Multiple Birth Pregnancies

If you've just found out you're carrying more than one baby, you're not alone. According to the March of Dimes (MOD), three percent of babies born today come in sets of two, three or more. One in every 41 mothers is carrying twins, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Even though multiple births are not unusual, complications can occur. Fortunately, doctors can detect multiple pregnancies early on and can start giving you the special treatment you need. (Read about "Healthy Pregnancy")

Diagnosis

Carrying more than one baby could trigger some big changes in your body. The National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC) says the most common changes include:

• rapid weight gain
• extreme nausea and vomiting
• tender breasts

Your healthcare provider can confirm your suspicions during a routine first trimester ultrasound. (Read about "Stages of Pregnancy" "Pregnancy Testing" "Ultrasound Imaging") MOD says abnormal results on maternal blood screening could also help reveal multiple fetuses.

Complications

If you do receive a positive diagnosis that you are carrying multiple babies, you will have to see your doctor more than if you were only carrying one child. That's because, according to NWHIC, your risk of complications are greater.

Some of those complications, according to NWHIC and MOD are:

• preterm birth - birth prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy (Read about "Preterm Labor")
• low birth weight - having a baby who weighs less than 5 pounds, eight ounces. Low birth weight babies are at increased risk of health problems like impaired hearing and vision, as well as mental retardation and cerebral palsy. (Read about "Cerebral Palsy")
• gestational diabetes - having diabetes during pregnancy (Read about "Diabetes")
• preeclampsia - a condition occurring after the 20th week that involves high blood pressure and kidney as well as other organ problems (Read about "Preeclampsia")
• cesarean birth - the odds are higher that you will need a cesarean delivery with a multiple pregnancy
• twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) - is a condition that can develop if you are carrying identical twins and they share the placenta. One of the babies gets too much blood flow, the other not enough.

Prenatal Care

In light of all the possible complications of carrying more than one baby, it's no wonder you need special prenatal care. (Read about "Prenatal Care") According to MOD, you may be asked to do the following:

• See a maternal fetal specialist trained in higher-risk pregnancies.
• See your healthcare provider more often. You might be asked to visit two times a month during your second trimester, and weekly during your third. This way your healthcare provider can detect and treat any complications. During the third trimester, you may also be required to take some tests to determine the well-being of the baby. According to MOD, these may include:
  • non-stress test, which measures fetal heart rate when the baby is moving
  • biophysical profile, which is a mix of the non-stress test with an ultrasound
• If you were a healthy weight before pregnancy, then MOD suggests you gain 35 to 45 pounds with twins. However, this number varies, depending on your initial weight. Women pregnant with triplets may need to gain more. If you are underweight at the start of the pregnancy, you may be urged to add even more weight. Women pregnant with multiples should discuss weight gain with their healthcare provider. ACOG also suggests that women of average weight eat a total of 2700 calories daily, if they are carrying multiples. A pre-natal vitamin is also recommended by MOD. (Read about "Pregnancy & Nutrition")
• Get plenty of rest. Your healthcare provider may suggest you cut back on activities sometime between the 20th and 24th weeks of pregnancy. MOD says this may even be suggested sooner, and the suggestion may also involve resting several times a day. Such a recommendation could come without any signs of preterm labor. Some women may be placed on bed rest to try to prevent premature delivery.

Once the babies are born, you can expect to be very busy. (Read about "Baby & Yong Child Care") If taking care of one baby is tough, then you do the math with a multiple birth. (Read about "Newborn Concerns") But it will also be an exciting time. Remember to take care of yourself. Get the rest you need and stay healthy. If you have problems, don't be afraid to discuss them with your healthcare provider. You can also seek out support groups for parents of multiple babies.

Related Information:

    Pregnancy Resource Center

    Breastfeeding

    Childbirth

    Due Date

    Newborn Screenings