Early Care and General Advice for Twins

Posted On: May 24, 2022 By CIW

Learning that you are pregnant can be a joyful and exciting experience, and finding out that you are carrying twins can bring about many emotions! One of your first steps once learning about your twin pregnancy is to see a doctor who has the requisite skills and experience to help you along this journey. Read on for more information regarding the advice that our team at Carnegie Imaging believes is helpful for women who are having twins.

Should Women with Twins See a High-Risk Doctor?

Yes, we believe that women pregnant with twins should at least have a consultation with a high-risk doctor to better understand why they can benefit from their care. Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists are specially trained to monitor and treat the many potential complications that can arise from a twin pregnancy. Many women who are pregnant with twins may not have a clear idea of what to expect during these types of unique pregnancies, which is why speaking with a professional can be helpful.

Early on in pregnancy,  many people actually don’t actually know that they are carrying twins, and find out during an ultrasound! For the patient and the doctor, it may be a surprise. The most common type of twins is non-identical twins which share two different placentas.

Over the course of their pregnancy, many women choose Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists as their primary source of obstetrical care because of their specialized training and expertise in monitoring twin pregnancies and delivering those patients. MFMA physicians can also serve in consultation with general OBGYNs, working alongside them to monitor their patients with twin pregnancies

Surveillance for Twins

When it comes to surveillance, it is important to choose a doctor that has the specialized skill and experience to monitor twin pregnancies. Be sure to ask the OBGYN you’re considering for your care about how often they care for twin pregnancies in their practice.  The physicians at MFM Associates are renowned for their experience with twins and have published the largest body of medical research in the care and management of these patients. Twins are associated with higher rates of complications than singleton pregnancies, so having a specialist who knows what to look for and the ability to manage complications when they occur is crucial.

Care During Pregnancy

One complication that may occur with twin pregnancies is something called a vanishing twin. This is when there are originally two sacs and two placentas, but then one of the heartbeats stops, leaving the mother with one baby. This occurs about 20% of the time, but early vanishing twins don’t often impact the rest of the pregnancy.

Once a woman makes it through her first trimester, we recommend seeing her in the office every two weeks from 16 weeks onward. This is because twin pregnancies are at risk for many complications including cervical insufficiency, high blood pressure, diabetes, and preterm labor, to name a few. Because of these concerns and risks, it is important to visit your doctor more often to ensure everything is going smoothly.

Nutrition and Exercise During Pregnancy

Nutrition is a topic that often gets overlooked for pregnant women, but it is very important. In twin pregnancies, adequate weight gain has proven to be instrumental in avoiding many pregnancy complications. At MFM Associates, all twin pregnancies are required to have a nutrition consultation to ensure they are eating correctly.

Patients who were regularly exercising before pregnancy can and should continue exercising during pregnancy. This can help to strengthen the body and the bones and promote health throughout your pregnancy. An MFM physician can consult with you to determine the type and amount of exercise that’s right for you in your twin pregnancy.

Contact Us Today

For more information regarding early care and general advice for twin pregnancies, contact Carnegie Imaging today! You can visit us at our Carnegie South or Carnegie Hill location for quality care.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!

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