When you find out that you're expecting multiples, you're both excited and a little nervous, right? That's normal. There are a few things you need to know about this. Don't worry, we'll talk about them one by one.
What is this "Multiple Births"? Let's find out simply.
Simply put, "Multiple Births" are when a mother gives birth to more than one child at a time, meaning twins (two), triplets (three), or even more. Imagine how happy it is to have several little guests join the family all at once!
What are the types of twins? Let's find out exactly!
When it comes to twins, there are two main types. Let's see who they are.
Identical Twins / Monozygotic Twins
These are the "identical" twins we all know. This happens when a single fertilized egg splits and the two halves develop into two separate babies. These two babies are genetically identical. That means their chromosomes, or genetic makeup, are the same. That's why they look very similar, in terms of height, hair color, and eye color. They must be either girls or boys. They also have the same blood type.
Fraternal Twins / Dizygotic Twins
This type of twins develops in a slightly different way. What happens here is that two eggs from the mother are fertilized by two separate sperm and develop into two babies. Strictly speaking, these two babies are just like other siblings in the same family. That means they have the same genetic makeup as other siblings. So they may or may not be the same. Maybe one is female and the other is male. Or they may be the same sex. This is the type of twins that is seen most often.
Who are the "Supertwins"?
Supertwins are the term used to describe multiple births, such as triplets and quadruplets. These babies can be identical, dizygotic, or a combination of both. Imagine if you have triplets, all three could be identical, or two could be identical and the other could be different, or all three could be dizygotic.
What are the risks of carrying multiple babies?
Now let's look at what small risks can arise when you have multiple babies in the womb. These are not meant to scare you, are they? It is very important to be aware of these things, so that we can take the necessary steps in advance.
- Pre-term labor and premature births: The average pregnancy for a single baby lasts about 40 weeks. However, when you are carrying twins, this period can be shortened to between 35 and 37 weeks. More than half of twins are born prematurely, that is, before 37 weeks. This risk increases with the number of babies in the womb. Premature babies (or preemies) can have various health problems. The earlier they are born, the higher the risk. For this reason, premature babies are usually kept in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for special care.
- Other conditions that can occur during pregnancy: When carrying multiples, the mother is more likely to develop conditions such as `(Preeclampsia)` (pregnancy high blood pressure), `(Gestational Diabetes)` (pregnancy diabetes), placental problems, and fetal growth problems. For this reason, it is very important for mothers expecting multiples to be under the close supervision of doctors.
- Long-term problems: As the number of babies in the womb increases, there is a chance of conditions like developmental delays and cerebral palsy. But there is no need to worry as all of this is carefully monitored by doctors.
How do you maintain your health during pregnancy?
A mother expecting multiple babies needs to take special care of her health.
Eating a nutritious diet, getting enough rest, and continuing to attend medical clinics (`Regular prenatal care`) are as important for you as they are for any pregnant mother.
It is especially important to find doctors and health professionals who are experienced in multiple births . See your doctor as recommended. This will help identify and treat any problems early.
Ask your doctor about a hospital that has special facilities for multiple births. If possible, join a pre-term birth prevention program at your hospital. It's also wise to choose a place that has immediate access to NICU facilities , whether you're having a sudden premature delivery or a baby with a health problem.
Do you need to be especially careful about food and drink?
Yes, absolutely! Your nutritional needs increase when you have multiple babies. While following the normal nutritional guidelines for a pregnant mother, you should also consider getting more calcium and folic acid .
The most important thing is protein. Adequate protein is essential for the proper growth of your babies. So, include protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, milk, and nuts in your diet.
During pregnancy, you need more iron to make healthy red blood cells. This iron deficiency is more likely to occur when you are carrying multiple babies. That's why your doctor will probably recommend an iron supplement. It can be difficult to meet this need through food alone. Taking iron supplements with foods rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice, makes it easier for your body to absorb the iron.
The doctor will also explain to you what other vitamins your growing baby needs and how to get them.
Things to know about weight gain
It's normal for mothers carrying multiple babies to gain more weight during pregnancy than mothers carrying just one baby. But exactly how much weight you should gain depends on your pre-pregnancy weight and the number of babies you're carrying. So it's best to talk to your doctor about this.
Generally speaking, you need about 300 extra calories per day for each baby in your belly. It can be difficult to eat large meals at once when you have multiple babies to feed. So, try to eat smaller meals, several times a day .
How to prepare for childbirth? These things are important to prepare your mind
Preparing for multiple births can feel overwhelming, especially when you're worried about having multiples. But remember, you're not alone. You have the support of skilled doctors, caring hospital staff, your partner, family, and friends.
Normal delivery or C-section?
Well before your due date, discuss with your doctor whether you want to have a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Even if you and your doctor decide to try for a vaginal delivery, there are times when you may need to have a C-section, either during labor or when the baby is born. So it's a good idea to be prepared for all of these things.
Is it better to have someone else help with the birth?
If you wish, you can have several people help you during labor, in addition to the room. For example, midwives are very popular now. However, in cases where there are multiple babies, it is usually recommended that the midwife work with a doctor rather than working alone.
Another option is to enlist the help of a ``Doula.`` A ``Doula`` is someone who supports the mother during labor and after the baby is born, by caring for the baby and helping with household chores.
What will childbirth be like?
When labor begins, you will be connected to a fetal monitor that monitors things like the fetus's heartbeat. The doctor can then see how each baby is doing.
If you're hoping for a natural birth, keep in mind that this may not always be possible when you're carrying multiple babies. Sometimes, a cesarean section may be necessary to ensure the safety of the babies. Triplets and more are often delivered by cesarean section.
If the doctor has to perform a cesarean section, they will first put a catheter into your bladder, give you pain medication, and then make an incision in your abdomen and uterus and take out the babies. This way, all the babies can be taken out in a few minutes. Then the incision is sewn up.
Many premature babies have to be taken straight to the NICU to receive the specialized care they need.
What do you need to know after having a baby?
The first few days, weeks, and months after having a baby are the hardest for parents. It takes a while to adjust to the constant feeding, the lack of sleep, and the inability to find even a little time for yourself.
At times like this, joining a support group for parents of twins can be very helpful. Hearing how others have solved their problems can help you find solutions to your own problems.
Get all the help you can get – from neighbors, family, friends – with chores and everyday tasks. Having a few extra people to help you not only makes breastfeeding easier, but it also gives you valuable time to rest and recover after giving birth, as well as spend time cuddling with your little ones and getting to know them.
Finally, keep these points in mind (Take-Home Message)
Expecting multiple babies is both a great joy and a great responsibility.
- Be well prepared: gain the necessary knowledge for this journey and follow medical advice.
- Take care of your health: Nutritious food and adequate rest are essential.
- Be aware of the risks, but don't be afraid: the doctors are with you.
- Ask for help: Family, friends, support groups – get support from everyone.
- Make the most of this time: Despite the challenges, this is a very beautiful time in your life.
We join you and your family in welcoming these little guests! If you have any further questions about this, it's definitely a good idea to talk to your doctor.
` Twins, multiple pregnancies, premature birth, NICU, pregnancy health, cesarean section, childbirth preparation
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