Management of twin pregnancy

Early management of twin pregnancy is important to prepare the parents by giving the special and advice. This will help to mother to take additional care not only for her own benefit also for the fetuses.

Advice -

• Diet – Increased dietary supplement is needed for increased energy supply to the extent of 300 Kcal per day, over and above that needed in a single pregnancy.

• Rest – Increased risk at home and early cessation of work is advised to prevent preterm labour and other complications.

• Supplement – Additional vitamins, calcium and folic acid are to be given, over and above those prescribed for a singleton pregnancy.

• More antenatal visit should be advised.

• Fetal growth assessment must be done at 2-3 week.

Hospitalization –

The woman may be admitted around the 32^nd week if she prefers it. This result in increase birth weight of babies, decreased frequency of preeclampsia, decrease frequency of preterm labour and lowered perinatal mortality.

Management during labour –

In multiple pregnancy, labour should start earlier. Term for twins is usually considered 37^th week rather than 40 week and approximately 30% of twins are born preterm that is before 37 week. As the twins pregnancy is considered is high risk, the woman should be admitted in an equipped hospital and having neonatal ICU unit (NICU).

Related  Articles :

• Multiple pregnancy (Twins)
• Causes of genesis of twins
• What is Superfetation and Superfecundation
• NST (Non Stress Test) in pregnancy
• FETUS-IN-UTERO (Lie, Presentation and Position)
• Management of first stage of labour