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| Theories on ways to increase your chance of twins |
Question: OK I am not a medical professional but I do have a biochemistry degree and work in a scientific field and have done a lot of research on the internet on how to increase my chance of twins and want to share with you all what I have learned. I am not offering medical advice just addressing some of the common theories out there. ?
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| Answer: VITEX: Truth is vitex will not increase your chance of twins because it IS NOT LIKE CLOMID. It is actually about the complete opposite. Vitex takes about 3 months to build up in your system and what it does is stimulates your pituatary gland to produce a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone. Which in turns supports ovulation and regulates the menstrual cycle making it easier to get preggo. This hormonal balance also causes a decrease in FSH and an increase in LH. FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) promotes healthy follicles. LH (leutinizing hormone) supports the maturation of the egg(s) in the follicle(s). By decreasing the FSH it does nothing to promote multiple follicles which is needed for twins, in fact if your body normally has enough hormones to release two eggs Vitex could actually reduce it to one because it will regulate those hormones back to what it considers healthy levels. = |
| Answer: CLOMID: Clomid works in a completely different way than Vitex. It is an anti-estrogen which binds to the pituitary gland fooling it to believe it needs to release more estrogen thus more FSH and LH. It is the extra FSH which creates the multiple follicles and the LH which matures those follicles resulting in the release of multiple eggs. Clomid and Vitex can not be taken together because the regulating properties of Vitex could counteract the Clomid. The side effects of Clomid are due to the anti-estrogen properties. The anti-estrogen not only binds to the pituitary gland but other sites in the body that normally require estrogen, this is why the side effects are similar to menopause (hot flashes, headaches etc.) The anti-estrogen is also the reason why the cervical mucus can dry up (which can be overcome by taking mucinex or using preseed). It can also cause the endometrial lining of the uterus to thin making it harder for the egg to implant (which can be overcome by taking estradiol or even baby aspirin) But these side effects can make it more difficult to get pregnant than someone who is taking Vitex. = |
| Answer: DRINKING MILK & EATING BEEF: Milk and beef can increase your chances of twins because of the extra hormones they pump into cattle. But who knows how much you need to consume and how long you need to consume it for before it builds up in your system enough for it to work. The proof that it works is because of a study done comparing vegans to meat/milk consumers and found that the meat/milk consumers had a 6 fold increase in fraternal twins over the vegans. There was also a study done comparing full fat milk to skim milk which have shown women who drink or eat full fat products are more likely to ovulate when compared to women who consume only fat free milk products. Thus there is something in milk fat which supports healthy ovulation. = |
| Answer: WILD YAM supplements or eating SWEET POTATOS/YAMS: There are over 600 species of yams and the only variety of yam which is know to work is the Cassava which is grown in the African nation of Nigeria. (Nigerian women have the highest rate of fraternal twinning in the world). The Cassava is a staple there and is eaten basically with every meal. I think it is highly doubtful that sweet potatoes or wild yams will do much to increase your chance of twins since they do not have the full properties of the Cassava and I read one scientist who said the Cassava would have to be eaten three times a day for two years before it has the full twinning effect. = |
| Answer: FOLIC ACID & BABY ASPIRIN: Folic acid (800mcg or more) and baby aspirin (81mg or less) does nothing to increase your release of eggs but it does however increase your chance of the egg implanting into the lining of the uterus. Thus if there are more fertilized eggs present it is more likely that more than one will implant. = |
| Answer: REBOUND EFFECT: Any time you take something like Vitex, Clomid or even birth control pills which regulate your hormones and stop taking them your body may rebound and overproduce the hormones resulting in multiple eggs. However this rebound effect can have the opposite result and cause you to not ovulate at all. This is why women who have had a miscarriage or come off of birth control pills may have very erratic periods for a few months because your body is trying to regulate those horomones again and you either become very fertile or not fertile at all. = |
| Answer: SOY ISOFLAVONES: This is a relatively new theory but it is believed that soy isoflavones are anti-estrogens similar to Clomid thus if it is taken like Clomid it will have the same effect. Soy Isoflavones can be bought just about anywhere even at Walmart and usually come in a 30mg dosage. I have no idea if this actually works or not but the science behind it does make sense, I just have no idea what dosage is needed. It is thought you need large amounts like 200mg a day for 5 days during af to have the Clomid effect. = |
| Answer: I should also address that CLOMID is a prescribed drug that should be taken while under medical supervision. It can have side effects like ovarian cysts which could be dangerous. It could also overstimulate your ovaries producing multiple follicles and releasing 4, 5 or even 6 eggs. These risks are very low but if you choose to take it unsupervised that is completely up to you. Just make sure you know all the risks and do your own research first..... = |
| Answer: wow JESSICAB - that is a lot of uselful information, thanks! i have been researching herbs that help in hyperovulation which, to my understanding, is required to release more than 1 egg, which then increases the chances of being fertilized and having twins. i have not had much luck.
i am very skeptical about taking medicines or herbs b/c i feel like years down the road they might find something associated to the medicine/herb and by that time it will be too late to reverse the effects. i say this b/c i have read cases in which years ago women took DES during pregnancy b/c it was thought to be safe. they went on to have healthy children, but when the children tried to conceive, they had trouble which somehow traced back to the DES. weird, but there were actual (not made up) cases in the US. that definitely makes me more cautious.
accordingly, i have decided to increase my intake of milk and beef. now that you mention fatty milk, i will probably swtich to that instead of my 2%.
also, i am still looking into soy isoflavones. here is a site about the dangers. i have not read it yet, but i find it appropriate to post here: w w w.westonaprice.org/soy/isoflavones.h t m l = |
| Answer: JUDI SARAH: I thought I would add DES which was outlawed in 1971 was taken DURING pregnancy not before or to acheive pregnancy. All herbals or drugs to acheive pregnancy should be discontinued as soon as a positive pregnancy test is detected and should have no effect on the embryo. In fact the embryo feeds off the yolk sack until about the 6th week until the placenta starts to develop. So any residual forms of the drug or herbs will be out of your system by then and will not affect the baby. Also I understand too that there is a lot of studies going on about soy but usually the dangers of soy is taking extremely large amounts over large quantities of time. = |
| Answer: OH and your 2% milk is probably good enough. The study never addressed how much milk fat just milk fat in general versus skim. I switched my skim milk to 1% and drink 3-4 glasses a day and make sure I eat some cheese which is high in milk fat too. I'm afraid if I take in more than that I will be gaining weight. (by the way being obese increases you chance of twins but thats not exactly an optional route to take =) = |
| Answer: thanks JESSICA. i hear ya on the DES being taken during pregnancy whereas the herbs we are talking about are for before conception, i am still just one of those oddballs who doesn't like medicines. i don't even like to take it if i have a headache unless absolutely necessary. not to say i don't pop a tylenol when i need it, but it's a rare occassion that i do. not b/c i don't get headaches or other pains such as a sprained ankle, etc., but i just don't take anything until the pain is either prolonged or just too severe to sit through. that's totally a personal thing though, there's no scientific reason for why i do what i do. i just do, haha. btw, i hear ya on the weight gain. i am trying to lose an inch (w/o losing weight b/c i am at the right weight right now) so drinking fatty milk doesn't help. i guess i'll just drink but also exercise a lot more! = |
| Answer: oh and about DES being outlawed... my thoughts are that at one time it was considered safe, but later it was found that it was not. whose to say some of these herbs or other medicines won't be considered unhealthy or outlawed? after all, most vitmains and such are not even FDA approved. i guess i am trying to play it super duper ultra safe. however, that does not mean i won't change my mind and give in to some of these supplements. i mean, i am taking prenatals and those are also not FDA approved. i'll keep you posted. are you taking any of the herbs? = |
| Answer: I am a medical professional and this is what I am doing. Taking clomid days 1-5 and drinking and eating lots of cow products like meat and milk, cheese. The growth hormones we give cows increases the chance of twins in humans more thatn clomid by about 15-20% add that to clomid and your chances increase up to 35% good luck today is cd1 and I am going for it! = |
| Answer: JUDI SARAH, besides drinking milk I'm not really doing anything else yet. I started vitex then stopped after reading more on it. I'm not ready to get preggo yet anyways so I'm just waiting for af to arrive and then decide what to do. But I totally hear ya on the staying safe part so don't take anything unless you do your own research and are comfortable with your decision. Good luck SCHAR with your ccycle, hope you have success. = |
| Answer: SCHAR - thank you for sharing. my dr won't give me drugs to get af, i doubt she would be willing to give clomid to conceive twins. either way, i probably wouldn't take it w/o first trying on my own. my last pg was w/o medical assistance, i hope the next few are the same. i pray that they are twins and healthy, God willing! healthy babies for all of us! JESSICA - you and i are pretty much in the same boat. i am also waiting for af. ugh, 42 days and no sign. what an aggravation. keep me posted on your cycles ladies, maybe we can all be pg together soon! = |
| Answer: alright so i've now read it and feel kind of stupid!! LOL! ok so apparently the calcium supplements I've been taking won't heko with twinds but maybe with a girl so that's ok. But I've read vitex and soy isoflavones may counteract eachother. So I've also read that some women don't take the vitex the 5 days they're taking the SIV, would this help the counter action or not since it's in your system? Also twins are speratic in my fam and not that it matters but my husbands mom is a twin, so I'm hoping (not really my hubby) but that this could happen! I've been prego 3 times and only 1 living baby...gotta make up for lost time! lol let me know where the new thread is! = |
| Answer: STERLINBERLIN: I don't know how long vitex stays in your system. If you are going to try the SIV (soy isoflavones) I would stop the vitex maybe a week or two before your af just to be safe. I haven't done any research on trying for a girl so I can't help you too much but a couple things I have heard is 1) female sperm lives longer than male so if you time things right and only bd 2-3 days before O and not the day of or day before O you increase your chances of the females outliving the males and getting to the egg. 2) I have also heard that increasing your pH will kill off the more fragile male sperm leaving the females behind. = |
| Answer: Ooops STERLINBERLIN I just realised I said raise your pH when in fact you need to raise your acidity level which lowers your pH. Didn't want to confuse anyone. Just google "Shettles Method" and you will get all kinds of theories but the timing and pH are probably the most common used. = |
| Answer: well I already started af...but I haven't taken them since like friday and I'm thinking I'm not going to take themanymore. And I know you're not suppose to take them while prego. so I'm just not going to take the vitex anymore
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| Answer: but PLEASE don't tell me anything negative about taking vitex so late..I can't deal with thinking I may have done something wrong. Sorry if this sounds stupid I'm just really trying hard to hope for the best this time around and really really looking forward to a new baby. But also I've heard that for a girl plus some other stuff so I'm trying it all!! lol
Thanks so much for all the info though
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| Answer: STERLNBERLIN: I told you I'm no expert... lol. I wouldn't worry about the Vitex, as long as you stopped by the time af started, I bet you're golden. Are you going to try the SIVs then? Double Baby Dust =) = |
| Answer: STERLINBERLIN - before you try the SIV please take a look above at the website i suggested. i read part of it, but b/c i don't plan on the soy stuff, i didn't really read it in detail so i am not sure how helpful it is. either way, i am sure taking the vitex was fine. i don't think i heard anything bad about them, just that they don't really help w/ttc twins. = |
| Answer: I read through that website. Here it is in summary: The wild soybean has been consumed for thousands of years, so soy is safe right? . Weston A Price believes this may not be the case because the modern soybean has been genetically altered and may be quite different from the wild variety. The modern variety contains isoflavones and it is unknown if the wild variety did. No large long term study has ever been done on humans and the effects of soy isoflavones yet we consume soy everyday. Some animal studies in which animals were fed diets rich in isoflavones over long periods of time have shown deleterious effects mainly on fertility. Some short term studies (under a year) on humans have shown thyroid and menstrual cycle disruption when additional daily isoflavones was given in the diet. Some also showed and increase in cancer while others showed a decrease in cancer... Whew, am I done yet?... Anyhoo, Weston A Price is worried that this (remember we don't know if the wild variety had them) increase in soy isoflavones in the past 30 years due to the modern soy bean could be having deleterious effects on our health that we don't know about yet.... OK so here is my advice don't take a soy isoflavone supplement everyday forever and ever, because scientists have no idea what it will do to you ..... But if you take it like clomid it will probably help you ovulate and may give you some anti-estrogen side effects to deal with.... So I will now leave it up to you to decide what to do =) = |
| Answer: Thank goodness I go back to work on Thursday because I obviously have too much time on my hands, lol. = |
| Answer: JESSICA - you are toooo funny. hahah. thanks for the summary! = |
| Answer: I am doing the SIV days 5-9. I have also read that a lot of soy for a long period of time like a couple months or so can mess things up and actually make you not ovulate. BUT every where else states that if taken like clomid it does fool your estrogen so that's why it works. So I know it's a new thing and there's not a whole lot of facts on it but we'll see and watch I've always had no problem getting prego and my luck all these things are gonna mess it all up! lol hopefully not... = |
| Answer: STERLINBERLIN, if you haven't found it yet the soulcyster website has a 5 year old thread dedicated to women taking SIVs, its like 500 pages long. They have a new thread summarizing all the babies conceived on SIV. Pretty interesting. You will have to keep us informed, let us know if you get any side effects. Oh and what dose are you going to try? Baby Dust! = |
| Answer: Wow Jessica this is awesome. I've been looking all over the internet for weeks and you've summed up everything I learned right here. I just bought some SIVs at Walmart last week, they were less than 6 bucks. I think I'm going to try 160mg my next cycle that seems to be the common thing to try. I've also been eating tons of dairy products and beef at least twice a day. Wish me luck! = |
| Answer: Oh I've also been taking wild yam supplements, but what you said about the cassava makes sense, duh. Oh well, I'll finish the bottle I have then not waste my money, lol. = |
| Answer: HOPING4TWINS, double baby dust to you! Keep us updated if you can, we'd love to hear from you. When are you expecting af? = |
| Answer: Jessica, I didn't hear about the SIV until I was already at cd4 so I started day 5 to 9 and am taking about 165mg...each pill has 65 so i take 2 and a half. HOPING4TWINS..I've read everywhere that you're only suppose to take the wild yam supplement after ovulation has already occured otherwise it can actually make you not o. I was going to take them but decided since it wasn't really the cassava root and it's hard to pin point when you o exactly without tests I skipped them. Good luck though, and again i don't know where I read this stuff but I have in a couple places, but not all of them tell you to do it after you o so who knows! cd 9 for me! last day of SIV and I'm going to check that site out jessica thanks! = |
| Answer: Hi Jessicab3, I'm currently taking Vitex, B6, Calcium, Vitamin C, Folic acid, Prenatal Vitamin, and prim rose oil. I'm going to start mucinex. I was thinking maybe the soy would help with twins more than the vitex. = |
| Answer: Hi ladies, thanks for the suggestion sterlinberlin on the yam supps. I looked that up and found the same thing. It supposedly helps increase progesterone. So how the heck is it supposed to help for twins, don't you need more estrogen for that? That makes no sense. Oh well, af should be here in about 10 days and I'm going to stop then. Good Luck Ladies! = |
| Answer: Hhhmmm, I looked up the yams/progesterone thing, that's interesting. So that would make it good for fertility post ovulation but would definately not do anything pre-ovulation that would help you conceive twins. Estrogen is a must for that, interesting. JUSTINSBABY- There does seem to be a lot of evidence that the soy isoflavones work like clomid which would definately give you more of a chance than just taking Vitex. So if you do choose SIVs make sure you stop the Vitex first as the two will cancel each other out. Also my doc told me not to take pre-natals for more than a couple months without conceiving as the extra iron in them could build up in your body and be harmful. = |
| Answer: Thanks Jessicab3, how long does it take to get the vitex out of your system? = |
| Answer: I stopped the Vitex about 2 days before the SIV, and I have no idea how long until it's out of your system. I stopped when I learned they counteracted each other. Jessica I didn't know that about prenatals. I haven't stopped taking them since I had dd and my doc said that's good....but then again I guess it's only been not even 2 months so...ok. = |
| Answer: JUSINSBABY I tried to research stopping the vitex and couldn't find anything. I would guess maybe stopping a couple weeks before you try the SIVs would be do the trick. STERLINBERLIN any side effects from the SIVs? = |
| Answer: No I haven't really had any side effects. It's weird but sometimes I feel like I get a little crampy, kind of like I'm pregnant already you know? But I don't think it's possible, plus I have no other signs. So the only thing I can think is it's maybe the SIV or it could be anything really. I've read that they make you kind of gassy so I'm thinking maybe that's the cramps. They're not bad just occasional. = |
| Answer: Hhhmm, the cramping could be your ovaries getting ready to O. I have heard that clomid users notice crampiness too, so could be?? Or you could be right and they are just gas pains, lol. = |
| Answer: lol....hopefully its o pains! Any good suggestions on what I should look for so I know if I o tomorrow or not? I've never really looked much into it. = |
| Answer: From what I've heard if you get overian hyperstimulation you'll know. There's no mistaking it. There's no wondering if it's there or not. You'll just KNOW. Kind of like labor I guess. Someone on here said that and all the research I've done indicates that too. = |
| Answer: So Sterlin do you think you've O'd yet? Hoping4twins are you still out there? = |
| Answer: LIGHT STIMULATION: OK, so here is a whole new theory I have. Another form of ovarian stimulation is tied to light. More fraternal twins are conceived in the month of June than any other month (crazy I know but look it up yourself) and December is the month in which the least amount of fraternal twins are conceived. June has the longest days and conversely December has the shortest days so it has been theorized that this is tied to light. Once upon a time our menstrual cycles were tied to the lunar cycles and we were more likely to O during a full moon because the extra light increases our fsh and lh levels. And in June when the days are longer we are getting exposed to more light thus our fsh and lh levels are higher. A number of studies have been done on anovulary women in which a bright light was introduced in the early morning every day for 45 min. during the women's cycle to simulate extra day light. PLUS a low level night light was used during the night during a women's 3 day peak O time to simulate the full moon. Amazingly the fsh and lh levels were significantly higher than in the controls and women who were not ovulating on there own were able to O.......... So it would make sense if this little experiment were done on a normally ovulating woman that this would also significantly increase her chance of twins. Hhhmmmm. = |
| Answer: thanks carolina, I guess I'll be paying attention all day~!! Jessica that's really interestigng about light! I just wonder how long it takes to be in the extra light before it would work. So do you think any kind of light would work? = |
| Answer: I doubt the light would work effectively as clomid does, and I'm doubting that it increases the chance of twins very much... Although, I was readint that in annovulatory women, meaning women who DON'T ovulate on their own, the chance of twins is 5-10%. I'm betting you anything that the chance in women who DO ovulate, is MUCH MUCH more. = |
| Answer: I don't doubt clomid will give you a good chance of twins. But there are so many natural things out there to think of as well, especially if you don't want to use an unprescribed drug......... Sterlin the light they use is a full spectrum light source, its supposed to give the best representation to natural light, and I think you can find full spectrum light bulbs at hardware stores. Unfortunately they measured it in lux not watts about 4300lux and I don't know how many watts that represents, maybe 3-100watt bulbs?? Also they used it every morning from cd7 to cd 14 and saw results immediately. = |
| Answer: That's neat! But maybe I'll just wait and ttc in june next time lol. I'm worried with the SIV and the vitex, maybe I messed something up. I bought some opks yesterday just to see if I o'd and the tests were negative. So now I don't know....I'm thinking if I don't get a BFP this time next month I'm just going to do the SIV and definately no vitex. = |
| Answer: Now I wa wondering about the wild yams. I know the ones that are researched to help increase are the cassava roots. But what effects do you think the wild yam supplements you buy at a natral health pharmacy would do? = |
| Answer: Jessicab3 - can you do Clomid and soy (SIV) at the same time? I have read this entire post, but kind of got confused of the do's and don'ts. My AF is due to come Monday and if it does I am going to start another round of Clomid and will do the soy (SIV) at the same time if I can. = |
| Answer: Pamj hhmmm, can I ask why are you taking the clomid, how many cycles, dosage etc. Then I will do some more research and get back to you tonight. = |
| Answer: Sterlin, I posted on your OPK question, hopefully you just haven't O'd yet. Maybe the SIVs did push it back a little. Yeah I agree the wild yam supplements are confusing because they are advertised as increasing your chance of twins but if you look up the actual benefits you will see they increase your progesterone which is a different benefit alltogether. The benefits of high progesterone is it decreases your chance of a chemical pregnancy by extending your luteal phase after you O. = |
| Answer: my husband and I have been TTC for about 10 months - we have done 1 round of clomid - 50 mg - my AF is due 4/14 if it is to come - the doctor said if it comes we could do another round of clomid. I guess I have what is called unexplained secondary infertility. = |
| Answer: So I assume you were ovulating already on your own and the clomid is to give you a boost? If that is the case I would hesitate to take them both together. I looked around on the internet and couldn't find anyone taking them both, it was either one or the other so I'm not sure what would happen. I would worry about hyperstimulating your ovaries if you mix the two together. About 80mg of SIV is close to 50mg of clomid, so taking them together would be the same as upping your clomid dose to 100mg. You are more likely to see clomid side effects at 100mg and you are more likely to ovulate 2 or 3 eggs (if you were already Oing on your own without it) Maybe you could try adding just 40mg of SIVs with your clomid next month and go from there. Is your doc doing u/s's around O time? If she is then she will know if you are hyperstimulating and can warn you. = |
| Answer: thanks for your help Jessicab3 - I think I will do what you said and just take clomid for now - better to be safe than sorry - I dont' want to do to much and risk causing more problems. I have only done one round, maybe the 2nd round will bring better luck, if not, the 3rd time is always a charm :-) = |
| Answer: Wow. All that stuff with progesterone is crazy! Everything I hear says it's beneficial to use progesterone cream AFTER you ovulate. Is this true? = |
| Answer: Yes, you need progesterone AFTER you ovulate not before. Too much progesterone before you O can actually cause you not to O. Your body automatically produces progesterone on its own but for some ladies it is not enough. So many ladies who have had early m/c's or who are trying for twins will use a progesterone cream. It's available OTC and there is no harm in too much progesterone so if you want to use it go ahead. = |
| Answer: Pamj good luck, maybe af won't come and clomid worked on your first try. I'm blowing baby dust your way. =) = |
| Answer: Jessicab3 - can you give me a list of the items I will need for this cycle. Yep AF showed today so I am cd 1 and if clomid get here in time I will still be taking them. Also can you let me know how many mg and how many times of day to take them. Can you let me know ASAP I am leaving early like in one hour.
Krissy68 = |
| Answer: Krissy, you took clomid last cycle right? If so I wouldn't be too worried about not taking it this cycle as it is known to stay in your system for up to 6 weeks and will most likely affect this cycle too. I would recommend trying the soy isoflavones this cycle. About 80mg is equal to 50mg of clomid but has less side effects. How much to take is up to you. If you ovulate on your own most studies have shown even 50mg of clomid is enough to produce more than one egg and higher doses does not make a difference, however the side effects are more severe at higher doses and can actually make it harder to get pregnant. So if you take the clomid I would recommend 50mg cd2-6. If you take the soy isoflavones I would go for the 160mg a day since it has less side effects. Soy and clomid is best when taken in the morning but due to clomid side effects most women take it in the evening to "sleep through it". Other supplements to take is a good multi-vitamin, Vit. B6 100mg/daily to increase fertile CM, Evening Primrose Oil 3000mg/day from cd1 to cd18 for fertile CM, Mucinex during Ovulation to thin out CM from cd10-cd18, a minimum of 800mcg/daily folic acid, a baby aspirin (81mg/daily) to improve implantation and an Omega 3/6 supplement. Well I think that is everything I can think of (at least everything I have in my medicine cabinet =) Good Luck, let me know if you need anything clarified. Oh and don't forget to drink lots of milk and eat lots of beef =) = |
| Answer: I will be trying again to get pregnant hopefully sometime next year, and I will need help when I decide to try again. I was researching some information to discuss with the physicians I work with and stumbled upon this forum. I just have a few thoughts to share with you all as a labor nurse. I have seen many babies born, making beautiful families...but I've also seen things that I wish no one had to go through. This is just coming from the heart, and through my education (on the job and through advanced college education and research). I'm just wanting you to understand what I see every day on the job...
First off, I just want to say good luck to all of you trying to have a baby. I know first-hand what all of you are going through to have your perfect, beautiful baby. I have been a labor, postpartum, and infant nurse for several years and have based all of my higher education research on the process of pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, ect... I am by no means an expert...but I have one question to those of you "TRYING" to have twins. WHAT IN THE WORLD?? WHY?? For those of you who think its "fun" to have twins...gosh you need to have a bit of a wake-up call. Before they even arrive, there are many months of trepidation and worry ahead...extra ultrasounds, tests, visits to the doctor, pre-term labor, bedrest (you can pretty much forget about working at some point!), threatened miscarriage, spotting, premature rupture of membranes (water breaking before it is supposed to), pregnancy induced hypertension (the risk of getting this increases with multiple gestations), extra weight gain, (more pressure put on joints, lower back, ect...causing more pain and discomfort to the mother), and lets not get started on the swelling...it seems to be so much more when you are carrying twins! It is in itself...astounding. There are many other things that can happen when you are carrying twins...this is just the beginning and the most common. You really need to know if you are wanting to have twins (and you do end up pregnant with them) that you are in for one big roller coaster ride for the next several months. It wont always be fun and games...big bellies and laughs.
When your due date nears (if you make it that far)....(not the typical 40 weeks for a singleton, but about 36 weeks for twins) your obstetrician will most likely recommend a c-section for safe delivery of both babies. All surgeries carry risk, and the c-section is not any different. It is major, abdominal surgery and complications do arise! Even if you and your doctor decide to have a trial of labor, and you near the time to start pushing, it will most likely to take place in an operating room in case the babies get into distress (this happens quite often). This will not be like most other deliveries that take place in the homier, less sterile delivery rooms we have grown accustomed to in the U.S. these days. Your family will most likely not be in the operating room with you, and if you or the babies get into distress your husband/father of the baby may even be removed from the O.R. as well so the staff can work faster and so that he is not traumatized by the events that take place. Many times, the first twin can be delivered safely but the second twin may be in a breech (or other difficult position) making a vaginal delivery impossible or dangerous. There are only minutes at times to get the second baby out and the mother is then subjected to a c-section anyway and may be put under general anesthesia (it is the fastest way to get the baby out in an emergency) and is asleep during the process and misses the birth of the second birth entirely. Having spoken with many mothers that this has happened to, they feel sad and a little guilty for not being able to hear their second baby's cry, and experience their birth like the first one's.
If you have a planned c-section, most of the time you are awake and are present for both of the births, but it is still major surgery. There are many risks that I could get into, but for the sake of brevity I'll just put in you have a greater risk of bleeding...especially if you have two placentas (most likely with non-identical twins, the kind you are trying to make happen) and sometimes the bleeding cannot be stopped and you are susceptiple to having a hysterectomy to save your life. No more babies then...
The risks for the babies include being small for their age, having breathing problems, having fluid in thier lungs that they will have to work out over the next several days (due to not being squeezed out of the birth canal) and having a hard time keeping a normal temperature. All of these things make them more susceptible to infections such as RSV and being born with collapsed lungs, not to mention respiratory distress, sometimes resulting in being on a respirator. This sometimes becomes too much for your particular hospital to handle, and your babies may be transfered to another hospital (such as "Children's") as you are left at yours to heal. Not seeing them makes mothers crazy...understandably. Its hard to heal from a c-section when you are missing your babies! Not all twins are admitted to the NICU, but many are. A lot of moms don't get to bond immediately with thier babies because they are too sick and under constant monitoring, have IV's, medicines, and machines attached to them. Its not "fun" at all, it is a time of worry, constant prayer, and for most the worst thing they have ever been through. I'm not trying to scare any of you, but having twins is not easy or fun most of the time. It is one thing to get pregnant with them naturally...but to force it along just seems like suicide to me. I've seen mothers of twins come back in to see us for help with breastfeeding or other similar issues and they are so tired and out of it I don't even recognize them. Many mothers are seemingly focused only on the pregnancy and birth, and don't realize how much work they are once they are born. You are so much busier with two of them...once you get one fed, changed and sleeping the other one starts in on you. It is rare to get the both of them on the same schedule. Most mothers of multiples need extra help, and find that if they try to do too much on their own they get overwhelmed and depressed, to say the least. This is all compounded with the pain of a c-section...sometimes it is just too much for them to handle. Breastfeeding two, hungry babies with two, distinct personalities is so very hard in the beginning, even if nothing else goes wrong. There's so much to having two babies...if you really want to have twins please go to the hospital you plan to deliver and talk with the nurses there. I bet they will say things very similar to what I am saying. I'm saying this to save you your sanity.
Please just think about what you are trying to force nature into. Trying to have twins is like trying to throw yourself into a tornado. If nature sends a tornado over your house and you are sucked up into it...well you deal with it and hope it settles down quickly. To jump into a tornado on purpose just makes one question that person's sanity!
Have a baby...get to know that baby...and enjoy getting the time to bond with that one baby. Then...have another! Right away if you want to...but to have twins on purpose is just not a very informed decision to me. Do your research, it is out there...and by all means just take what the good Lord gives you in his divine love. (-: = |
| Answer: LaborNurse MSN: WHAT WAS YOUR QUESTION AGAIN??????? = |
| Answer: Geesh, I've been cruzing these forums for a long time and have never seen a posting that long. I didn't even know you could post that much at once. = |
| Answer: Hi Jessicab3 - just wanted to give you an update I am taking my clomid on cd 2-6 I am going to take 50mg on cd 2,4, & 6 and 100mg on cd 3&5. I have also started taking my temp and taking prenat vit when should I start the robintussin and baby asprin and when do you start the opk and how many times a day do you test? Krissy68 = |
| Answer: Hi ladies,
i hope you dont mind another one joining the thread! I was taking vitex but after reading everything on here im gona stop, i dont want to go onto prescription drugs, so clomids out, i already take folic acid to help pretect against tube defects when i do fall pregnant and i love milk and cheese anyway, so thats already taking care of itself!
Ive just read everything from top to bottom and im just wondering if someone can clarify some things for me (as its alot to take in all in one go and im getting confused)
From everything ive read i think the 2 things im gona try is the SIV and try and find some cassava, but im a bit confused when im meant to take each of them. Also is there anything ive missed?
Thanks = |
| Answer: Hi JESSICA, just looking into this yam thing a bit more, and ive found this - i have no idea about chemicals, so wondered if its true or not?
"There is also speculation that the West African predisposition to twinning is due to the large amount of yams in their diet because yams contain phytoestrogens, which may stimulate the ovaries. Most likely this is a myth, as phytoestrogens would tend to suppress twinning by reducing gonadotropin levels."
Thanks = |
| Answer: Hi CALLAJ. From what I've read on the cassava it seems that a chemical in the peeling is more likely to be the cause. I think I ran aross the name at one time but it slips my mind. But as I did more research on the cassava peelings I also found that depending on where the cassava is grown it could also have high cyanide levels (yikes!). So at that point I pretty much gave up. I also don't think it is the phytoestrogens. Soy is very high in phytoestrogens so if that were the case you would think vegans would have a high twinning rate and in fact they have a lower twinning rate than the average population. I think its just the timing and quantity of the phytoestrogens which is why SIVs seem to work. That and the fact that the SIVs are mostly anti-estrogenic. So if you do try the SIVs I would try about 160mg on cd2-6, and take it in the morning as I read that soy is most effective in the morn. But do some more research on the cassava before you head in that direction. = |
| Answer: Sorry KRISSY I missed your posting, but I think Schar already answered for you. Let me know if you need anything else. = |
| Answer: Jessicab3 - She did answer everything for me I think. I'm on cd 6 and today was my last day of clomid. This is going to be a tough month for me because my body is doing some weird things maybe because I have started taking the prenat, asprin and really trying to get in tune with my body. I have had a headache that is getting on my last nerve and I'm so tired and my stomach have been upset also. I will be getting me some opk test on friday so I can have them on hand for cd 10 until when? When do I start taking the robintussin and how much and how many times of day. Krissy68 = |
| Answer: KRISSY, thats the clomid s/e kicking in but since you are on your last day you should start feeling better soon. Keep taking opks at least until you O. Hopefully you will O around cd13-cd15 plus or minus a couple days. For the robitussin follow the dosage recommendations and use it through cd12-cd16. Good Luck! = |
| Answer: Jessica I was reading about red raspberry leaf tea. What I read about it said to drink it before and during your pregnancy except in the mi-late 3rd trimester because it could indue contractions. Then I have a friend and she said she read that you aren't suppose to drink in in your first trimester. So what do you think? = |
| Answer: Jessicab3 - Thanks and how are you doing? Well I don't think this will be my month either because me and my better half got into it and he has left for the cooling off period, he is just at his mom's house to help her do some things but I know he will be gone for a few days I might not see him until Wednesday which might be way too late, I'm thinking about just being by myself. Krissy68 = |
| Answer: KRISSY thats rough, hope you 2 can make ammends soon, but yeah Wed. might be too late.... STERLIN there's a lot of mixed views on red raspberry leaf. It helps increase progesterone levels which is good while ttcing both for embryo implantation and in lengthening the luteal phase. Another thing its good for is to "tone" the uterus which is especially good late in pregnancy but in a small number of women it can increase contractions. So I would recommend stopping it after you get your bfp or at least reducing the amount for a few weeks. But definately don't take it during the 2nd tri. = |
| Answer: Wow. I'm so sorry Krissy. I really hope you can work things out. I know it can get really stressful when you're TTC. Try to just keep things happy and if there's anything you can do to make it better, do it... Assuming hubby isn't a bad person or something. I really wish you luck! = |
| Answer: Jessicab3 and Carolina73 - We made up and he will be home tomorrow. I'm not due to ovulate until cd 18 I am on cd 11 but I will start usind the opk tomorrow cause according to the chart that came with it if my cycle is 31 days then I should start testing on cd 14. Do you know how many days after your last clomid should you ovulate I took my pills cd 2-6. Krissy68 = |
| Answer: Here is my update I am on cd 13 and my better half came home yesterday and we bd yesterday and also today and we will continue until AF show up I hope I can last. I am still doing the prenat vit, baby asprin and robintussin I will start the opk tomorrow that is cd 14 for me and I will stop taking the robintussin on cd 17 or do I need to stop before then. I am suppose to start being fertile on cd 15 with me ovulating on cd 18. Krissy68 = |
| Answer: HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I took my first opk today and I got 2 lines the test line was darker then then the control line what does that mean neg or pos? I know I should have started testing on cd 10 like a lot of the ladies told me to but I was trying to go by the direction and I only had 4 test. Krissy68 = |
| Answer: OH that is definately a positive test honey. You need to start bding NOW, lol. And bd once a day for the next 4 or 5 days just to make sure you catch that eggie. Good Luck!!!! = |
| Answer: Jessicab3 - Okay got another question so don't take any more opk test? | | | | | |
