Twins
Twins
Pass The Smelling Salts!
The possibility of more than one baby lurks somewhere in the dark recesses of every pregnant woman’s mind. Twins occur once in every 100 pregnancies. The thought may delight some and provoke horror in others.
Head Start
Before ultrasound, as many as 30 percent of twin pregnancies were surprises. The smelling salts weren’t needed until delivery. Early diagnosis of the twin pregnancy is critically important; plans must be made. In the first or early second trimester, an ultrasound exam can eliminate surprises. You can see two babies in there-no guessing. For the duration of your pregnancy and definitely after, you’ll need to make adjustments in your life-style.
Double Trouble
Twins may double your fun after birth, but there are potential problems during pregnancy that your doctor will want to anticipate and avoid. The twin pregnancy is high-risk. Careful attention to detail and planning help ensure a happy landing for your double duo. Listing some of the potential problems for you isn’t done to scare you but to give you a good idea why you need skilled care during your pregnancy.
Potential Problems for Twin Pregnancy
- Significantly higher infant mortality rates than single pregnancies.
- Low birth weights.
- Preterm labor. Twins deliver on the average about 3 weeks early.
- Discordant growth-intrauterine sibling rivalry. One twin receives more nourishment from the placenta, and the other one is “underfed.” “The placenta always liked you better” kind of thing.
- Preeclampsia.
- Maternal anemia.
- Placental problems such as premature separation and placenta previa.
- Complicated labor. If one twin is breech, a cesarean birth is often done.
Now you know why many obstetricians have gray hair. Guiding your twin pregnancy to a successful, uneventful completion is a real challenge for both you and your doctor. There are five important things you can do for yourself:
- At about 28 to 32 weeks, your doctor may ask you to quit work and spend a fair amount of time lying on your side to increase placental blood flow. T his also helps the babies gain weight.
- Learn the signs of pre term labor. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.
- Don’t hesitate to call the doctor or the office nurse if you think you’re having contractions.
- Eat a well-balanced diet with adequate calories.
- Take your vitamins, the ones with the iron and folic acid.
Your doctor will perform several ultrasound exams during pregnancy to follow the growth patterns of both babies-remember the sibling rivalry. Nonstress testing might be added weekly at 32 weeks, if it’s indicated, to evaluate how well the babies are doing.
Delivery may add a few more gray hairs to your obstetrician’s head. He’ll want you to deliver in a hospital with equipment and personnel trained to care for you during labor and your babies at birth. Talk to your doctor about your options. If preterm labor strikes, a perinatal center is usually your best bet. It’s less anxiety-provoking if you plan ahead for all possible situations. Have a game plan. You’ve had enough surprises.