Know These Things If You Have Twins in the Womb

Compared to a single pregnancy, twin pregnancies are slightly more at risk for complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. In other words, twins in the womb need extra attention, because the conditions of pregnancy experienced can be different from a single pregnancy. Having twins in the womb does not need to be addressed with panic. However, prospective parents must prepare information about twin pregnancy. This is intended to be able to anticipate any changes during pregnancy, and undergo pregnancy smoothly until delivery arrives.

Conditions that May Occur When Pregnant Twins

• Nausea and vomiting are more severe

When you have twins in the womb, you may experience more nausea and vomiting in the first trimester compared to a single pregnancy. This is likely due to higher levels of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone. But don't worry, because the periods of nausea and vomiting are usually no longer than a single pregnancy, which is around 3-4 months.

• Baby's movements are not felt in the early stages of the womb

Do not expect to feel the movements or kicks of twins earlier than a single pregnancy. Twins' movements will usually begin to be felt at 18-20 weeks of gestation. The movement of a single baby begins to be felt at the same gestational age. A mother may be able to feel the baby's movements earlier if she has been pregnant before, so it is more sensitive in distinguishing gastrointestinal activity from infant movement.

• The risk of preeclampsia is higher

Compared to a single pregnancy, preeclampsia is more common in twins. Preeclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure, urine containing protein, and can be accompanied by swelling of the hands and feet in pregnant women. This condition is worth watching out for because it stores a more serious risk, namely eclampsia, where seizures occur in pregnant women.

• More often spot

Having brown spots or spots coming out of the vagina during the first trimester is nothing to worry about. As long as the spots are not accompanied by cramps, lumps come out like meat, or accompanied by a lot of bleeding. When having twins in the womb, spotting can be more frequent. Although classified as normal, stay aware of unusual spots as previously mentioned. This is because it could indicate a serious condition, such as a miscarriage. Compared to a single pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage when having twins in the womb is indeed higher.

• More at risk of developing gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes experienced during pregnancy. When pregnant with twins, the risk of developing this disease will increase compared to a single baby pregnancy. One of the risks of gestational diabetes in a single pregnancy is that the weight of the baby can be greater so you may have to give birth by cesarean section. However, because twins are usually not large babies, this risk may be less common.

• Twins have growth problems

This condition can also affect babies from a single pregnancy. But in twins one baby is more at risk of developing growth problems because the other baby gets more blood intake than babies who experience this disorder. This is more likely to occur in identical pregnancies where both babies get blood flow from only one placenta. This condition makes one baby get enough nutrition while the other baby is malnourished.

• Heavier body weights

Body weight of mothers who have twins in the womb is likely to be more severe compared to pregnant women single babies. This can occur because twin pregnancy means that it contains two babies and more amniotic fluid in the uterus. With this condition, you may also need more calories. Consult your obstetrician about how to get the ideal body weight during pregnancy.

• The possibility of giving birth by cesarean section

The chance of a cesarean section when pregnant with twins is higher. One of them is because of the breech position that twins often experience. You do not need to force to give birth normally if the conditions are really not possible. Instead, prepare yourself to face labor by cesarean section.

Pregnancy with twins in the womb does make mothers face many risks, but you don't need to worry. After knowing the various risks, you can actually be more attentive in maintaining health. Moreover, most of these complications are relatively rare. To minimize all risks in multiple pregnancies, do pregnancy consultations to the obstetrician regularly.