10 Common Conditions When Expecting Multiples

The medical field has advanced by leaps and bounds over the years and despite common risks associated with delivering multiples, your chances of delivering healthy babies have greatly increased. But even with a healthy pregnancy, there are some ailments that may require treatment and your doctor’s care. Here are some common conditions you may experience:

1. Preterm labor is a common condition for moms expecting multiples
Over 60 percent of twins and most multiples are born prematurely. Babies born too early will require additional assistance for breathing, eating, and staying warm, and babies born before 28-weeks will likely need neonatal intensive care.

Your doctor may order antenatal steroid treatment to quickly develop the baby’s lungs if they’re at risk of arriving early. While I wasn’t carrying multiples during my first pregnancy 23 years ago, I was diagnosed with complete placenta previa. As a result, I had to undergo steroid treatment to ensure my son would be able to breathe on his own when he arrived.

2. High blood pressure is one of the most common multiples and twin pregnancy symptoms
Preeclampsia is a condition in which women with normal blood pressure develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is a common condition in a multiple or twin pregnancy. The only true way to treat preeclampsia is by delivering the baby within the 37th and 38th week of pregnancy.

3. Anemia is a common condition for moms of multiples
Most often anemia during pregnancy is caused by an iron-deficiency.This type of anemia is caused when there are insufficent red blood cells carring oxygen throughout your body. Iron-deficiency anemia can be treated through supplementation or in severe cases, infusion.

4. An increase in your blood sugar levels could be caused by gestational diabetes
During pregnancy, if your body is unable to produce enough insulin, gestational diabetes may develop. Your doctor will help you manage this condition through diet and exercise.

5. Morning sickness severe enough to cause dehydration
Elevated hormone levels may lead to a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. It can cause expecting moms to lose weight, as nausea, diarrhea and dehydration can occur. Hyperemesis gravidarum can be treated with diet and IV fluids if necessary.

6. Severe itching during pregnancy
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) causes the build up of bile into your body when the flow of acids is disrupted; the condition can cause severe itching and discomfort. ICP is a liver disorder that can be treated with prescription medications that work to lower the bile levels in your blood. Itching can be treated topically and with soothing baths.

7. Back pain and sciatica
Carolina Bibbo, MD, is a staff member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Massachusetts. “When you’re pregnant with twins you’re going to experience a lot more back pain and sciatica which is pain that starts in your back and goes down your leg, it is very important that you know this is very common and not a reason to be concerned,” the obstetrician-gynecologist advised in a BWH corporate video.

8. Constipation and diarrhea during pregnancy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is common during pregnancy. It can cause constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of the two. To remedy this, be sure to get enough vegetables and fruits like prunes or Medjool dates in your diet, drink water and perform light exercise if your doctor approves. You could also opt for an over-the-counter fiber supplement like Metamucil to alleviate the discomfort of constipation. Metamucil, an over-the-counter fiber supplement, is often used to fight constipation from IBS; it’s also considered safe during pregnancy.

9. Heartburn is a common complaint of pregnant moms
Pregnancy hormones like relaxin work to prepare your body for pregnancy by relaxing ligaments in preparation for childbirth. These hormones can also relax the entrance to your stomach allowing stomach contents into our esophagus causing heartburn. If you’re experiencing heartburn, it may make it difficult for you to eat so it’s important to let your doctor know so they can prescribe a heartburn remedy that is pregnancy-safe to help alleviate discomfort.

“One of the things I had was heartburn, and that started in the second trimester, new mom Borel Findley shared in a BWH twins pregnancy education video. “I would have to take TUMS, over the counter, 1-3 times a day.”

Pregnancy can be an isolating experience at times. After the newness of being pregnant wears off, being alone can sometimes feel overwhelming. Seek support groups near you — pregnancy mental health and self-care are key during this time.

10. Recognize the symptoms of prenatal and postpartum depression and find support where you can
Having someone in your corner who knows the ropes and can empathize, can make a significant difference. You’ll find advice, guidance, and tips for managing everything that comes with having more than one baby — you may even make some lifelong friendships.

• Multiples of America is a network of over 300 moms of twins/multiples clubs across the United States. Search by area code to find a group near you.
• Search social media platforms for moms of multiples groups near you. Facebook and Meetup are great places to begin your search.
• The March of Dimes is another great resource for expectant moms for information related to childbirth and delivery.

Being an expectant mom of twins or multiples can bring about a wide range of feelings and emotions. You may feel nervous, excited, anxious, and confused. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and reach out to a medical professional if depression or anxiety persists.