What to expect when expecting twins

Finding out you’re expecting twins, triplets or more

Most people discover they’re expecting twins or more at the first ultrasound scan, usually around 12 weeks of pregnancy. You might feel excited, shocked, anxious or all three at once. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s valid and you don’t have to process it on your own.

You can ask for a copy of your scan picture if that feels helpful. Looking at your babies together can make the news feel more real and give you something to share with friends and family when you’re ready.

Many parents say their first thoughts are practical ones about money, space at home or whether the car will still work for a larger family. These questions are completely normal. Twins Trust can help you think through your options and start putting a plan in place that feels right for you.

Talking to other parents of twins, triplets or more can be very reassuring. Through our online community (LINK) you can hear real experiences, ask questions and share your own feelings as your pregnancy progresses.

How pregnancy care looks with twins or more

Pregnancy with more than one baby is managed differently to a singleton pregnancy because there is a higher chance of complications. That can sound worrying, but your team will keep a close eye on you and your babies so any concerns are picked up early.

You’ll usually be offered more regular appointments and ultrasound scans than in a singleton pregnancy. These visits check your babies’ growth, the amount of fluid around each baby and any differences in size between them.

Your care will also depend on the type of twin pregnancy you have, for example whether your babies share a placenta or have one each. Our antenatal care tracker (LINK) can help you see what antenatal appointments you might be offered and when. You might also be seen in a specialist twins or multiples clinic, where the team is very used to looking after families like yours.

Support, resources and choices during your pregnancy

As the news sinks in, you might start to think about day-to-day life with two or more babies. You may wonder how you’ll manage feeding, sleep, work, childcare or the cost of buying double, or sometimes triple, of everything. It’s completely understandable to feel daunted, but there are lots of ways to get prepared step-by-step.

Twins Trust’s Preparing for Twins (LINK) or Preparing for Triplets (LINK) course is designed to answer many of the questions that come up at this stage. You’ll learn about birth options, feeding, mental health and practical planning, all with a focus on life with twins, triplets or more. Many parents say simply hearing from people who understand makes them feel calmer and more confident.

It can also help to talk things through with your midwife or doctor. You can ask about work, maternity or shared parental leave, travelling in pregnancy and how to plan support for after the birth. Writing down your questions before each appointment can make it easier to leave feeling informed rather than rushed.

Alongside your medical team, Twins Trust is here for emotional and practical support. Our helpline (LINK) is run by trained staff and volunteers who are all parents of twins or triplets, so they really do ‘get it’. You can also connect with others through our online community, local groups and specialist services if you need more tailored help.

Feeling confident about the next steps in your pregnancy

There’s a lot to take in when you’re expecting twins or more, but you don’t have to have everything worked out at once. Focusing on one small next step can help things feel more manageable and give you a sense of control.