Everything You Need to Know About Twins Pregnancy

Pregnancy with twins is a unique experience that brings its own challenges. It typically requires special care and close monitoring of the health of both the mother and the babies. To avoid complications, twin pregnancies differ slightly in some aspects from single pregnancies.

Types of Twin Pregnancies

There are two main types of twin pregnancies:

Identical Twins

Identical twins result from a single fertilized egg splitting into two separate embryos that share the same genetic material. They may share a placenta and amniotic sac, but in some cases, each may have its own sac and placenta.⁶

Identical twins are always of the same gender, so if you are carrying identical twins, you will have two girls or two boys.

Fraternal Twins

They are more common and can be of the same gender or different genders. Fraternal twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilized, so they are genetically distinct.

Factors That Increase the Likelihood of Twin Pregnancy

Several factors may increase the chances of having a twin pregnancy, including:

Age

As women age, their bodies may release multiple eggs, increasing the likelihood of conceiving twins. Women over the age of 35 have a higher chance of having twins.

Family History

If a woman is a twin or has twins in her family, her chances of having twins increase.

Fertility Treatments

Treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase the likelihood of twins.

Previous Twin Pregnancy

If a woman has previously been pregnant with twins, her chances of having twins again are higher.

Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy

Although the only way to confirm a twin pregnancy is through an ultrasound (sonogram), there are some symptoms that may suggest you are carrying twins, including:

More severe morning sickness (nausea and vomiting).
Rapid weight gain during the first trimester.
Early abdominal swelling.
Severe breast tenderness or sensitivity.
Elevated levels of the pregnancy hormone (HCG).

When Can You Confirm a Twin Pregnancy?

Twin pregnancies are typically detected through an ultrasound during the first trimester.

Complications of Twin Pregnancy

While any woman can experience complications during pregnancy, twin pregnancies can increase the risk of certain complications. Common complications in multiple pregnancies include:

Premature Birth

Premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is one of the most common complications in twin pregnancies.

High Blood Pressure (Gestational Hypertension)

A woman carrying twins may develop high blood pressure, so doctors will closely monitor blood pressure to detect and treat any issues early to avoid complications related to high blood pressure.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia occurs when there is high blood pressure along with protein in the urine, which can affect both the mother and her babies. Symptoms may include swelling, dizziness, headaches, and vision problems. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. Preeclampsia usually resolves after delivery, and blood pressure returns to normal.

Gestational Diabetes

Having two or more placentas may increase the body’s resistance to insulin, leading to issues with regulating blood sugar levels, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Placental Abruption

Placental abruption is an emergency condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery, which increases the risk of bleeding and abdominal pain, especially in the third trimester. This is more common in multiple pregnancies.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

IUGR, or low birth weight for gestational age, occurs when one or more of the twins fails to grow at the expected rate. This can lead to premature birth or low birth weight, requiring close medical monitoring.

Delivery Options in Twins Pregnancy

Most twin pregnancies require a cesarean section. However, in some cases, vaginal delivery may be possible if both babies are positioned head-down, particularly the first baby.

References:

Website, N. (2024d, November 15). Pregnant with twins. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/pregnant-with-twins/
Multiple pregnancy. (2024, September 13). Health Information and Services. https://info.health.nz/pregnancy-children/having-a-healthy-pregnancy/multiple-births
Professional, C. C. M. (2024d, May 22). Twin pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23158-twin-pregnancy

Everything You Need to Know About Twins Pregnancy