Complications affecting the mother and fetuses in multiple pregnancy
There are pregnancy problems that can be more likely with a multiple pregnancy. For this reason, it's important to get regular prenatal exams. They are important both for monitoring your own health and your fetus's health and for giving you and your health professional time to build a working relationship.
In multiple pregnancy, the risk can be higher for:
- Miscarriage of one or more fetuses.
- Early birth (preterm birth), which occurs in:1
For more information, see the topics Preterm Labor and Premature Infant.
- 50% of twin pregnancies.
- 92% of triplet pregnancies.
- Over 95% of quadruplet pregnancies.
- Preeclampsia, which occurs in:1
For more information, see the topic Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy.
- 10% to 12% of twin pregnancies.
- 25% to 60% of triplet pregnancies.
- Over 60% of quadruplet pregnancies.
- Gestational diabetes, which occurs in:1
For more information, see the topic Gestational Diabetes.
- 5% to 8% of twin pregnancies.
- 7% of triplet pregnancies.
- Over 10% of quadruplet pregnancies.
- Problems with the placenta, such as placenta abruptio or placenta previa. For more information, see the topics Placenta Abruptio and Placenta Previa.
- Increased chance of cesarean delivery.
- Heavy maternal blood loss can occur before, during, and after delivery.
- Anemia.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are more common in multiple pregnancies than in pregnancies with one fetus.
- Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), which increases the risk of preterm birth.
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: July 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine | |
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