Multiple Pregnancies
Multiple pregnancies occur when the number of babies is two or more. Being pregnant with twins, that is, being pregnant with two babies, is the most common case among multiple pregnancies. Some methods used after IVF treatment result in the attachment of two or more embryos to the uterus or the fact that the cells that divide from a single egg create more than one embryo. The same situation can also occur naturally. Multiple pregnancies, which occur in 3 out of 1000 pregnancies, are more common in women over the age of 35 who have a family history of multiple pregnancies.
What Are The Multiple Pregnancies?
Identical twins and fraternal twins are the most common types of multiple pregnancies. After fertilization, the same egg multiplies by dividing into identical twins. In this case, two embryos that are very similar to each other develop. It occurs once every 250 pregnancies. In most cases, a division occurs within 72 hours of fertilization. Fraternal twins are the result of two embryos attaching to the uterus after two different eggs are fertilized by two different sperms. In this case, the babies do not look alike. Fraternal twins occur 75% of the time in multiple pregnancies. Furthermore, multiple pregnancy counts can be triplet or quadruplet. More embryos are also seen to attach to the uterus and develop.
The Risks of Multiple Pregnancies
Multiple pregnancies increase the risk of premature birth. Generally, deliveries take place in the 37th week. As a result, the babies may not be born at a healthy weight. As a result, the babies’ immune systems may weaken or they may fail to breathe adequately at first. In such cases, the babies can be placed in an incubator.
Preeclampsia, or pregnancy toxemia, may occur. This condition can result in hypertension, kidney and liver problems. When protein is detected in the urine of the future mother, it is determined. This condition should be treated as soon as possible.
The condition known as “Vanishing Twin Syndrome” occurs during the first three months of pregnancy. It is the stage at which one of the eggs ceases to develop and is lost. In this case, another baby can still be born safely.
Furthermore, the risk of a congenital defect, anaemia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum hemorrhage is increased in multiple pregnancies.
Considerations for Multiple Pregnancy
Regular physician examination is critical in multiple pregnancies as well as in all pregnancies. The mother’s health should be closely monitored through blood tests. Nutritional deficiency, vitamin and mineral deficiency, and blood deficiency in the mother should be avoided at all costs.
If the future mothers work, it is recommended that they take maternity leave earlier than single pregnancies. In general, caesarean is preferred in multiple pregnancies. You should prioritize your regular sleep schedule and water consumption.
