What is multiple pregnancy?
A multiple pregnancy is a gestation in which more than one fetus develops as a result of the fertilization of two or more eggs or when one egg divides. Children resulting from a multiple pregnancy may be twins, genetically and physically the same, or twins, different or similar.
Although it is not very common, there are some cases in which there may be three, four, five or even more embryos. In these pregnancies, the babies may also be genetically identical, different or a combination of both, but these are cases of risky pregnancies, both for the mother and the babies.
Prognosis of the disease
Being a pregnancy with more than one baby, multiple pregnancy has higher risks of complications, such as the following:
- Premature birth
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension more severe than in singleton pregnancy
- Anemia
- Abortion
- Cesarean delivery
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Gestational diabetes
Symptoms of Multiple Pregnancy
Although each woman may experience symptoms differently, the most common symptoms that distinguish a multiple pregnancy from a normal pregnancy are as follows:
- Constipation
- Increased morning sickness and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme drowsiness and tiredness
- Problems urinating
- Back pain
- Rapid weight gain (5 kg in the first trimester, while in normal pregnancies it is 2 to 3 kg)
- Increase in the size of the uterus
- Pelvic pain
- Increased appetite
- Anticipation of fetal movements (two weeks earlier than in normal pregnancy)
Medical tests for multiple pregnancy
Early diagnosis is important to improve the prognosis of multiple pregnancy. Generally, women already perceive that they are pregnant with more than one baby with the symptoms, because they are greater than usual.
However, this can be confirmed by ultrasound scans, which are now performed from the first weeks of pregnancy. In this way, an early diagnosis can be established.
What are the causes of multiple pregnancy?
There are a number of factors related to multiple pregnancy, among which are the following:
- Genetics: a history of multiple pregnancies in the family increases the probability of developing more than one fetus.
- Late pregnancy: in the case of women over 30 years of age, there is a greater probability of multiple pregnancy.
- Previous pregnancies: having had previous pregnancies also increases the probability.
- Fertility treatments: there are medications and techniques that can facilitate the production of eggs, resulting in multiple pregnancy.
Can it be prevented?
In the case of a pregnancy achieved through fertility treatment, multiple pregnancy can be avoided or prevented by transferring a single embryo, because in this case there is a very high probability of pregnancy with almost no risk of multiple pregnancy.
In any case, it is essential that women who have a multiple pregnancy take care of their health to ensure the success of the pregnancy.
Treatment for multiple pregnancy
Treatment is based on a more controlled follow-up, as it is a type of pregnancy that carries more risks than a normal pregnancy. This follow-up may involve
- Increased nutrition
- More frequent consultations
- Referral to a perinatologist (maternal-fetal specialist) to coordinate follow-up.
- More rest
- Analysis of the mother and fetuses
- Tocolytic medications (if preterm labor occurs)
- Corticosteroid medications (to help the fetuses’ lungs mature)
- Determine what the delivery will be like based on the condition
Which specialist treats you?
The doctor in charge of treating multiple pregnancy is the Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist.