10 Precautions To Take When You're Pregnant With Twins

Pregnancy always comes with some risks. But when compared to singleton pregnancies, being pregnant with multiples—whether twins, triplets, or more—comes with additional risks. When so many elements of pregnancy are out of your control, it's important to do everything you can to support your health and the health of your babies.

Here are 10 precautions to take if you're pregnant with multiples.

Don't Skip Your Prenatal Vitamin

If you're expecting multiples, it's especially important not to skip taking your prenatal vitamins. In fact, you might need to take higher levels of folic acid than a person carrying just one baby. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and make sure you eat enough nutritious foods.

Don't Take Unnecessary Risks

If you're a fun-loving, adventurous sort of person, you may have to hold back a bit during pregnancy. Pregnancy is simply not the time to try activities like skydiving, mountain climbing, or scuba diving—this applies to all pregnancies, not just multiples. It's important to remember that any activity that puts you at risk also puts your babies in harm's way. This also includes activities like riding roller coasters.

Don't Restrict Your Food Intake

You've probably heard the phrase "eating for two." If you're having multiples, you are eating for three or more. While the saying shouldn't be taken literally—you don't need three adults' worth of calories a day—your body does need more calories and nutrients than usual during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a great time to implement healthy changes to your diet, but it is not a good idea to start a restrictive diet or severely limit your food intake. You need about 300 extra calories per baby per day, so go ahead and fill your plate with nutritious and satisfying foods!

Don't Skimp on Water

It's not just food that you need more of—it's fluids, too! Your pregnant body needs a lot of fluids—water, in particular—which regulates body temperature; moistens tissues in the eyes, nose, and mouth; protects body organs and tissues; provides nutrients and oxygen to the cells; lubricates joints; flushes out waste products that impact the kidneys and liver; and dissolves minerals and nutrients for easy absorption by the body.

Dehydration can induce contractions and the onset of preterm labor, which is a very real risk for multiple pregnancies especially. Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating fruits and veggies throughout the day—not just when you are thirsty. Aim for 8 to 12 cups of water a day.

Don't Exercise Excessively

Exercise is usually considered a "do" for most people, but during pregnancy with twins or more, certain types of exercise can be a "don't," depending on the person. For example, some high-impact aerobic activities like dancing or running put a strain on the pelvic muscles that hold the babies in. However, it's important to remember that this is individual, and it's best to take your healthcare provider's advice on this.

Vigorous workouts can cause you to overheat and stress your heart, joints, and muscles. Talk to your doctor about what type of activity is most appropriate for your situation and save the heavy-duty exercise for after the babies are born.

Don't Drink Alcohol, Use Drugs, or Smoke

It's never advisable to drink alcohol excessively, smoke, or take drugs, whether you are pregnant or not. But when you are pregnant, doing so exposes your babies to toxic substances, raising their risk of birth defects and chronic illnesses. Remember that there is no established lowest amount of alcohol considered safe in pregnancy.

If you are having difficulty abstaining during your pregnancy, you may need professional support. Substance use disorders are medical conditions, and a doctor or addiction specialist can help you treat them.

Don't Hang Out in the Hot Tub

It may seem relaxing, but soaking in a hot tub or sweating it out in a sauna are definitely not recommended during pregnancy. Studies have shown a connection between frequent hot tub soaking and miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Hot tubbing can temporarily raise a pregnant person's body temperature, similar to having a fever, which puts the babies at risk for anencephaly (when the brain or skull don't develop properly) and gastroschisis (where the intestines extend outside of the body), which are life-altering congenital disorders.

While hot tubs and saunas are off-limits, a warm bath is usually OK.

Don't Clean the Cat Box

They used to tell expectant parents to get rid of their cats. Now we know that it's perfectly OK to pet and feed your kitty when you're pregnant. Just stay out of the litter box. That's because cats can carry a disease called toxoplasmosis that can cause birth defects.

The infection can be transmitted to you if you come in contact with feline feces. You probably won't mind asking someone else to clean out the litter box anyway. Maybe they'll carry on that chore even after the babies are born!

Don't Get Burnt Out

Your pregnant body is working overtime to grow those babies. There's not much energy left over for you to accomplish your daily activities. You'll probably feel pretty tired at times, and it's important to give your body the rest that it needs.

So don't overdo it. If you're assigned some level of bed rest, take it seriously. Accept your doctor's advice and don't push the limits.

Don't Ignore the Signs of Preterm Labor

With 50% of twin pregnancies delivering before 37 weeks and 10% delivering before 32 weeks, the risk of preterm labor and premature birth is very real when you're expecting multiples. Don't be fooled into thinking that it won't happen to you. Know the signs of preterm labor and take them seriously.

Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal cramping
• Low, dull backache
• Contractions
• Change in vaginal discharge, including leaking fluid or bleeding
• Pelvic pain or rectal pressure

While these symptoms don't always mean preterm labor, it's always best to get checked out, especially with a twin pregnancy.