Finding out you’re pregnant with twins can be a shocking experience! Some women may be thrilled to find out they are having twins. More likely, you may be wondering how you’re going to get through this! Once the initial surprise passes, you will undoubtedly have many questions like … How did this happen? Is this a health risk to me? How will I/we take care of twins? What if I don’t want a single pregnancy, let alone a multiple pregnancy? Should I be concerned about complications?
These questions may only scratch the surface of all the many others you might have. Avenue Women’s Center can help you find answers! For over 30 years, Avenue has been the first step for women facing unexpected pregnancies. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation at one of our five DuPage County offices. Our compassionate and trained client advocates are here to address your questions and concerns in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
How does a pregnancy with twins occur?
You might be wondering how your pregnancy even developed into twins in the first place. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), multiple pregnancies may occur if multiple eggs are released and fertilized during any given menstrual cycle. If this happens and both fertilized eggs implant in the uterus, then you may be pregnant with fraternal twins. Another possibility is that a single egg may have been fertilized and then split into two embryos, resulting in identical twins. Either way, there are bound to be many more questions that arise during and after your pregnancy!
How do I find out if I am pregnant with twins?
More often than not, finding out you’re pregnant with twins is discovered during an initial ultrasound procedure. An ultrasound can be a great first step in answering some of your questions, and it can be a helpful tool in assessing your pregnancy. An ultrasound is sometimes called “the window to the womb,” and like most windows, it gives a fairly good view of what used to be hidden. So what happens when an ultrasound reveals twins? The first thing a sonographer performing the ultrasound looks for is gestational sacs, or the bags of water the pregnancy develops within. Are there two sacs or one sac? Additionally, the sonographer wants to get a clear picture with both sacs or with both twins in the image to ensure that the sac or sacs are in the uterus. An ultrasound can not only confirm a twin pregnancy, but also determine how far along the pregnancy is.
What are some effects of being pregnant with twins?
Confirming your twin pregnancy can be the beginning of many unexpected surprises. You may find that your pregnancy symptoms are more severe than anticipated, which sometimes happens in women pregnant with twins. You may also gain more weight at a quicker rate than expected. A twin pregnancy can also pose a higher risk for complications, and it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if all pregnancy options are being considered. A doctor will be able to determine your health and the health of the pregnancy.
What are the next steps?
Women who are pregnant with twins and plan on continuing the pregnancy should consult with their doctors regarding any special medical care or self-care needed. For example, your doctor may want you to consume extra calories, limit certain types of exercise, or monitor your pregnancy more often, among other things. One of the more common complications of carrying twins is the possibility of pre-term delivery. You will want to discuss this possibility as well as other possible complications with your doctor. You and your doctor will develop a plan for checkups to monitor the health of your pregnancy.
If you are pregnant with twins but you’re unsure about moving forward with the pregnancy, you may have several questions on the different options available to you such as … Are the options different for a multiple pregnancy versus a single pregnancy? Am I eligible for the abortion pill or is a surgical abortion procedure the only option? If I choose adoption, will it be harder to find adoption placement for twins?
Whichever pregnancy options you’re considering, Avenue Women’s Center is here to help you along your journey. We strive to answer your pressing questions and concerns by providing you with the information and resources you need to make your best pregnancy decision. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options in a caring and nonjudgmental environment.
Reference:
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2015, July) FAQ188, Multiple Pregnancy. Retrieved September 2018 from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Multiple-Pregnancy.
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.