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| Home: Prenatal Checkups: Multiple Pregnancy vs. Single Pregnancy |
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| Multiple Pregnancy vs. Single Pregnancy |
| by: Moms Lobby |
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Having a multiple pregnancy can be very exciting. There is something special about having twins. Now that you know you have a multiple pregnancy, what are some of the considerations to keep in mind?
In a multiple pregnancy situation, the financial impact is more pronounced than in a single pregnancy. Two of everything is the order of the day – two bassinets, two cribs, two strollers (or one double stroller) and pairs of clothes. And because every baby is different, you never know when he or she needs to eat, or needs a change of diapers. A minimum of double the diapers and baby formula is needed, and these expenses can add up very quickly.
Finances aside, multiple pregnancy can take a toll on your sanity. Two babies equals double the crying and double the sleepless nights.
Regardless if it’s a multiple pregnancy or a single pregnancy, you’ll have to deal with crying and sleeplessness anyway. But the advantage of the multiple pregnancy is that you’ll only have to go through it once, assuming you’re through having children. For single pregnancies who desire multiple children, they will have to endure the “terrible twos” more than once. Multiple pregnancy also means giving birth in one hospital visit.
Medically, multiple pregnancy is automatically considered a “high risk” pregnancy. Keep in mind, however, that most women endure a multiple pregnancy with no adverse complications. Normal pregnancy ailments such as mood swings and back pain are exacerbated, but in general, it’s nothing worse than that.
Watching your nutritional intake is a must with multiple pregnancy. You have to eat more, but at the same time, not gain excessive weight. It’s a delicate balancing act that needs to be discussed with your doctor. A general guideline is to increase your caloric intake by around 250 to 350 calories per day with increased protein. A multivitamin might also be suggested, although doubling the recommended dosage can be dangerous.
In multiple pregnancy, you will need to see your doctor more often than single pregnancy. You’ll also need more ultrasound sessions to closely monitor the development of both fetuses.
In terms of delivery, multiple pregnancy babies usually come to full term roughly two weeks before the normal due date. Most multiple pregnancy births are early. This is because the womb is stretched by the multiple pregnancy quicker than with a single pregnancy. The cervix then loosens up earlier than normal.
Before giving birth during a multiple pregnancy, you must consult with your doctor about your delivery options. It is normally preferred to deliver through vaginal birth, although a Cesarean section delivery might be best if there is any sort of complication with the babies in the womb.
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About the Author
This article is provided by MomsLobby.com and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. |
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