A multiple pregnancy means that you are carrying more than one baby in your womb. Multiple pregnancies happen when a man’s sperm fertilizes more than one egg (ovum). It can also occur if one fertilized egg splits into two or more wherein each one develops into an embryo resulting in two or more babies.
More and more women are starting to experience multiple pregnancies compared to past decades. These days, women tend to have babies over the age of 30. Having babies at this point increases your chances of experiencing multiple pregnancies. Another reason is that women are opting for fertility treatments to help them get pregnant. Such a procedure is known to increase the chances of multiple pregnancies.
Common Worries Of Mothers Expecting Multiples
If you are pregnant with multiples, you may have some worries about its implications. Multiple pregnancies are not something most mothers are expecting and can come as a surprise after the first visit to the obstetrician. Mothers expecting twins, triplets, or quads worry about the following things.
Multiple pregnancy complications
When you are expecting twins or higher-order multiples, being concerned about any complications is probably high on your list of worries. To ease your mind, most mothers in this situation have healthy multiple pregnancies if they keep up with frequent check-ups and follow guidelines set by their doctor. Here are some conditions to monitor during your pregnancy.
- Premature Labor – Going into labour early
- Anaemia – Low levels of red blood cells caused by iron deficiency
- Pre-eclampsia or hypertension – Dangerous forms of high blood pressure
- Polyhydramnios – Too much amniotic fluid around the babies
- Miscarriage or stillbirth – one or more of the babies die in the womb
- Postpartum haemorrhage – Heavy bleeding after the birth
Frequent visits to your obstetrician can help track or uncover any complications early on to prevent them from worsening. Such check-ups not only take care of you as the mother but your children as well.
More severe pregnancy symptoms
Pregnancy symptoms can be a pain to deal with when you have a single pregnancy. Expecting multiples might have heightened symptoms. The most common symptom is back pain. Because you are carrying multiples, you can expect to grow bigger as you reach full term and therefore putting more strain on your back. As your babies grow to full size, back pain will cause discomfort as your muscles and spine strain themselves to make room for the babies.
The Birthing Process
Most mothers expecting multiple births will have a vaginal birth so long as no complications are detected. Usually, the first baby will be in a head-down position. If the first baby is in a breech position, then the doctor might recommend a caesarean section.
It’s also critical that you inform your doctor if you have any health complications or if you had previously had difficulty in giving birth. Your doctor can then determine the best method of delivery for your situation.
Caring for multiple babies
Thinking about how you will care for twins, triplets, or more once they arrive can be daunting. The best way to combat this is to seek support from your partner or family members. Having an extra set of hands to get you through the days will do loads to ease your stress and let you get the rest you need. Ample rest is especially important if you are breastfeeding.
Among other proven guidelines in taking care of them is to start laying down a routine for your babies. Granted, they will not adhere to it within the first few months, but eventually, this routine will kick in and help you manage your time and taking care of them better.
Set a strict custom for feedings, napping, diaper changes, and playtime. While you and the babies get into the rhythm of the routine, do not be afraid to seek additional support in their care.
The need for more financial preparation
Last but not least, on the list of worries are the financial additions you need to consider when expecting multiples. Multiple pregnancies are usually unexpected and can throw your financial plans off balance.
One way to address this imbalance is to focus spending on basics. The trick is to stick to items that are reusable if possible. Additionally, consider buying in bulk things like diapers and formula (if you are not breastfeeding).
It would help if you also looked into your medical insurance plan to see if it can ease your wallet when it comes to regular check-ups and required booster shots for your babies.
What Are Your Dietary Needs When Expecting Multiple Babies?
Carrying multiples means you can expect to gain more weight than a single baby. The amount of weight you should aim for depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and the number of fetuses. You may want to look into the practical nutrition-based program to get started.
Talk to your doctor to get the exact amount of daily calories that you need. Generally, it would help if you were consuming 300 more calories a day for each fetus. Having to eat a lot more than you’re used to can sometimes cause bloatedness, so try to eat smaller meals frequently throughout the day.
Having the proper diet and supplementing it with enough vitamin capsules is key to ensuring your babies get the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. You should follow general pregnancy nutrition guidelines.
Among the two necessary dietary requirements, you should be getting a fair amount of calcium and folic acid. You will also need a good dose of iron to ensure that enough healthy red blood cells flow to your babies. Low red blood is common in multiple pregnancies, and it can lead to more severe complications.
Consult your obstetrician for additional increases on specific vitamins, nutrients, and minerals when expecting more than one. A proper diet alone would not be sufficient for your nutritional needs. You would need to take supplements.
Other Preparations To Make For A Multiple Pregnancy
It would be best if you prepared yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically for multiple pregnancies. Taking care of newborns (especially more than one) will be a task that requires your full attention. It’s exponentially more daunting if you’re expecting more the first time. Find ways to keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed by reaching out to people you trust to help you.
The goal is to remain in control of the situation at all times. Get a rhythm and routine going that works for you and your babies. Once this routine sets in, you can start to focus on keeping your stress levels in check. Managing stress will not just benefit your well-being, but the bond you have with your babies as well.
More Information On Multiple Pregnancies
There is a lot of information out there regarding multiple pregnancy, and it can be hard to avoid fear-mongering. One specialist cuts through the noise and keeps things simple and easy to understand. Barbara Luke is an experienced reproductive epidemiologist who has worked with both private and public research to gain more insight on multiple births.
In her books, Dr Luke dives deeper into a child’s development in the womb and how it results in long term health effects for your babies. Her studies and research are well received in the scientific community and focus on reducing your risk of complications in multiple births.
One of her well-known books, “Program Your Baby’s Health: The Pregnancy Diet for Your Child’s Lifelong Well-Being Illustrated Edition”, shows the link between eating right and staying healthy during your pregnancy to ensure a healthy life for your baby.
Dr Luke provides cutting-edge insight as to why your habits during pregnancy form the development of your child later in life.
If you are looking for a starting point for learning more about how you can keep your baby healthy, read this book. It will give you the insight you need and keep you in the loop about best practices ensuring babies’ healthy lifestyles.
