Mother and Child

Although previous generations often were surprised by a multiple birth, today most parents-to-be learn the news fairly early. A routine first-trimester ultrasound can detect most multiples. (Sometimes a twin pregnancy that is identified very early is...

Although previous generations often were surprised...

About one-third of the increase in multiple pregnancies is due to the fact that more women over age 30 are having babies (2). Women in this age group are more likely than younger women to conceive multiples. The remainder of the increase is due to th...

About one-third of the increase in multiple pregna...

When a woman is carrying one baby (fetus), it is called a singleton pregnancy. When she is carrying two or more babies, it is called a multiple pregnancy. In the past 2 decades, the rate of multiple births in the United States jumped dramatically. Th...

When a woman is carrying one baby (fetus), it is c...

Your health care provider might suspect a twin pregnancy if your uterus is larger than normal or there seems to be more than one fetal heartbeat. A suspected twin pregnancy is typically confirmed with an ultrasound. During this exam, sound waves are ...

Your health care provider might suspect a twin pre...

Healthy multiples are born every day. Still, it's important to be aware of possible complications. For example: High blood pressure. Mothers of multiples are more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. When high blood pressure is co...

Healthy multiples are born every day. Still, it's ...

Fraternal twins — the most common kind — occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm. Each twin has his or her own placenta and amniotic sac. The twins can be two girls, two boys, or a boy and a girl. Genetically, they're no mo...

Fraternal twins — the most common kind — occur whe...

Taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your babies. During a twin pregnancy, you can expect: More-frequent checkups. You'll see your health care provider often to track your babies' growth and development, monitor your health, ...

Taking good care of yourself is the best way to ta...

Years ago, most twins came as a surprise. Now, thanks to advances in prenatal care, most women learn about a multiple pregnancy early. You might suspect you are pregnant with multiples if you have more severe body changes, including: Rapid weight ga...

Years ago, most twins came as a surprise. Now, tha...

Pregnancies with a greater chance of complications are called "high-risk." But this doesn't mean there will be problems. The following factors may increase the risk of problems during pregnancy: Very young age or older than 35 Overweight or underwei...

Pregnancies with a greater chance of complications...

Avoid keepsake ultrasounds You might think a keepsake ultrasound is a must-have for your scrapbook. But, doctors advise against ultrasound when there is no medical need to do so. Some companies sell "keepsake" ultrasound videos and images. Although u...

Avoid keepsake ultrasounds You might think a keeps...

After 28 weeks, keep track of your baby's movement. This will help you to notice if your baby is moving less than normal, which could be a sign that your baby is in distress and needs a doctor's care. An easy way to do this is the "count-to-10" appro...

After 28 weeks, keep track of your baby's movement...

During pregnancy, regular checkups are very important. This consistent care can help keep you and your baby healthy, spot problems if they occur, and prevent problems during delivery. Typically, routine checkups occur: Once each month for weeks four...

During pregnancy, regular checkups are very import...

Many women have strong views about where and how they'd like to deliver their babies. In general, women can choose to deliver at a hospital, birth center, or at home. You will need to contact your health insurance provider to find out what options ar...

Many women have strong views about where and how t...

You will see your prenatal care provider many times before you have your baby. So you want to be sure that the person you choose has a good reputation, and listens to and respects you. You will want to find out if the doctor or midwife can deliver yo...

You will see your prenatal care provider many time...

At this time, drugs are rarely tested for safety in pregnant women for fear of harming the unborn baby. Until this changes, pregnancy exposure registries help doctors and researchers learn how medicines affect pregnant mothers and their growing babie...

At this time, drugs are rarely tested for safety i...

No one is sure if these are safe for pregnant women, so it's best not to use them. Even some "natural" products may not be good for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Except for some vitamins, little is known about using dietary supplements whi...

No one is sure if these are safe for pregnant wome...

Vaccines protect your body against dangerous diseases. Some vaccines are not safe to receive during pregnancy. For some vaccines, the decision to use it during pregnancy depends on the woman’s own situation. Her doctor may consider these questions be...

Vaccines protect your body against dangerous disea...

Women who are pregnant should not take regular vitamins. They can contain doses that are too high. Ask about special vitamins for pregnant women that can help keep you and your baby healthy. These prenatal vitamins should contain at least 400 – 800 m...

Women who are pregnant should not take regular vit...

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about your medicines. Do not stop or change them on your own. This includes medicines for depression, asthma, diabetes, seizures (epilepsy), and other health prob...

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pre...

Whether or not you should use medicine during pregnancy is a serious question to discuss with your doctor. Some health problems need treatment. Not using a medicine that you need could harm you and your baby. For example, a urinary tract infection (U...

Whether or not you should use medicine during preg...

It is hard to know exactly when you will get pregnant. Once you do get pregnant, you may not know you are pregnant for 10 to 14 days or longer. Before you start trying to get pregnant, it is wise to schedule a meeting with your doctor to discuss medi...

It is hard to know exactly when you will get pregn...