
Common Complications During Twin Pregnancy: What Every Expecting Mom Should Know!
Introduction
Pregnancy can be a time of excitement and anticipation, but when you’re pregnant with two, there may be some complications. While being pregnant with twins is a miracle, there are potential complications that need to be taken care of. In this blog, we’ll look at the most common concerns pregnant moms of twins may have and give some advice on how to handle those concerns. But let me tell you, as a twin mom myself, no matter the obstacles, with the right attitude and a bit of help, everything is more than (just) fine.
Increased Risk of Preterm Labor
A frequent complication in twin pregnancies is preterm contractions. Given that there is more pressure on the womb of carrying two babies compared to a single one, most women carrying a twin pregnancy deliver earlier than others carrying a single baby. The astounding outcome of premature births may cause trouble in the health of the baby; therefore, it is vital to take extra consideration in following the pregnancy of the woman. Regular contractions, back pain, and fluid leakage are some of the signs that one should be aware of.
Gestational Diabetes
It is more frequent in twin pregnancies as well. It develops when the Insulin produced in the body is not enough to buffer the levels of blood sugar during gestation. It can be treated with a combination of diet, exercise, and medication. However, still, you need to go frequently so that your condition can be closely monitored and your baby’s too.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a disease that accompanies pregnancy and leads to a blood pressure increase, which could damage the kidneys and the liver. Women who bear multiples are more likely to develop it. In untreated cases, preeclampsia would cause complications for both the mother and the infants. Its signs are hypertension, edema as well as proteinuria.. The situation is critical to deal with early diagnoses.
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (CTS)
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that may be observed in the case of particular identical twins’ pregnancies. TS happens when the amount of blood flow between the twins is not equal, and one of them gains more blood than the other. This situation may lead to perilous complications, although at an early stage of detection and careful monitoring, it can be tackled effectively by the doctors. Treatment options may include various channels, such as medication, medical intervention like laser surgery, and other forms of treatment.
Growth Restriction
In the case of a twin pregnancy, one of both twins can be IUGR. The disorder occurs when a child fails to develop as expected in the mother’s womb. Monitoring with the help of ultrasounds and checkups is very important to the development and health of each child. To secure both of the babies, doctors can recommend early delivery in case of necessity.
Anemia
If you are pregnant, women may be encouraged to stay active, as their body requires more iron to support the growth of one or two babies. This situation can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by a total lack of sufficient red blood cells. It results in tiredness, pallor, and dizziness. Prenatal vitamins with iron, an iron-rich diet, and regular check-ups help to prevent this..
Positioning Complications
The infants can also be in a breech position, which means that one or both of them are not in a head-down position for delivery. This situation may lead to obstruction of delivery, and a C-section may be the option. Regular ultrasound examinations will help physicians assess the position of the babies and plan for delivery.
My Experience: The Struggle and How I Got Over
It was my first pregnancy, and they were twins. I have been very unwell from the start. When I look back at that era, I feel terrified of having to do it all over again if I were to have another baby. It was that tough. I could not eat anything at all from the first to the last trimester; I could not hold it down. I would try to eat, and I’d projectile-vomit it up, and the nausea would never go away.
Simply speaking to someone became so unbearable. I would constantly have saliva in my mouth, and to the point where I could not even talk without feeling worse. I’d be spitting like every second, whatever I could do to make myself feel better. Those around me would fret about whether my babies were getting the proper nutrients, and while I assumed that they weren’t, there was nothing I could do about it.
For all this heaviness, Alhamdulillah, by the mercy of Allah, I got two healthy babies. Both babies weighed 2 kg, a little light but healthy. I had a C-sec at 37 weeks, no blood transfusions, and the babies didn’t need to be in the NICU. In my circumstances, even the physical challenges of twin pregnancy were complex. The emotional toll was still not especially heavy, although there was queasiness at first.
The main lesson I learned is that, although there are more troubles than normal when carrying twins, you can remain strong and positive with yourself and think that everything will be okay. You have to keep telling yourself that your body will do the work and that nothing bad can happen under proper care. Finally, you will have your baby.
Conclusion
Twin pregnancy is tough, but with proper knowledge about it, you can be strong to accept the next journey. I think a real journey begins when they come out of your womb.
Do not stress out at all. The pregnancy journey, whether it is single or double, is very tough for all mothers.
Always consult your Doctor to check on your health and your baby’s health. This journey will be challenging. Still, the beautiful thing is that the babies will grow and play with each other beautifully.