Expecting a baby is an exciting time, but when you find out you are expecting twins, the excitement gets doubled. Twin pregnancies come with their own unique challenges and considerations. However, with proper guidance and support, you can navigate this journey smoothly. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about twin pregnancy.
What is a twin pregnancy?
A twin pregnancy is when a pregnant woman carries two babies simultaneously in the uterus (womb).
There are two different types of twins, including:
Fraternal (dizygotic) twins: Fraternal twins (the most common type) develop when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm, resulting in two genetically distinct babies. Both twins have their own placenta and amniotic sac and can be of the same or different sex.
Identical (monozygotic) twins: Identical twins, on the other hand, occur when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos. Identical twins may share a single placenta and amniotic sac or a single placenta and different amniotic sacs. Since both twins share the same genetic material, they will have the same sex and often possess similar physical features.
In rare cases, conjoined twins develop when identical twins fail to split from each other during development, resulting in their being joined together in certain areas.
How do twin pregnancies occur?
In some cases, twin or other multiple pregnancies happen on their own. However, other times certain factors are involved, including:
Age: Older women, particularly those over 35, often release multiple eggs during ovulation due to hormonal changes, which increases their chances of carrying twins.
Genetics: If your family has a history of multiples, then there can be a chance of you having twins during your pregnancy.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART): If you have become pregnant through ART, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), the likelihood of a twin pregnancy is higher. This is because specialists often transfer multiple embryos (fertilized eggs) into the uterus to enhance the chances of successful pregnancies.
How is a twin pregnancy diagnosed?
Your doctor can identify a twin pregnancy during an ultrasound test. An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of your womb and your unborn baby that are seen on a monitor. However, it is essential to remember that sometimes your first-trimester ultrasounds do not show both babies. Therefore, it is better to schedule another ultrasound around the 12-week mark.
What are the symptoms of a twin pregnancy?
Nausea, vomiting, tender breasts, fatigue, and weight gain are common in any pregnancy. However, if you are carrying twins, you can expect more severe symptoms:
Increased morning sickness (severe nausea and vomiting due to increased hormone levels)
Rapid weight gain
Larger uterus size
Severe gastric problems like heartburn, indigestion, and constipation
Increased fatigue (as your body is working twice as hard to grow your babies)
Backaches, cramps, and swollen ankles
Early and frequent kicks
What risks come with having twins?
In some cases, twin pregnancies can elevate potential risks and complications.
For mothers, the risks include:
Gestational diabetes (high blood sugar)
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
Placental complications like placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery), placental insufficiency (when the placenta cannot provide adequate oxygen and nutrients to the fetus), and placenta previa (when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, blocking baby’s exit pathway)
For babies, the risks include:
Low birth weight
Premature birth (early delivery)
Twin-twin transfusion (a condition in which one baby receives too much blood and the other too little through blood vessels in their shared placenta, resulting in heart complications)
C-section delivery
Caring for your twins
Caring for twins is similar to caring for other newborns. Early and regular prenatal care is essential for your and your babies’ health and well-being.
You can do the following to ensure a smooth pregnancy with twins:
Schedule more frequent prenatal check-ups and USG anomaly scans to monitor the growth and development of the twins and rule out any potential abnormalities.
Follow a healthy diet (increase your iron intake, consume 5-6 healthy mini-meals rich in protein, calcium, and carbohydrates, and avoid food high in sugar)
Take prescribed prenatal vitamins and supplements.
Stay hydrated (drink eight glasses of water every day and restrict your caffeine intake)
Stay active (try gentle exercises for 30 minutes every day with your doctor’s approval)
Take proper rest and sleep at least 8 hours per day.
Speak with your family, friends, and other parents of twins to get support and guidance.
If you want to know more about twin pregnancy and prenatal care or have concerns, it is advisable to consult your doctor. They can offer you personalized guidance and address specific concerns you may have.
