Multiple Pregnancy Essay

Multiple Pregnancy

Having a multiple pregnancy means that a woman is carrying twins, triplets, or more. The majority of multiple pregnancies are twins. Naturally conceiving triplets or more (higher-order multiples) is quite rare.

Multiple pregnancies are riskier than single pregnancies. A woman with a multiple pregnancy is more likely to have certain problems during her pregnancy. Therefore, she will need to have more frequent appointments for prenatal care.

HOW DOES A MULTIPLE PREGNANCY HAPPEN?

A multiple pregnancy happens when:

• The body releases more than one egg at a time, and the eggs are then fertilized by more than one sperm.

○ This is the most common type of multiple pregnancy.

○ Twins produced this way are fraternal. They

○ More severe nausea and breast tenderness.

○ The uterus measuring larger than normal for your stage of pregnancy.

• Blood tests that detect a higher-than-normal level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is a hormone that your body produces in early pregnancy.

• Ultrasound exam. This is used to confirm that you are carrying multiples.

WHAT RISKS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MULTIPLE PREGNANCY?

A multiple pregnancy puts you at higher risk for certain problems during or after your pregnancy, including:

• Having your babies delivered before you have reached a full-term pregnancy (preterm birth). A full-term pregnancy lasts for at least 37 weeks. Babies born before 37 weeks may have a higher risk for many health problems, such as breathing problems, feeding difficulties, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities.

• Diabetes.

• Preeclampsia. This is a serious condition that causes high blood pressure along with other symptoms, such as swelling and headaches, during pregnancy.

• Excessive blood loss after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage).

• Postpartum depression.

• Low birth weight of the babies.

HOW WILL HAVING A MULTIPLE PREGNANCY AFFECT MY