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Last Updated: Aug 27, 2020
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Twin Pregnancy - Know More About It!

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Dr. Shruti GuptaGynaecologist • 19 Years Exp.MBBS, MD - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
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Twin Pregnancy is a very common phenomenon which is experienced by women worldwide. The joy of giving birth to two children is a different feeling altogether. However, if you are expecting twins there are certain things which you should be knowing. If you are unaware of those important things then have a read through this article because we are going to discuss them thoroughly.

Here are the top things which you should be aware of when you are carrying not one but two children together :

1) Age Matters - The older you get the more the chances are for twin pregnancy. It has been found that women who are between the age of 30 to 40 years, can get pregnant with twins. This is because as you grow old your ovulatory cycles do not happen regularly and that is why you can ovulate two follicles.

2) Increased Folic Acid - Since you will be expecting twins it is very much recommended that you increase the intake of Folic acid. This is because Folic acid helps to keep birth defects at bay. The acid also helps to fight neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

3) More Monitoring - Twin Pregnancy will require more check-ups and monitoring when compared to a single pregnancy. So you will be up for more frequent ultrasonography.

4) Frequent Morning Sickness - Women who are expecting twins are more likely to suffer from morning sickness, more back pain, sleeping difficulties, and heartburn than mothers who have a single child. Most of the morning sickness will be experienced between 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy.

5) More Weight Gain - mothers who are going to give birth to twins are going to face more weight gain. It has been found out that the average weight gain for a single child carrying mother is 20-25 pounds whereas for a mother with twins it is 30-35 pounds.

6) Increased Risk of Gestational Diabetes - in the case of twin pregnancy, women are more prone to face gestational diabetes. Mothers who deliver twins are more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the later years of their life.

7) Risk of Preeclampsia - it should be noted that if you are expecting twins you have an increased risk of suffering from Preeclampsia. It is the condition when you suffer from high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and sometimes swelling in the feet or legs. Therefore make sure you consult with the doctor in a very proper manner.

8) Risk of Preterm Delivery - It is extremely important to go for frequent checkups to avoid various risks such as preterm delivery.

The other complications are as follows:

  • The babies may be of low-weight.
  • Low-weight babies are most often at higher risk of having long-term health complications.
  • The risks to the kid include hearing loss, vision problem, cerebral palsy and mental retardation.
  • The growth rate of the twins is often below normal.
  • The pregnant woman is always at higher risk of developing preeclampsia and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH).
  • The blood sugar level of the mother increases significantly.
  • Antenatal care be sought where NICU facilities are available and expert care is available for the newborns

So here are some of the important details which you should be knowing of when you are expecting twins. We know that giving birth to two children together is absolutely a wonderful feeling and one of the most important moments of your life but at the same time make sure that you do not lose track from the different complications which may also arise.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!
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