Having multiples is twice the fun, twice the work and, unfortunately, twice the worry. One of the most common concerns with multiples is going into premature labor. Sabra Wineteer from Bloomsburg, Pa., remembers that her doctor warned her of that possibility months in advance.

"My doctor told me I would probably go into labor early, so I expected a 36- to 38-week delivery," Wineteer says. When Wineteer did begin her labor early, the normal precautions were taken. "My doctor gave me a drug to stop the contractions – terbutaline – which worked, but I was all nervous and red faced at my baby shower," she says. "I couldn't tear the wrapping off the packages because my hands were shaking so badly. I didn't want to take the drug anymore, so I went on modified bed rest at home."

Though Wineteer's doctor told her she would probably begin labor early, many women don't know ahead of time. Dr. Errol Norwitz, an associate professor at the Yale University School of Medicine and co-director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, says that timing is everything.

"The timing of labor and delivery is an important determinant of perinatal outcome," Dr. Norwitz says. "Preterm births (defined as delivery prior to 37 weeks gestation) are associated with increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. Approximately one in eight babies (12 percent) are born prematurely each year in the United States, and account for over 85 percent of all perinatal deaths. This is more likely if the pregnancy ends before 34 weeks and especially if delivery is before 28 weeks. Babies who do survive are at risk for lifelong health and developmental challenges, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease and vision and hearing loss."

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