The rise in multiple pregnancies today is mostly due to the growing use of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). They frequently happen to a person when more than one embryo is placed in their uterus for improved chances of conception. It raises the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, especially if they release additional eggs during their menstrual cycle that end up getting fertilised. The fertilised eggs can then be split in half, creating identical embryos as a result. According to Dr. Nishi Singh, HOD of the Department of Infertility & IVF at Prime IVF Center, multiple pregnancies are more likely to occur in women over the age of 35 because they are more likely to release more than one egg during ovulation. If your family has a history of twin pregnancies, you are also more likely to experience multiple pregnancies.
How To Find Out About Multiple Pregnancies
An ultrasound scan is used to identify multiple pregnancies, typically in the first trimester. The type of multiple pregnancies, the number of amniotic sacs, and whether there is one placenta or two can all get determined by this scan. It's critical to recognise each of these characteristics as early in the pregnancy as possible because they will all be significant later on.
You will need to visit the doctor more frequently than other women if you are carrying multiple foetuses. While most multiple pregnancies go easily, there is a larger likelihood of pregnancy-related complications. There is also the possibility of early birth or low birth weight.
Risk Associated With Babies
Premature delivery - Premature birth is the term used to describe birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy or three weeks before the due date.
- 90% of triplets and 50% of twins are born before their due date.
- Premature babies may experience a variety of health issues. They can have problems breathing since their lungs aren't strong enough, and their brains may have veins that bleed easily.
- Multiple births are also linked to a wide variety of additional birth abnormalities.
- The infants are generally underweight and could become ill or possibly not survive.
Risk Associated With The Mother
Mothers can have issues throughout pregnancy when carrying more than one child.
- High blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia, and too much or too little amniotic fluid are a few examples of these potential issues.
- While too little amniotic fluid can affect the baby's growth, too much fluid can be problematic because it can lead to premature labour.
- Before giving birth, you might have to spend weeks in bed or in the hospital.
- Additionally, mothers may also experience difficulties giving birth. Caesarean-section surgery is very common during multiple pregnancies.
Final Word
The best thing to aim for is one healthy child, even though having twins may seem like a boon for couples who have experienced infertility. Make an appointment with a fertility doctor to discuss the possibilities of multiple births if you are thinking about using fertility treatments to conceive. It's exciting to think of having twins or triplets, but it's crucial to go to a fertility doctor to learn about the benefits and dangers of carrying multiple pregnancies to full term.
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