Many women who are pregnant often wonder if they are expecting twins. With the increase of multiple births it is more likely with one in every ninety women who will carry two. If a twin pregnancy has been confirmed you are likely to have many questions. Here are the top 9 questions asked by mothers expecting twins -
1. Am I having twins?
A high level of hCG can indicate a multiple pregnancy, hCG levels is what a store bought pregnancy test is looking for. They say a definite positive result may mean you are expecting multiples. Also common grumbles of a twin pregnancy are heightened symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue. With that in mind, every woman is different as is every pregnancy and ultimately an ultrasound will give you a conclusive answer.
2. Are twins Heredity?
Fraternal twins can run in the family but only on the mother's side as it's only the women who can produce two eggs at one time. However the twin gene can be passed down from father to daughter. Having fraternal twins can also happen randomly especially in women over the age of 35. Identical twins on the other hand happen by chance, it's not fully understood why one egg splits resulting in two beautiful babies.
3. Will I need to have a C-section?
Though the chance of having a cesarean section when pregnant with twins increases due to complications or baby position like feet first, many other mothers have natural deliveries. It's also known that in some cases a mother expecting two have had a planned home birth, this however is not generally recommended as a twin pregnancy is classed high-risk.
4. How much weight will I gain?
There isn't a straightforward answer for this one, but it is generally suggested that 35 - 45 pounds is a healthy weight gain during a twin pregnancy. Some will gain more and some a little less it all really depends on your pre-pregnancy weight, body type and height what is healthy for you specifically.
5. How will I know if I'm having fraternal or identical twins?
Here are some indicators of twin types, fraternal or identical:
- Boy girl twins can only be fraternal.
- Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a complication only identical twins can suffer from.
- Identical twins often share a placenta though sometimes they can have their own. Fraternal twins generally have separate placentas but sometimes can be fused together. On close examination realizing whether they are fraternal or identical can be discovered.
- Monoamniotic twins, means they share the same amniotic sac as well as the placenta and are always identical.
6. What is average gestational age twins are born?
A full term twin pregnancy is considered to be 38 weeks and is often recommended to be induced at this stage. The average gestational age for twins is about 36 weeks, babies born before the 37th week are considered premature. But don't let that scare you many twins are born preterm and do incredibly well and there are many other twins who are born full term.
7. What is the possibility of a hidden twin?
With today's advancements with ultrasound scans the likelihood of an undetected baby twin is improbable and it's extremely rear for a surprise in the delivery room. During the first few weeks of a twin pregnancy an ultrasound can be misleading or misjudged due to how tiny there are. This is especially true before the 8th week of pregnancy.
8. Can I exercise during pregnancy?
If you have the go-ahead from your healthcare professional then you have no reason not to. Of course you must stop immediately if recommended by your doctor. Yoga and swimming are great low impact ways to stay fit and healthy.
9. Will I have to go on bed rest?
Some do some don't it all depends on your health and any pregnancy complications which may pop up. Full or partial bed rest may be prescribed to help prolong your twin pregnancy for the best possible outcome.
The important thing to remember is every woman and every pregnancy is different and you should always consult with your healthcare professional with any concerns you may have.
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