Having a baby is such an exciting time for a couple, and expecting twins can be doubly exciting. It can also feel overwhelming at times. Dr. Okey Okoli can help you move through your pregnancy with ease, even if you’re expecting twins. For many women in the San Antonio, Texas, area, Advanced Women’s Center is the practice of choice for single or multiple pregnancies. If you’re expecting twins, schedule an initial consultation online or over the phone at your earliest convenience.
There are a number of things you can do to take good care of yourself and your babies during your pregnancy. One of the most important ones is scheduling regular check-ups with Dr. Okoli. Some women need to be seen more frequently than others.
Here are some things you can do on your own to support a healthy pregnancy:
When twins share the same placenta, there is no barrier between them as they develop. Very often, these twins share blood vessel connections in the placenta.
This sharing allows blood to flow from one twin to the other, a condition known as twin-to-twin transfer syndrome, or TTTS. It occurs in as many as 15% of twins who share the same placenta.
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a serious health issue. It’s common for one twin to receive too much blood, while the other receives too little. The fetus with too little blood may prioritize blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain, while other organs receive far less blood.
Kidney function is often impaired, leading to very little urine production. The twin receiving excessive blood flow, however, has the opposite problem, and produces too much urine. That twin may also develop heart failure due to the additional demands placed on the heart.
Treating TTTS depends on a number of considerations. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach, and Dr. Okoli can discuss the pros and cons of various treatment options.
Carrying two infants to term places a great deal of strain on your body. Multiple pregnancies have a higher risk of complications, which is why it’s so important to find an obstetrician you trust and feel comfortable with.
These are some of the issues that can arise with twin pregnancy:
It’s important to note that not all women carrying twins will experience these types of complications. When they do occur, various treatment options can help.
Dr. Okoli offers individualized care that focuses on identifying your areas of need and offering safe and effective treatment options. To learn more, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
