Guide | Expecting Twins? 11 Things You Should Know
Expecting twins is a double blessing, but it can also carry greater risks than a singleton pregnancy. If you are expecting twins, here are 11 useful facts to know, from pregnancy through delivery.
1. Natural twin pregnancy becomes more likely with age
Although becoming pregnant gets more difficult with age, natural twin pregnancy is actually more likely in your 30s and 40s. Dr. Abdulla Al-Khan, Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, explains that ovulation becomes less regular with age, and two follicles may release eggs in the same cycle, resulting in a twin pregnancy.
2. Twin pregnancy requires extra folic acid
Dr. Manju Monga of the University of Texas Health Science Center notes that women expecting twins may need more folic acid to help prevent birth defects. She recommends 1 mg of folic acid daily, compared with 0.4 mg for a singleton pregnancy.
3. Twin pregnancy means more prenatal appointments
Twin pregnancies require closer monitoring than singleton pregnancies. Doctors perform more ultrasounds to track fetal growth, and twice-weekly fetal monitoring may be needed as the due date approaches.
4. Early pregnancy symptoms may be more severe
Dr. Al-Khan notes that higher levels of human chorionic gonadotropin make nausea, vomiting, and other early pregnancy symptoms more common during the first trimester in women expecting twins. Most symptoms ease after 12 to 14 weeks.
5. Spotting is more common in twin pregnancies
Spotting during early pregnancy is more common in women expecting twins. Without pain, it is generally not a cause for excessive concern. However, seek medical care immediately if it is accompanied by pain, clots, or heavy bleeding.
6. You will not feel fetal movement earlier
Women expecting twins generally begin to feel fetal movement at 18 to 20 weeks, the same timing as in singleton pregnancies.
7. More weight gain with twins
Women expecting twins gain more weight because there are two fetuses, two placentas, and more amniotic fluid. According to recommendations from the U.S. Institute of Medicine, women of normal weight should gain 37 to 54 pounds, women who are overweight should gain 31 to 50 pounds, and women with obesity should gain 25 to 42 pounds.
8. Higher risk of gestational diabetes
Women expecting twins are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, which can lead to larger fetuses and the need for cesarean delivery. However, twins are usually not especially large. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes after delivery.
9. Higher risk of gestational hypertension
Gestational hypertension is more common in twin pregnancies. It can cause high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and even swelling of the limbs, and may precede the more serious condition preeclampsia.
10. Higher risk of preterm birth
Most women expecting twins deliver at 36 to 37 weeks rather than 40 weeks, and some deliver earlier. Twins have a higher risk of preterm birth, and premature infants are more likely to have breathing problems.
11. Cesarean delivery is more likely
Women expecting twins are more likely to have a cesarean delivery, especially when a fetus is in the breech position. Dr. Al-Khan notes that cesarean delivery rates are higher in twin pregnancies.
Knowledge | Pregnant with Twins? 11 Things You Need to Know
Guide | Expecting Twins? 11 Things You Should Know
Expecting twins is a double blessing, but it can also carry greater risks than a singleton pregnancy. If you are expecting twins, here are 11 useful facts to know, from pregnancy through delivery.
1. Natural twin pregnancy becomes more likely with age
Although becoming pregnant gets more difficult with age, natural twin pregnancy is actually more likely in your 30s and 40s. Dr. Abdulla Al-Khan, Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, explains that ovulation becomes less regular with age, and two follicles may release eggs in the same cycle, resulting in a twin pregnancy.
2. Twin pregnancy requires extra folic acid
Dr. Manju Monga of the University of Texas Health Science Center notes that women expecting twins may need more folic acid to help prevent birth defects. She recommends 1 mg of folic acid daily, compared with 0.4 mg for a singleton pregnancy.
3. Twin pregnancy means more prenatal appointments
Twin pregnancies require closer monitoring than singleton pregnancies. Doctors perform more ultrasounds to track fetal growth, and twice-weekly fetal monitoring may be needed as the due date approaches.
4. Early pregnancy symptoms may be more severe
Dr. Al-Khan notes that higher levels of human chorionic gonadotropin make nausea, vomiting, and other early pregnancy symptoms more common during the first trimester in women expecting twins. Most symptoms ease after 12 to 14 weeks.
5. Spotting is more common in twin pregnancies
Spotting during early pregnancy is more common in women expecting twins. Without pain, it is generally not a cause for excessive concern. However, seek medical care immediately if it is accompanied by pain, clots, or heavy bleeding.
6. You will not feel fetal movement earlier
Women expecting twins generally begin to feel fetal movement at 18 to 20 weeks, the same timing as in singleton pregnancies.
7. More weight gain with twins
Women expecting twins gain more weight because there are two fetuses, two placentas, and more amniotic fluid. According to recommendations from the U.S. Institute of Medicine, women of normal weight should gain 37 to 54 pounds, women who are overweight should gain 31 to 50 pounds, and women with obesity should gain 25 to 42 pounds.
8. Higher risk of gestational diabetes
Women expecting twins are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, which can lead to larger fetuses and the need for cesarean delivery. However, twins are usually not especially large. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes after delivery.
9. Higher risk of gestational hypertension
Gestational hypertension is more common in twin pregnancies. It can cause high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and even swelling of the limbs, and may precede the more serious condition preeclampsia.
10. Higher risk of preterm birth
Most women expecting twins deliver at 36 to 37 weeks rather than 40 weeks, and some deliver earlier. Twins have a higher risk of preterm birth, and premature infants are more likely to have breathing problems.
11. Cesarean delivery is more likely
Women expecting twins are more likely to have a cesarean delivery, especially when a fetus is in the breech position. Dr. Al-Khan notes that cesarean delivery rates are higher in twin pregnancies.
Source:
Collected online