How does Multiple Pregnancies Occur?
With the increasing scientific developments in the field of IVF treatments, occurrence rate of multiple pregnancy rate has increased to 3-4%. If the mother-to-be has family story of having multiple pregnancy or if the pregnancy age is over 30 these are one of the reasons of having multiple pregnancy.
There are two different types of multiple pregnancies; Identical twins (monozygotic) and fraternal twin (dizygotic).
What are Monozygotic Twins?
Monozygotic pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes a single egg, at the result of this twins have similar genetic profiles, gender and appearance. The rate of monozygotic twins is 1 in 250 live birth, independent from age, race and heredity. On every third monozygotic pregnancy, blood transfusion syndrome is observed between the twins. Therefore, it is common to have steric problems in monozygotic twins.
What are Dizygotic Twins?
Dizygotic pregnancy occurs when multiple sperms and ovaries impregnate separately. Born babies can have different gender and they do not look-alike. Assisted reproductive techniques, family story and advanced female age (>30), pre-pregnancy weight and stopping birth control pills increases the probability of multiple pregnancy.
With dizygotic twins, chromosomal (genetic) problems are more common than single pregnancies. If the mother-to-be is observed to have multiple pregnancy they need to have control examinations and get assessed via ultrasonography more frequently.
Problems You Can Face During Multiple Pregnancy:
• Preterm birth
• Low new-born weight
• Development deficiency
• Intrauterine baby loss (Fetal Death or Miscarriage)
• Gestational Diabetes
• Preeclampsia (High blood pressure during pregnancy and observation of protein in urine) is the most common problem we face with. Do not delay your control examinations for early diagnoses.
