possible labour complications that can arise if the twins share the same blood flow from the placenta.But for non-identical twins, you can plan for a normal birth.Other factors include the position of the first baby (a breech baby will mean a C

for the presence of certain hormones produced by the placenta. Favourable levels of these will reduce the risk of your baby having Down's. These results, along with your age and your baby's heart rate can then be used to assess the chances of your baby having a

If bleeding continues you may be referred for a scan. If you have heavy bleeding and cramps you might be examined to see if your cervix is dilating. If it is, you may be miscarrying.If you bleed in mid-pregnancy you could have a low-lying placenta. Signs

common questions:Q Why are some babies breech?A ‘Most breech babies settle in this position purely by chance,’ says independent midwife Mary Cronk. However, a very small number are breech for a medical reason such as placenta praevia (where the placenta

of rice and looks a bit like a tadpole. Her head, body and limb buds are developing and she is floating in an amniotic sac. The placenta, your baby’s life-support system, is forming. Her heartbeat can be picked up on an ultrasound scan. She will double

mothers diet affects both the unborn baby's weight and how well the placenta works, while other poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, stress, drugs and alcohol can significantly take their toll. It is thought that when food is in short supply or of poor

's heart and also the placenta. It typically starts at around 28 weeks, but it can be earlier.Who is at risk?Around 5,000 women in the UK develop the condition every year. A definitive cause is not known but it can run in families. They also think

to hospital if necessary.Possible reasons include the heart rate dipping, or meconium (the baby's first bowel movement) found in the waters - a sign of foetal distress.In rare cases you may need to be transferred to hospital if you've retained the placenta

that the placenta won't work as well. You may also be induced if the pregnancy is putting you at risk, for example if you have high blood pressure. Your contractions will be started either by breaking your waters manually or by inserting a pessary or gel

’t get lost!Your due date arrives……but there’s no sign of your baby. Don’t worry – it’ll happen soon, one way or another. Most hospitals won’t let you go more than 10 to 14 days overdue, as it’s thought the placenta becomes less efficient after this time