Singleton pregnancy is when a woman is carrying one baby. When a women is carrying two or more babies, it is known as multiple pregnancy. The rate of multiple pregnancies in the united states have increased drastically. Women who are carrying multiples are at high risk of pregnancy complications such as premature delivery and low birth weight. They are more likely to deliver though c-section especially if they are carrying 3 or more babies.
 

Who has a higher change of having multiples ?

Your chance of conceiving multiples increases if you fall into the following category.

• age 30 and above
• received fertility treatment
• obese
• personal or  family history of fraternal (non identical) twins
• African-American race

What are some of the signs that may indicate that I am carrying multiples ?

Women with multiple pregnancies may experience the following :

• uterus larger than expected
• severe morning sickness, breast tenderness and other pregnancy symptoms
• rapid weight gain in the first trimester
• higher hCG levels
• more than one heart beat heard during an ultrasound using a Doppler
• more fetal movement than experienced in a previous singleton pregnancy
• abnormal prenatal tests results done around pregnancy week 16 to screen for certain birth defects

What complications will women with multiple pregnancies face ?

Carrying multiples increases your risk for the following complications :

• premature delivery
• low birth weight
• preeclampsia
• gestational diabetes
• twin-twin transfusion syndrome (This is when  a connection between the two babies’ blood vessels in the placenta causes one baby to get too much blood flow and the other too little )

Would I need any special care ?

If you are carrying multiples, you should take note of the following :

• getting early prenatal care is very important
• you may get frequent prenatal visits than someone carrying a single baby
• more ultrasounds may be needed
• early increased nutritional intake is crucial;
• you have a higher risk of being put on bed rest
• your blood pressure will be carefully monitored for signs of preeclampsia