Twins

Desert Perinatal Associates

Perinatologists located in Las Vegas, NV & Henderson, NV

Being pregnant with multiples is exciting and perhaps daunting, especially when you learn you and your babies are more likely to have health complications than if you’re pregnant with a single baby. At Desert Perinatal Associates in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, the experienced and skilled team of Perinatologists can guide you through this high-risk pregnancy. Call one of the offices right away if you’re pregnant with multiples.

Twins, Triplets, & Multiples Q & A

How do I know if I’m pregnant with multiples?

An ultrasound confirms if you have more than one fetus, but you may believe you are before going in for this screening test. Symptoms include:

  • Very sore breasts
  • Extreme hunger and fast weight gain
  • Movements in different parts of your belly at the same time
  • Severe morning sickness
  • Unusually high levels of the hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

If you suspect you’re having multiples, especially if they run in your family or you took fertility treatments, consult Desert Perinatal Associates for evaluation.

What special prenatal care is necessary if I’m pregnant with multiples?

When you’re pregnant with twins, triplets, quads, or more, you may need extra care while you’re pregnant. The doctors at Desert Perinatal Associates monitor you for any problems that develop during gestation. You may need more frequent ultrasounds to check on the babies’ growth during the nine months, too.

What health problems do moms who are pregnant with multiples face?

You’re at risk for certain medical conditions when you have more than one baby in the womb. These include:

  • Early labor (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
  • Anemia (low iron levels)
  • Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid)
  • Hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness)
  • Miscarriage or stillbirth
  • Gestational diabetes
  • Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia (types of high blood pressure that occur with pregnancy)

At Desert Perinatal Associates, the doctors have specialized training in maternal health that makes them especially skilled in supporting your health during pregnancy with multiples.

What health problems can affect the babies in multiples pregnancies?

When you have more than one fetus, your babies are at a greater risk of health complications. These health complications include:

  • Premature birth
  • Birth defects
  • Growth problems
  • Neonatal death (within the first 28 days of life)
  • Low birthweight

Multiples are also at risk of twin-twin transfusion syndrome, also called TTTS. If identical twins share a placenta, one baby may get too much blood flow and the other doesn’t get enough. Treatment is available through laser surgery.

If you’re pregnant with multiples, call the office to be evaluated for possible complications.