What may indicate the need to prepare for multiple deliveries?

The indication to prepare for multiple deliveries often arises from strong contractions following the first delivery. When strong contractions occur after delivering a baby, it suggests that the uterus is still actively contracting and may be preparing to deliver another infant. This scenario is common in multiple births, such as twins or triplets, where the delivery of one baby can be followed closely by the delivery of another due to the retained presence of additional fetuses in the uterus.

In contrast, a small abdomen or slow contractions post-delivery typically do not signal the likelihood of additional births. A smaller abdominal size might suggest a smaller baby or even a single pregnancy, while slow contractions would indicate diminished uterine activity, reducing the chances of further deliveries. A large infant size, while noteworthy for other reasons such as potential complications during delivery, does not specifically indicate that another delivery is imminent.