Be on alert for double trouble; HEALTH: Dear Miriam.

Byline: MIRIAM STOPPARD

When my daughter-in-law discovered she was having twins, my delight at becoming a granny again was tempered by the many possible complications.

Multiple births come with a high risk of problems, from anaemia and high blood pressure to twin-to-twin transfusion, where one twin takes blood from the other.

There's also a higher risk of premature birth, resulting in low birth weight and breathing difficulties.

Fortunately, my son and daughter-inlaw live near London's King's College Hospital, which has one of the best obstetric units for twins in the country, so she was supervised carefully throughout. Even so, she went into labour a month early and needed an emergency Caesarean. Thankfully, all turned out well and their three-yearold twins are now thriving.

Lack of info So it worries me that many multiplepregnancy parents in the UK aren't getting the information they need.

Only a third of respondents to a survey by the Twins and Multiple Births Association had been offered specific advice for multiple pregnancies - and most of these were one-off sessions.

This lack of information could cost lives. We know, from two major prenatal parent programmes in the US and Canada, that special advice for multiple-birth parents results in a significantly lower risk of premature births.

It also reduces the need for medical intervention at birth, means fewer baby deaths and results in a lower rate of post-natal depression.

That's because parents are taught to spot signs of complications early and are given tailored health advice. This is needed more than ever as multiple births are increasing - one in 34 babies is now either a twin or triplet, compared to just one in 52 in 1980. This is Twins, Triplets and More Week, so if you're expecting more than one baby, here's what to do.

Get clued up Download a free copy of the Twins and Multiple Births Association Healthy Multiple Pregnancy Guide, packed with information on complications, how to spot them, what to eat and how to prepare for the birth. Visit www.tamba.org.uk or call Twinline on 0800 138 0509.

Be kind to yourself You'll get much bigger than with a single baby, so take extra care with your posture, avoid heavy lifting and rest often - at least an hour a day lying down. Tell your partner and family you need days of complete rest before the birth.

Take work easy Ask for flexible working hours if possible. Multiple pregnancies are more physically demanding than single ones so stop if you feel under strain.

Be super organised Start early. You'll need two of everything including baby baths, cots and clothing. Stock your freezer with meals to re-heat. Have your hospital bag packed by week 26.

Plan extra help For the first two or three months, there could be a baby needing attention 24 hours a day. Get your partner to take as much time off as possible. Also ask relatives to help - I went to stay with my son for a while after the twins were born.

Get info on breastfeeding See the Department of Health's advice on breastfeeding at www.bestbeginnings.info/video. Don't let yourself become exhausted.