Are you pregnant and expecting twins or more? If yes, congratulations is in order. For some families these bundles of joy come with shock, worry or apprehension while these emotions are perfectly normal the fact is you are not having a single baby so the experiences that comes with it is all new. So here is what you must know if you are pregnant and expecting twins or more
- You are considered a high risk patient
You need not be alarmed but special pre-cautionary measures need to be in place as the risk of certain pregnancy complications inclusive of preterm delivery caesarean birth, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes are high amongst women expecting twins or more. Strict adherence to your gynecologist and obstetrician recommendations and advice can help mitigate the adverse outcomes to the bare minimum
- You might want to know if your babies have multiple placentas
This is an important factor to consider when preparing for multiple births, while identical twins usually share a common placenta, fraternal twins and other multiple births may or may not and sharing a placenta may have serious complications since one of the developing fetus may have the shorter end of the nutrient and blood pool. In such cases mothers may need frequent specialist visits and monitoring.
- You are most likely to deliver early
One of the most common risks associated with multiple births is preterm delivery. Acccording to scientists for every additional fetus a mother carries she stands a chance of delivering a month early. Singletons are usually expected between 39 to 40 weeks unlike twins which come around 36weeks and triplets 34 weeks. The problem of cognitive and respiratory functions become a concern and proper care should be taken
- You will definitely get bigger
Women with multiple births are generally expected to have a wardrobe crisis as their size increases. Doctors advise a weight gain of 15 –30 kgs for mothers in their 24 th week of pregnancy as it reduces chances of preterm labour and also important for the development of the placenta so you are doing your unborn babies a good service bulking up a little in preparation for their coming (but don’t go overboard with those fries and chocolates).
- The idea of three square meals becomes vague
For the extra fetus you carry you need as much as 300 calories to their diets which is quite a lot so your traditional idea of breakfast, lunch and dinner are just thrown out of the door. Embracing small meals work for most as this suits their crowded bellies. You will also need additional vitamins like folic acids to prevent spinal cord defects other types of heart defects as well as improve your babies red blood cells.
- Mixed emotions are to be expected
Most women enjoy having their first child but having multiple births is totally new. It comes with an overwhelming feeling besides the discomfort physically. The surge of excess hormones can lead to negative emotions and guilt for not feeling excited, these feelings are perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed off. Connecting with loved ones and family members can be the best therapeutic approach
