On average, a woman has a one in 80 chance of conceiving twins. Things such as IVF and your age can increase the likelihood of multiple births, as more eggs are produced as you get older and IVF treatment tends to fertilise more than one egg.

Multiple births are split into two broad types. Identical multiples are a result of one fertilised egg that splits in two during pregnancy. Non-identical multiples stem from two eggs being fertilised at the same time by two different sperm. Non-identical multiples are much more likely than identical multiples.

What to do if you find out you’re expecting twins or multiples?

The thought of giving birth to one baby is scary enough, but two or more? Many women instantly think a caesarean section is the only route, however around 50% of multiple births in the UK are natural.

Before you even think about the birth you need to sort out prenatal classes. It is vital that you know as much as possible about carrying and delivering twins, as there are generally more complications involved. The Multiple Births Foundation offers specific prenatal classes for couples expecting multiple births (http://www.multiplebirths.org.uk/expecting.asp).

One child costs enough, but having two at the same time will put much greater financial strain on you and your partner. It’s worth setting up a specific ‘multiple baby’ savings account as far in advance of the birth as possible.

It’s also a good idea to think about routines and plan ahead as much as possible. You are going to have your hands full and it’s important that you maintain control. Ask family and friends for assistance and ensure your partner takes his paternity leave right after the birth; four hands are better than two.

Multiple births: what to expect

There is a 50/50 split between natural and c-section births for multiple babies. If you first baby is in the right position i.e. head down, your doctor will continue with a normal birth. It usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes for baby number two to come out. Any longer than this and medical intervention is utilised.

You will have a caesarean if the first baby is in the beech position, i.e. bottom first. You will also give birth via caesarean if you have done so before, your cervix fails to dilate or your placenta is covering the cervix, known as placenta previa.

Be aware

Your doctor and midwife should make you aware there is an increased risk of premature and low-weight births if you are expecting multiples. Many twins and multiples need special care for the first days of their lives and this generally takes place in hospital. Around 50% of twins are likely to suffer from weight problems because they are born prior to the 37 weeks mark.

You are more at risk of developing pre-eclampsia, which is a serious condition that can affect the growth of your baby and if left untreated can result in death, both yours and your unborn child’s.

Twin to Twin Syndrome is also a possibility, although it’s rare. It only affects identical twins and it’s when the babies share an outer membrane. Because the babies are sharing the mother’s blood supply, one can get too much whilst the other can get too little. It is potentially fatal for at least one of the multiples.

Recommended reads:

• Drinking alcohol whilst pregnant
• Eating fish during your pregnancy
• Breech birth
• Morning sickness: quick guide