, she quickly noticed that her body was changing faster than with her first singleton pregnancy. By the end of the second trimester, she was already using a maternity support belt for back pain and was advised to increase rest time during the day.

Survival guide for expecting moms of twins

2. Choose the Right OB and Hospital Early

Not all OB/GYNs specialize in twin pregnancies. You’ll want a doctor familiar with multiple gestation care and a hospital equipped with a NICU, just in case.

What to do:

Ask if your OB has experience with twin deliveries
Tour hospitals with Level III or IV NICUs
Ensure your provider supports your birth plan (vaginal vs. c-section)

General Scenario Example:
Anjali switched hospitals at 24 weeks after learning her first-choice hospital had no NICU. Her twins arrived at 35 weeks and spent two days in NICU for observation—she was grateful she made the change early.

3. Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Eating

Your body needs about 600 extra calories a day in a twin pregnancy. Focus on nutrient-dense foods to nourish both babies and yourself.

Twin-mom nutrition essentials:

Protein-rich foods: Eggs, lentils, tofu, lean meats
Iron & folate: Leafy greens, fortified cereals, prenatal vitamins
Calcium & Vitamin D: Dairy, soy milk, almonds
Hydration: At least 3 liters of water a day

General Scenario Example:
Meera struggled with extreme fatigue during her second trimester. Her OB discovered mild anemia and adjusted her iron intake. Within two weeks of adding more spinach, iron-rich snacks, and supplements, she felt stronger and more energized.

4. Prepare for Preterm Possibility

More than 60% of twins are born before 37 weeks. While not all early deliveries require NICU care, it’s smart to be ready.

How to prepare:

Pack your hospital bag by 28–30 weeks
Install car seats early and practice using them
Finish nursery setup in the second trimester
Have a pediatrician picked out before 32 weeks

General Scenario Example:
Kavya delivered at 34 weeks unexpectedly. Luckily, she had prepped everything early—from freezer meals to diapers to baby clothes washed and organized. That gave her peace of mind during her babies’ short NICU stay.

5. Say Yes to Help and Build Your Village

You will need support. Whether it’s emotional, physical, or logistical, a strong support system is your best survival strategy.

Ways to build your village:

Ask family members to rotate visits during the first month
Hire a postpartum doula (if budget allows)
Create a meal train with friends
Join twin-parent communities (online or local groups)

General Scenario Example:
GlowwiseHub reader Reema joined a local twin mom group during her pregnancy. They shared tips, gear recommendations, and became her go-to sounding board. After delivery, two moms even brought over pre-cooked meals!

6. Invest in Double-Efficient Gear

Twin-specific gear makes life smoother after birth. But you don’t need two of everything.

Must-have twin gear:

Twin nursing pillow: Makes feeding easier for tandem sessions
Double stroller: Narrow enough to navigate doors and aisles
Two cribs or a twin bassinet: Check your space and budget
Video baby monitor with two cameras

Amazon Product Suggestion 1:
My Brest Friend Twin Plus Nursing Pillow
Description: Designed for tandem breastfeeding, this pillow offers firm back support and positions babies at the right height. A must-have for twin nursing sessions.
Amazon link

Amazon Product Suggestion 2:
Joovy TwinRoo+ Car Seat Stroller Frame
Description: Compatible with most car seat brands, this frame stroller allows you to click in two infant seats side-by-side—no need to transfer sleeping babies.
Amazon link

7. Prioritize Rest—and Let Go of Perfection

Your body is doing twice the work, so rest is a necessity, not a luxury.

Tips for managing exhaustion:

Nap during the day—even if only 20 minutes
Use pregnancy pillows for better sleep at night
Let chores wait or delegate them
Talk to your partner about clear household responsibilities

General Scenario Example:
Sneha admitted she had a hard time slowing down during her pregnancy. But when her doctor put her on modified bed rest at 30 weeks, she finally asked for help. Her partner took over cooking, and her mom came over twice a week. She later shared that embracing help allowed her to stay calm and carry her twins safely to 37 weeks.

8. Embrace the Emotional Journey

It’s okay to feel nervous, overwhelmed, or even a little sad that your pregnancy isn’t going “by the book.” Carrying twins means adjusting expectations.

How to stay emotionally well:

Journal about your feelings
Practice prenatal meditation or yoga
Speak with a perinatal counselor if anxiety feels constant
Remind yourself: You’re doing your best for two precious lives

Expert Insight:
Dr. Aarti Gupta, PhD (Perinatal Psychologist), shares:

“Twin moms often carry double the emotional weight. Normalize your feelings, lean into support, and remember—it’s strength, not weakness, to ask for help.”

For learn more

Top baby bath essentials : Top 7 Baby Bath Essentials Every New Parent Needs
Start your prep early with our Hospital Bag Checklist for Twins: Twin Hospital Bag Guide

Conclusion: You’re Stronger Than You Know

Expecting twins is a journey filled with surprises, strength, and a whole lot of preparation. This survival guide for expecting moms of twins isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about doing what works best for you and your family. Take things one step at a time. Build your support system. Prepare early, rest often, and trust your instincts.

Every mom of twins we’ve spoken to agrees: It’s twice the challenge, but more than twice the love.

So whether you’re at week 10 or 30, breathe deeply—you’re already doing an amazing job. GlowwiseHub is here cheering you on all the way to the double delivery room!