According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of twin births has increased 76 percent in the last three decades. This may also be due to the increasing number of women seeking infertility treatments, which may lead to multiple births. If you’re pregnant with twins or multiples, you may be feeling overwhelmed and wondering what to expect. If you’re expecting multiples, here are some tips that can help maintain the health of yourself and your baby:
- Eat Healthy
Your nutritional needs are different when you’re expecting twins or multiples, as compared to a single birth. It is important to eat healthy and stay hydrated during this time. If you have any unusual symptoms or pain, don’t ignore them and call your doctor, just to be on the safe side. Remember, put your health first.
- Expect more discomfort
When you’re expecting twins, your uterus grows twice as much and your belly twice as quickly. This can cause pain in the back and in the round ligaments. There are chances of increased discomfort in your second trimester as you’re carrying so much extra weight. As a result, there is increased pressure on your cervix and pelvis and you may need to go on bed rest. Ask the doctors at KIMS Cuddles if you need to cut back on your work hours as well.
- More visits to the doctor
Pregnancy with twins or multiples is a high-risk pregnancy and you will need to see a doctor who has enough experience with such cases. The doctor will ensure that you and your babies are healthy, and growing well. Expect frequent visits to the doctor, especially after 30 weeks, when you may have sonograms every week to make sure your amniotic fluid levels are adequate. The team of doctors at KIMS Cuddles have a vast experience of handling high-risk pregnancies.
- Be prepared for an early delivery
Normally, full term for twins is considered to be at 37 weeks. However, there is every chance that you may go into labor earlier. It is common for mothers carrying multiples to give birth prematurely. Be prepared for this and keep your hospital bags packed well in advance.
- Consult a lactation expert
Once you’ve delivered your multiples, talk to a lactation expert regarding tips on tandem breastfeeding. They can suggest other feeding options, if needed. A twin feeding pillow may also be useful while you’re breastfeeding. You can know more about breastfeeding techniques by talking to our lactation consultants at KIMS Cuddles.
- Be positive about NICU
Multiples born before 34 weeks may need to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Don’t worry about it as this is a fairly normal procedure and your doctor will fill you up on the details about the health of your babies.
- Ask for help if needed
A study found that moms who were pregnant with multiples were 43 percent more likely to have moderate to severe postpartum depressive symptoms than moms who gave birth to singles. If you’re raising twins or multiples, do not hesitate to ask for help from family members or friends, or hire a babysitter or nanny to ease your workload. Make sure you give yourself some me time and relax.
Being pregnant with expecting multiples can be a fun if you’re prepared for it and know what to expect. Meet our team of specialist doctors at KIMS Cuddles, who will help give you the best experience while carrying multiples. Hope this blog about expecting multiples and was helpful to you.
