Imagine going for your first scan and being told you’re pregnant with twins… Oh, I couldn’t stop smiling! A few minutes later, I hear the gynaecologist say “Oh, there’s one more. You’ll have to come back for a more detailed scan.”
After recovering from the shock of learning that I was pregnant with three babies, I began to read up about triplet pregnancies. Thanks to Google, I quickly learned that there is much more to multiples than simply twins or triplets. In fact, there are several different types of multiple pregnancies, each with their own characteristics and risks.
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Multiple pregnancies occur when a woman is carrying two or more fetuses.
There are different types of multiple pregnancies:
Twins
Twins are the most common type of multiple pregnancy. They can be either monozygotic or dizygotic. Monozygotic twins, also known as identical twins, develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos. Dizygotic twins, also known as fraternal twins, develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two separate sperms. Fraternal twins can be of the same or different gender, whilst identical twins are of the same gender. Read also: Types of Twin and Triplet Pregnancies
Triplets
Triplets occur when a woman is carrying three fetuses. They can be either monozygotic or dizygotic. With higher order multiples (triplets and above), the gender combinations vary depending on the type of pregnancy. Read also: Understanding the Chances of being Pregnant with Triplets, [Spotlight] Triplet Mummies Share Their Postpartum Arrangements
Quadruplets
Quadruplets occur when a woman is carrying four fetuses. They can also be either monozygotic or dizygotic. According to this article, only two sets of quadruplets births were recorded in Singapore since 2006 – one in 2008 and the other in 2012.
Quintuplets
Quintuplets occur when a woman is carrying five fetuses. They are very rare and usually occur as a result of fertility treatments. 1997 was the year the first IVF quintuplets were born in Singapore, according to healthxchange.sg.
Sextuplets
Sextuplets occur when a woman is carrying six fetuses. They are extremely rare and usually occur as a result of fertility treatments.
Septuplets
Septuplets occur when a woman is carrying seven fetuses. They are even rarer and usually occur as a result of fertility treatments.
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Multiple pregnancies increase the risk of certain complications for both the mother and the babies. In Singapore, multifetal pregnancy reduction is usually offered at the first detection of higher order multiples in order to manage pregnancy risks associated with carrying triplets and more. The expectant parents receive counseling on the options of reducing 1 or more fetuses in a procedure usually within Week 11-13. Whether you are pregnant with twins, triplets, or more, it is important to understand your pregnancy. By doing so, you will be able to better prepare yourself mentally and physically for the journey ahead and make informed decisions.
Regular prenatal care and close monitoring by your doctor are crucial for the health and well-being of mum and bubs. Aside, having a strong support system can help alleviate stress, provide practical help with tasks, and offer emotional encouragement throughout this whirlwind of a journey.
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