If Kate Middleton Is Pregnant With Twins, Here’s What She Should Expect

The rumors are flying people: According to many undisclosed sources, Kate Middleton is pregnant with twins! No, it hasn’t been confirmed by Buckingham Palace, but I for one would love to believe that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting two babes—you know me, I love a big family! Plus, just imagine the kind of Parent Trap type hijinks two little twinsies could get up to in the palace! That said, if the rumors are true, and she’s got more than one little one going on in there, this pregnancy will likely be a bit different for Kate, as most twin pregnancies are.

Twins occur naturally in one out of every 80 pregnancies—and then with IVF, that number goes much higher. These pregnancies usually require even closer monitoring and more medical appointments than even a regular pregnancy (I know, just the idea is exhausting!). Women expecting multiples may have ultrasounds every two to four weeks just to ensure that everything’s going well and that the babies-to-be are healthy.

Additionally, because moms expecting twins are carrying two fetuses instead of just one, they need to focus on getting even more of the recommended nutrients throughout their pregnancy than moms only having one child. Folic acid, calcium, iron, and protein are incredibly important—and if Kate Middleton actually is pregnant with twins, it’s likely that her doctor may prescribe special vitamins to ensure she’s getting enough of each.

Some complications, like preeclampsia and preterm birth are more common with multiples than with single pregnancies, but it’s important to remember that healthy twins (and triplets!) are born every day—and with the kind of care the Duchess of Cambridge has available to her (did you know her mom is a midwife?!) I’m sure she’s in the best of hands.