Multiple Pregnancy
A multiple pregnancy describes a woman who is pregnant with 2 or more babies within the uterus. These kinds of pregnancies can produce identical babies, which are babies from the same egg that has split into 2 or more embryos, or fraternal babies, which are babies from 2 or more different eggs that are fertilized at the same time.
Taking fertility drugs to stimulate the release of eggs from the ovaries or having in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase the chances of developing a multiple pregnancy. Other additional factors that may increase these chances include being 35 years old or older, being of African descent, having previously had fraternal twins, having a history of fraternal twins on your maternal side, and having just ceased use of oral birth control. The only way to confirm if you have a multiple pregnancy is through a fetal ultrasound, administered by your doctor.
There is an increased chance of developing complications in women with multiple pregnancies when compared to single pregnancies. However, these risks are low. In a multiple pregnancy you may be more susceptible to developing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes, having a premature birth, having a miscarriage, and having a baby born with birth defects.
If you have a multiple pregnancy, you will require more frequent doctor's appointments, in order to address and avoid any issues as the pregnancy proceeds. By having regular ultrasounds, blood pressure checks, and blood and urine tests, any issues that arise can be treated earlier, in order to keep the mother and babies healthy.
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