12 to 15 weeks pregnant with twins or multiples

Since carrying twins or multiples is all it takes to put a pregnancy in the high risk category, there’s a good chance that you’re already spending more quality time with your doctor than the parents of singletons might be. You’ll probably be getting more ultrasounds too, so that your doctor can keep a closer eye on the multiples’ growth and development. This means you may get to see a lot more of your little ones’ faces before they’re born than you might have if there were just one of them. It also means that some other parts of your pregnancy routine may need to change, to adapt to your babies’ needs.

Pregnancy routines for a multiple pregnancy

Some doctors recommend taking a little extra care to meet your weight targets in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. This is because twins and multiples are at a higher risk of being born at low birth weights and multiples’ growth is known to level off earlier on in pregnancy. Diets that are high in proteins like lean meats, fish, and legumes, are especially good for weight gain in a multiple pregnancy. Evidence suggests that diets where significant amounts of nutrition come from proteins and healthy fats can help with the way the body processes glucose, which can be a concern in a multiple pregnancy.

Another area in which a twin or multiple pregnancy can differ is when it comes to exercise recommendations. Getting regular exercise throughout a singleton pregnancy is a common piece of advice. In a multiple pregnancy, exercise can and generally should still be a part of a healthy pregnancy routine. Since multiple pregnancies carry their own risks though, doctors may recommend sticking to exercise that’s less strenuous, especially as pregnancy progresses. Less strenuous exercises might include prenatal yoga, gentle walking, and swimming.

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