What Really Happens When You Have Twins (or More)

Pregnancy

* Your body will produce more hormones. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including morning sickness, fatigue, and weight gain.

* You will need to eat more calories. You are now eating for two (or more), so you will need to increase your calorie intake by about 300-500 calories per day.

* You will need to drink more fluids. You will need to drink about 10 cups of fluids per day, including water, juice, and milk.

* Your belly will grow. As your babies grow, your belly will get bigger. You may start to show as early as 12 weeks pregnant.

* You may have back pain. The extra weight of your belly can put a strain on your back, causing pain.

* You may have swelling. Swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles is common during pregnancy.

* You may have constipation. The increased levels of progesterone during pregnancy can slow down your digestion, causing constipation.

* You may have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding.

* You may have varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can appear on your legs, feet, and vulva.

* You may have heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest that is caused by stomach acid backing up into your esophagus.

* You may have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It is caused by the placenta producing hormones that block the effects of insulin, which is a hormone that helps your body use glucose for energy.

* You may have preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy. It is caused by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Labor and Delivery

* Labor and delivery may be shorter than with a single baby. This is because the contractions are often stronger and more frequent with multiple babies.

* You may have more than one baby at a time. This is called a multiple birth.

* You may need a cesarean section (C-section). A C-section is a surgical procedure in which the babies are delivered through an incision in your abdomen.

* You may have more bleeding after delivery. This is because the uterus is larger and there are more blood vessels involved in the delivery.

* You may need more stitches after delivery. This is because the vagina and perineum are stretched more with multiple babies.

* You may need to stay in the hospital longer after delivery. This is because you and your babies will need to be monitored closely.

Postpartum

* You will be very tired. Taking care of multiple babies is a lot of work, and you will likely be exhausted.

* You may have postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can develop after childbirth. It is caused by a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the stress of caring for multiple babies.

* You may have trouble breastfeeding. Breastfeeding multiple babies can be challenging, but it is possible. You may need to talk to a lactation consultant for help.

* You may need help with childcare. Caring for multiple babies can be overwhelming, so it is important to ask for help from family and friends.

* You will eventually adjust to life with multiple babies. It may take some time, but you will eventually adjust to the challenges and rewards of parenting multiple children.