The dangers of twins

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by BSCKI Truong Nghia Binh - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.

According to medical experts, when pregnant with twins, women are most likely to have a miscarriage in the first 3 months of pregnancy, the rate of abnormal pregnancy and malformation is also higher than that of a single pregnancy. Understanding the risks of twins will help reduce surprises along the way and increase mother's awareness of potential troubling symptoms.

1. Mother's risk when carrying twins

1.1 Premature birth Premature birth: Twin pregnancy is not only dangerous for the baby, but also dangerous for the mother. The rate of pregnant women with twins giving birth prematurely is very high, more dangerous can threaten the life of both the mother and the fetus if not treated promptly.
1.2 Gestational Hypertension Gestational hypertension (PIH) is a condition in which blood pressure remains elevated during pregnancy. Twins have three to four times more gestational hypertension than singletons. If left untreated, gestational hypertension can cause premature birth, poor growth of the baby, or loss of the baby in the womb. Gestational hypertension also has a serious impact on the mother's health, especially when it progresses to pre-eclampsia.

1.3 Preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a condition that includes increased blood pressure and increased protein content in the urine. Symptoms of preeclampsia include swelling, headaches, and weight gain. The risk of pre-eclampsia in mothers with multiples is twice as high. If left untreated, preeclampsia can cause eclampsia, also known as blood poisoning. Eclampsia causes seizures and can be life-threatening for both mother and unborn baby.
1.4 Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes is a condition when a mother, even though she did not have diabetes before pregnancy, has difficulty maintaining blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes occurs in about five percent of singleton pregnancies, but twice as many women carrying twins develop gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can be treated with dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Pregnant women with multiple pregnancies also experience more severe morning sickness. For some pregnant women, vomiting is excessive during pregnancy, causing the mother to lose up to five percent of her body mass and possibly requiring hospitalization.
In addition, pregnant women with multiples are at risk of digestive problems during pregnancy, such as constipation. Multiple pregnancies often require a cesarean section, either because of poor fetal position (such as when the first baby doesn't turn head down) or complications, which take longer for the mother to recover from birth and are at risk of miscarriage. complications are higher during labor.

2. Twins and risks to the fetus

Twins have a higher risk of miscarriage. In some cases, one of the fetuses may be miscarried or disappear (VTS disappearance syndrome), only the surviving fetuses remain.
Twin pregnancy often leads to asymmetrical growth and weight difference between the two fetuses due to having 1 fetus with intrauterine growth retardation, leading to low birth weight babies, with a higher risk of jaundice compared to other fetuses. with normal pregnancy
In addition, twin-twin transfusion syndrome can occur in twins with a placenta. If left untreated, this syndrome can cause neonatal heart failure or lead to death.

3. How to have a healthy twin pregnancy?

Pregnant women can take the following steps to reduce these risks, including:
3.1 See your doctor early and often Advice from medical professionals, during pregnancy especially with multiples, Pregnant women need to be examined and monitored at medical facilities. Strictly implement regular antenatal check-ups. If there are abnormal signs, doctors will consult and discuss to choose the decision that is least harmful to health and spirit. Because twins are easy to have large fetuses, baby fetuses... the last 3 months of pregnancy need to be closely monitored to be able to maintain the fetus at least 37 weeks of age because it is easy to give birth prematurely.
3.2 Healthy Diet A pregnant woman's diet has a big impact on her pregnancy. Weight gain during pregnancy with twins can help ensure that babies are born at a healthy weight. Therefore, pregnant women need to ensure a diet with an appropriate amount of protein to help the baby grow.

Make sure you always eat enough, not dieting or overeating. Health experts recommend that pregnant women should only add 300 calories to the daily nutritional menu based on the standard calorie table for women. This number doubles or triples only if you're pregnant with twins or triplets.
3.3 Drink enough water Dehydration can cause premature birth for any pregnancy especially when carrying twins. So make sure to drink enough water every day.
Because twins are prone to large, small babies...so the last 3 months pregnant women must be closely monitored to get advice on the best way to take care of the baby. During labor, pregnant women must go to medical facilities with neonatal resuscitation departments.
The most important thing for mothers who are pregnant with twins is to see a doctor for advice, to know in advance all the risks and difficulties to prepare psychologically, as well as to get encouragement, comfort and help from relatives
Vinmec International General Hospital offers a comprehensive maternity care program for pregnant women from the first months of pregnancy with full prenatal check-ups, Periodic 3D, 4D ultrasound and routine tests to ensure the mother's health and the comprehensive development of the fetus. Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized obstetricians, helping mothers gain more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mother and child.
Doctor Truong Nghia Binh has over 13 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has high expertise and long experience in diagnosing and treating Obstetrics and Gynecology diseases such as: pathology for mother and baby before birth, chorionic villus biopsies, amniocentesis.. Ultrasound to screen for fetal malformations (3D, 4D ultrasound) Follow-up, birth control in cases of normal, difficult birth Examination and treatment pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, pregnancy with complicated medical conditions... Cesarean section for first, second, third time caesarean section... Examination and treatment of gynecological pathology. Examination and consultation for infertile couples

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Article reference source: Verywellfamily.com, Webmd.com