The woman's body has been conceived to gestate one baby at a time, so a multiple pregnancy is associated with greater risks during pregnancy.
Days ago we talked about the most common complications in the pregnancy of twins. Now we will focus on the most common complications that the mother can suffer in the pregnancy of twins.
Due to the characteristics of a twin pregnancy, women who expect two or more babies are more exposed to complications such as:
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is pregnancy-induced hypertension. It is the most frequent disorder in pregnancy and is characterized by a rise in blood pressure whose origin is unknown, although a hypothesis is based on the fact that abnormal proteins could intervene.
It affects 15% of pregnant women and in multiple pregnancies the risk of suffering it doubles and even triples in some cases. If it is not treated, it can cause serious complications in the mother and the fetus, and can cause death. It is also associated with a high rate of premature births.
It manifests with physical changes in the mother such as increased blood pressure, presence of protein in the urine, fluid retention and sudden weight gain. There may also be a severe headache, cloudy vision, sudden swelling of the body (edema) and pain in the upper stomach.
Treated in time, preeclampsia can be controlled without consequences in pregnancy. In multiple pregnancies the symptoms may be more abrupt, so early detection is essential to minimize the consequences.
Anemia in the pregnant woman
Already in pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia is a common disorder, the risk of which increases in multiple pregnancies.
It is the decreased ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen or iron, very common in pregnant women also called Gravidic anemia caused by an increase in blood volume of the woman. With two or more babies, the blood volume is even greater, 50 percent higher in single pregnancy, 75 percent higher in twins and almost 90 percent in triplets, so the risk of contracting Anemia is too.
If the mother suffers from anemia during pregnancy, she is more likely to develop preeclampsia, some infection or postpartum hemorrhage, while babies are more likely to be born prematurely, to have less than normal growth and to be born with low weight.
Postpartum hemorrhage
Postpartum vaginal hemorrhage is one of the most frequent causes of maternal mortality, both in developed countries and in developing regions. It occurs in approximately 6% of births and is due to the fact that once the baby and the placenta are expelled, the uterus does not contract or retract causing heavy bleeding.
The risk factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage are having had previous caesarean section, the mother's advanced age, being multiparous, having had previous placenta or a very long pregnancy.
A multiple pregnancy is also a risk factor. due, among other things, to the distention of the size of the uterus caused by the weight of two or more babies. After giving birth the uterus may have difficulty contracting increasing the risk of bleeding.
When vaginal bleeding is severe, circulatory insufficiency can occur and in very severe cases until the death of the mother.
Therefore, mothers who have given birth to two or more babies must be especially controlled the hours after delivery.
What mothers can do to avoid complications in the pregnancy of twins
- Go to all medical checks during pregnancy and follow the advice of the gynecologist.
- A balanced diet is very important so that essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals (such as iron) are not lacking for babies' development.
- Keep anemia at bay.
- Avoid foods with excess fats, sugars and salt.
- Stay hydrated
- Control weight gain. Excessive or poor weight gain can have consequences for the mother and the baby.
- Do not take medications, drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
