Healthy Multiples

MULTIPLE FACTS: Between 1975 and 1995, the number of twin births increased 63 percent and the number of three or more baby births increased 367 percent. With the boost in multiple births, the need for twin/multiple pregnancy clinics has arrived. Pregnancy programs or clinics for multiples help provide parents-to-be with vital information and support. One study shows babies born under multiple pregnancy programs have a decreased chance of being born with a very low birth rate and tend be heavier than multiples born outsides of these programs.

MULTIPLE RISK: Compared to single baby pregnancies, a multiple fetus pregnancy involves a higher level of risk. According to Christian Chisholm, M.D., Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at the University of Virginia, "Women are overall in the United States at about a 10-percent risk of delivering babies pre-tern and multiple pregnancy represents one of the strongest risk factors for delivering babies prematurely." Twins are 5.4 times more likely to be born before 33 weeks over single baby births, making pre-term labor the most common complication of a multiple pregnancy. Other risks associated with multiple pregnancies are:

Preelampsia - pregnacy-induced high blood pressure.

Placental abruption - when the placent detaches from the uterine wall before delivery.

Fetal growth restriction - when one or both twins are not growing at the proper rate.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome - when one twin takes the other's blood supply.

MULTIPLE PROGRAM: Patients who partake in a multiple program pregnancy or clinic must learn how to change their diet and activity level to accommodate the pregnancy. Most women who are pregnant with multiples are advised to stop working 28 weeks into their pregnancy. Other program advice includes:

Seeing a high-risk obstetrician

Receiving antepartum care

Undergoing monthly ultrasounds after reaching 24 weeks

Following nutritional guidelines with the objective of gaining 40 to 50lbs

Working with a social worker to help with the financial and mental anxiety of getting ready for multiple births

For More Information, Contact:
Donna Spencer
Executive Secretary
University of Virginia School of Medicine
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
PO Box 800712
Charlottesville, VA 22908-0058
(434) 924-9700

E-mail: dsc6d@virginia.edu