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Chapter 27 - Lifestyle Considerations for Multiple Pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 October 2022

By
Nathan S. Fox
Edited by
Leanne Bricker ,
Julian N. Robinson  and
Baskaran Thilaganathan
Leanne Bricker
Affiliation:
Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi
Julian N. Robinson
Affiliation:
Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston
Baskaran Thilaganathan
Affiliation:
St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London
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Summary

Women with multiple pregnancies are at increased risk of pregnancy complications. However, there are very few high-quality studies to direct recommendations for lifestyle modifications in women with twin pregnancies, and such research is virtually non-existent for triplets and above. Several retrospective studies suggest that improved nutrition and proper weight gain might be beneficial to women with twin pregnancies and reduce the risk of fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. Therefore, we recommend nutritional counseling and attempts to achieve recommended weight gain thresholds. In the absence of complications, most women with twin pregnancies can exercise regularly, continue working, and have no restrictions in sexual activity. Most women with twin pregnancies can travel up to 28-32 weeks, provided they have access to medical care, do not have other significant complications, and accept the small possibility of a complication at their destination.

Type
Chapter
Information
Management of Multiple Pregnancies
A Practical Guide
 , pp. 282 - 288
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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References

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Liu, L, Zafman, KB, Fox, NS. Weight gain and pregnancy outcomes in underweight women with twin pregnancies. J Matern Neonat Fetal Med 2018 [in press].Google Scholar
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