Twin pregnancy: features, signs, development

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Twin pregnancy is different than usual. For a woman, carrying two babies is a serious task. In this case, the load on the body increases significantly. And for doctors, this is an occasion for more careful monitoring. Pregnancy with twins is associated with greater risks of pathologies that occur more often than during normal pregnancy. Often in this case there are premature births. It is also more likely that a miscarriage or a frozen fetus will occur.

Having become pregnant, a woman begins to actively think about who exactly she will have, those who have a predisposition to twins are looking for her signs even at the earliest stages. Especially zealously active are women who have long planned conception and those who were able to fulfill the dream of children, overcoming difficulties. Next, we will look at the signs and features of twin pregnancy, which is also called multiple pregnancy.

What is twins and when is such a pregnancy possible?

To talk about signs, let's explain what twins are. So, a pregnancy is called multiple pregnancy, in which two fetuses are born, developing from two different eggs. Such children have a different genotype. In this case, the sex of children can be either the same ordiffer. Outwardly, such children also do not look like two drops of water.

Pregnancy with twins (a photo of the fetus on an ultrasound is presented below for clarity) is quite rare. As a rule, this is one in eighty ordinary ones. Pregnancy with twins is usually provoked by several factors. We will call them now:

1. When hormonal therapy for conceiving a child, in cases of identified abnormalities in the work of the ovaries.
2. Quite often, multiple pregnancies occur during IVF procedures.
3. A very serious factor affecting the birth of twins is heredity.
4. Sometimes twins occur in couples who have stopped taking birth control pills. In this case, the rapid maturation of several eggs is possible, as a result, pregnancy with twins.

Thus, we can definitely say that it is almost impossible to plan twins. It requires a combination of circumstances and chance.

Signs of twin pregnancy. What are they?

After the onset of pregnancy, it is simply impossible to determine on your own what kind of pregnancy it is. It is even more difficult to determine the pregnancy of twins in the early stages on your own. In terms of its parameters, no special manifestations are observed in the first weeks, including the results of rapid tests. True, with multiple pregnancy, almost everyone has a pronounced early toxicosis.

Only by going to the doctor early twin pregnancy can be established. To do this, definethe size of the uterus, which will be enlarged and does not correspond to the current terms with the usual.

If we talk about more advanced diagnostic methods, namely ultrasound, then not always in the first weeks, even with the help of this method, twins can be determined. And when would it be more logical to hold such an event in case of suspicion? Pregnancy with twins for weeks on ultrasound can be diagnosed at 8-10 weeks. It is at this time that the heartbeat is clearly defined. Below is an ultrasound image. You can see in this photo pregnancy twins.

When reaching 12 weeks, the doctor will accurately determine the development of pregnancy. This period of pregnancy with twins is screening. Note that it will be quite early to talk about what gender the baby is. This will be revealed closer to the twentieth week.

Feelings in multiple pregnancy

How does it feel to be pregnant with twins? Girls note earlier onset of toxicosis, heartburn and shortness of breath. The factor that provokes increased fatigue is iron deficiency, in other words, anemia. Over time, the belly during pregnancy with twins also begins to differ in more impressive sizes, and due to the close and more stretched state of the uterus, the movements of babies are noticed much earlier.

Another feature is that one of the children is always born larger and he althier than the second. As a result, such a child turns out to be he althier and more resilient, which contributes to his rapid adaptation to new conditions. The second needs more time to do this.

Development of twin pregnancy by week, what changes occur in a woman's body?

Like any other pregnancy, a multiple pregnancy develops according to a scenario that doctors divide into weeks. More specifically, a twin pregnancy by week can be painted as follows:

1. In the period from the first to the tenth week, there is an active formation of embryos, a set of a specific size and weight. The heart and speech apparatus are being formed. On the part of the woman's body, a change in the color of the nipples and their swelling are observed.
2. From the tenth to the twentieth week there is an active expansion and enlargement of the uterus. This leads to changes in the woman's body and clothing size. In the middle of this period, babies begin to move, and towards the end, the movements become more active, which is typical for such a situation. After all, a woman wears two at once. Regarding the development of the fetus, let's say that at this stage the excretory and digestive systems are formed, sex determination on the ultrasound machine becomes possible.
3. From the twentieth to the thirtieth week there is a set of weight and growth with the parallel formation of more distinct forms of the head, face and body. As you approach the upper limit of the period, namely the 30th week of pregnancy with twins, the likelihood of survival increases in the case of preterm birth. For a woman, this period becomes even more difficult. There is increased fatigue and pain from constant jolts from children. Additional inconveniences are urinary incontinence and uncomfortable condition from the changed location of the internalorgans.
4. Starting from the thirtieth week and up to 37, the final formation of all organs, the addition of height and weight takes place. In this case, a woman with twins must be hospitalized. At 35 weeks, such a pregnancy is considered full-term, and the babies are quite viable. During this period, there are harbingers of contractions. Ignoring hospitalization can have negative consequences.

As you can see, there are no special differences in the development of normal and multiple pregnancies. However, women need to know that twins are born with a lower weight, which should not scare or say that newborns have pathologies. They gain the necessary mass in the first few months, of course, provided that there are no diseases.

Multiple pregnancy. The main pathologies that can occur

Pregnancy with twins is a double happiness, especially for families that have been waiting for replenishment for a long time. But, unfortunately, such a pregnancy is associated with a more frequent occurrence and development of pathologies. Among the most common problems are:

• wrong presentation;
• developmental anomalies;
• problems with the placenta;
• strong decrease in hemoglobin levels;
• polyhydramnios;
• prematurity;
• fatigue and nervousness of the mother.

Such problems are not excluded in normal pregnancy, but their risk increases when it comes to twins. Exacerbations may be added to problems associated with fetuseschronic diseases, their rapid development. The level of resistance of the body is significantly reduced. Severe allergic reactions may occur that were not previously experienced.

Physical activity during pregnancy

For the normal course of pregnancy (especially with twins), it is very important to comply with all doctor's prescriptions. It is important to try to get as much rest as possible. Compliance with the diet and daily routine should be the main task of the expectant mother. That is, you need to stay in the fresh air, and physical activity should be minimal.

Today, going to gyms, swimming pools and more is popular. But this does not mean that you need to follow fashion. In the end, such loads can be unbearable for the heart, and result in problems such as varicose veins, and this is not the worst thing.

Nutrition and vitamins during pregnancy. What to look out for?

In nutrition, you need to observe the measure, making it a rule to eat more often, but less. This approach will help control weight gain, and provide everything necessary for both babies and mom.

Additionally, to maintain the proper level of vitamins and minerals, complexes for pregnant women, magnesium and folic acid are prescribed. Only an attentive attitude to your position will make twin pregnancy more calm. And a timely visit to the doctor in cases of anxiety will help to eliminate any negative consequences.

Multiple pregnancy. Some myths to dispel

On the offensivepregnancy, especially if it is a twin pregnancy, women are actively beginning to study recommendations, pathologies and other frightening things. However, blindly believing everything that is written is fundamentally wrong. After all, everything possible does not mean that it will definitely happen. In this case, everything is good in moderation. So:

1. It is very important not to overeat, justifying your liberties with pregnancy, and the need to eat for three. The main thing is that the food is he althy, nutritious and varied.
2. Complete exclusion of physical activity should not be allowed. This will be bad for childbirth, and the load should be feasible, even if it's just a walk.
3. There is also no need to refuse to take baths, unless it is a doctor's recommendation. The best option would be warm water, which should be drawn into the bathroom (the level should be below the heart).
4. Rejection of intimacy with a partner is not required, especially if the doctor does not prohibit. The only thing that needs to be observed is a lower intensity.
5. If you follow the diet and personal hygiene, there should not be any special problems with the skin, stretch marks and other troubles. The maximum weight gain should be within 20 kg, even with twins. After all, these babies are usually born with less weight. And in total, it usually equals the weight of a large singleton pregnancy.
6. A positive attitude and the creation of a comfortable psychological environment depend, as before pregnancy, on the woman and her personal motives. After all, in fact, the psychosis of girls in a position is more often far-fetched. It's just a way to manipulate others.
7. With a he althy pregnancy and the absence of pathologies, the probability of full-term is very high. Then natural delivery would be the best option.

However, in a situation where pregnancy is complicated, the need for proper care and supervision is simply vital. After all, more than one life will depend on it. With such a course of pregnancy, it is necessary not only to follow the recommendations, but also to timely contact the observing doctor in case of unusual sensations or pain

Conventional delivery or caesarean. Which option would be correct in this case?

Twin pregnancy is a serious case not only for the attending physician, but also for the specialist who delivers. The problem is that this process is very difficult to predict. It happens that at birth one of the babies may die or be injured. In the latter case, the threat remains for everyone, that is, for children and for the mother.

This can happen in a situation where there are problems such as:

1. Wrong position of one of the twins. It can lead to simultaneous exit into the mother's pelvis, which can lead to serious injury.
2. One placenta for two. As a result, one of the twins may die from a lack of oxygen.
3. Behavior of children. If each of them wants to be born earlier, there is a possibility of complications.

In the end, surgical delivery may be chosen. In general, modern medicine prefers nottake risks when it comes to the slightest danger (both for mother and children). Therefore, when in doubt, doctors prefer a caesarean section, in which the risk of complications is already associated with reasons other than those described above.

In the absence of any pathologies, natural birth is preferable. And everything should take place only under the supervision of a highly qualified specialist.

In a situation where childbirth occurs naturally, and the hospitalization was carried out a few days before them, it is very important to properly prepare the woman for the upcoming event. It is necessary to explain to her how to behave correctly, how to breathe and what to do at each stage of childbirth. Such briefing can make the task easier for both doctors and the woman in labor.

Small conclusion

The period of a woman's pregnancy is very eventful. Regular trips to the doctor, tests and other chores are tiring. However, it is they who make the life of the expectant mother interesting and actually filled with events. It's great to always have good news.

However, this is not the case for everyone and not always. Even in such situations, do not despair. The main thing here is the support of family and friends. After all, modern medicine is capable of real miracles. Although she sometimes makes mistakes.

Even when it seems that everyone is wrong, and you don’t need to take tests once again, such arrogance is unforgivable during pregnancy. This is a very important period, when the life of two people at once depends on the decision of one person, and sometimesmore people with multiple pregnancies. During this period, you need to try to create an atmosphere of peace and love around you. This becomes especially important when carrying a couple of children.

Childbirth during twin pregnancy is no less difficult for both the woman and the babies. However, the passage of all the difficulties and trials are worth the double happiness of the family. In this case, you need to know that the rehabilitation period is usually longer. This should not come as a surprise, morally, not only the mother herself, but also those who surround her, and especially the future father, need to prepare for this. After all, coping with two small children is a task of increased complexity. Moreover, against the background of postpartum depression, which, unfortunately, is increasingly common. Although in this case, you should not worry. Its unexpressed manifestations pass on average two to three weeks after childbirth, when the rhythm of life returns to normal. The most important thing in this case is the support, love and care from the newly-made father towards the woman.