Diagnosing Multiple Pregnancy.When is a multiple pregnancy most often discovered?
A multiple pregnancy is usually found during the 2nd trimester because the woman is larger than expected and growth seems to be too fast.
What's the best way to diagnose a multiple pregnancy?
Ultrasound is the best way to determine if a woman is carrying more than one baby.
I'm expecting more than one baby; what do I have to keep in mind during my pregnancy?
One of the most important things you must remember with a multiple pregnancy is to take things more slowly, from the beginning of your pregnancy until delivery. Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your developing babies. Nutrition and Exercise
Is it true that a woman who is carrying more than one baby needs to eat more?
It is necessary for a woman who is carrying multiples to eat more—at least 300 more calories per baby each day than in a single pregnancy! A woman needs more protein, minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Iron supplementation is also necessary.
Will I have a greater chance of having iron-deficiency anemia if I have twins?
Often women who are pregnant with more than one baby have iron-deficiency anemia. A multiple pregnancy is more stressful to your body than a single pregnancy, and your needs increase in many areas.
I'd like to try to keep in shape during pregnancy. Are there any exercises I can do?
Walking and swimming may be permissible for you while you're pregnant with multiples. Check out any exercise program with your doctor before you begin. Don't do any strenuous exercises, and stop immediately if you feel overexerted. As much as you want to stay in shape, you may have to forgo all exercise until after your babies are safely delivered.
Is it true I'll put on a lot more weight with multiples?
You are more likely to put on extra weight with multiple fetuses. For a normal-weight woman, a weight gain of 35 to 45 pounds (15.75 to 20.25kg) for a twin birth is recommended. However, some women do not gain as much weight because of the added stress on their bodies.
Potential Problems and Discomforts
If a woman is pregnant with multiples, is she likely to have more problems during pregnancy?
The possibility of problems increases slightly when a woman is carrying more than one baby.
These problems may include any of the following: - miscarriage
- fetal malformations
- low birthweight or intrauterine-growth restriction
- pre-eclampsia
- maternal anemia
- problems with the placenta
- maternal bleeding or hemorrhage
- problems with the umbilical cords
- hydramnios or polyhydramnios (too much fluid in the bag of waters)
- labor complicated by breech or transverse presentation
- premature labor and premature delivery
Is it true that a woman expecting more than one baby has more heartburn than other pregnant women?
This is often the case. It is caused by the larger uterus encroaching on the space the stomach usually enjoys by itself.
I've heard that most complications in a multiple-fetus pregnancy arise in the last trimester. Is this true?
Yes; as the babies grow larger, the mother-to-be may experience more problems. The biggest problem is premature labor and premature delivery. You get bigger earlier, and you get larger than with a single pregnancy. This can cause problems, such as difficulty breathing, back pain, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, pelvic pressure and pelvic pain, even early in a pregnancy.
I recently read an article that mentioned conjoined twins. What are they?
Conjoined twins, once called Siamese twins, are twins whose bodies are connected. It is a very serious complication of pregnancy because these babies may share important internal organs, such as the heart, lungs or liver. Sometimes they can be separated; often they cannot.
How are conjoined twins delivered?
It is usually necessary to deliver conjoined twins by Cesarean section.
Does the birth of conjoined twins occur very often?
No, it is very rare.
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