FAQ's about multiples

Welcome to the world of multiples. Maybe you have just given birth to multiples or have been told you are pregnant with multiples or dreaming of a multiple pregnancy. Whatever the stage you are in, you might find yourself overloaded with queries needed to be answered on many issues and doubts. Would it help you to know you are not alone in these queries? Yes many others before you and many others after you would all have these queries with their children’s well being in mind. Given below is a summary of some such Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). 

When attempting to get pregnant you may wonder what is different about a multiple pregnancy. The obvious is that you would be giving birth to more than one baby at the time of delivery. Also the experience of a multiple pregnancy from a normal pregnancy can differ in many ways like increased pregnancy symptoms (fatigue, nausea, etc.). A woman pregnant with multiples is at a higher risk of medical complications like preterm labor, gestational diabetes, etc. But these can be prevented through proper medical care, healthy diet and minimizing any activity which could harm the pregnancy. 

Curious to know what are the signs of a multiple pregnancy? The most common indicators are weight gain, severe morning sickness, measuring large for gestational age, early detection of fetal movement, unusually extreme fatigue, elevated HcG levels and abnormal high results on AFP or triple screen test. How can you confirm whether it is a multiple pregnancy? To find an answer to your suspicion of a multiple pregnancy, rely on an ultrasound scan, as it is the most reliable way to detect and monitor a multiple pregnancy. 

Still unsure and in doubt that there can be a hidden twin which didn’t show up in the ultrasound scan? Both your babies may not show up if the scan is done too early in the pregnancy. That is why even doctor’s advice to wait for at least 20 weeks before you do the scan as then it is more accurate.  At this point there can be no doubts of a hidden twin if the scan shows only one. If still concerned talk with your doctor regarding your concerns. 

If multiples are confirmed, you may be overwhelmed with questions like would I have to go on bed rest? Will I gain a lot of weight? Will I be able to continue working during my multiple pregnancy? What is this vanishing twin syndrome? What is, if there is, the typical gestation for a multiple pregnancy? Would my twins be identical or fraternal? Do you now realize that you are not an odd one out, worrying too much? These are only some FAQ’s of many mothers-to-be of multiples, and answers to all of them are available through books, your doctor and the internet. Seek the answers to your queries from the most trusted sources. It is your right to get the correct answers, to wash away any worries and clear your doubts.