Pregnancy twins is different from normal. For a woman, carrying two babies is a serious task. In this case, the load on the body increases significantly. And for doctors, this is an occasion for more careful observation. Pregnancy of twins is associated with greater risks of pathologies that occur more often than usual. Often in this case there are premature births. Also, a miscarriage may occur more often or a dead fetus will be detected.
Having become pregnant, a woman begins to actively think about who exactly she will have, while those who have a predisposition to twins are looking for her signs even in the very early stages. Especially zealously active are women who have long planned to conceive and those who were able to realize the dream of children, overcoming difficulties. Next, we consider the signs and features of pregnancy twins, which is also called multiple.
What is twins and when is such a pregnancy possible?
To talk about signs, let’s explain what twins are. So, multiple pregnancy is called pregnancy, in which two fetuses are developed that develop from two different eggs. Such children have a different genotype. At the same time, the sex of children can be either the same or different. Outwardly, such children are also not like two drops of water.
Pregnancy of twins (a photo of the fetus on an ultrasound scan is presented below for clarity) is quite rare. Typically, this is one in eighty ordinary. Pregnancy twins are usually provoked by some factors. We will call them now:
- With hormone therapy to conceive a child, in cases of identified abnormalities in the operation of the ovaries.
- Quite often, multiple pregnancy occurs during IVF.
- A very serious factor affecting the birth of twins is heredity.
- Twins are sometimes found in couples who have stopped taking birth control pills. In this case, the rapid maturation of several eggs is possible, as a result, twins become pregnant.
Thus, we can definitely say that planning twins is almost impossible. Here a combination of circumstances and a case are necessary.
Signs of twin pregnancy. What are they like?
After pregnancy alone it is simply impossible to determine which one it is. It is even more difficult to determine the pregnancy of twins in the early stages on their own. According to its parameters, in the first weeks of special manifestations are not observed, including the results of rapid tests. True, with multiple cases, almost all have pronounced early toxicosis.
Only by contacting a doctor an early twin pregnancy can be established. To do this, determine the size of the uterus, which will be enlarged and not correspond to the current terms in the ordinary.
If we talk about more advanced diagnostic methods, namely ultrasound, then it is not always possible to determine twins in the first weeks, even using this method. And when will it be more logical to hold such an event with suspicion? Pregnancy twins by weeks on ultrasound can be diagnosed at 8-10 weeks. It is at this time that the heartbeat is clearly defined. Below is a snapshot of an ultrasound scan. You can see in this photo pregnancy twins.
Upon reaching 12 weeks, the doctor will accurately determine the development of pregnancy. Such a gestational age of twins is screening. Note that talking about the gender of the babies will be quite early. This can be found closer to the twentieth week.
Sensations during multiple pregnancy
What are the sensations during pregnancy with twins? Girls noted earlier the onset of toxicosis, heartburn and shortness of breath. A factor that provokes increased fatigue is a lack of iron, in other words, anemia. Over time, the belly during pregnancy with twins also begins to differ in more impressive sizes, and due to the close and more extended state of the uterus, the movements of babies are noticed much earlier.
Another feature is that one of the children is always born larger and healthier than the second. Such a child ultimately turns out to be healthier and more resilient, which contributes to his early adaptation to new conditions. The second needs more time for this.
The development of a twin pregnancy by week, what changes are occurring in the woman’s body?
Like any other pregnancy, multiple pregnancy develops according to a scenario that doctors divide into weeks. More specifically, a twin pregnancy by week can be described as follows:
- In the period from the first to the tenth week, the active formation of embryos takes place, a set of a specific size and weight. The heart and speech apparatus are formed. On the part of the woman’s body, a discoloration of the nipples and their swelling are observed.
- Starting from the tenth and twentieth week, there is an active expansion and enlargement of the uterus. This leads to changes in the woman’s body and clothing size. Kids in the middle of this period begin to move, and towards the end - the movements become more active, which is typical for such a situation. After all, a woman wears two at once. Regarding the development of the fetus, let's say that at this stage the excretory system and the digestive system are formed, sex determination on the ultrasound machine becomes possible.
- From the twentieth to the thirtieth week, weight and height gain occurs with the parallel formation of clearer forms of the head, face and body. As you approach the upper limit of the term, namely, by the twentieth week of pregnancy, the probability of survival increases in the event of premature birth. For a woman, this period becomes even harder. There is increased fatigue and pain from constant tremors from children. Additional inconveniences are urinary incontinence and an uncomfortable state from the changed location of internal organs.
- Starting from the thirtieth week and until 37, the final formation of all organs, an increase in weight and weight, takes place. In this case, a woman with twins must be hospitalized. At week 35, such a pregnancy is considered full-term, and babies are completely viable. During this period, precursors of contractions are observed. Ignoring hospitalization can have negative consequences.
As you can see, there are no special differences in the development of conventional and multiple pregnancies. However, women need to know that twins are born with less weight, which should not be scary or say that newborns have pathologies. The required mass is gained by them in the first few months, of course, provided that there are no diseases.
Multiple pregnancy. The main pathologies that may occur
Pregnancy with twins is a double happiness, especially for families who have been waiting for replenishment for a long time. But, unfortunately, such a pregnancy is associated with a more frequent occurrence and development of pathologies. Among the most common problems are:
- incorrect presentation;
- developmental abnormalities;
- problems with the placenta;
- a strong decrease in hemoglobin levels;
- polyhydramnios;
- prematurity;
- increased fatigue and nervousness of the mother.
Such problems are not excluded for ordinary pregnancy, but their risk increases when it comes to twins. Exacerbation of chronic diseases, their rapid development can be added to problems associated with fruits. The level of body resistance is significantly reduced. Serious allergic reactions that previously were not observed can be observed.
Exercise during pregnancy
For the normal course of pregnancy (especially with twins), it is very important to follow all the doctor's prescriptions. It is important to try to relax as much as possible. Compliance with diet and daily routine should be the main task of the future mother. That is, you need to stay in the fresh air, and physical activity should be minimal.
Today, trips to gyms, pools and more are popular. But this does not mean that you need to go for fashion. Such loads can ultimately be unbearable for the heart, and lead to problems such as varicose veins, and this is not the worst.
Nutrition and vitamins during pregnancy. What you should pay attention to?
In nutrition, one must observe the measure, taking as a rule to take food more often, but less. This approach will help control weight gain, and provide everything necessary for both babies and mother.
In addition, complexes for pregnant women, magnesium and folic acid are prescribed to maintain the proper level of vitamins and minerals. Only an attentive attitude to your position will make a twin pregnancy more relaxed. A timely visit to a doctor in cases of anxiety will help eliminate any negative consequences.
Multiple pregnancy. Some myths worth dispelling
When pregnancy occurs, especially if it is a twin pregnancy, women actively begin to study recommendations, pathologies and other terrifying things. However, blindly believing everything that is written is fundamentally wrong. After all, everything possible does not mean that this will happen. In this case, everything is good in moderation. So:
- It is very important not to overeat, justifying your liberties by pregnancy, and the need to eat for three. The main thing is that the food should be healthy, nutritious and varied.
- A complete exclusion of physical activity should not be allowed. This will be bad for childbirth, and the loads should be feasible, even if it's just a walk.
- There is no need to refuse to take baths, if this is not a doctor’s recommendation. The best option would be warm water, which should be typed into the bathroom (the level should be below the heart).
- Refusal of intimacy with a partner is not necessary, especially if the doctor does not prohibit. The only thing that must be observed is the lower intensity.
- When observing the diet and personal hygiene, special problems with the skin, stretch marks and other troubles should not arise. The maximum weight gain should be within 20 kg, even with twins. After all, such babies are usually born with less weight. And in sum, he usually makes up the weight of a large singleton pregnancy.
- A positive attitude and the creation of a comfortable psychological environment depends, as before pregnancy, on the woman and her personal motives. After all, in fact, the psychosis of girls in a position is often far-fetched. This is just a way to manipulate others.
- With a healthy pregnancy and the absence of pathologies, the probability of full-term is very high. Then natural delivery will be the best option.
However, in a situation where pregnancy occurs with complications, the need for proper care and supervision is simply vital. After all, more than one life will depend on this. With this course of pregnancy, it is necessary not only to comply with the recommendations, but also to contact a supervising doctor in case of unusual sensations or pain
Ordinary birth or cesarean. Which option would then be correct?
Pregnancy with twins is a serious case not only for the supervising doctor, but also for the specialist who takes birth. The problem is that this process is very difficult to predict. It happens that at birth one of the babies may die or be injured. In the latter case, the threat remains for everyone, that is, for children and for the mother.
This can happen in a situation where there are problems such as:
- Incorrect position of one of the twins. It can lead to a simultaneous exit to the mother’s pelvis, which can lead to serious injuries.
- One placenta for two. As a result, one of the twins can die from a lack of oxygen.
- The behavior of children. If each of them wants to be born earlier, there is a chance of complications.
As a result, surgical delivery can be selected. In general, modern medicine prefers not to take risks when it comes to the slightest danger (for both mother and children). Therefore, in case of any doubt, doctors prefer a cesarean section, in which the risk of complications is already associated with other reasons than those described above.
In the absence of any pathologies, natural birth is preferable. And everything should pass only under the supervision of a highly qualified specialist.
In a situation where childbirth occurs naturally, and hospitalization was carried out a few days before them, it is very important that the woman is properly prepared for the upcoming event. It is necessary to explain to her how to behave properly, how to breathe and what to do at each stage of childbirth. Such a briefing can facilitate the task for both doctors and women in labor.
Little conclusion
The pregnancy period of a woman is very eventful. Regular visits to the doctor, tests and other troubles are tiring. However, it is they who make the life of the future mother interesting and actually filled with events. Great when the good news always comes.
However, this does not happen at all and not always. Even in such situations, do not despair. The main thing here is the support of family and friends. After all, modern medicine is capable of real miracles. Although she sometimes makes mistakes.
Even when it seems that everyone is wrong, and you don’t need to take tests again, such arrogance is unforgivable during pregnancy. This is a very crucial period when the life of two, and sometimes more people during a multiple pregnancy, depends on the decision of one person. During this period, you need to try to create an atmosphere of peace and love around you. This becomes especially important when carrying a pair of children.
Childbirth during twin pregnancy is no less difficult for both women and babies. However, passing all the difficulties and trials is worth the double happiness of the family. In this case, you need to know that the rehabilitation period is usually longer. This should not come as a surprise; morally, this needs to be prepared not only for the mother herself, but also for those around her, and especially the future father. After all, coping with two young children is a task of increased complexity. Yes, and against the background of postpartum depression, which, unfortunately, is increasingly common. Although in this case, do not worry. Its unexpressed manifestations disappear on average two to three weeks after birth, when the rhythm of life is normalized. The most important thing in this case is support, love and care from the side of the newly made father in relation to the woman.