Very few life experiences are more magical than being pregnant, especially when you are pregnant with twins. Though being able to mother two beautiful angels at one time comes as a blessing, twin pregnancy requires extra care and monitoring. According to a recent study, twin pregnancy is more likely to happen when you are in the age group of 30’s or 40’s, when your ovulatory cycles tend to be irregular. You are then likely to ovulate two follicles at one time, which could biologically lead to conceiving twins.
Very few life experiences are more magical than being pregnant, especially when you are pregnant with twins. Though being able to mother two beautiful angels at one time comes as a blessing, twin pregnancy requires extra care and monitoring. According to a recent study, twin pregnancy is more likely to happen when you are in the age group of 30’s or 40’s, when your ovulatory cycles tend to be irregular. You are then likely to ovulate two follicles at one time, which could biologically lead to conceiving twins.
Here’s what you need to keep a tab on:
From managing your weight to providing your body with that extra zest of nutrition, here is a list of things you should do while managing a twin pregnancy.
1. Frequent visits to the obstetrician
While carrying twins, your healthcare provider would be calling you often for ultrasounds and other necessary tests as your pregnancy progresses. This is also because your doctor wants to keep a track of the growth of your babies and development patterns. Here’s all you need to know about ultrasounds during pregnancy.
2. Boost in nutrition
Mothers carrying two or more foetuses require extra nutrition in the form of protein, folic acid, calcium, iron and other essential supplements. If you are consuming a healthy diet already, then keep that going. Also be sure to take a daily prenatal vitamin, crucial during pregnancy. This is so because pregnant women with twins are more susceptible to anemia as more iron is needed to provide nourishment to both the foetuses. You may also want to read 10 diet dos and don’ts every pregnant woman should follow.
3. Increase in rest
Some women may require additional amount of rest either at home or at the hospital, depending upon the urgency of the situation and in case of pregnancy related complications. Normally, late, twin and multiple pregnancies require bed rest from the middle of the second trimester. Here are 6 ways to sleep well during pregnancy.
4. Early concern about twin pregnancy
A single delivery requires a minimum of 39 weeks, but a twin pregnancy is normally considered due in 37 weeks, sometimes even earlier. It is believed that more babies you carry, lesser is your pregnancy term. Doctors consider a twin delivery after 34 weeks to be normal. If your body exhibits signs of preterm labour, then there are chances that your doctor may inject you with steroids to enhance the growth of the lungs of your babies. Lung immaturity is a major problem in case of a premature delivery. Here are 6 signs of preterm labour.
5. C-section delivery
There is always a higher rate of C-sectional delivery with twins. Vaginal delivery is also possible, depending on the position of the twins, which is easier if the first baby is in a head down position. Despite the first baby delivered normally, the second may be delivered through a c-section delivery, in case of complications. (Read: 7 ways to have a mother-friendly C-section)
6. High blood pressure
Mothers of multiples have a tendency to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. The hypertension when combined with protein in the urine is said to cause preeclampsia. This condition normally occurs either before 20 weeks or after the 37th week. You also have chances of developing pre-eclampsia in the second half of your pregnancy. Early detection and timely medication can avert complications. (Read:Natural alternatives for high blood pressure medication)
Types of twins
There are two types of twins: Fraternal and Identical.
Fraternal (non-identical) twins
Fraternal or non-identical twins are born when two separate sperms fertilize two different eggs and implant in the womb at the same time. These twins are just like two siblings; they may either be of same or different sex.
Identical twins
Identical twins are born when the same egg fertilizes and divides in two, creating the same genes. Therefore identical twins are mostly of the same sex and also tend to look alike. Here are generic differences between identical twins.
While pregnancy elevates your joys into motherhood, it comes with set of extreme precautions that you need to follow. Once your body is healthy and has sufficient nutrients to enable good growth of the foetuses, you deliver healthy babies. Managing a twin pregnancy can be strenuous. Hence, you must ensure at least 2700 calories of intake with enough calcium and iron reaching the foetuses.
As you are likely to deliver early during twin pregnancy, make sure to plan ahead and ask your doctor about prenatal health care and also about hospitals that have facilities with Neonatal intensive care unit.
Citations
[Multiple pregnancies. Apropos of 37 cases]. Chevrant-Breton O, Mention JE, Toulouse R. J GynecolObstetBiolReprod (Paris). 1980;9(2):243-8. French.
Originally published on www.thehealthsite.com
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