A single baby for many is enough, but for others bringing twins or twins into the world is a true joy. Since, in a single attempt they have a large family, loaded with challenges, responsibilities and happiness. This is how multiple pregnancies have increased in recent times, derived from heredity or other methods that science offers.
In fact, advances on the subject of assisted medical reproduction have led to showing the world techniques with good results. Where in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, is popularized in those women who want to live the experience of being a mother.1
Multiple pregnancies reveal dangers
It is real that multiple pregnancies have a high risk of morbidity and mortality, both for the mother and for the infants who are going to reach the world. Above all, because a woman’s body has to make an extra effort; that in the short and long term; It can affect different systems, complicating the development of babies and the integrative health of the mother.
In this way, we find pathologies associated with multiple pregnancies, which affect women, such as hypertension, gestational diabetes and anemia. In addition, the risk of complications is increased, such as a miscarriage, bleeding after delivery, a premature delivery or a cesarean section.1
Likewise, for babies it is not easy either, leading in many cases to prematurity before week 35. Above all, because in a multiple pregnancy the mother’s womb has little space to develop properly. What it does, it increases the chance of stunting. As well as mental alterations and sensory difficulties difficult to handle.2
At the same time, statistics show that perineal mortality and congenital defects; such as childhood heart disease; they have a higher incidence in multiple pregnancies than in single pregnancies. Hence, the appearance of disorders such as fetal transfusion syndrome and the presence of abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid is more frequent in these cases.2
Care that cannot be missed
Although it is clear that multiple pregnancies are high risk, there are some strategies that the mother should consider. For this reason, following the gynecologist’s recommendations, being part of the prenatal program and eating healthily, are aspects that should score on the list of care.
In addition, that the mother maintains an adequate weight during pregnancy is one of the main concerns of doctors. Especially because growth and development depend on it, but also the weight of the fetuses at birth. What is very important, since it is one of the factors that may or may not increase the baby’s ability to survive after cutting the umbilical cord.
Therefore, nutrition and healthy habits become a priority point before multiple pregnancies. Above all, because it requires tranquility, accompaniment and large doses of iron, calcium, trace elements, proteins and carbohydrates, to keep both the mother and her future offspring healthy.
References:
1.Romero-Fasolino Milagros, Hernández-Rodríguez María Luisa, Fasolino Andrés, Hernández María, Maturana Daniela. Feto-neonatal complications of multiple pregnancy. Embryological analysis. Rev. Obstet Ginecol Venez [Internet]. 2015 Mar [citado 2021 Sep. 03]; 75 (1): 013-024. Available in:
http://ve.scielo.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0048-77322015000100003&lng=es.
2.Herrera León Lorenzo, Martínez Barreiro Luís Armando, Multiple pregnancy: is it really a high obstetric risk factor? Population and Health in Mesoamerica [Internet]. 2009 [consultado 3 sep. 2021]; 6 (2): 1-20. Available in: