Multiple pregnancy is when a woman is carrying two or more babies. Women expecting more than one baby are  at high risk of certain pregnancy complications including premature birth. This risk is increased with each additional baby a woman carries.

Who is likely to conceive multiples ?

These factors increase a woman’s risk of conceiving multiples

•  age 30 years and over
• fertility treatment
• personal or family history of twins
• African-American race
• obesity

How do  I know i’m carrying multiples ?

 
A routine first trimester ultrasound can be used to detect  multiples. Other ways that multiples can be detected include the following :

• severe morning sickness
• rapid weight gain during the first trimester
• more than one heart beat heard on the Doppler which is a hand-held ultrasound device
• a larger than expected uterus
• more fetal movement than a women carrying a single baby will experience
• abnormal results of prenatal testing done at 16 weeks of pregnancy to screen for birth defects

What are some of the common complications associated with multiple pregnancy ?

Some of the most common complications encountered by women carrying multiples include the following :

• premature labor / delivery
• preeclampsia
• gestational diabetes
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction IUGR
• placental abruption
• low birth weight
• cesarean section
• fetal loss

What can I do to reduce my risk of complications associated with multiple pregnancy ?

 
Complications can be managed when doctors detect them early. It is therefore essential to get an early and  regular prenatal test so that your doctor can monitor you. You do not have to stress out about everything that can go on with the pregnancy. You just need to eat healthy, stay hydrated , avoid unhealthy lifestyles like smoking and  don’t miss any prenatal appointments.