Multiples and health issues you will have to face

Is the situation of multiple pregnancies totally different from single pregnancies? Yes and No. Sometimes there could be no difference in the signs and symptoms of the two types of pregnancies; while sometimes there can be minute to hefty changes in the signs and symptoms. It can also bring upon many health issues than faced by woman pregnant with a single baby. 

One of the most common symptoms is early weight gain in the first trimester due to increased uterine size, blood volume and measuring large for gestational age. Severe morning sickness can be seen with nausea and vomiting, but sometimes there may be no increase than single pregnancies. Restriction of activity and bed rest may be advised by your doctor with varying durations, according to the number of multiples expected and the symptom levels. 

Woman pregnant with multiples run a higher risk of preterm labor. While parents with singleton pregnancies carry a risk of 10%, women pregnant with triplets are at 90% risk of a preterm labor. 

Women with multiple pregnancies are also at risks of health issues like genetic defects in the fetus, Anemia, Urinary tract infections, Gestational diabetes, Toxoplasmosis, Thromboembolic disease, Ectopic pregnancy, Rh incompatibility, Placenta previa, Placental abruption and Pre eclampsia. Women with singleton pregnancies also carry these risks during pregnancy, but women with multiple pregnancies are at higher risks. 

What about your multiples? Do they carry any health issues as well? Yes. Your multiples can be at risk of TTTS. TTTS is a placenta disorder, where one baby (the recipient) has more blood and amniotic fluid than the other baby (the donor). This is a result of varying blood pressures of twin babies who share a placenta. Because blood has the tendency to flow into the baby with the lower blood pressure, the baby with higher blood pressure may be left with less. This is commonly seen in monochorionic and diamniotic twins and is seen to affect an estimated 6000 babies a year. If this disorder begins in the first six months, it is likely that one or even both of the babies will not survive without medical intervention. It has been found that 80% of babies affected by TTTS die, largely due to not being diagnosed in time and inadequate treatment. 

With proper care and regular check ups, you may not have to worry about these health issues.  Some women go through pregnancy without any health issues, while some may be faced with many health problems. It differs from woman to woman, and being aware of them will help you take protecting steps during your pregnancy. Remember knowledge is wealth!