Multiple births are more common today than in the past due to fertility treatments. These methods of treatment encourage more than one sperm to inseminate an egg. Usually, this results in the formation of only one zygote, which eventually becomes a fetus, and then a baby?but sometimes this method results in the formation of several zygotes. As these zygotes develop into fetuses, doctors can quickly tell this pregnancy is going to be abnormal.



Sometimes, individuals faced with carrying multiples face the decision to abort one or more of the zygotes to ensure the others survive to term. Very rarely are multiples carried to term, especially the higher the number of developing babies the mother is carrying. This choice is difficult and often painful, but must be looked at in the best interest of the other children. Instead of carrying five, six, seven, or even eight babies to term, doctor often will ask the parents if they would like to abort a specific number of zygotes to ensure the health and safety of the rest of the babies.

If you happen to face this situation and have to take this difficult decision, try and speak with a number of doctors, your clergy and other individuals that have experienced your situation. However, once you have made up your mind stand firm on it. It's entirely up to you whether you opt to have the procedure or to take the risk. There is no reason to feel guilty or compelled to go in for the procedure by your doctor or not.

If you are carrying multiples, you will be advised to go on bed rest at some time during the pregnancy. Generally, multiples are not carried to term, and doctors try to stop labor as long as possible. It's best to take care of any necessary business before your doctor restricts your activity level and confines you to bed.

Before the children are born, begin to set up a nursery. Ask friends or family members for any pieces of furniture or other baby items that are necessary in a nursery. Look to thrift stores or yard sales for finding items at a reasonable cost. You are most likely to need more than one, and your budget can be used up quite quickly.

You will need all the help from your friends and family to take care of more babies when they arrive. As it is, you will need time to recover from pregnancy and birth. You can't possibly run a household and care for all the children all by yourself. So, it's best to make proper arrangements well in time. Both the parents may have to take time off work for a while in the beginning. However, sooner or later both of you will have to go back to work, so you should think of other arrangements as well.

Having more than one baby is a great blessing, but also a great deal of work. Ensuring a good bit of planning is done before the babies arrive will lessen the shock of these new individuals into your home. As they grow, you are certain to find special delight in each and every one of your children.