Twin pregnancy requires special care. From nutrition and weight gain to possible complications, you can find out what awaits you in twin pregnancy with this article.
Would you be surprised to learn that you are pregnant with twins or even triplets?
Sometimes twin pregnancy can knock on your door. In some cases, certain factors play a role. For example, since more than one egg may be released at a time as a result of hormonal changes due to aging, it is possible to have twin pregnancies in pregnancies that take place at later ages. The use of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization also increases the likelihood of twin or multiple pregnancy.
If you have been diagnosed with a twin or multiple pregnancy, you can find the information you need to take care of your babies and yourself in this article.
How Does a Twin Pregnancy Occur?
Fraternal twins, the most common type, are formed when two separate eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm. Each twin has a separate placenta and a water bladder. Twins can be two girls, two boys, or a girl or a boy. Genetically they are only as similar to each other as any other siblings, no more.
Identical twins are formed when a single fertilized egg separates and develops into two separate fetuses. Identical twins may share a single placenta, but each baby usually has a separate water bladder. Genetically identical twins. They happen to be the same sex, share the same physical and characteristic features. In rare cases, the separation of identical twins as two separate individuals fails. These babies are known as conjoined twins.
Triplets and other multiplexed twins can be identical twins, fraternal twins, or a combination of these.
How Is Twin Pregnancy Diagnosed?
If your uterus appears larger than normal or there is more than one fetal heartbeat, your doctor may suspect that you are having a twin pregnancy. The true diagnosis of a suspected twin pregnancy is usually confirmed by ultrasound. In ultrasound, sound waves are used to create an image of your uterus and your baby (or babies).
Sometimes, it can be seen that those who experience seemingly normal twin pregnancies are only expecting one baby later in pregnancy. This condition is known as vanishing twin syndrome. Such an event can cause frustration, anger, and confusion. Often there is no clear explanation for the loss.
What Does Twin Pregnancy Mean for the Mother?
The way to take good care of your babies is to take good care of yourself. For twin pregnancy, you need to pay attention to the following conditions:
More frequent checkups. You will find that your doctor will often monitor the development and growth of babies, monitor your health and check for signs of preterm birth. As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to have frequent ultrasounds or other tests.
Focus on certain nutrients. You will need more folic acid, calcium, iron, protein and other essential nutrients. If you're already eating healthy, continue with it and make sure you're getting a daily prenatal vitamin. Your doctor may also recommend that you take an iron supplement.
More weight gain. Gaining the right amount of weight supports the health of your babies. It also facilitates the postpartum loss of excess weight gained during childbirth. The recommended weight gain during twin pregnancy for a woman who was of normal weight before pregnancy ranges from 17 to 25 kilograms, which can be met with an extra 600 calories depending on her daily activity level. Talk to your doctor to determine what is best for you.
More precautions. As your pregnancy progresses, your doctor may want you to restrict certain activities, such as work, travel, and physical activity. Even if bed rest has not yet been proven to be an effective way to prevent preterm labor, bed rest may be recommended as a precaution to support fetal development and reduce the risk of various complications.
Consider These Situations in Twin Pregnancy
Healthy twin births occur every day. Still, it's important to be aware of possible complications. E.g:
High blood pressure. Mothers are likely to experience high blood pressure during twin pregnancy. The combination of high blood pressure with protein in the urine is known as preeclampsia. Careful management is required to avoid serious complications for mothers and babies.
Early birth. The more babies you are pregnant with, the less likely your pregnancy will result in a normal term. If you have symptoms that indicate preterm birth, injections of steroid therapy may be given to speed up your babies' lung development. Even then, the smallest premature baby may have to fight for life. Complications can include low birth weight, respiratory and digestive disorders, and immature organs. In rare cases, it can be seen that one baby is born prematurely and the other baby or babies continue to develop in the womb. This condition is known as the delayed intermittent condition.
Twin to twin transfusion. In identical twins, a blood vessel in the placenta is likely to connect the babies' circulatory systems. This causes one baby to receive more blood and the other less. This is a serious complication for both babies and may require immediate intervention during twin pregnancy. Usually, babies with this condition are delivered immediately, as soon as the benefits of preterm birth outweigh the risks of premature birth.
Cesarean birth. In twin pregnancies, vaginal delivery is often possible if the first baby is in a head-down position. If not, a cesarean delivery may be recommended. In some cases, the second baby can be delivered by cesarean section due to complications after the first baby's vaginal delivery. For triplets, vaginal delivery is not impossible, but still, cesarean delivery is recommended for triplets and more multiple pregnancies.
Twin Baby Care
Multiple babies need the same things as other newborn babies. But with twins, you'll double the rate. You may need more rest and support than you realize, especially if your babies were born prematurely or need special treatment after birth.
