All expecting moms need to quit smoking, give up alcohol, and keep their stress level down, but the impetus to do so is even more compelling when expecting twins. The single most common complication in twin pregnancies is premature labor, which leads to other problems, such as low birth weight and respiratory problems. By quitting smoking and drinking and learning to relax, a woman can dramatically increase the chance of her twin pregnancy going full term.
Smoking is particularly linked with earlier labor and smaller babies. Low birth weight babies have an increased risk of congenital defects such as cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Since twins are likely to be smaller than singletons anyway, it is very important that a mother having twins give up smoking as soon as possible.
Smoking is also linked with birth complications, such as placenta previa and placental abruption. Both of these conditions cause increased bleeding during birth. In addition, smoking is linked to premature rupture of the membrane, which usually results in early labor and a premature birth. Stillbirths are more common, as well.
Infant health is also impaired when the mother smokes during or after pregnancy. Sometimes babies experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, and the likelihood of a baby of a smoker dying of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or crib death) is three times higher than for non-smokers. In addition, there is the effect of second hand smoke on the babies after the birth.
According to the March of Dimes, even if a woman smokes through the early part of the pregnancy, the babies' chances are improved by quitting. The less you can smoke during pregnancy, the better.
Drinking alcohol is also discouraged during any twin pregnancy because it increases the risk of many complications. Alcohol is not safe in any amount during pregnancy. It is linked with stillbirth, low birth weight and premature labor. After the birth, babies born to drinking mothers have a wide array of symptoms that affect their health, development, and intellect.
Controlling stress is a little harder to define than giving up alcohol and tobacco (not to mention illegal drugs!) Still, stress contributes to premature labor and the other complications that can arise when giving birth to twins. Moderate exercise helps control stress. It is best if a pregnant woman can avoid stressful occupations. Staying at home during pregnancy and when rearing the young babies can reduce her stress level as well as getting those babies off to a good start.
Other practices that help lower stress levels include relaxation exercises, which are good preparation for birth anyway. Yoga, deep breathing, and meditation are particularly helpful. Mentally, it is helpful to learn to calm the mind. Prayer and other spiritual exercises are great for reducing stress.
So to quickly recap- to lower chances of complications during a twin pregnancy...
-Don't smoke.
-Don't drink alcohol, or take any other drugs.
-Do what you can to avoid stress (Including exercising, yoga, and meditation)
And as always, make sure you have regular trips to the doctor.
