Twin Pregnancy

Twin Pregnancy

How do twin pregnancies happen?

The chances of having twins or other multiple births is greater than ever before. About 3 in every 100 pregnancies in the United States involves twins or triplets. There are two main types of twins:

Fraternal twins

The most common type of twin pregnancy involves fraternal twins. This happens when two separate eggs get fertilized by two different sperm.Each baby has their own placenta and amniotic sac inside the uterus. Fraternal twins can be two males, two females, or a male and a female.

Identical twins

Identical twins happen when one fertilized egg splits and grows into to fetuses. These twins are the same sex and identical DNA. They may share the same placenta and amniotic sac, or they may each have separate amniotic sacs.

Sometimes there’s no cause for twin or triplet pregnancies — they just happen. However, getting pregnant in your 30s and 40s or using assisted reproductive technologies increases your chances of having twins.  

How do I know if I am pregnant with twins?

Some women may experience more severe pregnancy symptoms with twins, such as morning sickness and fatigue. However, the only way to confirm that you have a twin pregnancy is to have an ultrasound.

Dr. Davidson and the team at Signature Perinatal Center use Trice Imaging to send ultrasound images of your baby (or babies) directly to your email or smartphone. They can also share these images with your other medical subspecialists for collaborative care.

What special care do I need with a twin pregnancy?

Twin pregnancies increase your chances of certain complications, such as preterm labor or Cesarean section delivery. Dr. Davidson helps you stay healthy throughout your twin pregnancy with special care, including:

• More frequent checkups to monitor your health and the health of your baby

• More frequent tests such as ultrasounds

• Science-backed advice on proper nutrition for twin pregnancy

Carrying twins also increases your risk of developing other health problems, such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Dr. Davidson educates you on steps you can take to prevent these potential complications.

If you do develop a condition such as gestational diabetes, Dr. Davidson works with you to develop a personalized diabetes management plan to control your blood sugar throughout pregnancy.

To learn more about how to have the healthiest, happiest twin pregnancy possible, call Signature Perinatal Center or book an appointment online today.