What multiples mean for you
Taking care of yourself is the best way to have a healthy pregnancy. If you're carrying multiples, you can expect:
- More-frequent checkups. You'll see your healthcare professional often to track the multiples' growth and development during pregnancy, and to track your health. Your healthcare team also watches for symptoms of premature labor. That's because birth before 37 weeks is the most common risk of a multiple pregnancy. You might need frequent ultrasounds or other tests, especially as the pregnancy progresses.
- More weight gain. Gaining the right amount of weight is important. For twins, the recommendation usually is 37 to 54 pounds (about 17 to 25 kilograms) for people who have a healthy weight before pregnancy. Most often, you can gain that amount of weight by eating an extra 600 calories a day. But ask your healthcare professional what amount of weight gain is right for you and how many extra calories you need.
- Earlier delivery. If labor doesn't start on its own at a certain point in the third trimester, your healthcare team may recommend steps to start labor, called induced labor. This may lower the risk of certain health issues called complications. Your healthcare team can use medicine or other methods to start labor. Or your team may recommend delivery through a small cut into the lower abdomen and uterus. This is called a C-section.