Multiple Pregnancy & Births

A multiple pregnancy occurs when you are carrying more than one baby at the same time. This includes twins, triplets or higher-order multiples. Because more than one baby is growing and developing, these pregnancies often require extra monitoring and care to support a healthy outcome for you and your babies. 

Types of multiple pregnancies 

There are several ways multiples can form: 

• Fraternal twins: Two separate eggs are fertilized and implanted in the uterus. These twins may look alike or completely different and can be the same or different genders. 
• Identical twins: One fertilized egg splits into two embryos. These twins share the same DNA and are typically the same gender. 
• Triplets or higher-order multiples: Three or more babies may be fraternal, identical or a mix of both. 

Your doctor will use ultrasound to determine the type of multiples you are carrying and whether your babies share a placenta or amniotic sac - information that helps guide your care plan. 

What causes multiple pregnancy 

A multiple pregnancy can happen naturally or with fertility treatment. Factors that may increase the chance include: 

• A family history of twins or multiples 
• Getting pregnant at age 35 or older 
• Having had a multiple pregnancy before 
• Fertility treatments, including: 
  • Ovulation-stimulating medications 
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies 

How common are multiple pregnancies 

About 3 out of every 100 pregnancies involve twins or more. Multiple pregnancies have become more common as more people use fertility treatments to grow their families. 

What to expect with a multiple pregnancy 

Extra care and monitoring help support a healthy pregnancy and delivery. You can expect: 

• More prenatal visits and ultrasounds to check growth, amniotic fluid and signs of early labor 
• Higher recommended weight gain, based on your provider’s guidance 
• A higher chance of early delivery, sometimes before week 37 
• Delivery planning, which may include a scheduled C-section if needed for safety 

Your doctor will talk with you about nutrition, activity and signs to watch for throughout your pregnancy. 

Possible risks and complications 

Many people have healthy multiples, but growing more than one baby can increase certain risks, including: 

• Preterm birth 
• Low birth weight 
• Gestational diabetes 
• High blood pressure and preeclampsia 
• Anemia 
• Placenta-related concerns 

Your care team will monitor your health closely and help manage any complications that arise. 

Supportive care at Banner Health 

We are here to guide you every step of the way. Banner Health offers: 

• Personalized monitoring for high-risk pregnancy 
• Access to maternal-fetal medicine specialists when needed 
• Collaborative delivery planning for the safest possible birth 
• Comprehensive newborn and NICU care if your babies arrive early 

If you are expecting multiples or have questions about your pregnancy, connect with our maternity care team. We are committed to helping you and your growing family stay healthy and supported from pregnancy through delivery.