Multiple Pregnancy Risks & Complications

Being pregnant is one of the most happiest moments in a woman's life and being pregnant with more than one baby is double the happiness. However, there are health risks and complications that tag along with multiple pregnancies.

Women who can get pregnant without fertility drugs or medical procedures usually have only one baby. On the other hand, women who need fertility treatment are at higher risk to get pregnant with twins or triplets and sometimes more than three.

HEALTH PROBLEMS DURING PREGNANCY

This kind of a multiple pregnancy is termed as 'multiple gestation'. It is common that if you have multiple gestation pregnancy, it will increase the risks and complications for both the mother and the unborn babies. One of the serious complications of multiple pregnancy is that of miscarriage.

At such times, the mother might lose one baby or both. The other complication of multiple pregnancy is premature birth where the babies are not ready to live outside the mother's womb and come into the world as fragile beings.

KNOW THE RISKS OF A LATE PREGNANCY

Just like these two risks and complications, there are many more which are related to multiple pregnancies. Take a look.

Preterm Labour

Preterm Labour

One of the common multiple pregnancy complications and risks is preterm labour. The babies are born before their bodies and organ systems have completely matured.

Anaemia

Anaemia

Another multiple pregnancy complication is anemia suffered by both the mother and babies. It is a common problem in multiple pregnancies when compared to a single birth.

Hypertension

Hypertension

Women who are carrying multiple fetuses are twice more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. The rise of high blood pressure will increase the chance of placental abruption which is one of the major multiple pregnancy complications and risks.

Birth Defects

Birth Defects

Multiple babies have a higher risk of congenital abnormalities. Some of them include neural tube defects which in layman terms means gastrointestinal and heart abnormalities.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage

The most common multiple pregnancy complication is miscarriage. This problem usually occurs in the first trimester of the pregnancy where the mother will go through acute pain accompanied by excessive bleeding.

Diabetes

Diabetes

Most expectant mothers with multiple pregnancies have been tested for gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. This problem usually occurs for mother who are above the age of 35 and have a history of diabetes in the family.

Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage

The large placental area and over-distended uterus place the expectant mother at risk for bleeding after delivery in multiple pregnancies.

Cesarean delivery

Cesarean delivery

Normal delivery is much preferred than a C section. But, in cases of multiple pregnancies, the fetal positions increase the chances of cesarean birth which often leads to complications at the time of labour.

Story first published: Thursday, March 20, 2014, 18:35 [IST]
Read more about: prenatal pregnancy