Multiple births

It can be a shock: learning that you're expecting twins, or even triplets.

But before you panic, read our no-nonsense guide to what to expect when you're carrying more than one child...

To hear you're pregnant with twins - or more - may bring mixed feelings of sheer panic, elation or amazement.

If twins run in your family or you've had fertility treatment, the news may be partly expected; for others, it arrives out of the blue. Here are a few things you should know if you're having a multiple birth.

During pregnancy

An extra dose of hormones during your multiple pregnancy increases the chance of morning sickness in the early months, and you're likely to be tired throughout your pregnancy.

A twin pregnancy is likely to be shorter than a single one, averaging 37 weeks instead of 40 before labour starts - and the more babies, the shorter the pregancy.

Twins are likely to be smaller at birth, due to their prematurity and because, in the later stages of pregnancy, they compete for nourishment. Your babies will be smaller, but you'll still be bigger than a woman carrying just one baby.

Plus, your twin pregnancy is more likely to cause you discomfort at an earlier stage - such as backache, heartburn and indigestion. If you can't manage big meals, eat snacks such as cheese, soups and milk drinks.

You're also at a greater risk of swollen hands and feet, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia (a serious condition of pregnancy), so rest is vital. Extra hospital visits and scans will monitor your health and your babies' growth.

Giving birth

You'll probably deliver in hospital, because of the increased risk of complications. In 50% of multiple births, one baby is breech (bottom or feet first), increasing the chances of you having a Caesarean. The second baby may also need help to be born (such as a forceps delivery).

The early months

You can breastfeed more than one baby, but you must eat well to keep your strength up. Your midwife or health visitor will be able to advise you.

You may also have different feelings for each baby. This is quite natural - you may feel greater affection for the child who eats more or sleeps better. Don't feel guilty - your emotions will even out over time.

Having more than one baby at once brings you no extra financial benefits. Ask your health visitor about extra clothes or equipment if you have triplets or more, while Twins' Clubs are good for second-hand goods.

Five facts about twins

1. Around a third of twins are identical (monozygotic) and two thirds are fraternal (dizygotic).

2. Identical twins are formed when a single, fertilised egg splits in two.

3. Fraternal twins arise when two separate eggs are fertilised by two different sperm. Identical twins look very similar, while fraternal twins are no more alike than any other brother and sister.

4. About a third of twins are both boys, a third boy/girl pairs, a third both girls.

Identical twins are always the same sex.

5. Fraternal twins often run in families on the mother's side; a set in your family more than doubles your chance of twins.

Help for you

* Multiple Births Foundation, www.multiplebirths.org.uk, tel: 020 8383 3519
* TAMBA (Twins & Multiple Births Association), www.tamba.org.uk, tel: 0800 138 0509