All You Need To Know about Multiple Gestation

Bytomy

First, congratulations if you are expecting twins or three children. Expecting a newborn baby is exciting but can also be stressful and confusing. Expecting twins or triplets can leave you feeling even more confused, especially if the pregnancy is at higher risk for complications.

It doesn’t need to be difficult. We can help. Jacksonville’s top obstetrician will give you all the answers so you can rest easy.

What is Multifetal Pregnancy, or Multiple Gestations?

Multifetal pregnancy and multiple gestations are synonyms for the same thing. A multifetal pregnancy refers to pregnancy with more than one baby.

Two babies are called baby twins and three are called triplets. High-order multiples are pregnancies that include more than three births.

Multifetal pregnancy should always be considered high-risk.

Multiple Gestation Pregnancies Are Common.

Two or more eggs must be fertilized at the same time by different types of sperm to create multiple gestational pregnancies. Another scenario is where one egg is fertilized, but splits just before it’s implanted into the uterine membrane.

If an egg is fertilized, then it is split, twins or triplets will be identical, the opposite situation is where multiple eggs are fertilized. In this instance, the baby twins or the triplets aren’t identical and can’t be of the same sex. This is also why some babies’ twins are identical, while others aren’t.

Identical Twins & Triplets

Baby twins or triplets, You’ll need to wait to find out until after the birth if they’re identical. You have a good chance of your babies being identical if they are all identical in sex. It is because identical babies share common genetic material. They will always have the same sex.

How Often Multiple Gestations Happen?

The following factors may increase your chances to have a multifetal pregnancy:

  • IVF treatment is being performed.
  • You are older.
  • In your family, you have twins/triplets.

In vitro fertilization is a popular fertility method that many women now use. A twin pregnancy can be achieved. Many times, multiple fertilized eggs are transferred into the womb to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

As women age, more eggs are released simultaneously by their bodies, leading to twin pregnancy.

Multiple pregnancies can also be affected by genetics. Twins and triplets have higher chances of having twins. It is possible to determine whether you are likely to have twin babies by looking at the genetic traits passed down from your mother.

Possible Problems with Multiple Gestations

Any pregnancy with one, twins, or more can pose a high risk. Multifetal pregnancy, however, is more likely than one-child pregnancy. This should not scare you, as not all multifetal babies are risky. Pregnancy complications are common and can be caused by many factors.

It would be helpful to know the potential risks and problems so you can discuss them with your doctor.

We’ll also discuss potential complications during multiple gestations.

  • Premature labor and premature birth
  • Placenta abruption
  • Limitations on the growth of the fetus
  • Gestational hypertension
  • Preeclampsia
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Premature Labor, Birth

Premature labor or birth is more common in cases of twin or triplet pregnancy. Multifetal pregnancies may end in premature labor, although it is unlikely to be definitive. Most multifetal pregnancies begin before 37 weeks. It is recommended that the labor period lasts for at least 37 weeks. Infants born before this time are known as moderately premature babies.

Placenta Disruption

Placental abruption, which can occur in any pregnancy, is an emergency. But it’s more common among multiple gestation pregnancies.

Fetal Growth Limitation

Another possibility is that your baby isn’t growing well enough and is smaller than its gestational age. This can result in premature birth or low birth weight.

Gestational Hypertension

Hypertension refers to high blood pressure. It’s common in pregnancy. Even if there have been no problems with your blood pressure in the past, it can be developed during pregnancy. This is why it’s called gestational Hypertension. It is more common for multiple gestations. Your healthcare provider must monitor your blood pressure during pregnancy to avoid further complications.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia may be a condition or a complication during pregnancy. It’s often connected with high blood pressure. Preeclampsia can cause other organ damage, such as the kidneys or liver.

Gestational Diabetes

It is possible to get gestational Hypertension during pregnancy, just like with diabetes. Insulin resistance increases due to the higher levels of hormones found within the placenta. This is why it is so important to discuss it with your gynecologist and monitor your condition during pregnancy.

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