The differences between a twin pregnancy and a singleton pregnancy

It’s been far too long since I blogged. I’ve been so busy trying to clear the junk out of our house and make space ready for our baby girl so we can turn our packed spare room into a nursery.  I just *may* have gone a teeny-weeny bit overboard with the pink lampshades, curtains, rug, cushions,
cot bumper – actually you name it and I’ve bought it!

I can’t believe that I’m already 29 weeks! After a challenging start to the pregnancy, I’m now loving every minute of it. People keep on asking me how different a twin pregnancy is to a singleton pregnancy, so here goes…

1) I’ve only put on 1 and a half stone so far this pregnancy. Although I didn’t keep a weekly weight record during my twin pregnancy, I know that at around 36 weeks I’d put on a staggering 5 stone – so by the time I got to the birth at 38+5 I would have been even heavier than that. Given that I’m only five foot tall it’s a wonder I didn’t topple over.

2) I can’t balance things on my belly this time round. My twin bump used to make a great drink or book holder, although I have to confess the boys never seemed to like it and used to try to kick or hiccup the book off my bump from inside.

3) I can walk into town pushing a heavy double buggy with two toddlers in it, walk around town shopping for a couple of hours and then walk home again this time around. In the last pregnancy I’d given up walking beyond the end of my road by this stage as the weight was just too much. Part of the reason I can do more now is that I’m carrying less weight, but it’s also probably because I’m much fitter and stronger after two and a half years weight lifting two children.

3) I can bend down to tie my shoe laces this time around. Last time I had to wear flip-flops as a) my feet were so huge I couldn’t fit them into shoes at this stage and b) I couldn’t bend down to put my shoes on. Husband also used to find it hilarious to leave bars of chocolate on the floor when he went to work knowing full well that I couldn’t bend down to get them. This time around it’s not such a problem as not only is my tummy smaller, but I also have a pair of small children who can pick things up for me.

4) My legs may swell up at times, but by the next morning they are back to normal. During my twin pregnancy my legs were like tree trunks every day from about 25 weeks (I even know somebody who got stretch marks on her feet during her twin pregnancy as they swelled up so much!)

5) Last pregnancy I dreaded having to go into hospital early (which I had to do about ten days before I delivered). This time I secretly don’t mind as I know that even though it’s bright and noisy in there, I’ll be able to put my feet up and rest – and I won’t have to cook or do any washing or cleaning. But *shhhh* don’t tell anybody I said that.

6) Obviously the killer thing this time around is not being able to rest up and nap when I want to as I already have a pair of monkeys to look after.

7) One baby has so much room, so the movements I feel are huge rolls and spins. With the twin pregnancy I could feel kicks and movements but the boys were pretty much jammed into position from  early on and I suspect most of their kicks were aimed at each other in an effort to claim back a vital bit of space.

8) It’s no way near as terrifying having a singleton. This isn’t because I’ve been through it before (which certainly helps), it’s because having twins is medically more risky compared with a singleton pregnancy. Knowing that this birth should (hopefully) be a little bit more straightforward is a big relief.

9)  Buying things for the new baby is a lot cheaper this time around. We already have two of most things, but even the things we need to buy won’t be so expensive as we’ll only need to get one! Just simple things like the vast amount of clothes and bedding you need for two babies costs a fortune.

10) The weirdest thing about this pregnancy is not feeling so special. Having twins makes you feel unique. It sets you apart from all the other pregnant people around you, and it was lovely when people would look at me in fear and say “twins, oh my god, rather you than me!” because I was so excited at the prospect of having two babies and I was so pleased it was me rather than them. This time around I’m just the same as everybody else. I bet I won’t even get stopped by admiring people every few paces in town when I’m out on my own with the single buggy.

I’m sure that once I’ve published this I’ll think of loads more differences. If you can think of anything to add to this list please comment below, it would be lovely to read them all.

So yes, having a singleton this time around is LOADS easier. But I’m sure that having a singleton AND twin toddlers won’t be such plain sailing. Watch this space!

UPDATE: If you’re expecting twins or triplets, you need to get your hands on my new ebook: Don’t Panic! A Practical Guide to Twins, Triplets and More. It’s a book written for parents of multiples, by parents of multiples. Visit my book launch page for full details and purchase links for your country.