The Reality of a Singleton Pregnancy After Twins

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Before becoming pregnant this time around, I was really curious and nervous about what it would be like to be pregnant with one baby after having twins.

This is my third pregnancy. I had a singleton, then twins, and right now I’m pregnant with a singleton again.

My twin pregnancy was much more difficult than my first singleton pregnancy.

And even though I knew that it was difficult because I was carrying two babies (plus chasing around a toddler), part of me was still scared that another pregnancy would be just as hard on my body.

Now that I am in my second trimester, I have some insight into what it’s like to have a singleton pregnancy after twins.

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1. Are You Sure There’s Only One This Time?

I have been asked this sooo many times!

And I totally get it, because, at my first ultrasound appointment, I had the ultrasound technician TRIPLE CHECK that there was only one!

Josie and Margo are identical twins, meaning the trait of having twins isn’t genetic. When twins run in families, it’s only fraternal twins that can run in families…. not identical twins.

(You can read more about identical vs fraternal <– twins in this post.)

So, the odds of us having twins again is very low! But once you’ve been through that shock, you realize anything can happen.

I never in a million years thought that I would end up pregnant with twins, just as never in a million years would I think I would end up with two sets of twins. Crazier things have happened.

But rest assured, I’m only having one, and to be honest, I had the teensiest, tiniest twinge of disappointment that we wouldn’t experience twins again.

2. I Have the Same Fears as my Twin Pregnancy

I began my twin pregnancy very nervous and anxious about all of the possible complications that can come with a twin pregnancy.

Late into my second trimester, I finally was calm enough to accept the fact that everything was going well… right in time for my water to break at 31 weeks and 6 days pregnant.

This time around, with my singleton pregnancy, I have the same fear of having a premature baby.

It’s irrational, right? There is no reason that would happen with a singleton pregnancy. Even my doctor said to treat this as a normal pregnancy, and not a high-risk pregnancy.

It’s still hard for me to let go of those fears though.

We usually plan a trip every year in either March or April. Since this baby is due in April, I briefly thought about planning a trip in February.

But the truth is, I’m too scared to plan a trip that far into my pregnancy.

My due date for my twin pregnancy was in April. By January, I was on hospitalized bed rest, and by February, my babies were here.

So even though it’s probably totally fine, and my doctor would most likely OK it, I have a little bit of PTSD and I can’t plan a trip that late.

I keep running through the scenario of what would happen if I were to end up in on hospitalized bed rest again.

Who would take care of my kids while my husband is at work? Who would take them to school and make them lunch and give them endless amounts of hugs and kisses?

The reality is, it could happen. While complications occur with singleton pregnancies less frequently than twin pregnancies, it can still happen.

I need to think positively, but logically know that complications could happen and make smart choices… such as not booking a vacation past 32 weeks gestation!

It was interesting and validating to me, that when I polled my audience on Instagram, I had many other mamas say that they had the same fears with their post-twin pregnancy.

3. It’s Easier on my Body

My twin pregnancy was really challenging.

I never had that burst of energy in the second trimester. I went straight from feeling nauseous and fatigued to…. sore, achy, and fatigued.

I remember constantly feeling like there was something wrong with me; that I wasn’t strong enough to handle a twin pregnancy; and constantly feeling defeated.

It’s the reason that, two years later, I wrote the post “There’s Nothing Wrong With You; Twin Pregnancy is Really This Hard.”

I wanted to give other expecting twin mamas some solidarity. There’s nothing wrong with us, it’s just really and truly THAT HARD!

When I thought about becoming pregnant again, I was really scared that it would be an incredibly difficult pregnancy again. Even though there is only one, I know that each pregnancy can be progressively harder and harder on the body.

At 17 weeks, I can say, with a HUGE sigh of relief, that it’s been much easier than my twin pregnancy.

Sure, there’s plenty of time for things to become challenging, and I’m sure the third trimester will be rough… especially as I have three other little ones to take care of.

But for now, I’m allowing myself to just feel JOY that things are easier for me this time around!

Read –> Giving Birth to Twins: What to Expect with Twin Labor and Delivery

4. I’m Showing Even Earlier

I’m sure this is a combination of this being my third pregnancy, as well as pregnancy after twins, but I was showing very early!

I honestly was surprised, because it’s expected that you show earlier with twins.

But pregnancy after twins? I didn’t expect to be showing so early!

It does make sense though.

Not only does the uterus grow at a faster rate during a twin pregnancy, but the uterus will be larger and heavier in a twin pregnancy than a singleton pregnancy.

So, when you’re pregnant with a singleton after twins, your uterus knows exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s like riding a bike, it comes right back!

5. I’m Not Frantic About Getting Everything Ready

By not frantic, I mean that I forgot.

I was 17 weeks pregnant this past Saturday. As I was doing some Christmas shopping online, I came across a deal for a baby car seat, and it hit me.

Umm, I need to prepare for this baby. I need to buy a car seat!

I have so much going on with my mental load in caring for my 3 children, that I completely forgot that I need to purchase things for this sweet babe in my belly and set up a nursery!

Now, I’m only 17 weeks, no big deal, plenty of time, right?

Pretty sure I had both nurseries either complete or almost complete at this point in my previous pregnancies.

I like to get things done EARLY and the earlier the better!

So. Taking suggestions for the best baby items, because it’s been almost 4 years since I’ve done this!

6. I’m Allowing Myself to Feel Joy

I did not truly enjoy either of my previous pregnancies. While my pregnancy with Theo was relatively smooth, I was just so anxious to meet him and hold him in my arms, that I did not enjoy being pregnant.

And with my twin pregnancy, I was such a nervous wreck and in pain that I enjoyed it 0%.

This time around???? I’m trying to enjoy it.

I’m eating all the delicious foods that I want to.

And if I want a new maternity outfit to make myself feel good about my body, I’m buying it. In the past, I’ve been very frugal during my pregnancies because it doesn’t make sense to invest money in something you can only wear temporarily.

This time, I’m doing it.

I’ve realized that it’s worth it spend extra money or eat an extra piece of cake to experience joy for 9-months.

P.S. Make sure you’re following me on social media to keep up with our family and all the twin cuteness! I am on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!