Are twins more likely to have health problems?

Multiples are about twice as likely as singleton babies to have birth defects, including neural tube defects (such as spina bifida), cerebral palsy, congenital heart defects and birth defects that affect the digestive system. Growth problems. Multiples are usually smaller than singleton babies.

What problems do twins have?

But carrying twins can put you and your babies at increased risk for certain pregnancy-related complications, including premature birth and diabetes. Don’t let this alarm you. With good prenatal care, you can greatly increase your chances of enjoying a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies.

Do twins have birth defects?

Babies from twin pregnancies are more likely to suffer from birth-related complications than those from singleton pregnancies. Fraternal and identical twins can be affected by pregnancy complications, and subsequent birth defects.

What symptoms are worse with twins?

Many women who are expecting twins find that they have quite noticeable and very early pregnancy symptoms, including tiredness, emotional ups and downs, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Also, body changes with a twin pregnancy are much more obvious than with a single pregnancy.

What is a good weight for twins at birth?

Low birth weight. While the average single baby weighs 7 pounds at birth, the average twin weighs 5.5 pounds. Triplets typically weigh 4 pounds each, and quads weigh 3 pounds each. Babies born at under 5.5 pounds are considered to have a low birth weight.

How often is one twin autistic?

Studies in identical twins have shown that autism has a strong genetic basis: If one identical twin has autism, the other one has it, too, as much as 90 percent of the time. The new work supports these estimates: In 64 of the 78 twin pairs, both twins have an autism diagnosis.

What is the safest twin pregnancy?

Here are three major possibilities that exist: Two placentas and two amniotic sacs. A twin pregnancy with two placentas and two amniotic sacs is the optimal twin pregnancy, as each baby has its own nutritional source and protective membrane.

What is full-term for twins?

Doctors consider 37 weeks to be full-term for most twin pregnancies. The average length of pregnancy for twins is 36.4 weeks. Babies who are born between 32 weeks and 37 weeks generally do very well.

Can you deliver twins naturally?

About one third of all twins are born vaginally and the process is similar to that of giving birth to a single baby. If you’re planning a vaginal delivery, it’s usually recommended that you have an epidural for pain relief.

What are the risks of having twin babies?

With twins, you’re at greater risk for: Premature birth. Twins are born prematurely more than half the time. That’s before the end of 36 weeks of pregnancy. Premature babies may have health problems as newborns. Sometimes they also have lasting disabilities. Low birth weight (LBW).

Are there any birth defects in fraternal twins?

Fraternal and identical twins can be affected by pregnancy complications, and subsequent birth defects. One of the most common issues is that twins are very often delivered preterm, often due to premature rupture of the membranes.

What are the risks of twin to twin transfusion syndrome?

The risk of pregnancy loss is higher in later trimesters as well. Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition of the placenta that develops only with identical twins that share a placenta. Blood vessels connect within the placenta and divert blood from 1 baby to the other.

Are there any birth defects in monochorionic twins?

Problems that can affect the health of monochorionic twins include: 1 Birth weight differences 2 Amniotic fluid problems 3 Umbilical cord entanglement or compression 4 Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) 5 Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAP sequence) 6 Increased risk of birth defects in each twin