- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- twins today articles
- twins today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Striving for a Healthy Pregnancy
Prenatal Care for Moms of Multiples By Lisa Marie Metzler
As a mom of multiples you will probably have more prenatal tests than during a singleton pregnancy. Don't be alarmed. These tests are done as a precautionary measure to identify complications or monitor your iron or glucose levels.
Tracie Madden, mom to twin boys in North Hills, Calif., had an ultrasound at every prenatal appointment with her OB/GYN and perinatologist. A perinatologist is an OB/GYN who has additional education and practical experience in the area of obstetrical, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy. 
Although Madden had no additional risk factors, her OB/GYN encouraged her to see a perinatologist regularly. For Madden, it was exciting to wach her twins grow. "I have a photo album documenting their growth during pregnancy," she says. Madden's ultrasounds also showed formation of the twins' internal organs, checked placenta placement and revealed the babies' positions. Moms-to-be of multiples also can expect periodic blood tests to detect possible complications.
Donna Wheeler of Norcross, Ga., is 35 and expecting twins. Because of her age and because she is carrying multiples, she is at a higher risk for complications. After talking with her doctor, Wheeler made the decision to have an amniocentesis, a sampling of amniotic fluid obtained through a needle inserted into the womb, which is then tested to determine the health and genetic constitution of a fetus.
"We want to be fully prepared to deal with any problems the twins might have when they are born," says Wheeler. Knowing the results of an amniocentesis, says Wheeler, will allow her and her husband to enjoy the pregnancy, to get proper medical treatment if necessary and to prepare themselves for parenthood.
If you are a woman carrying twins, triplets or more, the seemingly endless tests may seem daunting but they are worth it in the end. The best advice from moms who have been there? Keep your eye on your delivery date goal and the beautiful babies you'll soon love and cuddle.