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It may come as a surprise to learn that older mothers are more likely to have twins than their younger counterparts. Identical twins are the result of the fertilized egg splitting in two and developing in exactly the same way, since they contain exactly the same genetic material. This occurs at random and does not seem to be influenced by heredity or age. Non-identical (fraternal) twins occur when two eggs are released in a cycle by the ovary, and both are fertilized. Non-identical twins are no more alike than other brothers and sisters. The chance of conceiving fraternal twins’ increases with age, especially if there are other non-identical twins in the family or if a woman has been taking certain fertility drugs before conceiving.
A twin pregnancy needs special care and monitoring. It puts an extra strain on the body, especially in older mothers. You will need to watch for signs of high blood pressure and anemia and you will need extra rest. Regular, watchful prenatal care is essential. Twin babies are more likely to be born prematurely. Sometimes one baby grows larger than the other, which may be of low birth weight, or both babies may be underweight. The birth will take place in the hospital because the second baby has a higher risk of complications if it is not born soon after the first, especially if it is not in the usual head-down position.
Emotional Changes in Pregnancy
It is as important to take care of yourself emotionally in pregnancy as it is to take care of your physical well-being. Emotional self-care can seem much more difficult! Many women find they change a lot in pregnancy: They feel more vulnerable and easily upset. Or they become preoccupied with the new life inside them and find it is more difficult to pay attention at work, visit friends or put energy into making their relationship with their partner run smoothly. Pregnancy thus tests many couples, though potentially it is a very rewarding time for them, too.
For older women, pregnancy and the accompanying loss of physical independence may come as something of a shock. “1 was used to being able to control everything,” says Pam, 41, “and then suddenly I couldn’t. I thought I could do everything just the same but my body told me otherwise! At the beginning it was the tiredness and the nausea. At the end it was that I was just so big, and I just couldn’t concentrate. And if anything at work went wrong, I felt like bursting into tears. I felt so vulnerable.”
Carla became pregnant at 41 after trying for two years. “It never occurred to me that I wouldn’t conceive. I assumed if I wanted a baby I could have it like everything else.” The pregnancy came at a good time, when Carla was able to take some time off work, which helped her get through the morning sickness and tiredness. “I think my age did make me more tired. 1 was working hard and trying to prove it didn’t make any difference.”
A woman’s feelings may depend on how well she feels in pregnancy as well as on the closeness of her relationships with her partner, family and friends and, perhaps most important of all, how much the pregnancy was planned and hoped for:
“1 got pregnant by accident - I wasn’t too pleased when I got the news! 1 had a teenage daughter by my first marriage and none in my second, but we’d agreed not to have any. My initial reaction was resentment, and the doctor offered a termination. I woke up and cried every morning to think that I was pregnant. But my husband had had no children in his first marriage. When I sat and thought about an abortion, I couldn’t have done it because of him.”
“After infertility tests and a miscarriage I was so thrilled to be pregnant! I went around in a daze for the whole pregnancy, despite morning sickness and other discomforts. I couldn’t contain myself, it was so exciting.”
Some women find work becomes a strain: “I thought pregnancy wouldn’t change me. What was I thinking! For the first three months I was terribly, bone-achingly tired. I couldn’t concentrate on work. 1 hate to admit this, but it was true.”
Karen had the same experience. “It was difficult, dragging into work those first months with bad morning sickness. I used to throw up regularly in the office bathroom as soon as 1 got in-it’s a miracle I was never sick on the bus! Then, later, I was couldn’t concentrate in meetings because the baby was kicking so much. It was odd to be there talking about work plans and schedules while this tremendous thing was going on inside me. I also became very cow-like and contented - I couldn’t rush for deadlines any more. They seemed so unimportant.”
Others, perhaps those with less pressure on them, find that they can really relax and enjoy the pregnancy and live it to the full. “1 felt great when I was pregnant. I felt fit and healthy and relaxed and let myself be taken care of.”
