So you're having more than one! You're not alone. The number of multiple births has increased dramatically in recent years.
1. Which is an explanation for the increasing number of multiple births in this country?
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About one-third of the increase in multiple births can be explained by an increasing number of people older than age 30 having children. The remaining two-thirds of the increase can be tied to an increase in the use of fertility medicines and reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Healthcare providers now closely monitor people who are undergoing fertility treatment so that fewer babies will be produced. People who have a family history of twins are more likely to have twins of their own. People who are obese are also at higher risk for having twins. African-American people are also more likely to have twins.
2. When are most women diagnosed with twins or other multiples?
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These days, twins and other multiples are rarely a surprise at birth. Most multiple births are discovered with an ultrasound given near the end of the first trimester. Your healthcare provider also may hear more than 1 fetal heart beating during an exam. Other symptoms of multiple births include more rapid weight gain than expected in the first trimester; a larger uterus than expected; and severe morning sickness.
3. Twins and other multiples usually are born preterm, before 37 weeks. What is the average length of pregnancy for a twin birth?
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The average gestation for triplets is 32 weeks, and 30 weeks for quadruplets. More than 90% of triplets are born preterm, and nearly all quadruplets are born preterm.
4. Which of these may be a health problem for premature infants?
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Premature infants also may have respiratory problems because their lungs have not fully developed. The closer an infant is to their due date, the less likely the child is to have health problems. Some of the health problems may be long term: intellectual disability, and vision and hearing loss.
5. What percentage of twins is identical?
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Identical twins begin as 1 fertilized egg that divides in half. The other two-thirds of twins are fraternal; they are formed from 2 separate eggs fertilized by 2 different sperm. Fraternal twins are no different from other siblings in the family. Identical twins look alike, are always the same sex, and have the same hair and eye color. Fraternal twins often look different, even when they are the same sex; they have a greater variation in size than identical twins, both at birth and as they grow and develop.
6. Which of these health problems does someone carrying multiples face?
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Preeclampsia is high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. These health problems can be treated. That's why prenatal care is critical for anyone who is pregnant.
7. How much weight should a person of normal weight who is expecting twins gain during pregnancy?
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When carrying multiples(twins, triplets, and beyond), pregnant overweight people usually gain 31 to 50 pounds. Obese pregnant people usually gain 25 to 42 pounds. Your healthcare provider can make recommendations for you based on your weight and health. A pregnant person carrying multiples usually needs to consume about 2,700 calories daily.
8. Which of these nutrients in a healthy diet is especially important for someone pregnant with multiples?
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Discuss with your healthcare provider any special nutritional needs you may have. In general, someone carrying multiples should take a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 30 mg of iron to prevent anemia and reduce the risk for pre-term delivery. A person carrying multiples also needs adequate protein, as well as plenty of fluids.
9. After the 24th week of pregnancy, a person carrying multiples will be monitored for signs of preterm labor. If signs of labor occur, what is the likely treatment?
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If the infants are likely to be born before 34 weeks, the pregnant person may be given corticosteroids. Corticosteroids encourage earlier development of the babies' lungs. Respiratory problems are common among multiples (and single children) who are born preterm.
10. What percentage of twin births is delivered vaginally?
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A vaginal birth is likely if both babies are positioned with their heads down. Births of 3 or more infants usually require a cesarean section delivery, because it is safer. A multiple pregnancy with 3 or more means a crowded uterus, in which the placenta or umbilical cords may be compressed during labor. A cesarean section also may be needed if any of the babies is in a breech position (feet or buttocks down) or transverse lie (sideways).
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Author: Sinovic, Dianna
Online Medical Reviewer: Grantham, Paula, RN, BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Haines, Cynthia, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2023
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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