What are your chances of carrying more than one baby in your current pregnancy? If you are over the age of 30 or undergoing treatment for infertility or have a family history of twins, it can increase the incidence of multiple pregnancies. In the last two decades the number of twin births in US increased by 70% and the number of women having triplets or more babies has quadrupled.

Answer the following questions to find out whether you are going to give birth to more than one baby in this pregnancy. Perhaps the information will prepare you for your multiple birth experience.

Tips for women having Multiple Pregnancy

❖	Take nutritious food rich in protein, vitamins, and other nutrients. Whole-grains Fruits and Vegetables Milk Leafy green vegetables Good fat (plant oil, fish)
❖	Food rich in folate helps to avoid birth defects. Spinach Grains Lentils Peas
❖	Calcium intake is essential to prevent high blood pressure during multiple pregnancy. You can have 3-4 glasses of milk daily
❖	Take bed rest from middle of the second trimester(5th month).
❖	You may require 'cervical cerclage' (treatment to make your cervix stay closed to avoid miscarriage), if your cervix is physically weak and unable to stay closed. Consult with your doctor.
❖	Avoid intercourse from 20th week (or 24th week).

Complications of Multiple Pregnancy

❖	As the number of fetuses increase, the gestational period decreases, thus, resulting in premature birth and birth defects.
❖	Vanishing twin syndrome is commonly seen in case of triplets or quadruplets in which one of the fetuses disappears.
❖	Twin-to-Twin transfusion syndrome is observed in identical twins sharing placenta, in which the blood will be diverted from one fetus to another as the blood vessels are connected within the placenta.
❖	There may be an increased (Hydramnios) or decreased (Oligohydramnios) amount of amniotic fluid leading to maternal diabetes, congenital infections, premature rupture of membranes (before labor) and intrauterine growth restriction (poor fetal growth).
❖	The problems faced by the mother include high blood pressure, anemia, increased bleeding after delivery due to the over extension of uterus (postpartum hemorrhage) and cesarean delivery.

References

http://www.asrm.org/uploadedFiles/ASRM_Content/Resources/Patient_Resources
http://www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/23222/router.asp
http://www.chp.edu/CHP/P08033

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Multiple Pregnancy Calculator
Tell us your month of pregnancy?
Are you over 30 years of age?	Yes No
Have you in the past taken any treatment for infertility?	Yes No
Is this more than your third pregnancy?	Yes No
Is your weight gain in excess in the first three months of your pregnancy?	Yes No
Do you feel fetal movement in different parts of your abdomen at the same time?	Yes No
Is there any history of multiple pregnancy on your mother’s side?	Yes No
Is your lower belly bigger than that of your friends who became pregnant at the same time as you?	Yes No
Are you experiencing more than usual morning sickness, nausea or vomiting?	Yes No
Are you wanting to eat all the time and experiencing an increased appetite?	Yes No

Twins, Triplets or Multiple Pregnancy Calculator

Multiple Pregnancy Calculator

Tips for women having Multiple Pregnancy

Complications of Multiple Pregnancy

References

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