If you are having twins or a multiple birth

Once in about every 41 births, twins naturally occur. Twins can be either identical (formed from the same egg) or fraternal (formed from two different eggs). Identical twins are more rare.

If you are carrying twins (or triplets, or more), your health care provider probably discovered this earlier in your pregnancy.

Signs that you may be pregnant with more than one baby include:

• a quickly growing uterus
• more than one fetal heartbeat

Special considerations for a multiple birth:

• You will have to see your health care provider more often.
• You may have more prenatal tests.
• You may need to spend some time on bedrest. Talk with your health care provider about whether or not you may be placed on bedrest during your pregnancy. If the possibility exists, start planning now, arranging child care, work schedules, and home help.
• Pay even more careful attention to nutrition. You'll need to eat about 2,700 calories a day, and your health care provider will prescribe extra vitamins and minerals to help your babies develop and grow. Plan on gaining 35 to 45 pounds.
• Talk to your health care provider about the possibility of preterm labor. About half of all "multiples" (twins, triplets or more) are born before 37 weeks. Prepare yourself by reading about signals of preterm labor.

Will it be a vaginal or Cesarean birth?

The position and weight of your babies, their health, and your health will help determine how they will be born (by vaginal or Cesarean birth). If your babies are head-down, a vaginal birth may be possible. Multiples are often born by Cesarean birth.

Talk to your health care provider. And yes, you can breastfeed more than one baby.

Related Links

Allina Pregnancy Care

Pregnancy support groups

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/19/2003

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts