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WARNING: Be aware that the following information describes various complications that some readers may find disturbing. You may choose not to read all or parts of this section. |
Health variations for the woman
Health variations for the babies
At least 50% of twin pregnancies progress normally and result in the birth of two healthy
term babies of adequate weight, without complications. Nevertheless, multiple pregnancies are regarded by caregivers as being 'higher risk' because the chances of health complications are statistically more common compared to singleton pregnancies. The higher the order of multiples (triplets, quads etc.) the more chance complications may arise.
The following is a summary of the possible complications or variations that may occur with multiple pregnancies. Having some knowledge can provide an understanding of what to possibly expect if they do happen and perhaps a degree of reassurance, but it may also provoke more anxiety. The aim of this section is not to scare you, but to hopefully assist in answering some of the many questions you may have.
Health variations for the woman
Health variations for women having multiples can affect the woman's health and/or the health or growth of her babies. The possible complications are generally similar to those experienced by women having a single baby. However, the chances of them developing are often increased. As a consequence the likelihood of requiring a
Caesarean birth and/or delivering the babies
prematurely are also increased. In Australia, the Caesarean rate for twins is nearly twice the amount for single babies (40 to 50%). Triplets or more are generally all born by Caesarean (90%). How multiples are born and the reasons for this are discussed in more depth in
twins or more - the birth.