Last updated on May 1st, 2024 at 02:57 pm
When I began my twin pregnancy I thought I knew what I was getting into. I had already had two pregnancies under my belt, I thought I had this in the bag. Boy, was I wrong! Being pregnant with twins is like being pregnant with one baby while wearing an 80 lb backpack. Your everything hurts: Legs, hips, stomach… crotch! It is almost impossible to stay comfortable. But along the way, I figured out a few tricks to keep me off the ledge.
1. Carry Around a Pillow
Yes, I was that weird lady carrying a pillow with her so she could get comfortable at the table next to you in that restaurant. But when you are bigger than a bus you kind of stop caring what people think of you.
2. Have a Bath in the Morning, and Mid-Morning, Then After Lunch, and Mid-Afternoon and in the Evening
Baths are to pregnancies like air is to lungs. Necessary!
3. Get Pedicures
Of course having someone paint your toes a pretty color for you since you can’t even see them is important! When I was pregnant with twins I would get a pedicure at least once a week just to have those hot jets massage my tired feet.
4. Use a Heating Pad
I know, I know, you can’t have it near your precious cargo but a lot of pain during a twin pregnancy can accumulate in your shoulders from all of that extra weight you are carrying around. I am not talking about your belly… let’s face it, when you are pregnant with twins your bra tends to be at maximum capacity.
5. Try a Bag of Frozen Peas on Your Lady Parts
Trust me, it will give your husband or significant other a good laugh but it’s life-changing.
6. Go Swimming, or Because It’s Real Life, Sit in a Pool
I always see these photos of women swimming laps in pregnancy books. I don’t know about you but if I attempted to actually swim while pregnant with twins I would drown. But sitting on stairs in a pool is quite refreshing.
7. Get a Prenatal Massage
This is a tricky one. I was surprised to find out that most massage therapists won’t touch a woman pregnant with multiples with a ten-foot pole in fear that they may induce labor. Ask your OB for a referral to someone who knows how to touch you in all the right places… Get your mind out of the gutter!
8. Befriend a Couch and a T.V.
When pregnant with multiples it is best (and you will probably want to) be off your feet a lot. Find a spot in your home that you are really cozy and start binge-watching a TV series. May I suggest a few dozen? Oh, and yes, I am that couch potato that Netflix asked if I am “still watching?” about 30 times a day. Yes Netflix, you don’t have to remind me!
9. Lay on Your Side
This goes for most pregnancies, for one or more babies. It drives me crazy when I see an actress playing a very pregnant woman laying on her back. She would be gasping for air!
10. Take Tylenol
Don’t be a hero. When the pain gets to be too much it’s okay to numb it from time to time!
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