Pregnancy is a long-awaited and pleasant event for parents. However, in some cases, she is preparing a surprise. When a woman first visits a doctor, she may find out that instead of one baby she will have two. The most frightening and little-known issue are the twins, about which there are many different stories.
Physiological Signs of Twins Pregnancy
Experienced mothers can determine the number of developing babies at the earliest possible dates, however there are few of them now. Therefore, it’s good to know certain signs indicating multiple pregnancy:
- As a result of the pregnancy test, the second strip appears very brightly, which indicates a high concentration of gonadotropin in the urine.
- Fast weight gain is the first sign of twins. In a woman carrying one baby, in the first 12 weeks, the weight increases by only 2-3 kg, while with a multiple pregnancy this figure increases at least twice.
- Rapid growth of the abdomen. Active growth in a one-year pregnancy is observed at the 5-6th month, while a woman carrying twins already has a rather large belly in the fourth month .
- Severe toxicosis accompanies pregnant twins until late. In addition to nausea and bouts of vomiting, severe dizziness is observed, which does not allow a woman to normally get out of bed and lead a familiar lifestyle.
- When conducting a blood test, a high level of gonadotropin is noted together with a lack of iron concentration. For the first trimester, this is a common occurrence.
- When visiting a gynecologist, the doctor can feel the two heads of the babies or hear two palpitations. After the 10th week, an ultrasound scan can be performed, on which the number of fetuses will be known for sure. It is on ultrasound that you can confirm the upcoming birth of twins. The second birth is more favorable, and there are fewer complications on them than in primiparas.
All these signs indicate early pregnancy, but do not forget about the individual characteristics of the body, because of which you can incorrectly interpret the first signs of a double pregnancy.
Psychological signs of twin pregnancy
In addition to physiological changes in the body, you can notice strong psychological changes:
- Fatigue manifests itself, as a rule, from the second trimester, but it can be seen already in the first month of pregnancy. This is due to increased energy costs necessary for the body to carry a pregnancy.
- In pregnant twins, moods and frequent mood changes are much more pronounced. This is due to severe hormonal changes, as the body carries a double load.
- Strong feelings of childbirth often drive a woman into depression. She is constantly worried that there will be any problems, she winds herself up. In the last stages, feelings about the impossibility of combining the upbringing of two babies at once can be manifested, especially this applies to mothers who will have no one to help.
At this time, a woman must be supported and reassured so that she is confident in her abilities and in the presence of help and support. It is not only physically, but also psychologically difficult for a woman to bear twins. Photos of happy mothers, of course, inspire optimism, but in the presence of even minor complications, the woman begins to worry greatly.
Twins Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a strong hormonal surge, in addition to this, the overall load on the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular and other systems also increases. During twin pregnancy, this load increases several times, since the mother's body must provide sufficient nutrition and excretion of metabolic products not only of her body, but also of two growing babies.
With the course of a multiple pregnancy, there are many difficulties that must be foreseen in order to preserve it. Due to the high pressure on the cervix during gestation, premature birth of twins, amniotic fluid flow, development of gestosis, severe toxicosis and other complications are often observed.
In the last 3-4 weeks, the woman is in the hospital, which allows doctors to regularly monitor her condition and development of the babies, monitor the course of pregnancy and timely take the necessary measures to preserve the fetus or unforeseen delivery.
Caesarean section during twin pregnancy
How do twins give birth , excites many women who experience multiple pregnancy. Since it is impossible to predict how your body and your children will behave, I want to at least get acquainted with possible options for the development of childbirth, complications and subsequent care for newborns.
Pregnancy most often ends with a planned cesarean section. If indicated, cervical hemming may be required. This will extend the pregnancy for several weeks in order to carry the babies to the required time and prevent premature cervical dilatation.
Caesarean section provides the birth of healthy babies without birth injuries that may occur during natural birth. The expectant mother needs to seriously consider the issue of childbirth and consult a doctor who can suggest the best option.
Natural birth of twins
Independent birth of twins is possible only in the case of a normal pregnancy, the absence of any pathologies and infections in the body, as well as in the presence of qualified doctors. The most important factor when choosing a natural birth or Caesarean section is the position of the fetus, since after the birth of the first child, the second one often unfolds and gets stuck with legs in the birth canal.
In some cases, in natural childbirth, it becomes necessary to perform an unscheduled cesarean section. The pregnant woman should be warned about the possibility of such a development of events in advance. The doctor must explain why this can happen and reassure the woman, as the operation is carried out in order to minimize the possible risks and complications for both babies and mother.
Features of the birth of twins
The gestation period with two fetuses is reduced from forty weeks to 35-37 weeks. This period is the most favorable for the course of labor. In the event that childbirth begins before the 35th week, they are considered premature.
Birth of twins in a natural way can have unpredictable consequences, so you need to be very responsible in approaching this issue. Possible loss of parts of the bodies of the fruit, or the umbilical cord loops. Kids can get entangled in the umbilical cord or mate with each other. Also, even with the right position in labor, the fruits can dramatically change their position, thereby increasing complexity.
The duration of childbirth can greatly increase, from which both mother and children will suffer. In especially severe cases, fetal jam in the birth canal is possible, then there is a great danger to their life.
Umbilical hernia after pregnancy
Due to the large weight of the babies, not only can the uterus become overextended, but also an umbilical hernia can form . In this case, the muscle ring is stretched, which can only be removed surgically.
In the absence of pain, doctors often leave a hernia and monitor it. But mothers, who are constantly without help and often carry children in their arms, need to take care of their health, as further complications and pinching of the muscles are possible.
Also, with umbilical hernia, it is not recommended to play sports so as not to load the already damaged muscles. It is important to remember that the birth of twins and the consequences after them largely depend on the genetics and individual characteristics of the body, therefore it is better if the doctor in a particular case determines the capabilities of the mother and prescribes appropriate treatment if necessary.
Belly after giving birth to twins: how to get back in shape?
A common problem after childbirth is the appearance of stretch marks and sagging stomach. Changing the figure often adversely affects the psychological state of a woman who is very tired when caring for children. About the birth of twins, reviews on the Internet can be found various. This is due to the individuality of the female body and the characteristics of genetics.
Lack of free time and the opportunity to engage in your health can significantly worsen the picture and lead to the development of diseases. Back in shape with this mode is quite difficult, and even if the extra pounds eventually go away from fatigue and an active lifestyle, it is much more difficult to cope with skin changes. Often only plastic can correct the situation, which is not always possible.
Diastasis after childbirth
Diastasis is a discrepancy in the vertical muscles of the abdomen. It is impossible to fix this problem without surgery, since the muscles need to be sutured. You can determine the presence of diastasis yourself. It looks like a hole above the navel; you can feel this hole in the supine position.
With diastasis, you must consult a doctor, because it is impossible to solve the problem with the help of exercises. This can lead to the development of complications. Natural twins, like cesarean section, do not affect the appearance of diastasis. It is a consequence of severe muscle strain and occurs even in a singleton pregnancy.