The news of a twin pregnancy is usually a big surprise. Over time, many women appreciate the fact that they gave birth to two children at the same time. However, multiple pregnancy is not only about having two babies. It requires special care from both the mother and the specialist caring for her. The fact of having two children is for many women a double reason for joy, but also a greater effort. What else can you expect?
In the past, parents found out that they were having twins only when they were born. Today, ultrasound examinations allow the diagnosis of multiple pregnancy as early as the fourth week. When you find out that you will have twins and the emotions slowly subside, you must remember that each such pregnancy is treated by doctors as high-risk.
Despite this opinion, most twin pregnancies meet a happy outcome. It is worth realizing that until the end of the first trimester nothing is certain, as in single pregnancies. At this early stage, as many as one in three pregnancies are considered twins, but often one of the fetuses dies, so only one child is born. We gain complete certainty that the pregnancy is multiple only in the second or third trimester.
Twins or twins
Another issue is whether they will be identical or fraternal twins:
- Identical twins – they have the same sex and genetic code, they can have the same or separate placentas and amniotic sacs.
- Fraternal twins are formed by the fertilization of two separate eggs by two separate sperm. Children can be of the same or different gender, they are not identical. Their resemblance is the same as that of siblings from two separate pregnancies. Doctors call them twins because they are not identical twins.
Appropriate medical care
It is important to choose a doctor, preferably one who already has experience in managing multiple pregnancies. It is very important to detect this type of pregnancy early. It is best for the selected specialist to cooperate with the hospital ward, because in a situation where the expectant mother requires hospitalization, she will be under the care of her doctor.
Diet and lifestyle in multiple pregnancy
A frugal lifestyle is usually recommended in the second half of pregnancy. Then there is a significant increase in body weight, so pain in the legs, spine and general fatigue may be common. You should not overexert yourself, avoid heavy physical effort – including heavy cleaning and carrying shopping, doing sports. In the second half of twin pregnancy, it is also recommended to limit sexual activity, sometimes it is forbidden due to the risk of premature birth.
You should eat healthy and in a varied way, you can eat a little more at the same time than in a single pregnancy. However, the “surplus” should be a maximum of 500 kcal per day more than before pregnancy. Include in your diet primarily vitamins (also in the form of supplements) and some microelements, especially iron and folic acid, which affect the blood formation process. Avoid raw meat, unpasteurized milk products, seafood and raw fish. Bet on vegetables, fruits, lean meat, dairy products, fish and whole grain pasta, bread and rice.