Twins


	Twin Pregnancy Twins
Twins Twin pregnancy is due to the fertilisation of one or more eggs. The incidence of Twins in the UK is 1 in 90 births and it is becoming more common due to increasing number of people with IVF treatment. Twin pregnancy facts Twins are born on average 22 days premature Twins are on average 2lb lighter than singleton babies. There are two main types of twins – identical twins and fraternal twins. << Read more about Twin Births >> Identical Twins If the fertilised egg can divide into two, with each identical half will then develop into a twin. These twins will be identical as they have the same genetic make-up. Identical twins occur 1 in 250 births. << Read More about Identical Twin pregnancy >> << Read More about Identical Twin complications – Monoamniotic Twins >> Non Identical Twins Occur when two or more eggs are released at the same time and are fertilised by two sperm. These will group as genetically different individuals and will be non. 2/3rd of twins are non identical. The cause of the fertilisation of multiple eggs is still little understood and an area of ongoing research for non identical twins. Causes of Twins There is an increased likelihood of twins if the woman’s mother herself was a twin, or if the father was a twin. Identical twins are thought to be an accident of nature. Older women are more likely to have twins. Women between 35 to 39 are more likely to have twins, as the statistical chance of having a twin increases with the number of children already conceived. The likelihood of having twins increases with some infertility treatments that include drugs for stimulating ovulation. How soon can Twins be diagnosed Twins can be diagnosed as early as four to six weeks using ultrasound. Or more normally at the normal scan eleven to fourteen weeks into the pregnancy Twins can be suspected if there a family history of Twins, or if Doctor finds the uterus to be exceptionally larger than average for that stage of pregnancy. If the expectant mum is suffering from excessive nausea and vomiting due to the enlarging uterus at the early stage of the pregnancy. This can be a sign of a twin pregnancy. Twin Births Twins have a higher chance of being born before their due date, twin births are normally at about 37 to 38 weeks, with cesareans being common for twin births. This is because it is more likely than one or both babies are not in a perfect position for a natural birth. Having twins means you are likely to see your obstetrician regularly so that they can closely monitor all aspects of the twin pregnancy due the increased chance of complications. Twins are generally more smaller and weaker than singleton pregnancies, and are more likely to need some time in special care after birth. Twin Pregnancy Twin Pregnancy does mean that there are more chances of complications as the expectant mothers body is changing in the same way as single pregnancy, however the bodies changes are more marked because it is providing for two more babies. Twin pregnancy have the following characteristics: Twin pregnancy means a larger uterus more quickly which itself can cause more discomfort than normal You may need to urinate more frequently Your legs and feet may swell even if you have only been on your feet for a few minutes You will be very tired. Rest is important and you should have at least one or two hours rest a day. You should not over eat, you are not eating for two. You should look to have well balanced meal. Your Doctor may prescribe you with more iron, extra folic acid, or vitamins. This is because two babies require more iron and anemia is common A twin pregnancy often means more frequent antenatal checks because of the increase in potential problems It is not uncommon for women expecting twins to go into labour prematurely. The more babies in the uterus, the more likely that labour will be earlier. A twin pregnancy gestation is 37 weeks while triplet pregnancies are 35 weeks. Twin Pregnancy Complications Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) Twin Pregnancies do have more potential for complications. One of these is Twin to Twin Transfusion which can only happen with identical twins. This is where one twin can grow at the expense of the other, to such an extent that the weaker twin grows week and dies, while the remaining baby survives. This can happen at anytime during the twin pregnancy. << Read More about Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) >> Twin Links Tamba (Twins and Multiple Births Association) Twin to twin Transfusion Syndrome Association Tamba’s Bereavement Support Group Twin Research