Development of twins in the womb. Pregnancy with twins: features of the course and risks

The news that a woman will soon become a mother is perhaps the most memorable event in life. The woman's reaction multiple pregnancy does not always cause positive emotions. More often married couple experiencing fear, shock and a sense of the unknown.

The feeling of confusion and discouragement is completely normal reaction twin pregnancy, as parents understand that they have a double responsibility. As a rule, very soon a married couple gets used to this news and looks forward to the birth of babies.

A multiple pregnancy proceeds a little differently than a pregnancy with one baby. This article will reveal all the features of the course of twin pregnancy by week. Thanks to the information received, the pregnant woman will feel more confident and know what to expect.

How to understand the term "multiple pregnancy"?

Multiple pregnancy

Many people, having heard the words "twins" and "twins", do not really understand how they differ from each other. If we recall the school course of human biology, then we know that the formation of the embryo occurs after the fusion of two gametes (male and female germ cells).

If in menstrual cycle women, there was a maturation of two eggs at once, which were subsequently fertilized by two different spermatozoa, then we are talking about conceiving twins. It is important to understand that fertilization occurs with two different spermatozoa that have a completely different genetic set of chromosomes. Twins can be born of different sexes, have different heights, eye and hair colors, and not be very similar to each other. Such a pregnancy is called dizygotic.

If during the cycle there was a maturation of one egg, fertilized by one sperm, then either one embryo or conception is obtained. identical twins. Sometimes in a woman's body such hormonal disruptions occur when the egg is divided into two absolutely identical halves. These two female cells fertilized by the same sperm, resulting in twins. The set of chromosomes in such children is absolutely the same.

These are necessarily same-sex babies, very similar to each other, have a hereditary predisposition to the same diseases, have moles and birthmarks on the same part of the body. Even the characters of identical twins are very similar. This pregnancy is called monozygotic. Obstetrician-gynecologists can easily determine monozygotic and dizygotic pregnancy using ultrasound.

Why do multiple pregnancies happen?

Not everyone is blessed with such happiness.

Despite continuous development obstetrics and gynecology, as sciences, physicians and scientists still cannot specify the exact cause of multiple pregnancy. The following are predisposing factors for conceiving more than one baby.

Heredity. This factor is the most important. Most often, multiple pregnancies are transmitted to women through maternal line, that is, if in the family of a woman there were cases of the birth of twins and twins. Most often, this feature is transmitted through one generation, but exceptions are possible.

Infertility treatment. After treatment of the secondary form of female infertility, there are frequent cases of conception of more than one embryo. This fact is due to the acceptance hormonal drugs that stimulate the maturation of several germ cells at once. If they are all fertilized by sperm, then a multiple pregnancy is obtained.

IVF procedure. The method of artificial insemination in 60% of cases ends with a multiple pregnancy. This factor is due to the transfer of several embryos into the uterus of a woman at once. Several embryos do not take root and die, and 2-3 continue to successfully grow and develop in the uterus. Sometimes doctors carry out reduction (removal) of extra embryos, leaving one or two babies in the uterine cavity.

Despite the constant improvement of scientific methods and the deep knowledge of obstetrician-gynecologists, it is not yet possible to accurately predict the conception of monozygotic twins.

How does a multiple pregnancy proceed?

Having twins is associated with certain risks.

Having studied the pregnancy calendar with multiple pregnancy and bearing one child, a woman will not notice much difference. The development of babies in both cases occurs at almost the same time. A feature of the difference between a multiple pregnancy and a normal pregnancy is the development of complications. Mothers who carry several babies at once face complications more often.

Complications:

Iron deficiency anemia - more common with multiple pregnancies. This is due to the increased need for iron of the mother and children. To prevent such a complication, iron preparations are prescribed for the expectant mother from the very first days of pregnancy;

Toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy (preeclampsia) - often develops in multiple pregnancies. in the urine future mother protein appears, and blood pressure indicators reach high levels;

placenta previa - frequent complication multiple pregnancy. It is characterized by the location of the placenta in such a way that the entrance to the uterus is blocked;

Fetoplacental insufficiency - since the placenta performs "double work", it occurs premature aging and wear and tear, leaving children deficient in oxygen and nutrients;

Presentation of fetuses - children in the uterus are located in such a way that natural childbirth become impossible and the woman is prescribed C-section;

Developmental delay - as a result of insufficient blood supply to the placenta and the supply of nutrients to the fetuses, the development of children often does not correspond to gestational age;

Developmental dissociation - this complication of multiple pregnancy is characterized by a lag in the development of one of the fetuses. This is due to the peculiar deprivation of one of the children of nutrients in favor of the second. If treatment is started in a timely manner, then, as a rule, nothing threatens the life and health of the baby;

The risk of developing anomalies and defects - with multiple pregnancies is much more common than with the bearing of one child;

Risk of preterm birth.

In the first trimester of pregnancy (the first 12 weeks), a fifth of women with multiple pregnancies experience the phenomenon of the death of the fetal egg. In this case, one embryo remains in the uterine cavity and continues to grow and develop, while the second one freezes, stops developing and decreases in size (involutes). Developing fetus such an involution does absolutely no harm.

Ultrasound of two fetal eggs

After the 12th week of pregnancy with multiple pregnancy, the risk of premature birth and amniotic fluid discharge is especially high. A third of all multiple pregnancies end in miscarriage or premature birth.

To prevent miscarriage and premature birth, a woman carrying twins is prescribed medicines throughout her pregnancy that relax the muscles of the uterus. If taking muscle relaxants does not give the expected effect, then the expectant mother is hospitalized in the maternity hospital. A woman is in the hospital either until the birth itself, or until her condition stabilizes and the threat of miscarriage disappears.

Often during pregnancy, a woman complains of violations and abnormalities in the work of the heart and blood vessels. During the period of bearing one baby, the load on the cardiovascular system doubles, and when bearing two fetuses, it triples! Heart failure can lead to negative consequences for babies growing in the womb.

Gynecologists strongly recommend that pregnant women apply for medical care with any abnormalities in the work of the heart. A woman must understand that she is responsible not only for her health, but also for the lives of her children, and the slightest delay can lead to sad consequences.

It has already been noted above that with multiple pregnancy, the risk of developing iron deficiency in the blood of the mother increases many times over. When carrying several fetuses at once, the placental tissue has a large mass, in contrast to the placenta of a singleton pregnancy. This leads to an increase placental blood flow and a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood.

In women who carry more than one fetus in the womb, in most cases, childbirth begins prematurely. Gynecologists believe that main reason such a complication is the overstretching of the muscle fibers of the uterus. Women bearing twins should especially carefully monitor their well-being and health, and if there are any complaints, you should immediately seek medical help.

Multiple pregnancies are at risk, so gynecologists especially carefully monitor women carrying twins. Such women need to visit the doctor more often, take urine and blood tests more often. Many expectant mothers are outraged by the need for frequent visits, but do not neglect the recommendations of a gynecologist, because the health of babies is much more important than temporary inconvenience.

How is a multiple pregnancy recognized?

The main thing is to find out about multiple pregnancy in time

This question, perhaps, worries many women in whose family there were cases of multiple pregnancies. From the first days of pregnancy, the expectant mother is interested in signs by which you can find out how many fruits she carries under her heart. Most authentic way definition of multiple pregnancy is a visit to the office of an obstetrician-gynecologist.

An experienced specialist can accurately diagnose multiple pregnancies, starting as early as 4 obstetric week pregnancy. Already from this period, the woman's uterus is twice as large as during pregnancy with one fetus.

There are women who are trying to independently determine by some signs whether their pregnancy is multiple. It is important to understand that no reliable signs indicating multiple pregnancies. Until the end of the 12th week of pregnancy, you can talk about multiple pregnancy based on the size of the uterus, and already from the 13th week, a woman is prescribed an ultrasound scan. During this study, it is possible to say with accuracy how many fetuses develop in the uterus.

There are cases when, during the first ultrasound, the doctor sees two fetal eggs on the monitor screen, one of which subsequently freezes and only one child is born. It rarely happens that on ultrasound the doctor sees only one fertilized egg, and the next examination reveals two fetuses. This happens if one fetal egg overlaps the second, but when the embryos grow up a little, they are clearly visible on the monitor screen during an ultrasound scan.

Many women mistakenly believe that multiple pregnancy can be diagnosed if they undergo a blood test for indicators triple test for hCG, alpha-fetoprotein and estriol. Such a test is done to confirm the fact of pregnancy and early detection of malformations of the embryo, however, such an analysis does not always help determine whether the pregnancy is multiple.

How does a multiple pregnancy proceed? Features of childbirth with multiple pregnancy

It has already been said above that when carrying more than one fetus, the expectant mother is forced to visit the gynecologist's office more often. With a successful pregnancy, a woman, starting from the 13th week, should come to the doctor every 10 days. Starting from the 28th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother should come to the consultation at least once every 7 days.

Obstetricians and gynecologists pay special attention to the weight gain of a pregnant woman. When carrying one fetus, the total increase by the time of birth is usually about 12 kg. If a woman is carrying twins, then by the time of childbirth, weight gain should be no more than 15 kg. The expectant mother should carefully monitor the kilograms and in no case allow a set excess weight. Every overweight, recruited during the bearing of twins, can greatly complicate the course of pregnancy and the condition of growing babies in the womb.

During the bearing of several fetuses, a woman should be prepared for the fact that at any time it may be necessary to go to the maternity ward for preservation. Obstetrician-gynecologists prefer not to risk the life of children and the health of a woman, therefore, at the slightest deviation in the course of a multiple pregnancy from the norm, the expectant mother is offered hospitalization in the maternity hospital.

Two weeks before the expected date of birth with multiple pregnancy, the woman is sent to the maternity hospital. The woman is invited to immediately take with her all the necessary things for herself and the children, as well as documents. Starting from the 37th week of pregnancy, childbirth can begin at any time, and it would be reasonable if the woman is under medical supervision at this time.

Methods of delivery in multiple pregnancies are still a topic of discussion among doctors. There is no specific method that applies to all women with twins. The method of delivery for multiple pregnancy is selected individually for each pregnant woman, depending on such factors:

How was the pregnancy?

How does a woman feel?

How do babies develop and grow?

Is there placenta or fetus previa?

An agonizing wait

Obstetricians pay great attention to the presentation of the baby who should leave the uterus first. If the fetus is in breech presentation, then doctors prefer delivery by caesarean section. In natural childbirth, babies can get their heads stuck in the birth canal, often resulting in fetal death.

Often with multiple pregnancy in the process of childbirth, an anomaly of labor activity occurs. This pathology is characterized by weakness birth process, or, conversely, swiftness. Both are bad for the mother and children, therefore, to prevent the development of complications, doctors use medical preparations, correcting the intensity of labor activity.

In addition to medical correction, there are other methods of managing childbirth. For example, with weakness of labor activity after the birth of the first fetus, the woman's fetal bladder is pierced, and then the interval between the birth of twins is significantly reduced. If both fetuses show signs of severe oxygen starvation, then the question arises of an emergency caesarean section.

Unlike pregnancy with one child, childbirth with multiple pregnancies always begins earlier than expected by 2-3 weeks. And in this case, wise nature took care of the kids. During the bearing of two children at once, the formation of a sufractant (a substance that helps the lungs of children open after birth) in the fetus occurs earlier than in a singleton pregnancy. This fact suggests that preterm birth in multiple pregnancies is less dangerous for the fetus and the risk of complications than childbirth. ahead of time when carrying one baby.

In addition, scientists noted interesting fact. The adaptation period in monozygotic twins is more difficult than in dizygotic children. Identical babies are more likely to suffer from postpartum jaundice and chronic bronchitis due to prematurity.

The beginning of the birth process with multiple pregnancy is not much different from a normal singleton pregnancy. Most often, a woman leaves amniotic fluid, and their number is much greater than when carrying one child.

Due to polyhydramnios, the muscle fibers of the uterus of a woman are stretched, which subsequently threatens the woman in labor with the primary weakness of labor. To prevent this complication, obstetricians try to open the fetal bladder at the very beginning. initial stage labor activity, when the cervix is ​​ajar a few centimeters.

Due to the fact that childbirth with multiple pregnancies is more often accompanied by the risk of complications, doctors prefer to perform epidural anesthesia even with natural delivery. This is necessary in order to be able to urgently perform a caesarean section if something goes wrong during childbirth, without wasting time on anesthesia.

The postpartum period of a woman with multiple pregnancies is no different from the recovery after the birth of one child. And even breast-feeding both babies is quite possible. A newly-made mother only needs to get used to her new status a little and show patience and dexterity.

Many couples who are expecting twins often worry about the weight of the babies at birth. All concerns about excessively low body weight in twins at birth are just an exaggeration. If a woman's pregnancy proceeded normally, and the children developed according to the gestational age, then the body weight at birth differs by only 400-500 grams from a newborn from a singleton pregnancy. The subsequent development of twins is also no different from a newborn from a singleton pregnancy.

The whole truth about government payments for the birth of twins

All future mothers know that after the birth of a child, the state provides material assistance to certain period time. With multiple pregnancies, women often wonder about the amount of payments at birth.

If two or three children are born in a family at the same time, then lump sum paid for each newborn child. In order to receive material assistance, parents of babies must provide local labor authorities with a certificate stating that at the time of childbirth, the spouses were not officially employed anywhere.

If during pregnancy a woman worked officially, then in order to receive payments for children, she needs to contact the accounting department of her enterprise. The list of documents and certificates required for payments must be clarified at the place of receipt financial assistance. If the parents are students, then the allowance is paid at the place of study.

Except government payments there are also regional payments for childbirth. Such assistance is provided at a time, and the amount depends on the region of residence. To obtain regional payment benefits must be applied to the local social security authorities.

If a woman gave birth to a child out of wedlock and has the status of a single mother, then in order to receive payments, she must provide documents confirming the absence of a father in children. A woman can receive such a certificate at the registry office, when registering newborns.

Residents of Russia should know that at the birth of the second, third and subsequent babies, the family has the right to receive maternity capital.

Parents must complete all paperwork on time

In case of multiple pregnancy, maternity capital is paid for the second baby. To get this look financial assistance married couple should contact Pension Fund located at the place of registration of his residence. The following list of documents must be submitted to the pension fund:

An application for receiving maternity capital, filled out according to the model;

Original and photocopy of the applicant's passport;

Originals and copies of newborns and existing children;

Certificate of Russian citizenship of the child;

Original and copy of the pension insurance certificate.

Additional benefits for multiple pregnancy are not provided by the state, however, if in a family, except for born twins, there are other children, then the family automatically receives the status of having many children and receives all the benefits that are due in such cases.

Do not worry about excessive bureaucratic red tape with documents. The process of obtaining all certificates and benefits will end very soon, and you will enjoy parenthood. All this will still be, but for now, get used to your position and enjoy every day of pregnancy so that no troubles can overshadow your happiness from waiting for your babies.

Multiple pregnancy is a condition in which a woman's body develops more than one fetus at the same time. There is also a separate classification according to the number of fruits. For example, if two babies grow up, then they talk about pregnancy with twins, if three - then triplets.

twins childbirth process
in ultrasonic fluid
what does the snapshot look like
features in the position that should happen

This unusual feature is observed quite rarely, and today multiple pregnancy occurs in 1% of expectant mothers. This value varies depending on the specific country, but does not exceed one and a half percent of the total number of expectant mothers.

Varieties of this feature

Consider curious classification multiple pregnancy on the example of twins.

According to the mechanism of appearance, they distinguish:

• dizygotic, or "dual";
• monozygotic, or "identical".

Fraternal twins are commonly referred to as fraternal twins, while identical twins are referred to as twins.

It is curious that it is prolific, but interesting pregnancy observed less and less, as the number of children simultaneously growing inside the mother increases. So, among all such pregnancies, the value of 70% of the total number was assigned to twins. At the same time, the gender of the twins is always the same, and in appearance there is an obvious similarity. This similarity is explained by the absolutely identical set of genes in two babies.

healthy twins

Unlike twins, twins are often of different sexes, and their similarities are not so noticeable and remain at the level of ordinary ones. blood relatives. The explanation for this is a set of genes that for this case different.

A multiple pregnancy with fraternal twins occurs as a result of the simultaneous fertilization of two mother's eggs at once. At the same time, curiously, the second egg can be fertilized later than the first, and this period can be up to one week.

From a physiological point of view, the signs of such a multiple pregnancy in the case of fraternal twins include the presence of a separate placenta and fetal bladder in each fetus. If we talk about identical twins, everything is a little more complicated, and two fetuses meet both in the same fetal bladder and in different ones.

Self-feeding

How many fruits can be at a time

The most multiple mass pregnancy is observed in our country and abroad:

• the world's most prolific big pregnancy to date, of those that have been recorded, is the tithe of a Brazilian woman who gave birth to ten babies in 1946. However, the birth was unsuccessful, and 8 girls, as well as 2 boys, died before reaching the age of one;
• also, according to unconfirmed reports, the birth of tens was observed in China a little earlier - in 1926;
• For Russia maximum number simultaneously growing fruits is also limited to ten. A happy mother from Kursk was able to repeat the records set by other countries.

Such a large number of fruits is a rather rare phenomenon, and not entirely safe for children, since the resources of the female body are not enough for normal gestation a large number fruits at the same time.

According to current data, during pregnancy with more than six fetuses at the same time, some children develop developmental retardation, which continues to exist after birth.

Reasons for the interesting situation

The causes of multiple pregnancy may be the following.

1. by the most exact way detection of multiple gestation is a conventional ultrasound, which gives data close to 100% in reliability, because an ultrasound is a kind of photograph in which a multiple pregnancy that has arisen is visible to the naked eye.
2. HCG in a multiple pregnancy is another way to detect the development of multiple fetuses at the same time. The data of venous blood are taken as a basis, however, the accuracy of this method is significantly inferior to ultrasound.

Yes, ultrasound can give a 100% result, but then where do other ways to detect this unusual phenomenon come from? The answer is simple - the doctors of the past also tried to the best of their ability to predict the number of fetuses in the expectant mother, and succeeded a little here.

The signs of a multiple pregnancy are:

• an enlarged uterus, which is unusual for one baby;
• low position of the head or pelvis of the fetus;
• too big belly;
• the concentration of hCG during a multiple pregnancy is twice the norm;
• listening to two heartbeats instead of one, if you listen to the tummy;
• severe toxicosis;
• fast fatiguability;
• high blood pressure.

Also, the signs of multiple pregnancy may not be single, and be a combination of several features from the list at once.

Happy expectant mother

Staged development of the fetus

As already mentioned, such gestation is a rare phenomenon, therefore it may proceed a little differently than the classic " interesting position". Multiple pregnancy by weeks of fetal development is as follows:

• 1-4 weeks;

The most inconspicuous period, which is no different; differs from ordinary gestation and is characterized by delays. Much more interesting processes, which are now flowing inside the young mother, which we familiarized ourselves with earlier.

• 5 week;

It is also not much different from carrying one baby. The only thing worth mentioning is that the process of formation of two placentas is accompanied by more vigorous activity organism, and signs of multiple pregnancy can be observed on the test for determining this position, which will have more bright stripes. This sign is quite subjective, and as the right way determine the number of fruits is not suitable.

• 6 week;

With twins, a significant probability early manifestation toxicosis, which usually does not bother expectant mothers this week. In addition, the intensity this disease in the case of twins, it will be stronger, but again, for a future mother who is carrying her first child, it is impossible to determine twins in this way.

• 7 week;

Additional features are not observed, and pregnancy proceeds in the already familiar rhythm.

• 8 week;

When examined by a gynecologist, it will be noticeable accelerated growth of the uterus, which will be a wake-up call for an ultrasound check - how many children do you actually have, if this has not happened before, of course. Toxicosis is now especially strong, and for expectant mothers of twins it can last an unnaturally long time, up to 16 weeks, which is not typical for the usual situation.

• 9-10 weeks;

The size of the uterus is increased to the size of a 14-week-old, subject to one baby, and this becomes the reason for diagnosing at least twins, without even resorting to ultrasound.

• 11 week;

It proceeds without any surprises associated with multiple gestation.

• 12 week;

There are no additional symptoms of multiple pregnancy, and almost always at this stage, the presence of twins or triplets is successfully established. Often, at this point, more than one ultrasound has already been performed, and you have even managed to admire this little miracle.

• 13 week;

There may be pain, but they are in no way connected with the proximity of childbirth, since there is no pressure in the lower abdomen. Most often, discomfort appears in the so-called iliac region.

• 14 week;

The abdomen is enlarged - now it is approximately 3 centimeters larger than with a singleton pregnancy.

• 15 - 20 weeks;

An increase in the tummy continues to be observed, it is also added high level HCG. Walking becomes difficult, pain in the back and lower back is possible. May develop on the abdomen dark streak, which will pass after childbirth, and which should be looked after to prevent wrinkling.

• 21 - 25 weeks;

It is worth listening to your condition, and consult a doctor if:

• I have a stomachache;
• the temperature rises;
• discharge from the genital tract appears;
• swelling or headaches occur.

All this will help protect the twins from possible complications associated with the multiple occurrence of an “interesting position”.

• 26 - 30 weeks;

Shortness of breath appears, since the size of the uterus does not allow the lungs to sufficiently expand. After the thirtieth week, usually the babies are no longer in danger, and you can completely calm down.

• 31-36 weeks.

Possible discomfort in the region of the ribs associated with an impressive tummy. It's time to switch to constant monitoring by a doctor, and everything will end with the birth of the long-awaited twins.

Proper maternity leave

The good news for young mothers expecting twins will be the opportunity to go on maternity leave with multiple pregnancies earlier than usual - already at 28 weeks, while the rest go on vacation only at 30.

Miraculous twins

During childbirth, it often happens that everything goes naturally, without any special complications. This happens if the fruits are located longitudinally. However, unfortunately, cases of complications during childbirth are not uncommon, the fault of which is precisely the presence of more than one fetus. For these reasons, hospitalization of expectant mothers of two or more children begins before the due date, three to four weeks, and not at the time of birth, as is usually the case.

This length of time is used by doctors to decide if labor is possible. naturally or have to have a caesarean section. At the same time, if any of the fetuses is located transversely, a planned caesarean section will be performed with 100% probability. In the event that there is no reason for this, labor can begin naturally, but doctors are usually ready for an emergency caesarean at any time.

Pregnancy with twins is a real miracle that does not happen to every mother, while there are plenty of people who want to have two babies that look alike.

twins childbirth process
in ultrasonic fluid
what does the snapshot look like
features in the position that should happen

According to statistics, which vary from country to country, the proportion of new mothers who give birth to two or more babies at a time is about 1 percent of the total. Depending on the country, it can either be a little lower, or reach up to one and a half percent.

A curious fact is that twin pregnancy reaches 70% of the total, and the higher the number of fetuses, the lower the already tiny chances of raising two identical babies in the future.
Acquaintance with this topic should start from the basics, as often people simply do not understand who are twins and who are twins.

The difference between twins and twins

Twins are any children whose conception occurred at a close time. At the same time, the conception of both babies does not always occur at the same time, it is not uncommon for the second egg to be fertilized within a week after the first, which does not prevent, in exceptional cases, two or even three babies from developing at once. Twins, triplets - this is just a specification of the number of brothers and sisters.

twin pregnancy

However, twins are divided into identical and fraternal - here the difference is quite serious:

1. Identical twins are the result of one fertilized cell dividing into two, which must subsequently separate before they can attach themselves to the mother's uterus. If this happens in the first three weeks after conception, both fetuses will receive their own placenta for nutrition, but if this happens later, then there will be one placenta. In this case, both babies will receive the necessary nutrients through one placenta, to which two umbilical cords will be attached at once.
2. Fraternal twins always develop separately, have their own placenta, are less similar to each other, while the connection between identical relatives is extremely strong. The reason lies, according to scientists, in an absolutely identical set of genes, since both babies, in fact, come from the same cell. Fraternal twins are no more similar to each other than ordinary brother and sister.

Signs of this feature

Pregnancy with twins has a slightly different course compared to the usual one. So, the belly during pregnancy with twins grows more intensively, and, often, quite quickly begins to get ahead of its time, compared with normal pregnancy. This can be one of the signs of pregnancy with twins.

However, this mostly includes a rapid increase in the uterus, which, when observed by a doctor, becomes noticeable on early weeks, about 6-8. Agree, if at week 6 your beloved tummy is 3 centimeters larger than it happens with a singleton pregnancy, you are unlikely to notice it, and she too, especially if this is the first pregnancy with twins.

Expectant mother of twins

In terms of size, it is better to judge by more later dates when at week 10 your chosen one becomes the owner of a beautiful tummy, which is more typical for the 14th week of pregnancy. However, at this stage, it is always already known for certain that there are at least two babies, and, in principle, it is not uncommon for a competent doctor to notice signs of twin pregnancy a little later than the fifth week.

He sends mommy for an examination to observe twin pregnancy on ultrasound, as this is the most reliable way definition of this interesting, rare fact. It is also possible to diagnose this feature with a blood test, however it is not as accurate and is therefore not often used.

Positive aspects of the feature

When it comes to the benefits of twin pregnancy, just look at the pictures. happy moms and fathers hugging their identical kids. Yes, you should not expect any global list of advantages: there is only one plus, but which one:

• babies, whether twins or twins, will always get along well with each other, nullifying all possible quarrels in the bud. Such babies also do not have jealousy towards each other, which is often found in other children. different ages when the older child is jealous of the younger one, because he gets a little more attention from his parents;
• later, when the kids grow up, there will be no rivalry between them either, this is understandable - why compete with someone who has always been there, with whom you shared everything, including maternal love during the first 9 months of life in the mother's tummy?
• all these related feelings are especially strongly expressed, of course, in identical twins, who often feel the state of their soulmate even at a distance;
• and, of course, the most enjoyable moment for parents will be to watch how two identical children with their eyes frolic and play together.

According to statistics, pregnancy after twins is much more likely to become multiple again, and this time it may not be limited to twins. Of course, this does not mean that the second pregnancy will certainly end in twins, but the chances of this will be much higher than the first time, as the body begins to adapt to the simultaneous bearing of two fetuses.

Diagnostics of an interesting position

Usually you can find out for sure that you have twins pretty quickly. Ultrasound is able to accurately answer your question already at 5-6 weeks - usually at this moment the babies already reach several centimeters in size, and they can be considered.

The birth of boys

It is noteworthy that before 4 weeks, in principle, few people do an ultrasound, since, often, girls find out about their pregnancy after a delay that occurs on the fourth week after intimacy with a man. Only after that, pregnancy tests and ultrasound trips follow, in order to see the pregnancy of twins in the ultrasound photos for the first time.

As already mentioned, pregnancy with twins is a more complex process that is harder for both babies and mothers. Consider the weekly changes in the body that will be most noticeable to the expectant mother during pregnancy by weeks of twins, accompanied by a photo of the abdomen:

• from 1 to 5 weeks;

Usually everything goes smoothly and unnoticed. Often during this period, the pregnancy itself is not yet known.

• 6 week;

Perhaps the onset of toxicosis. This unpleasant phenomenon is especially common in pregnant twins, and very often lasts longer than usual. According to its intensity, toxicosis in mother of many children usually stronger.

• from 7 to 10 weeks;

There is an increase in the uterus of the expectant mother, and by the 10th week, its dimensions become identical to the 14-week uterus of a singleton pregnancy.

• from 11 to 13 weeks;

It passes regularly, up to the 13th week, when pains make themselves felt, but they are in no way connected with the proximity of childbirth, since there is no pressure in the lower part. Most often, discomfort appears in the so-called iliac region.

• from 14 to 25 weeks;

A smooth increase in the abdomen, to sizes that are usually not found in mothers of one baby. During this period, you need to be attentive to health, and at the slightest pain in the abdomen or even the head, consult a doctor. And in general, contact women's consultation during pregnancy with twins or triplets, it is simply necessary earlier than ordinary pregnant girls visit it.

• 26 - 30 weeks;

Shortness of breath appears, since the size of the uterus does not allow the lungs to sufficiently expand. After the thirtieth week, usually the babies are no longer in danger, and you can completely calm down.

• 31-36 weeks.

There may be discomfort in the ribs associated with an impressive tummy. It's time to switch to constant monitoring by a doctor, and everything will end with the birth of the long-awaited twins.

healthy babies

How is childbirth

Childbirth, like pregnancy with twins, is harder than others, and there are a number of reasons for this.

1. First, the position of two or more fetuses is often unpredictable, so natural childbirth is not always successful, although such cases do occur. But even when apparent absence alarming facts during pregnancy, in the end, you still have to do a caesarean section. However, today it is not so scary, and you should not be afraid of this.
2. TO possible complications during childbirth, tangling of the umbilical cords is also attributed, which often gives doctors additional trouble. All this serves as a reason for the hospitalization of mothers carrying twins, in advance, most often, 3-4 weeks in advance for childbirth, in order to carefully examine the mother's body and prepare for everything possible developments situations.

However, in general positive impression from the birth of twins, none of the problems that young mothers have to go through can overshadow. We have not yet considered in detail the general discomfort, fatigue, etc. from bearing several babies at once. But reviews of twin pregnancy are extremely positive.