Consider complications

Healthy multiples are born every day. Still, it's important to be aware of possible complications. For example:

• Premature birth. The more babies you're carrying, the less likely you are to carry your pregnancy to term. If you have signs of preterm labor, you might be given injections of a steroid medication to speed your babies' lung development. Even then, your baby might experience complications, including breathing and digestive difficulties, vision problems, and infection. Interventions to prolong pregnancy, such as bedrest, aren't recommended because they haven't been proved to decrease disease and death in newborns.
• Gestational diabetes. If you're carrying multiples, you're at increased risk of gestational diabetes. This condition causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your babies' health. An endocrinologist, a registered dietitian or a diabetes educator can help you learn to manage your blood sugar level during your pregnancy.
• High blood pressure. If you're carrying multiples, you're at increased risk of developing high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy.
• C-section delivery. For twins, vaginal delivery is often possible if the first baby is in a head-down position. If not, a C-section might be recommended. In some cases, complications after the vaginal delivery of the first twin might require a C-section delivery for the second twin. For higher order multiples, the more common route of delivery is a C-section.
• Twin-twin transfusion. With identical twins, it's possible for a blood vessel in a shared placenta to result in one baby receiving too much blood and the other too little. This is a serious complication for both babies that might result in heart complications and the need for fetal procedures while you're still pregnant.