Tips for Multiple Birth Pregnancy

OKLAHOMA CITY (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- If you think you're seeing double more often these days, you're probably right. More and more women are having twins, triplets and even quadruplets. Complications like pre-term delivery are common in these women, but simple steps can help prevent these problems.

Taking a leisurely stroll with her family won't be so easy after Jamie Pappan gives birth to twins in a few months. But, she's determined to stay healthy. "If I can get two healthy babies, and they come home with me just like my daughter did, that's the most important thing," she says.

Rachel Franklin, M.D., knows all about multiple births. She's the mother of twins and the author of a new book about multiple pregnancies. She says expectant mothers like Pappan should follow her simple advice for having healthy babies. First, focus on nutrition.

"Good nutrition is essential for reducing low birth rates and reducing pre-term labor in women expecting twins," Dr. Franklin, a family medicine physician at Oklahoma City Clinic in Oklahoma City, tells Ivanhoe.

She recommends dairy products and foods high in protein and essential fatty acids. And says it is very important that women get enough calories. Women pregnant with twins should consume 3,000 calories a day. Those pregnant with triplets should consume 3,500. That's about 500 more calories per child.

Also, gain the right amount of weight. For twins, it's between 40 pounds and 45 pounds. For triplets, it's 50 pounds. Dr. Franklin also says all women pregnant with multiples should take prenatal vitamins that contain micronutrients.

As for exercise, she says, "We either recommend gentle stretching, gentle strengthening exercises, and walking."

Dr. Franklin says following those simple steps can reduce the risk of pre-term delivery by about 30 percent. And that gives Pappan the peace of mind she needs.

Research shows more than 125,000 women in the United States give birth to multiple babies each year -- that's about one in every 32 pregnancies. Dr. Franklin's book is called "Expecting Twins, Triplets and More: A Doctor's Guide to a Healthy and Happy Multiple Pregnancy."

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

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