women s health issues
Multiple Births
Risks of Multiple Births
Carrying more than one fetus increases the risk of problems. Carrying more than one fetus overstretches the uterus, and an overstretched uterus tends to start contracting before the pregnancy reaches full term ( Preterm Labor ). As a result, the babies are usually born prematurely and are small. Risk of Because the fetuses can be in various positions and presentations, vaginal delivery can be complicated. Also, the contraction of the uterus after delivery of the first baby may shear away the placenta of the remaining baby or babies. As a result, the baby or babies that follow the first may have more problems during delivery. Carrying more than one fetus also increases the risk of problems for the woman. They include High blood pressure plus protein in the urine ( Preeclampsia and Eclampsia ) Gestational diabetes None The need for Cesarean Delivery None Postpartum Depression None 