Multiple Pregnancy

Carrying twins, triplets, or more can be an exciting journey, but it also comes with unique considerations. At Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare, our private obstetricians provide specialist care tailored to the needs of women expecting multiple babies—offering personalised guidance, comprehensive monitoring, and compassionate support every step of the way.

Why Specialist Care Matters in Multiple Pregnancy

• Increased Health Risks: Multiple pregnancies have a higher likelihood of complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
• More Frequent Check-ups: Twin or triplet pregnancies often require additional scans and antenatal appointments to monitor foetal growth and maternal wellbeing.
• Unique Delivery Plans: Deciding between vaginal birth or caesarean section can depend on the positioning of each baby and whether they share a placenta or amniotic sac.

Understanding Multiple Pregnancy

Types of Multiple Pregnancy

1. Dichorionic Diamniotic (DCDA) Twins
• Each baby has its own placenta and own amniotic sac.
• Common with non-identical (fraternal) twins, but can also occur in some identical twin pregnancies if the embryo splits early.
2. Monochorionic Diamniotic (MCDA) Twins
• Babies share one placenta but have separate amniotic sacs.
• More common in identical twins. Additional scans help watch for complications like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
3. Monochorionic Monoamniotic (MCMA) Twins
• Babies share one placenta and one amniotic sac.
• Rarer, with an increased risk of cord entanglement and TTTS, so close monitoring is essential.
4. Triplets and Higher-Order Multiples
• Can arise from multiple eggs fertilised (fraternal) or a combination of identical/fraternal splits.
• Often require even more frequent monitoring due to a higher risk of preterm labour and other complications.

Potential Complications & How We Manage Them

1. Preterm Birth
• Twins have a higher chance of arriving before 37 weeks; triplets often arrive earlier.
• We monitor cervical length, advise on lifestyle modifications, and may recommend medication or hospital admission if there are signs of premature labour.
2. Preeclampsia
• Expectant mothers of multiples face a higher risk of raised blood pressure and protein in the urine.
• We provide regular blood pressure checks, urine tests, and blood tests to spot signs early, advising on management and possible earlier delivery if required.
3. Gestational Diabetes
• Multiple pregnancies increase the likelihood of glucose intolerance.
• We may suggest a glucose tolerance test (GTT), advise on dietary changes, or—if necessary—prescribe medication like insulin to protect both mother and babies.
4. Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)
• A concern for monochorionic twins, where one baby may receive too much blood and the other too little.
• We schedule extra ultrasounds to track fluid levels, growth, and blood flow. If TTTS develops, referral to a specialist fetal medicine unit for laser therapy or other interventions might be recommended.
5. Placental Issues
• More than one placenta (or a shared one) can increase complexity for the pregnancy.
• We perform thorough scans to evaluate placental position(s) and function, planning your birth accordingly.

Recommended Antenatal Care

Increased Monitoring

• More Frequent Ultrasound Scans: Often every 2–4 weeks, especially if babies share a placenta.
• Regular Antenatal Visits: Checking blood pressure, testing urine, and discussing any symptoms like shortness of breath, excessive swelling, or unusual pain.

Nutrition & Lifestyle

• Balanced Diet: Intake of key nutrients (folic acid, iron, protein) is especially important when you’re growing more than one baby.
• Adequate Rest: Fatigue can be more pronounced, so allow time for light exercise and ample rest.
• Avoid Overexertion: Monitor physical activity—your body is working harder than with a single pregnancy.

Planning for Delivery

• Birth Preferences: A twin pregnancy can often be delivered vaginally if the leading twin is head-down and there are no complications. However, a planned caesarean may be recommended if one or more babies are breech or share a placenta in ways that complicate delivery.
• Hospital Birth: With multiples, a hospital setting is generally advised. A neonatal unit is available if preterm birth or additional newborn care is required.

How Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare Supports You

1. Personalised Consultations
• We begin by reviewing your pregnancy history, overall health, and the specifics of your multiple pregnancy (e.g., identical vs. fraternal).
• Our team designs a tailored care plan, factoring in scan frequency, recommended tests, and any medical interventions that might be necessary.
2. Ongoing Monitoring & Specialist Referrals
• We coordinate regular antenatal visits and scans to keep a close eye on foetal growth and maternal wellbeing.
• If complications like TTTS arise, we’ll refer you to specialist fetal medicine services promptly.
3. Delivery & Postnatal Planning
• As you near your due date (which may be earlier than 40 weeks), we discuss delivery options—from vaginal births with close neonatal support to planned caesarean sections.
• Postnatally, we offer continued support with feeding guidance (breast, bottle, or combination) and signpost you to parenting resources tailored to multiples.
4. Holistic Wellbeing
• Multiple pregnancy can bring added stress, so our approach includes emotional support and, where needed, referrals to mental health professionals or counselling services.
• Nutritional advice is also available if you need help managing a healthy weight gain or special dietary considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will I automatically have a caesarean if I’m expecting twins?
   Not necessarily. A vaginal birth is often possible if the babies are well-positioned (usually at least the first twin head-down) and no other complications arise. Your obstetrician will guide you on the safest mode of delivery.
2. How early might my babies arrive?
   While 37 weeks is considered full-term for twins, many women deliver earlier. Triplets and higher-order multiples often arrive before 34 weeks. We’ll monitor carefully and advise on any signs of preterm labour.
3. How can I manage daily tasks with a twin bump?
   Listening to your body is crucial. Consider practical support from friends or family, especially towards the later stages. Gentle exercise like prenatal yoga can help maintain flexibility while giving you time to rest when needed.
4. Can I still breastfeed if I have twins or triplets?
   Yes! Many mothers successfully breastfeed multiples, although it may require some technique adjustments and support. We can provide guidance or direct you to local lactation consultants.

Book Your Private Consultation

If you’re expecting twins, triplets, or more, let Grosvenor Gardens Healthcare guide you through a safe, well-supported pregnancy. Our private obstetricians offer comprehensive care—from early scans to delivery planning—ensuring you and your babies receive the specialist attention you need.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Dulwich or Belgravia clinic. Let our dedicated team help you navigate multiple pregnancy with confidence and peace of mind

Other Services we offer: 

Private Gynaecologists

Private GP

Private Paediatrician

Private Obstetrician & Maternity Hospital

Private Colposcopy