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Newport Fertility Center
(949)
222-1290
What are
the risks of a multiple pregnancy?
If you are
having twins or more, there are a variety of issues involved. Mark
Kan, MD, tells you about the risks.
(From PregnancyandBaby.com)
The question
What are the risks of a multiple pregnancy?
The expert
answers
The most important complication of multiple pregnancy is the risk of
preterm labor and preterm delivery. Generally, a pregnancy with one
baby lasts 37 to 42 weeks from the last menstrual period. Labor or
delivery before this period of time frame is considered preterm. The
incidence of preterm delivery increases as the number of babies
inside the uterus increases. Infants who are born prematurely are at
risk for problems stemming from organ systems that are not fully
developed.
One of the most
common problems is lung immaturity, however there can be many other
complications. The good news is there are many treatments which can
help patients in preterm labor, including medications that help the
fetal lungs mature inside the womb. Irrespective of treatment
success however, initial prevention of high-order multiples is
always preferable.
Women with
multiple gestations will often undergo treatment for commonly
associated conditions. Bed rest and/or tocolytics (medicines which
attempt to stop contractions) are often prescribed for preterm
labor, however their efficacy remains debated among experts.
Increased antepartum testing is often performed including fetal
heart rate monitoring and periodic ultrasound examinations. When
hospitalized, antibiotics may be administered, as are steroids which
can improve fetal lung maturity and decrease the risk of
intraventricular hemorrhage.
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20072 S.W. Birch Street, Suite 230
Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 222-1290
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