Preparation for the birth of twins is actually not much different from childbirth in general. However, there are indeed some things that need to be known before giving birth to twins, so that pregnant women can make more thorough preparations from a long time ago.
One of the preparations that pregnant women can do from the beginning of pregnancy is consultation with a gynecologist to determine the method of giving birth to twins according to the condition of the pregnant woman.
In addition, pregnant women can also ask doctors about the risks of conceiving twins, how to care for twins, and the sex of the babies in the womb.
Difference Between Identical Twins and Non-Identical Twins
There are two types of twins, namely identical twins and non-identical twins. This is influenced by the number of eggs and sperm at the time of fertilization. Here is the explanation:
Fraternal or non-identical twins
Fraternal twins are the most common type of twin. Fraternal twins occur when two or more eggs are fertilized by two or more sperm. Therefore, the physical appearance of fraternal twins is not exactly the same, but only looks like siblings. The gender can also be different.
Identical twins
Identical twins occur when one egg is fertilized by one sperm and then splits and develops into two or more fetuses. Identical twins will have the exact same physical appearance and the same sex.
Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Twin Pregnancy
Not all couples can have twins. However, there are several factors that can increase your chances of having twins, including:
Family history of twins
If there are twins in the pregnant woman's family, especially fraternal twins, the pregnant woman's chances of conceiving twins will be greater. Having a family history of twins allows a woman to inherit a gene that allows her ovaries to release more than one egg at ovulation.
Age of pregnant women
Women who are pregnant at the age of more than 30 years have a greater chance of carrying twins.
Pregnant women aged 35–40 years and have given birth also have a greater chance of conceiving twins. This is because the release of two eggs simultaneously is more common in these conditions.
In addition to heredity and age, the IVF program to produce offspring also increases a woman's chances of conceiving twins.
P . methodBaby Twins
As with childbirth in general, there are two methods of giving birth to twins that can be an option, namely:
Normal delivery
About 1 in 3 twins is born by vaginal delivery. This delivery can be done if the head position of one of the twins is already in the birth canal. However, pregnant women with twins who give birth normally usually require an epidural anesthetic injection to relieve pain.
Caesarean section
Most of the delivery of twins is done by caesarean section. This is because even though the baby's head is down and the first baby can be born normally, the second baby will usually have difficulty being born normally.
Delivery of twins by caesarean section is highly recommended in the following conditions:
- Triplets or more
- breech baby position
- Pregnant women have high blood pressure
- The process of labor or opening is going too long
- Umbilical cord prolapse, which is when the umbilical cord descends and closes the birth canal
- Twins share the same placenta
Risk Pregnancy Twin
Containing twins can increase the risk of complications for pregnant women and their babies. There are several risks of twin pregnancy, including:
Babies born prematurely
The more the number of babies conceived, the higher the risk of babies being born prematurely. This condition can affect the growth and development of the baby, both in the womb or when born later. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to have more routine checkups if they are pregnant with twins.
Miscarriage
In addition to premature labor, the risk of miscarriage also increases if pregnant women are carrying twins. In some cases, one of the babies may even disappear, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. This condition is called vanishing twin syndrome.
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Twins who share blood vessels in the placenta are at risk for unequal blood sharing. One baby can get more blood, while the other baby is deficient.
This condition can cause serious complications for both babies and is usually treated with an early delivery.
High blood pressure in pregnant women
Containing twins increases the risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women. Not only that, pregnant with twins also makes pregnant women more susceptible to anemia, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
In addition to the various conditions above, pregnant women will also experience various complaints more often when carrying twins. Some of these complaints include:
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness) which is worse
- Gain more weight, especially in the first trimester
- Hemorrhoids and varicose veins
- Stomach bloating and heartburn
- Pelvic pain and back pain
TipsPreparing for the Birth of Twins
Containing two or more babies does consume more energy and pregnant women also have to be more careful in everything. Regular prenatal care is an important thing that needs to be done while pregnant with twins.
In addition, there are several things that pregnant women can do when carrying twins so that delivery can run smoothly later:
1. Exercise regularly
The risk of health problems for women who are pregnant with twins will be higher. Therefore, pregnant women must always maintain their stamina and health condition by exercising regularly. Kegel exercises are an example of exercise that pregnant women can do to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
2. Live a healthy diet
Having twins does not mean that pregnant women need to eat twice as much as a normal pregnant woman. The diet of pregnant women with twins is more or less the same as that of mothers carrying one fetus, namely:
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Eat complex carbohydrates that are also rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to prevent constipation
- Meet the needs of protein and iron from eggs, fish, beans, and lean red meat, for blood formation
- Meet calcium needs to maintain healthy bones and teeth, for example from milk and its processed products
- Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration
- Eat healthy snacks, such as fresh fruits and vegetables
- Avoid non-nutritious snacks, such as packaged chips or candy
- Take folic acid at least 600 mcg to 5 mg to reduce the risk of defects in the fetus
3. Get enough rest time
Women who are pregnant with twins are advised to get more rest and avoid strenuous activities. However, that doesn't mean that pregnant women can't move at all. Pregnant women but are advised to do light activities, such as yoga or walking around the house.
4. Reduce stress
Undergoing twin pregnancies is indeed more difficult, so it is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience stress, especially when it is close to delivery time.
Stress can have a negative impact on the immune system, so pregnant women can be more susceptible to disease. In addition, uncontrolled stress can also affect the condition of the fetus and increase the risk of the fetus being born with low weight.
Therefore, pregnant women can do relaxation therapy or meditation to reduce stress.
5. Prepare funds bigger
The costs of caring for and raising two or more children at once, ranging from baby equipment to their future education, will certainly be higher.
To reduce costs, some equipment, such as clothes, toys, and shoes, can use equipment belonging to relatives that are no longer used. However, some equipment that requires safety standards, such as dining chairs and strollers (stroller), should still buy new.
With good preparation, pregnant women will be calmer in undergoing pregnancy and more prepared to face childbirth. If pregnant women experience certain symptoms while pregnant with twins, immediately consult a doctor so that the right examination and treatment can be carried out.
