It can be shocking for some women to learn about an unexpected pregnancy, but perhaps you’ve discovered an additional surprise: you’re not pregnant with just one child, but two or more. It’s common for a pregnancy to inspire feelings of change, and it may seem hard to believe you’re expecting twins or triplets. While this type of pregnancy is often rare, you may need access to many forms of support. If you’re experiencing a multiple pregnancy, then the decision-making process behind your unexpected pregnancy may require careful planning.
If you suspect your unexpected pregnancy may involve twins or triplets, then Avenue Women Center is here to offer support that caters to your unique situation. We invite clients to meet with one of our caring pregnancy consultants for a private session where you can receive reliable information about abortion, adoption, and parenting. The services we offer are confidential and available at no cost to you. Meet with one of our pregnancy consultants today!
Signs of a Multiple Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant with twins or triplets, then you may find yourself going through a rapid weight gain during the first trimester. Other signs may include a larger uterus, and your hCG levels (pregnancy hormones) may be higher than they would be during a normal pregnancy. However, the best way to determine if you are experiencing a multiple pregnancy is through an ultrasound exam. This will also give you the opportunity to learn the gestational age of your pregnancy, helping you to see which options are available, and ruling out early pregnancy risks.
Symptoms and Care for a Multiple Pregnancy
While the same early pregnancy symptoms are still present, symptoms are likely to start sooner and be a bit more serious if you’re expecting twins or triplets. A multiple pregnancy usually causes women to grow larger a bit sooner than women who are experiencing a normal pregnancy. There may also be more nutritional needs to fulfill if you’re pregnant with twins or triplets, and you may need to take iron or folic acid supplements to keep yourself healthy.
A multiple pregnancy sometimes carries the risk of going into labor prematurely. If you’re continuing the pregnancy, then you may want to begin making preparations. It’s possible you may want to consider enrolling in a class specifically designed for women who are expecting twins or triplets. This may help you to build support by surrounding yourself with women who may be in a similar situation and can empathize with you.
It’s usually recommended you receive proper medical care throughout your unexpected pregnancy, and you may need to schedule an appointment with a doctor who specializes in providing treatment for multiple pregnancies, regardless of what pregnancy options you are considering. This way, a healthcare provider may be able to routinely monitor your health.
Considering Abortion for a Multiple Pregnancy
Perhaps there are concerns about potentially raising more than one child, and there may even be financial worries combined with fears about not having a supportive network behind you. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by your circumstances, and you may be looking for relief from the anxieties you may have about a multiple, unexpected pregnancy.
Each unexpected pregnancy decision brings its own unique emotions, so it may not be the case that one option offers complete reprieve from any negative feelings. Some women may feel compelled to choose abortion because it appears to offer a quick solution to a stressful circumstance. But just like with any other unexpected pregnancy option, it’s beneficial to allow time to fully process this choice.
It can be important to understand the different types of abortion procedures and potential risks, and having someone walk you through what the steps make look like when proceeding with an abortion can reduce the chances of any surprises. This may be a challenging time for you, and an unexpected pregnancy involving twins or triplets can seem like an impossible circumstance to cope with. Emotional stress should not impact your ability to make an informed decision about your pregnancy, and if you have questions about abortion, it can be helpful to have your concerns addressed by seeking answers from a trained professional.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to offer support throughout your multiple, unexpected pregnancy. Our compassionate staff will take the time to listen and get to know you through a confidential session in order to assess how we can best meet your needs. We are here to provide in-depth information about your unexpected pregnancy and address any of your valid concerns. Contact one of our six locations in DuPage County today!
References:
- healthdirect. (2017, December). Multiple pregnancy (triplets or more). Retrieved from: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/multiple-pregnancy
- American Pregnancy Association. Multiples Pregnancy: Twins, Triplets and More. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/multiples/multiple-pregnancies/
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.