Entries tagged with “bed rest”.


When having twins, you should plan to complete all your preparations before your 30th week of your twin pregnancy. 

  • Twin pregnancies experience a much higher rate of bed rest than singleton pregnancies.
  • Twin pregnancies experience a higher rate of pre-term labor.
  • If you manage to make it into or through your 3rd trimester, you will very likely be so tired that you will not be able to accomplish much on your to-do list.

 Tasks you can (and should) complete before the 30th week of pregnancy

  • Nursery setup
  • pregnant with twins

The most important piece of equipment for your nursery is a crib. It is not necessary to get two cribs immediately, as you may wish to have your twins share a crib at first.  Twins often take comfort from sharing a crib.

  • Stock the freezer with meals 

Whether you make meals ahead and freeze them, use a service where you prepare 30 days of meals in advance, buy pre-made warehouse meals, or schedule family and friends to bring meals — you will not regret being prepared in this way. When your twins arrive, you will be so relieved to have meals at the ready.

  • Organize your help schedule

 When expecting twins, many will offer help. Our tendency is to say thank you, but then never to bring it up again. You must resist this tendency! Practice accepting offers of help. Think about what types of help you are willing to accept. When friends and family offer to help, be prepared to tell them specifically how they can help.  Try using a “care” calendar.  These online calendars allow you to list your needs and facilitate sign ups for help. Don’t be shy — you’ll be needing help.

  • Get your equipment basics

 As we mentioned earlier, your most critical equipment need is your crib. Don’t go too overboard and purchase everything you’ll need to raise your twins into adulthood. Just focus on the needs to cover the first 3 months. You’ll have time later to purchase additional equipment and supplies for the next stage.  The second most important piece of equipment is your stroller. For your first stroller, we recommend a Snap ‘N Go, or convertable system that allows you to put your infant car seats into the stroller.  This will save you headaches when your twins are sleeping soundly and you don’t have to remove them from their car seats to put them into the stroller.

  • Prepare birth announcements and thank-you notes

This is a great time review styles for birth announcements and thank-you notes. Pick out the layout and shop around for prices. Prepare as much of the information in advance as possible. You can even address envelopes so they will be ready to personalize and pop in the mail.

Completing your preparations before the 30th week will give you peace of mind as you move into the final weeks of your twin pregnancy. Enjoy this time as you prepare for your little ones.

Copyright 2011 – Kathryn Whiteley / TwinParenthood.com

Bed rest in a multiples pregnancy is very common. Don’t be alarmed.

When you are on bed rest, it is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions. You’ll want to do everything possible to keep those babies in utero as long as possible.

In most cases, your doctor will want you to stop many “normal, everyday” activities.  Some things you’ll want to ask about:

  • Picking up older children
  • Driving
  • Walking
  • Stairs
  • Shower (or Bath)
  • Cooking
  • Sitting upright
  • Light Chores
  • Sexual Intercourse
  • Exercise

Make “Bed Rest Buddies”

After gaining an understanding from your doctor about what you can or should not do, you’ll want to connect with other multiples moms also on bed rest. There are some great website communities for women on bed rest. A fantastic resource is sidelines.org. Connecting with others on bed rest can be an emotional lifesaver. Also, often times these bed rest buddies develop into lasting friendships as you and your pals raise your multiples.

Prepare for Bed rest

Set up a bed rest station in your main living area.  Some things you’ll want within arms reach:

  • laptop with internet connection
  • snacks
  • water and other drinks
  • pencil / paper
  • books and magazines
  • TV remotes

What else can you do? 

  • Reconnect with friends
  • Get Ready for Babies (Pick names, update your financial records – wills, etc.)
  • Read Parenting Books
  • Craft Projects
  • Work (discuss with your employer options for working from home using your laptop or a telephone)

Being on bed rest can be challenging, but it can also be fun. Like many things in life — it is what you make of it. So take a sunny approach and see what you can get accomplished.

Copyright 2009 Kathryn Whiteley — TwinParenthood.com