|
|
11
|
How
harmful is multiple pregnancy!
If you're seriously interested
in knowing about multiple pregnancy, you need to think beyond the basics.
This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know
about multiple pregnancy.
There used to be a theory that twins skipped a generation, but now it
is believed that twins are more likely to have a multiple pregnancy themselves.
Obviously this is genetic, but it is a valid point to consider if you
are a twin and want to become pregnant. Similarly, if your family history
or that of your partner's includes twins, then there is an increased chance
that you will have a twin pregnancy as well.
Older women are more likely to have a multiple pregnancy. There is
an increased ovulation of multiple eggs in older women and this can lead
to a higher chance of the woman having a twin pregnancy. Fertility treatments
can also lead to an increased chance of multiple pregnancies. It is also
evident that women from African backgrounds are more likely to have pregnancies
that are twins or more. Having a multiple pregnancy can be very exciting.
There is something special about having twins. If you have learned that
you have a multiple pregnancy, there are some important
considerations to keep in mind.
In a multiple pregnancy, the financial implications are more pronounced
than in a single pregnancy. You will require two of everything - two bassinets,
two cribs, two strollers (or one double stroller) and many pairs of clothes.
And because every baby is different, you will have to learn from each
child individually when he or she needs to eat, or needs a change of diapers.
A minimum of double the diapers and baby formula will be needed, and these
expenses can add up very quickly.
Finances aside, a multiple pregnancy can take a toll on your sanity.
Two babies equals double the crying and double the sleepless nights. Regardless
if it's a multiple pregnancy or a single pregnancy you will have to cope
with crying and sleeplessness anyway. But one advantage of a multiple
pregnancy is that you'll only have to go through it once, assuming you
will not be having more children. For parents that have a single birth
but desire more than one child, it will be necessary to endure the "terrible
twos" more than once. A multiple pregnancy will also mean only one
labor and delivery, and only one hospital stay.
Those of you not familiar with the latest on multiple pregnancy now have
at least a basic understanding. But there's more to come.
Medically speaking, a multiple pregnancy is automatically considered a
high-risk pregnancy. Keep in mind, however, that most women successfully
carry a multiple pregnancy with no unusual complications. Normal pregnancy
ailments such as mood swings and back pain may be exaggerated, but in
general you can expect the same symptoms and discomforts of a regular
pregnancy.
Monitoring your nutritional intake is imperative with a multiple pregnancy.
You will need to eat more, but avoid gaining an excessive amount of weight.
It's a delicate balancing act that will need to be discussed at length
with your doctor. A general guideline is to increase your caloric intake
by around 250 to 350 calories per day for each additional child you are
carrying and increase the amount of protein you consume. A multivitamin
might also be advised, but doubling the recommended dosage can be dangerous
so seek the advice of your doctor before taking additional vitamin supplements.
In a multiple pregnancy, you will need to visit your doctor more often
than during a single pregnancy. You will also need additional ultrasounds
to closely monitor the development of both fetuses. In terms of delivery,
a multiple pregnancy will usually end approximately two weeks before the
normal due date. Most multiple pregnancy births are early. This is because
the womb is stretched by multiple pregnancies quicker than during a single
pregnancy, and the cervix then opens earlier than normal.
Before giving birth to more than one baby at a time, you must consult
with your doctor about your delivery options. It is preferred to deliver
through a normal vaginal birth, although a Cesarean section delivery could
be recommended if there are any complications that could be a danger to
you or your babies during a vaginal delivery.
You can't predict when knowing something extra about multiple pregnancy
will come in handy. If you learned anything new about multiple pregnancy
in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.
<<
BACK TO PREGNANCY>>
|
|