Published: April 22, 2008 10:13 am         

Pregnancy now: Pain control, multiples

NEW YORK (AP) — Five rising trends in pregnancy, according to Heidi Murkoff, author of ‘‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting,’’ which released its fourth edition last week:

MULTIPLES: ‘‘Mulitples are multiplying, due in large part to mothers having children later in life. This is because of fertility drugs but also because older women are more likely to conceive multiples naturally.’’

FASHION: ‘‘Pregnancy fashion is no longer an oxymoron! And not just on the red carpet. Being a hot mom is hot.’’

WORKING MOMS: ‘‘More moms are working through their pregnancy, and through their eighth month. They need to listen to their bodies, take breaks, and eat right.’’

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES: More mothers are turning to alternative therapies like accupuncture, hypnosis and biofeedback.

PAIN CONTROL: ‘‘You can get the pain without the gain. Most moms — 75 percent — are opting out of labor pain by requesting epidurals.’’