Compared to singleton pregnancies, multiple pregnancies are slightly more risky for complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.In other words, twins in the womb require extra attention, because the conditions experienced by pregnancy can be different from singleton pregnancies.
Having twins in the womb does not need to be treated with panic. However, prospective parents must prepare a provision of information about undergoing a twin pregnancy. This is intended to be able to anticipate all changes during pregnancy, and to have a smooth pregnancy until the time of delivery arrives.
Conditions that may occur when pregnant with twins
- More nausea and vomitingWhen you have twins in your womb, you may experience more severe nausea and vomiting in the first trimester compared to a singleton pregnancy. This is probably due to the level of human hormonechorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is higher. But do not worry, because the period of nausea and vomiting is usually no longer than a singleton pregnancy, which is about 3-4 months.
- Baby movements are not felt in the early stages of the womb
Don't expect to feel movement or kicks from twins earlier than a singleton pregnancy. The movements of the twins will usually begin to be felt at 18-20 weeks of gestation. The movement of a single baby began to be felt at the same gestational age. A mother may be able to feel the baby's movements earlier if she has been pregnant before, so she is more sensitive in distinguishing gastrointestinal activity from the baby's movements.
- The risk of preeclampsia becomes higherCompared to singleton pregnancies, preeclampsia is more common in twin pregnancies. Preeclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure, urine that contains protein, and can be accompanied by swelling of the hands and feet in pregnant women. This condition should be watched out for because it holds a more serious risk, namely eclampsia, where seizures occur in pregnant women.
- Lmore often find spotting
Although classified as normal, keep an eye out for unusual spots as previously mentioned. This is because it could indicate a serious condition, such as a miscarriage. Compared to singleton pregnancies, the risk of miscarriage when having twins in the womb is indeed higher.
- More at risk for gestational diabetesGestational diabetes is diabetes that is experienced during pregnancy. When pregnant with twins, the risk of developing this disease will increase compared to singleton pregnancies. One of the risks of gestational diabetes in a singleton pregnancy is that the baby's weight can be greater so you may have to give birth by caesarean section. However, because twins are usually not large babies, this risk may be less common.
- Twin babies have growth problems
This condition can also afflict babies from singleton pregnancies. However, in twins, one baby is more at risk of developing growth problems because the other baby gets more blood intake than babies with this disorder.
This is more risky in identical pregnancies where both babies receive blood flow from only one placenta. This condition makes one baby get adequate nutrition while the other baby lacks nutrition.
- Heavier body weight
The body weight of mothers who have twins in the womb may be heavier than mothers who are pregnant with single babies. This can happen because being pregnant with twins means containing two babies and more amniotic fluid in the womb. With this condition, you also likely need more calories. Consult your obstetrician about how to get the ideal weight during pregnancy.
- Kthe possibility of giving birth by caesarean sectionThe chances of having a cesarean section when pregnant with twins are higher. One of them is because of the breech position that is often experienced by twins. You do not need to force to give birth normally if the conditions are really not possible. Instead, prepare yourself for a cesarean delivery.
Being pregnant with twins in the womb does make the mother face many risks, but you don't need to worry. After knowing the various risks, you can actually pay more attention to maintaining your health. Moreover, most of these complications are relatively rare. To minimize all risks in multiple pregnancies, do pregnancy consultations with your obstetrician regularly.
