Multiples
The rate of multiple pregnancies is on the rise. Some of this is due to the rates of assisted reproductive technology and other fertility treatments. Of course, it is still possible to get pregnant with multiples with any fertility treatment. The rate of twinning is about 1 in every 89 pregnancies.
What if you find out you are having more than one baby? Twins are the most common form of multiple pregnancy. If you are having twins, while there are increased risks, many practitioners still consider you a candidate for a normal birth while being more closely monitored. If you are having higher order multiples, triplets or more, you will probably wish to seek out the care of a perinatologist who specializes in multiple pregnancy.
You will want to ask questions about how your practitioner handles multiple pregnancies.
What type of extra monitoring, if any, will I have?
What considerations will be made at the birth?
What is your cesarean rate for multiples?
When would you consider doing a cesarean delivery?
What type of routine interventions do you use in multiple births?
Will I be able to breastfeed my babies right away?
The National Organization of the Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc. can help you locate a local club in your area. They specialize in putting multiple birth families together with other multiple birth families. You can find them online with message boards, articles, and more at:
