You’ve just found out you’re pregnant with twins. Double congratulations! Think of the close bond between twins and all the fun your twins will have as they grow up with a built-in playmate.
Being pregnant with twins can be exciting and unnerving at the same time. Your body is likely experiencing some uncomfortable symptoms. If you’re carrying twins, you may be subject to unrelenting morning sickness or significant breast tenderness. You may be gaining weight faster than if you were carrying one baby.
Carrying multiples has a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and during the births than carrying a single. But don’t spend your days worrying. Dr. Sejour, a board-certified obstetrician at Solace Women’s Care provides expert guidance on your journey to delivering healthy twins.
Dr. Sejour brings you in for extra visits as soon as he knows you’re carrying twins. You’ll have ultrasound exams every 4-6 weeks beginning with your second trimester. He may order extra tests at any time throughout your pregnancy to ensure you’re on the right track.
Common health issues that can occur when you carry twins can be handled effectively by following Dr. Sejour’s instructions during your high-risk pregnancy. Here’s a look at the issues we’ll watch for to keep you and your babies healthy.
Any pregnant woman can develop preeclampsia, but you’re at a higher risk when you carry twins. Preeclampsia a blood pressure condition that often begins by your 20th week of pregnancy and can also occur after you give birth. The condition tends to be more serious if you’re carrying more than one fetus.
Preeclampsia can cause organ damage, and if you experience severe preeclampsia, your baby may be born early. Dr. Sejour monitors you and provides instructions to help avoid preeclampsia.
Being pregnant with multiples carries a higher risk of gestational diabetes, which affects your blood sugar levels and those of your babies. It also increases the risk of preeclampsia. After you deliver, your blood sugar should quickly return to normal. However, if you have gestational diabetes, you’re now at an elevated risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Dr. Sejour monitors you closely and administers glucose screening tests during your pregnancy. If necessary, he orders medication. You have a role to play, too. Regular, gentle exercise, eating healthy food, and controlling your added sugar and salt intake contribute to your good health and having a healthy baby.
It’s not uncommon for twins to experience growth issues in utero; it occurs up to 25 percent of the time. Dr. Sejour tracks your babies’ growth using ultrasound. If one twin is much smaller than the other, the condition is called discordant growth, and he performs other tests to determine if further action is needed.
Half of twins are born at less than 37 weeks, which is considered premature. Premature babies have a higher risk of some short and long-term health issues, but this doesn’t mean that your baby will experience them. Premature babies may experience complications with breathing, eating, and body temperature. Babies who are very premature can have other medical problems, too.
Whether you’re expecting twins, just found out you’re pregnant, or need regular well-woman care, call Solace Women’s Care for expert, compassionate treatment for all of your obstetrics and gynecology needs.
