Types of twin pregnancies

When you find out you are pregnant, the last thing you imagine is that it could be twins or triplets, but this type of multiple pregnancy is becoming more common. Specifically, twin pregnancies occur in 1 out of every 80 pregnancies. Even less common are triple or quadruple pregnancies.

Why do multiple pregnancies occur?

Although these types of pregnancies are genetically determined, they have also been increasing in recent years for several reasons. Firstly, the use of assisted reproduction techniques has been on the rise. Additionally, the age of pregnant women is higher now, which can lead to menstrual disorders that result in double ovulation.

When is this type of pregnancy diagnosed?

After taking a pregnancy test and getting a positive result, the next step is usually to visit your midwife who will confirm the news with a blood test, or go to your gynecologist who will perform a transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the news. This is usually done starting from the fifth or sixth week of gestation, and it will be from then on when it can be diagnosed whether it is a single pregnancy or a multiple pregnancy.

Why not before?

This first confirmation ultrasound of the pregnancy is usually not done before the fifth or sixth week of gestation, because during that time the egg can undergo certain changes that result in a multiple pregnancy and determine the type of pregnancy it is.

There are two types of multiple pregnancies: fraternal (dizygotic) twins and identical (monozygotic) twins. Fraternal twins occur when two eggs are fertilized by two different sperm, resulting in two separate embryos. Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos, leading to two genetically identical individuals.

Source: natalben.com

Multiple pregnancies can be: monozygotic (identical twins), dizygotic (commonly known as fraternal twins), or triplets.

Next, we are going to explain How is each one produced and "las" means "the" in English. differences that exist between some and others.

The monochorionic or twin pregnancy It is when, after the fertilization of an egg and a sperm, a zygote is formed that undergoes division over the next 14 days, resulting in two identical eggs. This type of pregnancy is characterized by the fact that the babies will be of the same sex and will bear a strong physical resemblance to each other.

Within this type of twins there are other subtypes to consider, depending on the number of amniotic sacs and the number of placentas present, as these data will determine the level of pregnancy risk:

• Monochorionic monoamniotic diamniotic: It consists of one placenta, two amniotic sacs, and two umbilical cords.
• Monochorionic monoamniotic identical twins: It consists of a placenta, an amniotic sac, and two umbilical cords.
• Monochorionic diamniotic twins: composed of two placentas, two amniotic sacs, and two umbilical cords

The dizygotic pregnancy or twins It is the one that originates from the fertilization of two eggs with two spermatozoa. This type of fertilization can occur spontaneously, because a woman releases two eggs in one menstrual cycle, or as a result of undergoing fertility treatment.

This type of multiple pregnancy is the most common, approximately 75% of twins are of this type, and they are characterized by potentially having different sexes and different physical characteristics.

And finally, the triple pregnancy It is the least common and, although it can occur naturally, it tends to appear more often in women undergoing fertility treatments. This type of pregnancy can occur due to:

• Three eggs fertilized by three spermatozoa and their characteristics are like those of twins.
• A fertilized egg by a sperm that later divides into three, just like identical twins.
• Two eggs fertilized by two spermatozoa, and one of the eggs subsequently divides.

Development of multiple pregnancy

The development of this type of pregnancy is the same as that of a single pregnancy, except that the symptoms nausea, heartburn, constipation, fluid retention, circulatory difficulty, etc. They can increase..

Unlike in a single pregnancy, some complications may arise risks As the highest incidence of premature births, higher delay In the growth of fetuses, gestational diabetes, problems with the placenta... For all these reasons, this type of pregnancies require closer monitoring by the obstetrician-gynecologist, who, depending on the type of multiple pregnancy, will see you monthly until week 25-26, then every two weeks until week 35-36, and weekly until the end of the pregnancy.

The most important thing in these pregnancies is to take it easy, make sure to drink more water, rest a lot, take care of your diet, avoid overexertion, and start organizing everything as soon as possible because as the pregnancy progresses, you will feel more tired due to the pressure exerted by the fetuses on the uterus.

And you, how did you face your multiple pregnancy?