A multiple pregnancy will put more pressure on your joints which may cause discomfort and backache towards the third trimester. The large size of the uterus can lead to shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort, piles and varicose veins. Your digestive system will also be under more pressure and there is an increased chance of suffering from heartburn. This is caused by relaxation of the muscles throughout the digestive system which may also cause constipation.
Anaemia, in particular iron-deficiency anaemia, is more common in multiple pregnancies. From the second trimester onwards, regular blood tests are often taken to check haemoglobin levels. Many women are slightly anaemic before they conceive so it is important to eat iron-rich foods before, during and after a multiple pregnancy. Your doctor may also prescribe you iron supplements.
One of the most common complaints during a multiple pregnancy is extreme tiredness. Your body works extremely hard during a pregnacy and during a multiple pregnancy it must work even harder. In a singleton pregnancy, blood volume increases by nearly fifty per cent, however, in a twin pregnancy your blood volume will increase by nearly one hundred per cent. This means that your heart will need to work much harder to pump all of this blood around your body. As a result, your blood pressure will generally drop and your pulse rate will rise during a multiple pregnancy.
It is common for pregnant women, in particular women expecting multiples, to feel faint when lying down due to the pressure of the uterus. Most women will find it more comfortable to lie on their side. This may be necessary for scans and any ither procedures requiring a pregnant woman to lie down for a considerable amount of time.