Multiple pregnancy

The first signs that you are having twins (or more) may be the severity of pregnancy sickness and the rate at which your abdomen is enlarging. The first proof is an ultrasound scan, usually possible by the end of the second month. Ask for a picture. If you can’t quite believe you are having twins, the photo will confirm it and will make your babies seem more real when you tell other people.

Your body will change in just the same way as any expectant mother, but you can expect the discomforts of pregnancy to be more marked due to the greater needs of two developing babies. There’s no need to eat for three or even for two, but you do need a varied and healthy diet with 50 to 100 per cent more protein, calcium, iron, folic acid and vitamin B12.

Whatever your natural activity level, rest is vital. Gentle exercise such as swimming and walking will be beneficial and the pressures on the perineum mean that pelvic floor exercises are even more important. Smoking reduces oxygen supply to the babies and increases still further their already high risk of being born early and underweight.