You're over 35, and you're expecting twins, so it must be a great feeling, right? But at the same time, it's also very normal to have a little fear and worry, like, "Will there be a problem at this age? Will the two babies be healthy?" But don't worry. These days, older women are giving birth to healthy babies more than ever before. So don't worry about your age alone. The most important thing is to be well-informed about keeping yourself and your unborn babies as healthy as possible throughout this journey. Let's talk about that.
How to increase the chances of having healthy twins?
Simply put, the best answer is to attend prenatal care early and regularly. The first eight weeks, or two months, of your pregnancy are when your baby's most important organs are developing. From this time on, it's important to have a doctor's care to ensure a safe pregnancy and two healthy babies. At these clinics, your health is checked, you are given advice, and you have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
This medical supervision is especially important for mothers who become pregnant after the age of 35, as the risk of developing certain health conditions is slightly higher at this age. For example:
- Gestational Diabetes : Diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy.
- Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
When you go to regular clinics, your doctor will regularly check your blood pressure, urine sugar and protein levels, and blood glucose levels . Then, if any of these problems arise, they can be identified and treated quickly.
Special tests for older mothers
When you get pregnant after the age of 35, there is a slightly higher risk of birth defects in your baby, so there are some special tests to check for. Your doctor will explain these tests to you. Some of these are optional. So, talk carefully about what these tests are, the pros and cons of having them, and make a decision that is right for you.
Must-have vitamins
Like all women who are expecting, it is important to take a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Taking folic acid, especially before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy, can help prevent serious birth defects in the brain and spinal cord of your baby.
Things you can do to reduce problems during pregnancy
Remember, you need to take care of yourself as much as you do the two babies in your womb. If you are healthy, your babies will be healthy too.
- Take care of your other medical conditions: If you have any chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, see your doctor regularly. It's good for both you and your baby to have these conditions under control before you get pregnant. Also, visit a dentist to check on the health of your teeth and gums. Having healthy teeth and gums can help prevent low birth weight and premature birth .
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need. Include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products in your diet. See the table below.
| Nutrition section | Why is it important and examples |
|---|---|
| Calcium | To keep your and your children's teeth and bones strong, try to eat at least 4 servings of dairy foods (milk, yogurt, cheese) every day. |
| Folic Acid | To prevent birth defects in the brain and spinal cord in children. It is abundant in greens like spinach, dried beans, animal liver, and citrus fruits like oranges. |
- Gain the recommended amount of weight: Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. Weight gain is more with twins than with a single baby.
In general, if your body mass index (BMI) was normal before pregnancy , it is recommended to gain between 37 and 54 pounds (17-25 kilograms) during a twin pregnancy. These values may vary if you are overweight/obese. So talk to your doctor for specific advice.
Gaining the right amount of weight reduces the risk of low birth weight and premature birth in children, as well as the risk of developing problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, maintain your strength, and reduce stress. However, it's important to talk to your doctor about your exercise program. Most of the time, you'll be able to continue your usual exercise routine, but sometimes you may need to change your exercise routine or reduce the intensity.
- Quit smoking and alcohol completely: This is a must. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of intellectual disabilities and birth defects in children. Smoking increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia . These risks are even higher for pregnant mothers after the age of 35.
- Ask your doctor about medications: Be sure to ask your doctor if any medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and even Ayurvedic or natural herbs , are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Take-Home Message
- Expecting twins after age 35 is a special event, but it's nothing to be afraid of. The first step is to attend prenatal care as early and regularly as possible.
- Never skip taking vitamins prescribed by your doctor, especially those containing folic acid.
- Eat a balanced diet, gain the right amount of weight, and engage in light exercise with medical approval.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol completely. These are very harmful to you and your baby.
- Talk to your doctor about any medication, supplement, or herb you take, and use it only with his or her approval.
- Remember, age is just a number. With proper medical advice and good self-care, you too can bring healthy, beautiful twins into this world.
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