Two in one

Premature birth. There is an increased risk and this means also that the birth weight of twins can be low.

• The average gestation time for singleton pregnancies is just over 40 weeks. For twins it is only 37 weeks.
• Labour starts early in 20–50% of twin pregnancies compared with 5–10% in singleton pregnancies.

Antenatal care will certainly entail more ultrasound screening, tests and investigations and more appointment sessions. It should also include social support and advice, to plan for the extra load before, during and after delivery.

Despite all the reassuring advice, you will undoubtedly develop some anxieties, and it is important that you express them. (You can email me at iVillage with any questions you have.) It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant your concerns – give voice to them because busy medical staff sometimes forget to reassure you about the normality of most births.