What is multiple gestation?
Many people wonder, “What is multiple gestation?” Multiple gestation refers to a pregnancy where a pregnant person carries more than one fetus in their womb at the same time. This is different than when a pregnant person only carries one fetus in their womb, also known as a singleton pregnancy.
There are different types of multiple pregnancies. You could be pregnant with twins, triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets and more. However, the chances of being pregnant with multiples go down as the numbers go up. For example, twins are more common than triplets, triplets are more common than quadruplets and so on.
How does a multiple pregnancy happen?
A multiple gestation pregnancy can occur due to various biological factors, like family history, using fertility treatments, age and more.
Using fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), significantly increases the likelihood of conceiving multiples. Additionally, a family history of twins or triplets can also play a role. Chances of having a multiples pregnancy rise when someone is over the age of 35 as well. Understanding these factors can help expecting parents prepare for the possibility of a multifetal pregnancy.
Signs of multiple pregnancy
Early signs of multiple pregnancy may include different physical signs, like rapid weight gain, feeling movement in different parts of your stomach at the same time and more. However, beyond just the signs of multiples, the definitive way to confirm multiples is through an ultrasound, which can detect the presence of more than one fetus.
Common multiple pregnancy signs include:
- Larger uterus
- Rapid weight gain
- Feeling movement in different parts of your stomach at the same time
Symptoms of a multiples pregnancy
Carrying multiples often results in more intense symptoms compared to a singleton pregnancy, like more intense tiredness and severe morning sickness. Carrying multiples can impact your body differently than if you were only carrying one baby. Below are some symptoms of a multiple pregnancy:
- Heightened fatigue
- Increased back pain
- More morning sickness than normal
- Increased appetite
How are twins, triplets and other multiples delivered?
The type of delivery for multiples can vary depending on several factors, including the position of the babies and the health of the parent. A normal twins birth may be delivered vaginally if both are in a favorable position, while being pregnant with triplets or higher-order multiples often require a cesarean section, also known as a C-section.