Are you seeing double (or triple) every time you go to the grocery store or the shopping mall? You are--twins, triplets, and even quadruplets are much more common these days than just a decade ago. In the US, the number of twin births has risen by 67% and the number of triplet and higher order births by 548% since 1980. Although triplets and higher-order multiples are increasing at a faster rate, twins account for more than 93% of all multiple births each year. One-fourth of this increase is attributed to delaying childbearing and the naturally higher occurrence of multiple births to older mothers, but the majority is the result of fertility-enhancing agents and assisted reproductive technologies.

• Half of all multiple births today are to women ages 30 and older, twice as many as in 1980.
• Three times as many women ages 35 and older, and four times as many women ages 40 and older are having twins today compared to 1980.
• Five times as many women ages 35 and older, and ten times as many women ages 40 and older are having triplets or quadruplets today compared to 1980.

The following questionnaire will test your knowledge about twins, triplets, and quadruplets. Remember, knowledge is power--and if you are expecting multiples, learning as much as you can about your unique pregnancy will help you have a healthier pregnancy and deliver healthier children.

1. What is the average birthweight and length of gestation for a twin pregnancy?

A. 3 lbs 12 oz at 32 weeks
B. 4 lbs 7 oz at 34 weeks
C. 5 lbs 5 oz at 36 weeks
D. 6 lbs 4 oz at 38 weeks

2. What is the average birthweight and length of gestation for a triplet pregnancy?

A. 3 lbs 12 oz at 32 weeks
B. 4 lbs 7 oz at 34 weeks
C. 5 lbs 5 oz at 36 weeks
D. 6 lbs 4 oz at 38 weeks

3. What percentage of twins are identical vs fraternal?

A. 50% and 50%
B. 33% and 67%
C. 25% and 75%
D. 10% and 90%

4. What percent of identical twins have separate amniotic sacs and placentas?

A. 20%
B. 35%
C. 50%
D. 65%

5. Women who conceive twins spontaneously are more likely to be…

A. athletic
B. first-time mothers
C. vegetarians
D. taller

6. For a woman of normal weight pregnant with twins, how much should she gain by 24 weeks?

A. at least 24 lbs
B. at least 20 lbs
C. at least 16 lbs
D. at least 12 lbs

7. For a woman pregnant with triplets, how much should she gain by 24 weeks?

A. at least 42 lbs
B. at least 36 lbs
C. at least 30 lbs
D. at least 24 lbs

8. For a woman pregnant with quads, how much should she gain by 24 weeks?

A. at least 50 lbs
B. at least 36 lbs
C. at least 30 lbs
D. at least 24 lbs

9. Your unborn babies' heads at 32 weeks of pregnancy are about the size of…

A. an apricot
B. a lemon
C. an orange
D. a cantaloupe

10. What is the best exercise you can do when you're pregnant with multiples?

A. vaccuuming
B. swimming
C. walking
D. biking