If you are expecting twins, the excitement of your pregnancy may be doubled. Having two babies on board can bring a lot of joy and anticipation, but it also means that there is much to prepare for in the nine weeks ahead. You may have lots of questions about what to expect with a multiple pregnancy and how to care for yourself during this special time.
This blog post will provide an overview of twin pregnancies, focusing on some of the common concerns associated with having multiples such as risks, nutrition, screening tests, fetal development, visits to the obstetrician or gynecologist (OB/GYN), exercise, signs of preterm labor, determining fetal position before delivery, and preparing for labor and delivery.
Overview of Twin Pregnancies
Having twins is considered a high-risk pregnancy because carrying two fetuses increases the chances of complications. The chance of being pregnant with twins occurs naturally in one out of every 90 pregnancies, but due to advances in reproductive technology, more women than ever are having multiples. In fact, the rate of twin births has been increasing over the past few decades. Twins come in different varieties including fraternal twins which are created when two separate eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm, identical twins which result from one egg being fertilized by one sperm and then splitting into two embryos, and other rarer types of multiples such as conjoined twins.
Risks Associated With Multiple Pregnancies
There are several potential risks associated with twin pregnancies. Women who are expecting multiples have higher rates of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, premature birth, cesarean section delivery, placenta previa (when the placenta covers all or part of the opening to the cervix) and placental abruption (when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterus). It is important for expecting mothers to discuss any potential risks with their healthcare provider so they can be prepared for whatever comes their way.
Nutrition and Diet During Pregnancy
Good nutrition is essential for both mother and babies during a multiple pregnancy. It is recommended that expecting mothers get between 2200–2700 calories per day depending on weight and activity level. Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy products is important for supplying nutrients for growing babies. Drinking plenty of water is also key to staying hydrated throughout pregnancy. Some doctors may suggest additional vitamin supplements if needed. It’s always best to check with your OB/GYN before taking any kind of supplement during pregnancy.
Screening Tests For Fetal Abnormalities
In addition to routine prenatal screenings like ultrasounds, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is becoming increasingly popular among expecting mothers who are carrying multiples. This test looks at the baby’s DNA found in mom’s blood sample to screen for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome. NIPT can be done as early as 10 weeks gestation and results usually take 1-2 weeks after the sample is collected.
Fetal Development At 9 Weeks
At nine weeks gestation, both babies should be around .9 inches long and weighing just under one ounce each. By now their vital organs such as hearts, brains and kidneys should be starting to develop and grow rapidly. Many parents opt for an ultrasound scan at this point in the pregnancy to confirm that everything is developing properly and track growth patterns.
What To Expect During OB/GYN Visits
Regular visits to your OB/GYN are very important during a multiple pregnancy. Your doctor will monitor your health closely through regular physical exams and laboratory tests. They will use these tests to detect any problems or conditions that could affect you or your babies while they are still in utero. Additionally, they will keep a close eye on things like fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus) and amniotic fluid levels which indicate proper fetal growth.
Exercise During Pregnancy
It’s important for expecting moms to stay active during a multiple pregnancy. Low impact activities such as walking, swimming and yoga are great options for getting some exercise without putting too much strain on your body. Always talk to your doctor first before beginning any type of exercise program while pregnant.
Signs Of Preterm Labor
For many expecting mothers carrying multiples, preterm labor becomes a major concern in the later stages of pregnancy. Knowing the signs of preterm labor can help alert you if something is wrong and prompt you to seek medical attention right away. Some common signs include contractions that happen four times or more in an hour; vaginal discharge or bleeding; abdominal cramping; pelvic pressure; low backache; and increased pelvic discomfort when changing positions or doing daily activities like vacuuming or mowing the lawn.
Determining Fetal Position Before Delivery
It’s also important for expecting moms of multiples to learn how to determine fetal position before delivery. This skill is especially helpful in cases where both babies are positioned in the same direction in the womb. Knowing the position of each fetus can help minimize potential complications during delivery. A physician or midwife can help guide you through this process using a hands-on exam or imaging scans such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Preparing For Labor And Delivery
Preparation for labor and delivery goes hand-in-hand with knowing the fetal positions of your babies. Depending on whether your babies are sharing a placenta or not, you may need specialized monitoring equipment in order to make sure both babies are safe throughout the entire delivery process. Taking antenatal classes specifically designed for multiples can also be beneficial since they will give you practical tips and strategies on how best to manage labor and delivery when there are two babies involved.
Conclusion
Twin pregnancies bring double the joy but they can also be filled with unexpected challenges along the way. Understanding the potential risks associated with having multiples and learning ways to proactively manage them can help ensure a smooth journey through your nine week pregnancy and beyond! Keeping up with good nutrition and adequate exercise, receiving appropriate screenings for fetal abnormalities, attending antenatal classes for multiples and preparing for labor and delivery are all excellent steps towards achieving a successful outcome for both you and your precious bundles of joy.