Many women who are pregnant with multiples (2 or more babies) are excited but also anxious. Some common thoughts that may go through your mind when expecting multiples include:

• How am I / are we going to manage multiple simultaneous demands?
• What about the extra money it will cost to raise more than one baby?
• Will I be able to continue to work or keep up with my current lifestyle?

Mothers expecting multiples do have different needs and need to prepare differently as they are awaiting the arrival of their newest additions.

• Mothers expecting multiples have greater nutritional and rest needs.
• Normal pregnancy discomforts tend to occur sooner and may be more severe.
• Mothers may also be at an increased risk for a cesarean birth.
• There is a higher chance of complications, and bedrest may be prescribed.
• Breastfeeding more than one baby can also be more challenging.
• Babies born early may need to spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until they have met the discharge requirements.
• It’s a good idea to plan to have more help available when the babies arrive home.

Here are three suggestions to help you through your pregnancy and prepare for the birth of your babies.

• Read some good books and learn as much as possible prior to delivery about what life will be like at home with two or more infants.
• The Women’s Hospital offers Multiples Mania, a class that is a great resource for parents expecting multiples. This class is taught by one of our Maternal Care Advisors. She is a registered nurse and a veteran mother of triplets. Topics include differences between a multiples pregnancy vs. singleton, managing bedrest, tips for birth, a hospital tour, nutrition guidelines, NICU care and video tour, breastfeeding multiples, practical tips for home, must-haves for multiples, and a parent panel of multiples’ moms and dads.  For more information and to register, visit our website or call 812-450-BABY (2229).
• Consider joining the local group Tri-state Mothers of Multiples. This group is comprised of mothers who have twins or more and is a great source of advice and support.  The club meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month, rotating between a restaurant and The Women’s Hospital.  Many fun outings for moms and their families are planned and engaging speakers present relevant topics.  For more information, visit www.tristatemothersofmultiples.com.