Multiple Pregnancy

Sometimes, a pregnant woman can have a twin or triplet pregnancy instead of a singleton. These pregnancies require multiple scans to identify if the twins share the same placenta or have different placentas. Such pregnancies need to be scanned properly and frequently to monitor and check the growth of the developing twins / triplets. The scanning is done using ultrasound.

multiple pregnancy
FAQs
  • Most twin pregnancies will have an uneventful course and normal delivery; however it is important to be aware of the following complications:

    Anaemia
    Since there is increased demand for nutrients for two babies rather than one, there is increased risk of developing anemia and other nutritional deficiencies.

    High blood pressure
    Mothers with multiple pregnancy have a higher chance of developing high blood pressure in pregnancy.

    Premature delivery
    Since the womb is getting over distended with more babies than one, almost 50% twins will deliver earlier than 37 weeks and have lower birth weights than an average singleton. Almost one in ten will deliver before 32 weeks of pregnancy.

    Delivery
    There is a higher chance of caesarean delivery than normal in the case of multiple pregnancies.

  • The first trimester Scan will give a clear indication of singleton or multiple pregnancies (twin / triplet / etc). In the case of multiple pregnancy, scans will be repeated frequently based on whether the twins / triplets / etc., share the same placenta or not. If they share the same placenta, then the frequency of scanning will be higher, typically every week or fortnightly.

  • Depending upon the number of babies and their position, the fetal medicine experts might take 30 to 60 minutes.

  • Our experts’ recommend you to empty your bladder 90 minutes before your examination time. Then consume significant amount of water or milk or coffee about an hour before your examination time. Full bladder is very essential for a pregnancy ultrasound Scan. We kindly recommend a two-piece, comfortable outfit so we can access your abdomen at ease. You may eat normally prior to having a fetal ultrasound.

  • This Scan is absolutely safe, since an ultrasound Scan machine uses a simple low frequency sound wave that can penetrate your body, tissues and organ for imaging without any side effects or damage.

  • This Ultrasound imaging method also has certain limitations. Ultrasound cannot accurately diagnose the intestines and parts because the sound waves are obstructed by air and vapours. In addition, ultrasound also limits the survey in overweight and obese people.

  • MediScan is an acknowledged centre of excellence in Asia for fetal medicine. They have helped improve standard of care for pregnancies and have pioneered new assessment metrics and tools to determine the normalcy, safety and viability of the pregnancy. This therefore results in accuracy and reliability of its screening and diagnostic services.