Gestational Diabetes
Moms of multiples are more than twice as likely to experience gestational diabetes during their pregnancy with twins or more, probably because the increase in hormones produced by the extra babies interferes with their body's ability to process insulin. Often, it can be controlled with diet, but sometimes insulin must be administered. The condition does not pose a risk to the babies.
Placenta Problems
Whether there is a single, shared or multiple placentas, mothers of twins or more are at greater risk for complications such as placenta previa and placenta abruptio. Problems affecting the placenta can result in dangerous complications for the mother, including hemorrhage during pregnancy or after delivery. Fortunately, careful monitoring can detect most problems long before they pose a severe risk.
Heart Problems
A recent Canadian study suggests some sobering information about the dangers of multiple birth. It found that women who carry two or more fetuses are thirteen times more likely to experience heart failure. Their risk of having a heart attack during pregnancy is nearly quadrupled. The researchers attributed the increase to physiological stress, explaining that each additional fetus raises the level of cardiac output.
It's not known how doctors will incorporate these recent research results into their treatment of multiple pregnancy.
Preeclampsia and PIH
Blood pressure problems plague many pregnant mothers of multiples. PIH, which stands for Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension, is diagnosed when a woman's blood pressure measures higher than 140 over 90. This occurs in pregnancy because your blood volume increases; multiple babies exacerbate the situation. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly during your pregnancy; most medical caregivers take a reading at every office visit. Treatment options include restricted activity, bed rest, and occasionaly medications. Severe cases may require early delivery of the babies.
Elevated blood pressure is one component of a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia differs from PIH when it is accompanied by two additional symptoms: edema (swelling) and proteinuria (protein in the urine).
Preeclampsia affects one in three moms of multiples during their pregnancy. It is primarily treated with bedrest, but should be closely monitored becasue of the potential for serious complications like kidney failure, seizures or stroke. The condition is directly tied to pregnancy; if the babies are delivered, the preeclampsia goes away, usually without any lingering effects.
