Ways to Stay Healthy During Multiple Pregnancy

What is Multiple Pregnancy?

A multiple pregnancy is where the mother carries more than one foetus at a time. It can be twins or triplets or any other higher-order multiples. A multiple pregnancy requires special care and attention as it is riskier than a singleton pregnancy. Listed below are the two main ways in which multiple pregnancy can happen:

● Two or more eggs are released during the menstrual cycle and are fertilized by different sperm at the same time.

● A fertilized egg splits and multiple embryos implant and grow in the uterus

The babies born out of multiple pregnancy can be identical or fraternal siblings. Whether the babies are identical or fraternal depends on how the pregnancy happened.

Identical siblings happen when a fertilized egg splits into multiple embryos at a later stage. Identical babies have the same gender, looks, and genes. In the case of fraternal siblings, the similarities are less likely as different eggs are fertilized by different sperm. They do not look the same, have varied genetic material, and can be of different genders. If the multiple pregnancy results in triplets or higher-order multiples, siblings could be identical, fraternal, or a mixture of both.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Here are some of the tips that would help you stay healthy, happy, and have a complication-free multiple pregnancy.

● Gain enough weight -

One of the key tips to be kept in mind during pregnancy is proper nutrition when expecting twins or triplets. It is vital to have a healthy lifestyle and to eat well during multiple pregnancy. For a singleton pregnancy, it is advisable for expecting mothers to consume extra 300 calories for a healthy baby. It is often said that you should eat a lot more when expecting twins or triplets. A proper diet is more crucial than the amount of food you consume. Discuss with your doctor about pregnancy care and the diet best suited for you. You might be advised to take some supplements such as iron supplements and folate.

● Understand high risk -

Multiple pregnancy is often considered riskier than a singleton pregnancy. Most of the babies born from multiple pregnancy are healthy but there are some complications such as preterm labor, low birth weight, miscarriage, etc. which are more likely when you are expecting multiple babies. The risks associated with multiple pregnancy are higher and the complications that arise depend on several factors such as your lifestyle, genetics, health, childbirth history, etc.

● Get plenty of rest -

Getting enough rest is as crucial as the proper nutrition you need to have during pregnancy. Pregnancy is tiring and it’s even more tiring when you are expecting multiple babies. Inculcate the habit of resting during the day as and when you get time. Getting plenty of rest is highly recommended by most doctors. Relaxing helps you avoid any pregnancy-related stress that can affect your health and keeps you in a positive state of mind.

● Exercise -

Exercising during pregnancy keeps you healthy and fit. Some of the gentle, low-impact exercises for pregnant mothers are swimming, prenatal yoga postures, and waking. Please note that you might have to change your exercise regime over time if you experience any form of complication. Hence, it is best to discuss with your doctor to understand the type of exercise best suited for you.

● Build a support system -

Most women experience postpartum depression after childbirth. It is more likely to happen with mothers with multiple babies than mothers who had singletons. It is important to look for support from your friends and family or talk to your doctor if you feel any kind of stress. Talking to mothers who have had a similar experience in the past of having multiple babies can help a great deal. Hence, it is crucial to build a support system during multiple pregnancy.

● Learn about multiple Pregnancy -

Evenif you had experienced childbirth earlier, the whole process of multiple pregnancy is a different experience altogether. It is prudent to learn about multiple pregnancy, talk to the mothers who have gone through the experience of having multiple babies and read the literature available online and offline to gain knowledge about multiple pregnancy.

Conclusion

The chances of multiple pregnancy are higher if you are old, have had fertility treatment, or have twins in your family. Having multiple babies at once can be a lot of work and the chances of complications are higher. But if you take proper nutrition, get enough rest, and understand the risk associated with multiple pregnancy, having multiple babies can be a rewarding experience.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

Related Articles

Skip These Food Items When You Are Pregnant

What Is High-Risk Pregnancy? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

9 Tips To Lose Weight After Pregnancy!

Published on February 18, 2022