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Two distinct sperm fertilise two eggs simultaneously to produce fraternal twins, or a fertilised egg divides in half to produce identical twins.
Here is everything you need to know about twin pregnancy.
Early Signs Of Twin Pregnancy
The early warning signs of a twin pregnancy are similar to those of a singleton pregnancy, although they may manifest more intensely. Several of the most typical early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, breast soreness, and exhaustion, might seem more acute if you're pregnant with twins because human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels can increase higher with a twin pregnancy.Symptoms Of A Twin Pregnancy
The majority of your symptoms as an expecting twin mom will be similar to those of your friends who are carrying a single child. However, once again, you may experience the same signs of pregnancy more strongly. You could have symptoms sooner in the first trimester.Nausea and vomiting symptoms may be severe in the first trimester, perhaps leading to a syndrome known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Sometimes symptoms of pregnancy occur sooner than expected because the pregnancy hormone levels rise higher and faster in twin pregnancies.
The following general indications of pregnancy might be expected during a twin pregnancy:
- Fatigue
- Sore and swollen breasts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Food desires or aversions
- Bloating
- More weight gain than predicted particularly during early pregnancy
- Feeling foetal movements in many parts of the abdomen at the same time
When And How Will You Discover You're Having Twins?
To confirm your twin pregnancy, your doctor will most likely conduct an ultrasound. If you are less than 12 weeks pregnant, you may have a transvaginal ultrasound, whereas if you are over the first trimester, you may receive an abdominal ultrasound.There are additional tests that may detect twin pregnancy. High levels of hCG in a blood test may suggest twins, however, hCG levels fluctuate, so this should not be regarded as the only indication. An alpha-fetoprotein test (AFT) may reveal a twin pregnancy. The AFT measures the quantity of a particular protein generated by a developing baby's liver and found in the mother's bloodstream. If you have twin infants, your levels of this protein will be higher.
What Are The Different Types Of Twins?
Twins are either identical or fraternal.Fraternal twins develop when two sperm fertilise two eggs in a single cycle. This results in a unique placenta for each infant. DNA from fraternal twins is similar to that of siblings of various ages. They may be the same or different sexes.
Identical twins are formed when a single embryo from one egg and one sperm divides in two. The twins may share or have different placentas. Identical twins are always of the same gender.
Conjoined twins are exceedingly unusual, resulting from an identical twin embryo that does not completely split. The infants' bodies are united, which means they may share essential organs. The chest and abdomen are common locations of fusion. This may result in a shared liver or heart.
How Can I Get Pregnant With Twins?
Factors that enhance the likelihood of having twins include:- People over the age of 35 are more likely to release more than one egg during ovulation.
- If your mother's side has a history of fraternal twins, you may be able to have twins naturally.
- Twin pregnancy is more prevalent among persons who have had reproductive procedures such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
- People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or above are more likely to have twins.
- If you carried twins in a prior pregnancy, you are more likely to conceive them again.
How Can Fertility Treatments Increase The Probability Of Twins?
Fertility treatments may result in a twin pregnancy.- When you take medicines that cause you to produce more than one egg every cycle.
- If you undergo IVF and have more than one embryo implanted.
- If an embryo implanted after IVF separates in the early stages of pregnancy.
What Is The Definition Of Full-Term For Twins?
A full-term pregnancy lasts 37 weeks. Twin pregnancies are rarely this lengthy; the average twin pregnancy lasts 35 to 36 weeks. Many individuals go into labour earlier.There are few therapies available to prevent preterm labour, and they are not always effective. Once you enter active labour, there is no stopping it from advancing.
How Does Prenatal Care Change For Twin Pregnancies?
Twin pregnancies increase the chance of difficulties for both the pregnant individual and the twins. Prenatal examinations are more common with twin pregnancies, making it feasible to spot problems early.Twin pregnancies are considered high risk due to the many possible difficulties. Many patients seek prenatal treatment from maternal-fetal medicine specialists. These obstetricians specialise in avoiding, identifying, and treating issues in high-risk pregnancies.
Potential Challenges Of A Twin Pregnancy
Twin pregnancies are often regarded as riskier than singleton pregnancies. Some of the probable issues are:- Preterm birth (more than half of all twins are born prematurely or before 37 weeks)
- Gestational Diabetes
- Preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy
- Growth issues for the infant
- Twin-twin transfusion syndrome, an uncommon but potentially fatal condition, develops when the blood flow between the twins becomes imbalanced
- Postpartum depression
What Does Twin Pregnancy Mean To Mom?
While a twin pregnancy is double the pleasure, it may be more taxing on your body and increase your risk of certain issues. Some of the most important differences include the risk of having a preterm delivery, the risk of having a Caesarean section, and, let's not forget, the postpartum period where the patient will be managing two newborns.Later in your pregnancy, you may need more prenatal testing, such as a biophysical profile, which involves an ultrasound and a nonstress test. It is recommended that there be more weight growth and calorie consumption for twins than for singletons, and you may need to boost your folic acid intake as well. Women who are pregnant twins should gain 35 to 45 pounds on average, but you should consult with your clinician for your specific plan.
Finding out you're pregnant with twins might be thrilling, but you may also feel overwhelmed. Twin pregnancies need more frequent prenatal appointments due to the increased risk of problems. Most twin pregnancies end soon before they are deemed full-term. Though twins are often delivered by c-section, consult with your doctor about the potential of a vaginal birth. They're there to address any questions or issues you may have.
FAQs on Everything to Know About Your Twin Pregnancy:
- How can I keep my twin pregnancy healthy?
If you are pregnant with twins, you should take the same prenatal vitamins as you would for any other pregnancy, but your doctor may suggest additional folic acid and iron. - How does a pregnant woman with twins feel?
Women who are pregnant with twins report more back discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and heartburn than those who are pregnant with a single kid.