Twin pregnancy
If you are wondering whether or not you are having twins, you are not alone in this beautiful world of expecting mothers! With the cases of twins increasing significantly over the past two decades, numerous expecting mothers wonder if two babies can be on the way. If so, she should find out the common signs and symptoms of twin pregnancy and then know more about how it occurred, what would be the symptoms and how finally this will be treated.
How multiples are made
Fraternal twins — the most common kind — occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm. Each twin has his or her own placenta and amniotic sac. The twins can be two girls, two boys, or a boy and a girl. Genetically, they’re no more alike than any other siblings.
What are some of the signals of a multiple pregnancy?
Weight Gain
Early weight gain of up to ten pounds in the first trimester can result due to increased blood volume and uterine size. By the end of the second trimester, most mothers of twins have gained fifteen to twenty-five pounds, whereas singleton pregnancies usually produce gains of ten to twenty pounds.
Measuring large for gestational age
Increased uterus size can be a strong indicator of multiple pregnancy. However, most women measure larger and show earlier with subsequent pregnancies, so don’t be alarmed if you can’t fit into your jeans after six weeks of pregnancy with your second child even if you didn’t wear maternity clothes until twenty weeks with your first baby.
The Risks of Multiple Births
The most immediate risk involved with multiple births is pre-term (or early) labor resulting in premature births. A typical, single pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, but a twin pregnancy often lasts between 35 to 37 weeks. Nearly half of all twins are born prematurely (before 37 weeks), and the risk of having a premature delivery increases with higher-order multiples.
Common symptoms of twin pregnancy
Greater and faster weight gain
Early weight gain of up to 10 lb in the first trimester might result because of increased blood volume and uterus size. By the end of the 2nd trimester, most of the mothers of twins must have gained 15-20 lb whereas singleton pregnancy generally gets gain of 10-20 lb.
A large sized uterus.
If the uterus appears to be growing more quickly than expected for the due date, a twin pregnancy might be suspected. Other possible causes of bigger than expected uterus include a misestimated due date, too much amniotic fluid, or the presence of uterine fibroid.
Management of twin pregnancy
Mothers who carry twin pregnancy require more calories, proteins, and other nutrients, such as iron. Higher weight gain is also advised for twin pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that woman who carries twins gain at least 35-45 lb. Referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, known as a perinatologist, for special examination and/or ultrasound findings and to coordinate care of complications, might be necessary to avoid complications of twin pregnancy.
