How To Deal With A Multiple Pregnancy?
A pregnancy is, without a doubt, a magical moment in the lives of mothers and fathers. Everything is illusion, plans and expectation for the new member to arrive. However, if you happen to receive the news that there are two or more babies on the way, it can be intimidating at first to face a multiple pregnancy.
Surprise, joy and concern are some of the most present emotions when facing a multiple pregnancy. Restlessness predominates and it is not for less. Fortunately, future parents can always inform themselves to learn to cope in the best way and thus, considerably reduce fear.
How common are multiple pregnancies?
Several things can influence the chances of a multiple pregnancy. While the genetic issues of the mother and father are at the center, their health and age will also play a role. Likewise, aspects such as the number of previous pregnancies and even the weight of the woman are important.
In any case, the chances of this happening are not considerably high: in Spain, 1 out of every 95 pregnancies are of twins —which are born from different ovules—, while 1 in 250 are twins —the same ovum is fertilized in the conception-.
In contrast, when assisted reproductive techniques are used, the chances of a multiple pregnancy occur. The figure rises to about 30%; in addition, 60% of twins are conceived with this technique, statistics affirm.
As for the possibility of having three or more babies, the numbers indicate an even lower probability. Only 1 in 8,100 pregnancies end in triplet pregnancies and 1 in 729,000 in quadruplets, according to data from the Spanish Fertility Federation.
Recommendations to face a multiple pregnancy
When dealing with a multiple pregnancy, some things may vary from what is recommended for single pregnancies. Here are some guidelines that you should consider for the next few months:
Rest more than usual
It is often said that pregnancy is not a disease and that, therefore, a woman’s life does not have to be affected. However, this statement may not be entirely true in the case of multiple pregnancies.
For obvious reasons, the energy expenditure of the woman’s body is much higher. Therefore, it is highly advisable to reserve nutrients and resources for the development of the fetuses that are in the mother’s womb. In fact, this is an important point to avoid premature births in this type of pregnancies. Lying on the left side will help the pregnant woman to enhance the blood flow — and nourishment — of the babies.
Monitor your health and that of babies
Controls with the gynecologist are essential in any pregnancy. In the case of multiple pregnancies, these check-ups become even more relevant. In addition, the increase in nutritional needs that we discussed earlier may lead to the need to provide dietary supplements. Among the most frequent are those of iron, folic acid, calcium and vitamins; all of them are fundamental elements for the correct development of fetuses.
Take care of your diet
The weight gain will be even greater than that of a single baby pregnancy. As the body will allocate many resources to the development of the fetuses, it is very necessary to eat a balanced diet. It is therefore recommended to follow the doctor’s instructions for each patient. Vegetables, fruits, cereals and water consumption are great allies for women’s health at this stage.
Get used to getting help
Both during and after pregnancy, the mother knows that she will have to ‘deal’ with two or more babies, not one. Therefore, it is best to know how to let yourself be helped.
Many women sin on being overprotective or pretending to want to do everything themselves; not really the best option. Don’t feel guilty about missing work too much, doing nothing at home or having your mother at your disposal for an entire afternoon: you and your little ones deserve it and you need it.
Risks associated with multiple pregnancies
According to publications of the Spanish Fertility Society, facing a multiple pregnancy carries the possibility of suffering from certain complications. For example, these are some of them:
For fetuses
- More than half of double pregnancies and almost 90% of triples do not reach 37 weeks of gestation, resulting in premature delivery.
- The greater the number of fetuses, the greater the possibility that they will be born underweight.
- Risk of delayed intrauterine growth.
- In cases of serious complications, the chances of miscarriages or neonatal deaths are higher in multiple pregnancies.
For mothers
- Symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, asthenia and excessive weight gain occur with greater frequency and intensity.
- In general, multiple pregnancies promote the development of high blood pressure.
- They increase the chances of developing gestational diabetes.
- In twin deliveries, cesarean section is performed in more than half of the cases. For triple or larger number of babies, it is always recommended.
However, it should be noted that many multiple pregnancies develop perfectly ; its occurrence does not in itself indicate an unavoidable risk, but must be combined with other factors to awaken a specific alert.
However, with the suggestions detailed above, dealing with a multiple pregnancy can become a more bearable experience. In addition, the fact of giving birth to several babies so close from conception will lead to unforgettable moments throughout their development.
