The fact that you are carrying multiples already places you in a special category in the eyes of health care professionals.  Most health care professional place in you in the “high risk ” category when you are carrying multiples. However this should not scare you. It doesn’t automatically mean that you’re going to have problems. It just indicates that you will need to be monitored closely throughout pregnancy. Women with diabetes, high blood pressure, risk for preterm  labor and other health issues are at considered high risk too.

Most twin pregnancies go on smoothly especially if you take good care of yourself.

How to take care of yourself when carrying twins

To stay healthy while carrying twins, it is very essential that you eat a well balanced diet. It is essential for pregnant women to take prenatal vitamins  with folic acid  about 3 months before conception. Folic acid is known to reduce the risk of  neural tube defects. Take vitamins with food to reduce nausea. You have to know that carrying multiples doesnt mean you need to take 2 prenatal vitamins per day. One is enough.

Apart from eating a balanced diet, you also need to eat the right amount of food. Singleton pregnancy  require 300 extra calories a day. However most experts believe that twin pregnancies require about 1000 extra calories per day. Eating healthy snacks frequently can help you reach this goal. You also ease morning sickness  by eating small frequent snacks. Keeping something small in your purse can help ease nausea. Some snacks to consider include :

• fruits
• smoothies
• low fat yogurt
• crackers
• protein shakes

Another important thing   is to make sure you stay well hydrated. You may go to the bathroom more often but you have to know that your baby’s blood flow and waste removal depends on it.

You also have to listen  to your body. If you think something is not right or your are experiencing something that doesnt feel right, let your doctor know. It could be something minor or something very serious.

Twins are at increased risk of being born early. Contact your health care provider right away if  you are experiencing symptoms of preterm labor such as

• vaginal bleeding or discharge
• contractions that are becoming more frequent
• pelvic pressure
• diarrhea

Multiple pregnancies are at increased risk of preeclampsia. If you notice rapid weight gain as well as experience  headaches, let your doctor know right away . He will do other tests to check if you have preeclampsia.

It is also important that you have the right state of mind. It will help the babies thrive well. It is important to avoid stress. Engage is activities that relieve  stress such as prenatal yoga. Every single day that the babies stay in utero is very important . Eat well and pay attention to your body.