Why Multiple Pregnancy is Considered High Risk
Learning that you are pregnant can bring about many different emotions. If you were planning for a pregnancy, your happiness of joy is welcomed with excitement. If you were not planning for a pregnancy, you may feel stressed or scared or unsure. In truth, women who were preparing for pregnancy and those who were not often feel many of the same emotions. Perhaps the time when these emotions most greatly overlap is for women who learn that they are carrying multiples. Multiple pregnancy occurs when a woman is pregnant with two or more babies. A multiple pregnancy offers much excitement. Still, it can also bring about feelings of stress because being pregnant with more than one baby poses a higher risk of complications.
The greatest risk of multiple pregnancy is that you will deliver your babies prematurely. Babies need a full nine months for the full development of their lungs and body systems to gain strength and work fully. Approximately 60% of twins and 90% of higher multiples are born prematurely. This means that women who are pregnant with multiples will require extra prenatal care to allow them to carry their babies as long as possible. At Marietta OB-GYN, we are committed to providing outstanding prenatal care to women with multiples.
Other complications that often result from a multiple pregnancy are constipation, gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, and preeclampsia. All of these conditions can be closely monitored at our practice through regular prenatal appointments and screenings. It is essential that you make all of your appointments and that you let us know of any changes that you have noticed between visits. Bedrest is often prescribed for women who are carrying multiples. While there is no “medical proof” that bedrest can actually prevent premature delivery, doctors all over the world prescribe bedrest to pregnant women. Bedrest can prove beneficial by relieving stress from physical activity, which protects both mother and babies.
Early confirmation that you are carrying multiples will allow the doctors and nurses at Marietta OB-GYN to provide you with the most specific prenatal care. Being pregnant with multiples is an exciting time, and we do not want you to be scared throughout your pregnancy. Being informed and knowing that you and your babies are in good hands are the best things you can do to promote a healthy pregnancy.
