All-round

Multiple pregnancies usually occur unplanned. This may be a dream for many people, but not a few who feel anxious about the risks it carries. For those of you who are currently pregnant with twins, the following information can help you have a healthy pregnancy.

Prepare to welcome multiple pregnancies

Whether you're pregnant with singles or twins, the first step you need to take when you find signs of pregnancy is to get tested. The examination should be carried out by a gynecologist with adequate procedures to obtain accurate results.

One type of reliable examination is transvaginal ultrasound. This examination is not only useful for confirming pregnancy, but also provides an overview of the number, position, and condition of the fetus.

If the test shows you are pregnant with twins, the next step is to determine whether the fetus has come from one or more eggs. The reason is, multiple pregnancies from the same egg have a greater risk.

The examination did not stop there. In the case of pregnant twins from one egg, the doctor must assess the condition of the fetus. The assessment includes the risk of conjoined twins, the number of placentas, and so on.

Various needs of mothers when undergoing twin pregnancy

The needs of mothers who are pregnant with twins are basically not much different from a single pregnancy. However, there are some things that need to be adjusted. These needs include the following aspects:

1. Increase in weight

Weight gain for women who are pregnant with twins depends on their pre-pregnancy height and weight. Women who were previously underweight or normal nutrition certainly have to gain more weight than obese women.

On the other hand, women have nutritional status overweight must limit weight gain so as not to become obese during pregnancy. This is very important to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Another factor that determines pregnancy weight gain is the number of fetuses. A pregnancy with twins and fetuses requires a different weight gain than a pregnancy with triplets or more. The rate of increase can be seen from routine gynecology examinations.

2. Nutritional intake

The nutritional needs of mothers who are pregnant with twins are often misunderstood. Just because you have two fetuses developing in your uterus doesn't mean you have to eat food for three or even more.

Mothers who are pregnant with twins need an additional 600 calories a day, with 300 calories for each fetus. If your daily energy requirement is 2,000 calories, that means you will need 2,600 calories daily while pregnant.

3. Control content

Control of the womb in multiple pregnancies is the same as singleton pregnancies. The difference is that the examination is carried out on more than one fetus. In addition, there is no specific test that is only intended for multiple pregnancies.

Keep in mind that multiple pregnancies can increase the risk of complications. So, mothers who are pregnant with twins must carry out routine control of the content and take vitamins and supplements intended for pregnant women.

The risk also increases with multiple pregnancies

Multiple pregnancies carry a greater risk to the health of both the mother and the fetus. Here are some of the risks that can increase in women who are pregnant with twins:

1. Morning sickness which is more severe

Morning sickness is a collection of common symptoms during pregnancy characterized by frequent nausea and vomiting. The trigger is the amount of hormones that increases during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

This condition can get worse due to stress, severe fatigue, and of course pregnant twins. There is no specific way of dealing with it morning sickness , but you can relieve the symptoms.

2. Fetal disability and death

Twin fetuses are prone to developmental obstacles. This is generally caused by the fetus fighting for nutritional intake from the mother. Development that continues to be stunted is very risky of causing the baby's body to be deformed or small at birth.

Sometimes, the fetus can also experience twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). TTTS occurs when one fetus takes more blood from one placenta. If left untreated, this condition can lead to fetal death.

3. Complications in pregnant women

Mothers who are pregnant with twins are at a higher risk of experiencing various pregnancy complications. Complications can include high blood pressure, preeclampsia, bleeding during pregnancy and during delivery, to miscarriage.

4. Premature labor

Labor generally occurs at 37-40 weeks of gestation, and births before that age range are classified as preterm. Twin fetuses tend to be born earlier than single fetuses so that the risk of preterm birth is greater.

Multiple pregnancies do feel thrilling because of the greater risks they carry. However, careful pregnancy planning and adequate control of the womb can help you have a healthy pregnancy.

Once you know that you are pregnant with twins, immediately do an examination to get an idea of ​​the condition of the fetus. Fulfill your every need properly so that the baby will be born in optimal conditions.

x

Also Read: