Twins and Multiple Birth

Multiple pregnancies have been on the rise in recent years with increasing numbers of twins and other types of multiples being born. Generally, the growing use of fertility drugs is attributed as the main reason for this rise. However, they are not the only reason why twins are born.

Conception
There are a number of different reasons why a multiple birth may occur:

Multiple eggs are released or there is more than one ovulation during your menstrual cycle. Two (or more) eggs are fertilized resulting in fraternal twins. This can occur naturally or through the use of fertility drugs.

In the case of identical twins, one egg is released and fertilized but divides in two. This can happen with or without the aid of fertility drugs.

In cases of IVF or other reproductive technologies, there are usually 3 or more fertilized eggs put back into the uterus. The rationale is that not all of these will implant, though sometimes they do.

How do I Know if I�m Having Twins?
Many people learn about their multiples at an early ultrasound. Others find a rapid rate of growth in their uterus causing them to suspect twins. If this is your second child, however, you may not want to be so quick to assume you're having twins. It is common for your stomach to grow faster during a second pregnancy compared to your first pregnancy.

Sometimes multiple heart beats can be heard, leading your practitioner to believe that there is more than one bundle of joy in your uterus. Other times, during your prenatal tests, the doctor may find abnormally high levels of hCG since multiple babies will increase the levels of these hormones. The more babies you are having, the faster the rate of rise in hCG. In single births, hCG should almost double every 48 hours. Only a very small number of twin pregnancies remain undetected until birth.

Preparing for Multiple Pregnancies
When you are having a multiple pregnancy, it is necessary to increase your nutritional intake even more than you would with a single pregnancy. In general, you need to increase the amount of protein that you eat. Protein is the building block of every cell in your body and your babies' bodies. It will help you build a good placenta and a strong amniotic sac. A healthy diet will also help fight against infection.

As for your health care provider, you will want to find a midwife or doctor who has experience with multiple births. Youd don't want someone who will panic at every corner.

While the amount of care you receive will generally be the same as a single pregnancy, you will probably see your practitioner more frequently towards the end of your pregnancy. You may also have more testing than most women during pregnancy, but not always.