Your Guide to Coping With Twin Pregnancy Complications

Twin pregnancies can be notoriously more complex than singleton pregnancies. So as twin parents who’ve been in your shoes, we’re here to give you clear ways to mentally and emotionally cope with whatever twin pregnancy complications you’re up against.

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Twin pregnancies can be notoriously complicated. To help you feel less overwhelmed and alone, we’ve put together a mini guide for coping with a complicated twin pregnancy. So keep reading!

You’ll learn 7 practical ways to mentally and emotionally cope with any complications during twin pregnancy.

How to cope with twin pregnancy complications?

Without even officially being diagnosed with a “complication,” twin pregnancy is already complicated in and of itself. 

After all, you have to think about what’s best for not just one but TWO babies. There are two heartbeats you’re listening for at your ultrasounds. And two kicking babies you’re feeling for every day. 

If you’re expecting twins and this feels more exciting than scary, then that’s amazing! But if you’re reading this thinking, “Yeah, I’m totally freaking out,” then here are 7 ways we suggest managing your anxiety:

1. Join a support group or community

Our anxieties usually expand when we feel like we’re alone in what we’re experiencing. But the reality is that, as unique as your situation may be, there are likely others out there who can relate to what you’re going through. 

That’s why we highly suggest joining support groups and communities with folks who have had similar challenges.

Here are a few options for building a community of support for yourself throughout your complicated twin pregnancy:

• Join a Facebook group like this Pregnant with Twins Group where other twin parents share their real experiences and support each other. 
• Join a more organized twin parent support group that meets monthly to discuss topics related specifically to twin parents.
• Connect with a Twin’s Club in your state or local community.
• Join a support group or Facebook group related to the unique medical challenge your or your baby are facing. 

There really are endless networks of support out there. So take that first step and find your people so you can start leaning into their support. 

2. Talk to a therapist 

Seeking the support of a licensed mental health professional is always a good option. A therapist can provide you the space needed to work through the overwhelming thoughts and feelings that come with pregnancy complications. What’s better is they can give you research-backed tools and practices that benefit your overall well-being. 

As someone who experienced a twin pregnancy with endless complications, my biggest regret is not seeking therapy sooner. So do yourself (and your babies) a favor and get yourself the expert support you deserve. 

Here are two great places you can begin your search for a fitting therapist:

• Phoenix Health: This online therapy clinic supports mothers from pre-conception through all stages of parenthood. Some of their areas of expertise include: prenatal anxiety and depression, birth trauma, infertility, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and grief and loss.
• Betterhelp.com: This site helps you find licensed and accredited psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and board licensed professional counselors. 

3. Engage in mindfulness practices

With twin pregnancy complications, your mind is likely spinning with all sorts of worries and fears. And rightfully so. You have two little humans growing inside of you to care for, not to mention yourself. 

But when you don’t seek relief from those feelings, the excess stress can leave you feeling depleted. It can even lead to additional health challenges if left unchecked over long periods of time. 

This is why mindfulness practices that re-ground you can be super helpful. They bring you back to the present moment, allowing your nervous system to take a break from overwhelming feelings like stress and anxiety. 

Mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, light yoga, and journaling are all great tools for coping with a stressful twin pregnancy. 

4. Try tapping/Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) 

Another powerhouse tool for coping with pregnancy complications is the emotional freedom technique. This is also known as EFT or tapping for anxiety. 

EFT, or tapping, is a technique that improves communication between the mind and body. One study showed that after just one tapping session, individuals were able to experience anxiety relief and improved control over their emotions. A tapping session can be as short as a few minutes or as long as you need it to be. 

Here’s a quick rundown of how tapping works:

• You name the thought that’s causing you stress
• You take note of your current level of anxiety
• You decide on a reframed affirmation
• You perform the tapping sequence (which involves tapping on various points on your head, face and upper body)

If you’re a visual learner, here’s a quick EFT tutorial video!

Once you finish a tapping sequence, it can help to re-evaluate the intensity of your anxiety. Ideally, your stress levels will have lowered at least a little after tapping. 

5. Move your body

When you feel overly stressed or anxious, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This means that levels of stress hormones in your body (like adrenaline and cortisol) increase. In dire situations, these stress hormones can be helpful. 

But when you experience stress and anxiety for too long, it can negatively impact your overall health. 

Thankfully, even 20 minutes of light exercise can help release these stress hormones for you. 

Here are a few ways you may consider moving your body during your complicated twin pregnancy:

• Gentle yoga
• Light walking
• Swimming

Of course you should absolutely check in with your doctor about what exercise is safe for you and your unique pregnancy!

6. Get in a good laugh

Laughter has been proven to have many health benefits. 

Some of these include: reduced insomnia, improved mental health, lower stress levels, uplifted mood, and more. 

On our stressful road trips to the hospital while pregnant, my husband and I would listen to various comedians on Spotify. We found that listening to comedy gave us a very much-needed relief from talking about the scary medical challenges of our Twin B.

So if you’re in need of humor to lessen your twin pregnancy stress, try one of these:

• Read a funny book
• Watch a comedy show
• Listen to your favorite comedian
• Listen to a humorous podcast
• Talk to a friend or family member that makes you laugh
• Discuss your funniest childhood memories

7. Do other things that bring you joy

When you’re feeling anxious about your twin pregnancy, it can be all too easy to become single-track minded. In the midst of your stress, you may find that you stop doing many of the things you used to do that made you happy. 

But when you’re feeling the most stressed is precisely the time that you need to keep doing the things that make you happy. In fact, do more of them if you can.

Scrapbook. Draw. Write. Spend time with friends. Go to a movie. Go shopping. Knit. Watch reality TV. 

Whatever brings you joy, do much much more of it. 

Final thoughts on dealing with twin pregnancy complications

My heart truly goes out to you if you’re experiencing any sort of complication during your twin pregnancy. I’ve been there, and I know all too well how overwhelming it can feel. 

But I also know that there is so much hope and joy coming your way soon. So take care of yourself and get the support you need to ease your feelings of stress and anxiety. 

The Mom Squad at Twiniversity is here for you. 

Want to learn more about coping with your twin pregnancy complications? Read these articles too:

• Stressed Out? How to Practice Mindfulness
• Why You Need to Deal With Your Trauma
• The Ultimate Guide to Exercising When Pregnant

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