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Multiple Gestation

What does the term multiple gestation mean?

A multiple gestation is a pregnancy with two or more fetuses.

What are the general risks associated with multiple gestation?

A pregnancy with a multiple gestation presents a set of issues that can affect both the mother and the babies. These pregnancies are at risk for several complications including but not limited to the following.

Preterm Labor/Preterm Delivery
Preeclampsia
Gestational Diabetes
Congenital Birth defects

These issues are not unique to multiple gestations; however their incidence is higher. Your doctor is aware of these issues, and because of the increased chance of these events he/she may request additional evaluations from the perinatologists at SFPA. Most likely this will include ultrasounds every 4-6 weeks to assess fetal growth and cervical length. Additionally your doctor may want increased surveillance of the babies in the third trimester and will order Antepartum Testing.

Are there any risks specific to twins?

Yes. Occasionally multiples share one placenta. This condition is called monochorionicity. Pregnancies that are monochorionic, are at risk because of the vascular connections present in all monochorionic placentas. One of these risks is the unbalanced sharing of blood between twins, a condition called Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome. A second risk is unequal sharing of the placenta, which can cause intrauterine growth restriction or IUGR in one twin. The perinatologists at SFPA are familiar with these unique twin complications and are experts at helping your doctor manage the pregnancy.