Multiple pregnancy occurs when a woman carries more than one baby simultaneously. While twins are the most common, some women may carry triplets or more. Managing multiple pregnancies requires extra care to ensure the health of both the mother and the babies. A multiple pregnancy care plan involves increased monitoring, specialised nutrition, and potential medical interventions as needed.
Management of multiple pregnancy
A multiple pregnancy care plan requires more attention than a singleton pregnancy. A multiple-pregnancy parental care plan will be based on the mother’s overall health, the number of foetuses, and the likelihood of complications. Some key aspects of prenatal care include:
- Increased nutrition: Women carrying multiple foetuses need additional calories, protein, iron, and folic acid. Weight gain recommendations vary depending on the mother’s pre-pregnancy weight.
- More frequent prenatal visits: Antenatal management of multiple pregnancy involves frequent check-ups as it carries a higher risk of complications.
- Referrals to specialists: Some women may need to see a maternal-foetal medicine specialist, also known as a perinatologist, for specialised testing and ultrasounds.
- Maternal and foetal testing: Tests such as ultrasounds and foetal monitoring may be needed to check the health of the babies.
- Tocolytic medications: If preterm labour occurs, doctors may prescribe tocolytic drugs, such as nifedipine or magnesium sulphate, to slow or stop contractions.
- Corticosteroid medications: Corticosteroids may be administered to aid foetal lung development in cases of premature birth.
- Cervical cerclage: Some women with an incompetent cervix may require a cerclage procedure, where stitches are placed in the cervix to prevent early dilation.
Delivery for multiple pregnancies
The delivery method for a multiple pregnancy depends on several factors.
- Vaginal delivery: In case of twin pregnancy, if both twins are in the head-down (vertex) position, vaginal delivery is often possible. In cases where the first baby is head-down but the second is not, a doctor may attempt to turn the second baby or deliver it in the breech position. However, if complications arise, an emergency C-section may be required.
- C-section delivery: If the first baby is not in the head-down position, a C-section will likely be performed. Triplets and higher-order multiples are almost always delivered via c-section.
Conclusion
Multiple pregnancies require specialised care and close monitoring. Since multiple pregnancies have a higher risk of complications, opting for maternity insurance will help you financially prepare for the babies. The insurance offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses incurred during pregnancy, including delivery, hospitalisation, and newborn expenses.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.