-
Experiences with TwinsWhen the luck of becoming a mother comes twice at the same time, everything happens in double doses. Emotions and experiences are intensified. Besides even greater joy, twins mean much more work right from the start of pregnancy. It's not easy to understand for those who haven't had it. That's why it is important to listen to what experienced mothers of twins have to share.
Find the articles in this category that our community has engaged with the most
There are certain events in life that we have never... Continue Reading
Who hasn't heard of cases of conjoined twins? And... Continue Reading
If a woman is pregnant, is it possible for her to... Continue Reading
The birth of a child is always a time of great joy... Continue Reading
Many women, when they were younger, dreamed of carrying... Continue Reading
While for some it is literally a shock, others even dream and wish for a twin pregnancy, imagining that the children can grow up together, be companions, or dress alike. But before getting to this stage, you have to go through pregnancy and childbirth first. A twin pregnancy can be dizygotic, which happens when two eggs are fertilized and the babies develop in different placentas, or monozygotic, which occurs with one egg and a single sperm that divides after fertilization, resulting in two identical babies. The formation and division in monozygotic twin pregnancies is still a big mystery for medicine, since the real reason for this happening is unknown. All that can be said is that it is not a genetic factor.
In the old days, it was very rare to find twins and those who were born usually came from families that already had other pairs of twins. The high demand for in vitro fertilization, where more than one embryo is used to increase the chances in the procedure, has contributed to the rise in the incidence of twin siblings.
Twin pregnancies usually have the same symptoms as a single embryo pregnancy. Some initial observations may suggest a twin pregnancy. Weight gain is one of the typical signs of a twin pregnancy, as the woman gains much more weight than in a single fetus pregnancy. The measurements of twin bellies are usually larger and from the 12th week of pregnancy it is already possible to notice a small bump. Abdominal pain is more intense due to excessive uterine growth.
Through the beta HCG test it is possible to analyze the hormone level, which, when very high for that gestational age, can also indicate a twin pregnancy. But there is only one safe way to confirm a twin pregnancy: through an ultrasound performed after the 8th week. If the exam is done too early, it is not always possible to see the two gestational sacs or two embryos, being found only in later ultrasound exams.
A twin pregnancy is considered high risk due to the great care required during this period. Controlling blood pressure, rapid weight gain, blood sugar levels, and recurring pain are the main challenges for the body, especially due to the belly's weight. Another very common factor in twin pregnancies is the increase in blood circulation, which tends to be much greater than in a single pregnancy since the blood has to nourish and support two fetuses. In dizygotic cases with two different placentas, it can directly affect the woman's blood pressure which is why it must be controlled rigorously.
A healthier diet during pregnancy requires even more care in a twin pregnancy. Increased intake of fluids and more nutrients, especially those containing fiber, are extremely important for fetal development and to prevent the discomfort of common cramps.
One of the main worries for parents is regarding the day of delivery, since a twin pregnancy usually cannot reach the full 40 weeks. That is why it is considered a good time when birth occurs from the 35th week onwards. However, with plenty of rest and care it is possible to reach 9 months and for the babies to be born full-term without needing medical interventions. Normal delivery is also possible with twins, even though the vast majority of cases happen via cesarean section. If the babies are in the right position and the mother does not have any problems such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, a natural birth can occur normally.
Photo: Brandie
See the most recent articles published on Famivita
There are several rules that we are used to hearing throughout our lives that do not apply...
Portal hypertension gets its name because it refers to a condition caused by an issue in the...
Conjugal infertility is the term given by the WHO (World Health Organization) for the absence...
The human body is made up of several parts that we often compare to machine gears, which need...
With the advancement of medicine and the ongoing effort to make women’s lives easier and reduce the...
Cardiovascular diseases are at the top of the list of leading causes of death in Brazil, and...
Check out the latest articles published by our medical team in this category
