Hello, wonderful readers! It brings us immense joy to reconnect with you today. We are embarking on an engaging series that delves into the fascinating world of multiple pregnancies. What exactly are multiple pregnancies? What sets them apart from other types of pregnancies? These intriguing questions, among others, will be explored throughout this series.
A multiple pregnancy occurs when a woman carries more than one fetus. This can happen when more than one egg is released during the menstrual cycle and each egg becomes fertilized by a sperm, leading to the development of multiple embryos within the uterus. Such pregnancies result in the birth of fraternal twins or even more multiples. Alternatively, when a single fertilized egg splits, it results in the formation of multiple identical embryos, leading to identical twins or more. It’s important to note that fraternal twins are more common than identical ones.
Now, let’s delve into some of the common causes of multiple pregnancies. The use of fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation often prompts the release of multiple eggs from the ovaries, increasing the likelihood of twins, triplets, or more.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can also lead to multiple pregnancies if more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus. Identical multiples can occur if the fertilized egg splits after transfer.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that women aged 35 or older are more prone to releasing two or more eggs during a single menstrual cycle compared to younger women. As a result, older women have a higher likelihood of becoming pregnant with multiples.
Let’s now explore some of the symptoms associated with multiple pregnancies. Women expecting multiples may experience more pronounced morning sickness or breast tenderness than those carrying a single fetus. Additionally, they may notice a more rapid weight gain. In most cases, multiple pregnancies are detected during an ultrasound examination.
That’s all for today, dear readers. We’ll hit pause here for now, but rest assured, we will continue our exploration of multiple pregnancies in our next episode. Until then, stay in good health!
