Preeclampsia is a medical concern related to pregnancies with either a singleton or multiples. It is when there is a high amount of protein found within the urine. A medical provider can test the count with a simple stick test to highlight the protein count within the urine.

What happens if you are told by your medical care provider that you have preeclampsia with twins? Hearing the news that you have preeclampsia can be scary, and you have every right to feel that way. With knowledge comes power. In knowing additional information on preeclampsia can give you a better feeling of being in control of your body, your twins, and your pregnancy.

In this article, TwinStuff will be reviewing commonly asked questions of being pregnant and having preeclampsia with twins. We will answer questions to inform you of what exactly is preeclampsia, important signs, and symptoms, along with other questions that you are seeking answers in. Understanding the answers to these questions can ease the stress you may be feeling.

What is preeclampsia?

The history of preeclampsia dates back to ancient Greece, with the Greek word for “lightening” being eclampsia. Back then, Greeks were not aware of what it really was. They thought it was a “traveling womb” that moved within the woman’s body. Over time, medical professionals began noticing that preeclampsia was related to pregnant women. It was written within the textbooks by the 20th century and thought to have been related to women having toxins within their bodies. It was wrongly assumed to be known as toxemia, due to this assumption within the medical community.

As the medical realm evolved, professionals realized that there are no clear-cut causes of preeclampsia. However, there are symptoms and signs that doctors look for when diagnosing their patients. Let us take a look at a number of determinants that are linked to preeclampsia.

What are the preeclampsia symptoms and signs?

Typically, pregnant women may first experience signs and symptoms of preeclampsia by the second trimester, or by the 20th week of pregnancy. The possibility of women having preeclampsia can happen throughout the remainder of trimesters to post-partum. Doctors know how to diagnose preeclampsia by listening to the concerns of their pregnant patients. That is why it is of the utmost importance that you know the possible signs of preeclampsia.

The symptoms and signs of preeclampsia can be, but not limited to the following:

• High Blood Pressure
• Abnormal Swelling of the Extremities
• Blurred Vision and Headaches
• Heartburn

High Blood Pressure

A gradual increase of high blood pressure, or a quick spike, is something that will be monitored by medical doctors. Either development may be a sign of preeclampsia. The level of seriousness can vary between mild and severe.

With a mild case of preeclampsia, you may not notice the signs or symptoms. It can be gradual but still a cause of concern for your tending physician. You will be constantly monitored and may have an induced delivery to keep you and your baby safe.

Severe cases of preeclampsia may require immediate hospitalization. If your doctor may allow you to stay home but recommends constant bed rest during the remainder of your pregnancy. Plenty of women with severe cases of preeclampsia deliver healthy babies.

Abnormal Swelling

Swelling is common during pregnancy. Plenty of pregnant women experience swelling in the feet, ankles, wrists, and hands. This is known as pitting edema. Compression socks and compression sleeves can help alleviate some discomfort pregnant women may endure.

However, if you press onto the swollen part, and an indentation is left behind, inform your doctor of your swelling. Pay attention to any swelling of the face, especially first thing after waking up. Retaining water at night can settle within the face, making it extremely uncomfortable and causing blurred vision and headaches.

Blurred Vision / Headaches

If pregnant moms have migraines or tension headaches; headaches related to preeclampsia may not cause concern. It is still something that you want to mention to your doctors to take note of and monitor. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, preeclampsia vision can be severe due to pressure of the central nervous system. This leads to swelling of the brain, sensitivity to light and to sound.

High Risk Twin Pregnancy, When does preeclampsia start?

The different stages of preeclampsia can start as early as the 20th week of pregnancy. Showing the signs and symptoms around this time. If you are 34 weeks along, or diagnosed as having preeclampsia at 35 weeks, your doctor may suggest that it is time to deliver the babies.

In other cases, especially with pregnant moms that are over the age of 35, postpartum preeclampsia is a possibility. This happens in women within 48 hours and up to a month and a half of delivering their babies. Often, they have no signs or symptoms during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia With Twins, When do they induce?

The further along the pregnancy, the better it is for the pregnant mom and her babies. Any causes for concern, such as low blood flow to the placenta, irregular weight gain, or kidney disease may jumpstart the conversation to induce labor. If there are possibilities of pregnancy complications, expect to hear your doctor say that it is time to induce. The safety of the mom and her babies are the number one priority of medical professionals within the United States and most countries around the world.

Find More Important Information About Twin Pregnancy

Preeclampsia with twins is a serious condition to be aware of during, and after, pregnancy. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Turn to TwinStuff to ease your mind by educating you with information for you and your twins. Our TwinStuff Facebook Group allows you to read about preeclampsia survivors, along with their labor and delivery support narratives. Check out our Amazon shop, where we have adorable twin onesies and bibs made of 100% cotton. Every day we are surrounded by so much information on twins and pregnancies. Bookmark TwinStuff as we will continue to bring you amazing insight on all things twin related.

Let’s talk about twin pregnancy and twin birth along with labor and delivery! Whether you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time, or if you have a surprise pregnancy. Being pregnant means that you are no longer concerned solely for yourself, as you now have twins, triplets, or more to care for. Taking care of yourself before and during pregnancy, gives you a better chance of having a smoother labor and delivery.

Depending on your personal pregnancy, your medical provider may have already discussed your delivery plan. You may be scheduled for a cesarean (C-section) delivery. If everything in your pregnancy go well, a vaginal birth may be a great possibility. In this article, we will review some of the best ways to prepare for your multiple delivery, the twin birth itself, and postpartum care for you and your babies.

Multiple Pregnancy, Now What?

Perhaps you had a surprise pregnancy. Or maybe you used medical ways to become pregnant. Either way, you now have additional people to love and care for.

For the expecting moms who were surprised to discover that they are pregnant with a single baby, but later finding out that there is an additional baby along the way, can be shocking to say the least. Moms who were not planning their pregnancy may worry about not having the proper nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. That is why it is of the utmost importance to seek out care of a medical professional for the remainder of your pregnancy and postpartum.

From there, tests can be conducted to measure your levels of folic acid, iron count, and other important factors for a healthy pregnancy. Your health care provider may suggest taking supplements, like a daily multivitamin that specifically cares for an expectant mother and her babies.

If you are one of the expectant mothers who used In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), or other forms of medical fertility options, may not have been surprised to find out that you are expecting twins. Regarding the use of IVF, your chances of having twins with IVF increases 25% when used to become pregnant. Women over the age of 35 are more likely to have a multiple pregnancy. Let alone those who use fertility medications, professionally known as IUI.

Two of the most popular medications are commonly known as Clomid and Femara. Women may be prescribed these medications to help with fertility. Receiving a twin pregnancy is an extra benefit of taking either of these medicines.

The Final Weeks of a Twin Pregnancy

Fast forward to the final trimester of your pregnancy. Your body is changing and providing a haven for your growing babies. However, you can feel that it is becoming quite cramped for your twin babies.

As you near the delivery time, it is a good idea to have a birthing plan. Keep in mind that your actual labor and delivery may not go just as you plan. Be sure to be on the same page as your doctor and let him or her know what your expectations are. When the time comes for your babies to be born, the doctor will need to ensure the health and safety of your babies and yourself.

Around 36 weeks and 37 weeks along, your medical professional will be looking for the head down position. If both babies are positioned with their heads down, then there is a good chance of delivering vaginally. This position provides a better chance of having a vaginal delivery. Multiples being delivered vaginally, means that you may have a quicker recovery in postpartum.

As with all multiple births, the mothers are classified as being at high-risk. The OB/GYN professional is responsible for your safety by helping you along the way of your vaginal twin births. There will be a Twin A team and a Twin B team standing by to care for each of your twin babies.

It’s Go Time, Natural Twin Birth?

Your water may break naturally, or you may have labor induced by your doctor.  You grab your overnight bag, filled with plenty of goodies, and head on over to the hospital in hopes of your twins being born vaginally. Perhaps your birth plan is going along smoothly, and your fraternal twins or identical twins are born hours after your water broke.

To have a back-up plan just in case there is a wrench thrown into the delivery, can give you a piece of mind during your twin delivery. Your back-up birth plan may be used, as advised by the medical professionals. If your doctor sees the signs and symptoms of a difficult birth, a C-section may be used to safely deliver your twins.

One difficulty may be that Baby A is in the heads down position, while the other baby is not. Your doctor may go through with the vaginal delivery. Typically, an ultrasound machine is resting on your belly to monitor how Baby B is situated. If possible, your medical physician may be able to situate your second baby by turning him or her for the heads down delivery.  

A couple of other game changes could be that the babies have size differences. One baby may be larger than the other one. To keep the smaller twin safe, a C-Section may be scheduled prior to your arrival to the hospital. If your babies, most likely identical twins, share a placenta; a C-Section can be scheduled prior to your water breaking.

Twin Birth, More Things You Need to Know

When pregnant and planning for your twin birth, it’s best to be flexible in preparations for obstacles that may come your way. Through scheduling appointments, and taking day trips; flexibility is key along with taking things in stride. One thing that you can count on is having TwinStuff to turn to. We will continuously provide you with helpful blogs, along with adorable organic cotton onesies and bibs to dress your twins in. Check out our TwinStuff Facebook Group for additional advice and insight from supportive parents of multiples, where you can find reassurance throughout the many milestones along the way. 

Discovering that you are expecting a baby is an amazing feeling, let alone finding out that you are pregnant with twins! Carrying twins means that you will be learning a lot of new and important information to guide you through your pregnancy.

TwinStuff put together the top three interesting findings of things to pay special attention to during pregnancy, and in preparation for delivering your bundles of joy. Understanding topics like why you are labeled as having a high-risk twin pregnancy, learning the difference between identical twins and fraternal twins, what things you should eat, along with products that you will want to have within your possession.

What to Expect When You Are Pregnant With Twins?

High-Risk Pregnancy Label

As if it is not enough to learn that you are pregnant with twins, let alone being labeled high risk, is enough to stress anyone out. Some pregnant moms may be blind-sided in hearing that they are expecting twins, while other moms knew there was a greater chance of being pregnant with twins or triplets after embarking on procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Regardless, you will have more doctor appointments, than your singleton pregnant sisters. At times it may seem a bit overwhelming, having to keep track of many medical appointments. Knowing that this is in the best interest of your safety, along with the health and growth of your twins, can calm the nerves.

TwinStuff Tip: Book appointments on the same day of the week. Meaning that when you are scheduling your OB-GYN, midwife, or primary care physician, book them on a Tuesday. When having to schedule your high-risk appointments, book those on a Thursday.

This way, the schedule stays consistent and you can have a better grasp of up-and-coming appointments. Using your phone calendar app, or a planner is a great way of staying on track with the up and coming dates.

What Is The Most Common Type Of Twin Pregnancy?

Basically, there are two types of twins. One is dizygotic (fraternal) and the other is monozygotic (identical). From this, there are five subcategories of twins. Parents are surprised to find out these details, as fraternal and identical twins are the most common type of twins.

When finding ways how to have twins, many moms will opt to use IVF. With IVF twins, chances of boy and girl babies are quite the common outcome. However, what is uncommon is having boy and girl identical twins. How can this happen? The identical twins start out as boy twins. Shortly after the egg splits, the one baby loses the Y chromosome during mutation.

This leaves the baby with an XO chromosome, and the baby is born a female. As the female matures, she could have reproduction issues. However, it is unlikely that her brother will experience any issues in reproduction.

Mirror Image Twins

Another rare set of twins is mirror-image twins. When the egg splits days later than a common set of twins, the babies will mirror one another. The babies will still look identical, but will be mirror images of one another.

After the delivery and as the babies grow, you may notice a natural parting of the hair with one part on the left side and the other twin has the part on the right side. The twins will have their own placentas and individual amniotic sacs, allowing each baby to receive their own nutrients they need to grow and develop.

Other Types of Twins

Other unique twins are conjoined, parasitic, and monochorionic-monoamniotic twins (MoMo). Conjoined twins result from the egg not splitting all the way. The twins will be identical and attached to each other. They are individuals and may have the possibility of being split through surgery after they are born.

Parasitic twins happen when the embryos are attached to one another. One fetus will develop, while the other does not. Typically, the under formed embryo stays attached and is much smaller than its identical counterpart.

MoMo can be discovered through a blood test, after 12 weeks of gestation. This test is called the triple test. It measures the levels within the maternal serum, including the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The twins will be identical, as they share a placenta and amniotic sac.

Keep in mind that many twin births have a positive outcome with two healthy twin babies. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your medical provider. They will be able to personalize the answers to your individual pregnancy.

Pregnant With Twins: Eating Well and Self Care are Key

Twin pregnancy aches and pains are common, as they are for all women who grow through their multiple pregnancies. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath can help ease aches and pains throughout your body. To help alleviate any back pain, you will want to have a high-quality pregnancy belt. A maternity belly band wraps securely around you and takes the pressure off of your back, helping to block it from curving too much and causing discomfort.

Every woman’s goal is to make past the successful mark of the 37 weeks or known as full-term for a twin pregnancy. That is why it is crucial to have the best prenatal vitamins for twin pregnancy. Taking a prenatal vitamin gives you a healthy weight gain, as it is packed with essential nutrients to aid in proper growth for your twins. Speak with your medical professional on any additional nutrients that you may need, for your own individual care.

Expecting Twins? We Have More Helpful Resources

When it comes to being pregnant with twins; the health of your babies and you are of the utmost importance. If you find yourself researching on certain twin related topics, be sure to come back to TwinStuff. Here, we will continue to bring you enlightening information from within the world of twins.

Be sure to join our online TwinStuff Facebook Group where other parents of multiples chime in with helpful tips and advice. From adorable onesies with matching bibs, to tips on keeping your twins on the same sleep schedule, we have you covered for every milestone along the way!

Expecting a baby is exciting, let alone being pregnant with twins or triplets! When pregnant with two or more babies, the moms are classified as being a high-risk pregnancy. Having this label does not necessarily mean that you may face twin pregnancy complications.

It is helpful, however, to educate yourself of any abnormalities that may arise during twin pregnancy. Fraternal twins are less likely to face complications, compared to identical twins. Here are different situations that may arise when pregnant with more than one baby.

Twin Pregnancy Complications: Monochorionic, Diamniotic Twins

Not only do monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDA) share a womb, but they also share a blood supply. How can u get pregnant with twins that are monochorionic, diamniotic? They develop from one fertilized egg that splits into two.

Though MCDA twins share a placenta, they do have their own amniotic sacs. By having their blood vessels connect to the single placenta, each baby receives proper nutrition that they need to grow. Doctors monitor MCDA twins the same as other twins, by conducting twin ultrasounds.

Possible Complications for Monochorionic-Monoamniotic Twins

Like MCDA twins, monochorionic monoamniotic (MoMo) twins are identical twins that share one placenta. Unlike MCDA twins, monochorionic-monoamniotic twins also share an amniotic sac.

One major concern is that MoMo twins can get entangled by their umbilical cords. MoMo twins will be the same sex, as they develop from the split of one fertilized egg. The twins will have the same features as their identical twin brother or sister.  

When it comes to twins, medical professionals will continue to monitor the growth and development of each baby. In identical twins, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs when the placenta is shared between the babies. Blood vessels are attached to the placenta.

The blood is rerouted to one twin, with a lower supply to the other twin. This results in one fetus receiving more blood than needed, while the other twin does not receive enough blood to help it grow.

Other Types of Twins

Dichorionic twins are another type of twins. This can be labeled for either identical or fraternal set of twins. Each twin baby has their own amniotic sacs and placentas. About 30% of identical twins are classified as being dichorionic twins.

IVF and Higher-Order Pregnancies

The chances of women becoming pregnant with higher order multiples have become more likely over the years. Women who have a challenging time becoming pregnant may look into using in vetro fertilization (IVF). With regards to IVF, eggs are taken from the women. Sample of sperm is provided from the male donor who wants to be the father of the babies.

Once the medical physicians have the eggs and sperm, they will fertilize the egg with the sperm donation. Should the embryo form, they will be placed into the woman’s uterus. Women who hope to become pregnant may request multiple embryos to be inserted into the uterus.

On the positive side of IVF, if the embryos take, they will grow to become fetuses and likely result in higher-order multiples. This means that a woman is pregnant with triplets, quadruplets, or more babies.

Since there is not a lot of room, the babies may have to be delivered earlier than the typical 36 to 40-week gestation. In times of difficulties, higher order pregnancies have a higher risk of low birth weights and premature deliveries.

Twins and Premature Birth

Twins have a likely chance of being born prematurely. This means that twins are delivered before the 37-week mark of gestation. When babies are born prematurely, they weigh less, and their organs have yet to fully grow.

Babies born before the 28-week period have a challenging time surviving on their own. The more time babies can stay inside of the womb, the better chance they have of not staying in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a long amount of time.

Additional Twin Pregnancy Complications

If you are pregnant with high blood pressure, or develop health problems while pregnant, your doctor will closely monitor your health and the health of your babies. Within the first trimester of pregnancy, your health care provider may run a blood test on you. This screens the hCG, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and estriol levels. The screening is commonly referred to as the triple test.

Having a higher level of AFP can raise a red flag to medical professionals as spina bifida may be present with one, or more, of the babies within the womb. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube does not properly close. This is one of the birth defects that can happen if the mom-to-be is not taking enough folic acid.  

In the triple test, if there are lower levels of AFP, hCG, and/or estriol, one of the babies may be diagnosed with Trisomy 21. Trisomy 21 is a genetic disorder that is commonly known as down syndrome. 

When the cells divide within the growing embryo, one extra or partial chromosome appears. Having the ability to receive early diagnosis in Trisomy 21 allows for early interventions that can help to promote a normal qualitative life.

Essential Prenatal Care for Twins

Pregnancy requires women prenatal care for themselves and their babies, including the much-needed folic acid intake. Whether it be a singleton pregnancy, twins, triplets or more; staying informed and listening to your medical care provider will make for an easier pregnancy. Thus, allowing you to stress less and to continue making the best decisions for yourself and your babies. 

Have Additional Questions About Twin Pregnancy Complications?

Having knowledge on twin pregnancy complications keeps you informed of what some moms have experienced. Listening to your doctor’s advice, along with educating yourself, allows you to make informed decisions for the duration of your twin pregnancy.

At TwinStuff, we have a TwinStuff Facebook Group filled with experienced parents of multiples who provide endearing support to others within the community. We offer reliable and educational advice, along with fun suggestions on high-quality products for your expanding family.

From twin baby shower themes to matching onesies with clever sayings, TwinStuff has you covered for all the milestones to come your way.

Infertility happens to many women, but plenty chose not to talk about it. Between miscarriages and unable to conceive, women feel discouraged and heartbroken. If you are at that point, or are now pregnant with twins, TwinStuff is here for you. We only provide you with reliable information, support within our TwinStuff Facebook Group, and quality product recommendations for pre-conception and beyond.

When you are ready to conceive, you may wonder what happens when you stop taking contraceptives such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or birth control pills. Commonly, it takes months for a woman to become pregnant after she stops the use of their contraceptives.

If you are currently in that position, find comfort in knowing you are not alone. It is rare for women to find out they are pregnant while using a form of birth control, or to become immediately pregnant within a month of no longer using a pregnancy preventative.

Statistics of Twins After Mirena and Other Contraceptives

When trying to get pregnant after stopping the use of Mirena, or other brands of intrauterine system (IUS) with progestogen, statistics from studies dating between 1985 to 2017 shows there was a good chance of conception within a group of over 14,000 women. Of the group, over 80% of women were pregnant within one year.

The outcomes were based upon both hormonal contraceptives and IUS used by the women within the study. Overall, it is best for women to consult their physicians on stopping the use of contraceptives and prenatal care. The chances of getting pregnant with a singleton, twins, or triplets is equally likely when compared to women who never used Mirena or other contraceptives.

Possibility of Twin Pregnancy with Fertility Treatments

Regardless of not using contraceptives or stopping the use of IUS and other pregnancy preventatives; some women can experience a difficult time conceiving. Doctors may suggest using fertility pills or in vetro fertilization (IVF) for their patients. Using these fertility treatments may produce a higher chance of becoming pregnant with twins. Many women have a healthy and successful pregnancy after IUD removal, twins are just as likely if a woman never used an IUD.

For women who are having a challenging time conceiving, IVF may be helpful in having a successful pregnancy. Doctors tend to inform their patients of the high probability of using IVF,  twins chances of boy and girl fraternal twins is likely to happen. Identical twins are less likely to happen, when compared to being pregnant with fraternal twins.

Expecting Identical or Fraternal Twins

How do women find out if they are carrying twins that are identical or fraternal? Around 12 weeks of gestation, you may receive a positive pregnancy test revealing a measurable trace of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). An ultrasound is likely to be conducted, showing that you are expecting twins.

During the twin ultrasound, your physician may see two separate sacks. Typically, this represents fraternal twins. Identical twins are not as likely, compared to being pregnant with fraternal twins.       

Your Twin Baby Pregnancy Journey

Knowing you are expecting twins can be extremely exciting, whether you were able to conceive in a short amount of time or if you have been trying for a long time. Having a healthy and happy twin baby pregnancy is every mom’s dream come true. Watching what you eat allows you to have a healthy weight gain during your twin pregnancy. For some great meal options, check out Real Food for Pregnancy.

In it, you will discover delicious dishes for you and your babies. Not only are you helping your babies within the womb, but for all of their lives. What you consume is split amongst your babies. Help them, and yourself, by starting off with a clean eating lifestyle.

Not only are your twin babies growing, but so is your beautiful belly. Help your posture and pelvis by wearing a pregnancy band. This aids in alleviating pressure on your spine and pelvic bone. A pregnancy belly support band hides discreetly under maternity clothes, keeping you comfortable and feeling your best.

While your belly grows, be sure to moisturize it to ease stretch marks. A product, such as Burt’s Bee’s Mama Bee Belly Butter, offers comfort and relief from any itchiness you may be experiencing. Being free of fragrance means that it safely moisturizes your skin during and after pregnancy. Moms who had a cesarean section (c-section), rave about using lotion for sensitive skin to aid in comforting healing skin.

Getting Ready for the Delivery Day

Prepare for the arrival of your twin babies by packing your overnight bag with necessities you will want to have on the big day. Items to pack include adorable onesies, burp cloths, organic cotton bibs, change of clothes, hair brush, toothbrush, hair ties and socks are just a few essentials to have on hand. A postpartum kit has many of the must-haves grouped together in one convenient set.

For the ride home with your twin babies, you will need to have the car seats inside of the vehicle. At the hospital, a staff member may need to see the seat prior to taking your babies’ home. They will want to be sure that your babies are safely positioned inside of the car seat. If there is a gap, car seat support paddings are ideal in helping to keep your babies secure and safe.

Pregnant With Twins: What to Expect

A twin baby pregnancy is exciting and overwhelming. Studying up on what to expect and changing some daily routines helps to ease some anxieties. For additional tips and products, click on your bookmark tab to add TwinStuff. Our website includes suggestions and insights from experienced parents and other knowledgeable staff members within the twin community.

Be sure to join in on discussions posted within our TwinStuff Facebook Group. There you have additional support and encouragement from other moms and women experiencing similar situations that you may be experiencing. The extra support provides you with a peace of mind that allows you to enjoy the perks of having a twin pregnancy.