Having a baby is a beautiful thing, but what if you’re pregnant with twins or more? Well, it’s still beautiful, but all would agree it’s going to require a different set of rules. Let’s talk about the different aspects of a multiple pregnancy.
The How and Why
First of all, many may wonder about the how. How do twins develop anyway? The Mayo Clinic gives the following definition:
Fraternal twins — the most common kind — occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm. Each twin has his or her own placenta and amniotic sac. The twins can be two girls, two boys, or a boy and a girl. Genetically, they're no more alike than any other siblings.
Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg splits and develops into two fetuses. Identical twins may share a placenta, but each baby usually has a separate amniotic sac. Genetically, the two babies are identical. They'll be the same sex and look exactly alike.
The What and Where
What does being pregnant with twins mean? It means taking care of you for sure. This ensures that the babies may have a healthy start. Consequently, more frequent checkups will be needed. At your regular checkups is where the babies’ growth and development will be tracked closely. To prevent the threat of preterm labor, your doctor will monitor your health as well.
If you are eating healthy, continue to do so. This is even more important with multiple births. Take your prenatal vitamins as well as any recommended supplements like iron. Expect more weight gain – doctors look for a 35 to 45 pound increase for anyone who had a healthy weight before pregnancy. This doesn’t mean eat what and how much you want. As stated before, healthy eating is the goal. Expect more precautions, which may mean working and traveling less or even bed rest.
And then there’s Why
Just why is it so important to adhere to the medical advice of your physician? Even though healthy multiple births happen all the time, there are certain complications that can come with this type of pregnancy. High blood pressure, preterm births, twin-twin transfusion (where a blood vessel is giving one twin too much blood and the other too little) and an emergency C-section delivery are some complications listed by the Mayo Clinic.
In conclusion, as with a single baby pregnancy, take the necessary precautions and notify your physician if you notice any change. Keep your appointments, eat healthy and be mindful of the importance of getting the necessary amount of rest.
Best in Health!
Source: Mayo Clinic
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer who loves to teach and inspire.