Signs of triplets
Twins, Triplets, Complications & Symptoms
What is a multiple pregnancy?
A multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy where you’re carrying more than one baby at a time. If you’re carrying two babies, they are called twins. Three babies that are carried during one pregnancy are called triplets. You can also carry more than three babies at one time (high-order multiples). There are typically more risks linked to a multiple pregnancy than a singleton (carrying only one baby) pregnancy.
How do multiple pregnancies happen?
There are two main ways that a multiple pregnancy can happen:
- One fertilized egg (ovum) splits before it implants in the uterine lining.
- Two or more separate eggs are fertilized by different sperm at the same time.
These two different types of multiple pregnancy result in either identical or fraternal siblings. The difference between identical and fraternal babies goes back to how the multiple pregnancy happens.
Identical twins or triplets happen when a single egg is fertilized and then later splits. These newly divided embryos are identical. Children that are identical multiples will look like each other and be the same sex.
Fraternal multiples develop from separate eggs that are fertilized by a different sperm. Because these are different eggs and different sperm, the genetic material is varied. These children won’t look identical and can be different sexes from each other.
In a pregnancy with triplets or more, your babies could be all identical, all fraternal or a mixture of both. This can happen if your body releases multiple eggs and more than one is fertilized. In a case where you have both identical and fraternal multiples, more than one egg was fertilized and then at least one of those eggs also split after fertilization.
Are identical twins or triplets always the same sex?
Because identical twins or triplets share genetic material, they are always the same sex. The sex of a baby is determined by the particular sperm cell that fertilizes the egg at conception.
There are two kinds of sperm cells — those carrying an X chromosome or Y chromosome. The mother’s egg carries an X chromosome. If a sperm cell carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the egg, it will make a XX combination (female). If the sperm cell is carrying a Y chromosome, you end up with an XY pairing (male).
Identical multiples start as one egg and then split, so whatever chromosome combination is present at fertilization is the sex of all multiples.
What increases the chance of a multiple pregnancy?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of a multiple birth. You might be at a higher risk of getting pregnant with more than one baby at a time if you:
- Are older (women in their 30s are at a higher risk of multiples because the body starts to release multiple eggs at one time when you get older).
- Are a twin yourself or have twins in your family.
- Are using fertility drugs.
You might also be at a higher risk of a multiple pregnancy if you are taller than average or have a higher body weight.
Another risk factor for a multiple pregnancy is genetic. There is an increased possibility of a multiple pregnancy if you are a multiple yourself, or if multiples run in your family. This heredity trait is generally passed down through the maternal (mother’s) side of the family.
The use of fertility drugs can be another reason you might have a multiple birth. Treatments for infertility can increase your risk of a multiple pregnancy because procedures, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), often involve transferring more than one fertilized egg into your uterus. Your provider usually transfers more than one egg at a time to increase the odds of a successful pregnancy.
How common are multiple births?
Multiple births have become more common in recent years because more people are using fertility drugs and procedures, such as IVF, to help conceive a baby.
What are the signs of a multiple pregnancy?
The only way to know if you’re pregnant with more than one baby during your pregnancy is through an ultrasound exam with your healthcare provider.
During this test, your provider can look at images of the inside of your uterus and confirm how many babies are in there.
You might experience more intense symptoms during a multiple pregnancy than with a single pregnancy. These can include:
- Severe nausea and vomiting (morning sickness).
- Rapid weight gain in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Sore or very tender breasts.
- High human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels — this hormone is made during pregnancy and is what a pregnancy test picks up.
- High amounts of the protein alpha-fetoprotein in your blood.
Apart from an ultrasound, your provider might suspect multiples if there’s more than one heartbeat detected during a fetal Doppler scan.
What complications are linked to multiple births?
Anyone can experience complications during pregnancy — regardless of how many babies you’re carrying. However, most healthcare providers consider multiple pregnancies higher risk than single pregnancies.
This doesn’t mean that every woman who carries more than one baby during a pregnancy is going to have problems. If you’re pregnant with multiples, your provider will want to watch you for possible complications that can happen when you carry more than one baby at once. Your provider will talk to you about each risk factor and frequently check with you to make sure you aren’t experiencing anything concerning.
Possible complications include:
- Premature labor and birth: The most common complication of multiple births is premature labor. If you’re pregnant for multiples, you are more likely to go into premature labor (before 37 weeks) than a woman carrying only one baby. The goal for many moms of multiples is to complete 37 weeks. This is considered term in a twin pregnancy and reaching this week of gestation increases the chance the babies will be born healthy and at a good weight. Babies that are born prematurely are at risk of another complication of multiple births — low birth weight.
- Preeclampsia or gestational hypertension (high blood pressure): High blood pressure is called hypertension. During pregnancy, your healthcare provider will watch your blood pressure carefully to make sure you don’t develop gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy). This can lead to a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. Complications related to high blood pressure happen at twice the rate in women carrying multiples compared to women pregnant with only one baby. This complication also tends to happen earlier in pregnancy and be more severe in multiple pregnancies than single pregnancies.
- Gestational diabetes: You can develop diabetes during pregnancy. This happens because of the increased amount of hormones from the placenta. The size of the placenta can also be a factor in this condition. If you have two placentas, there’s an increased resistance to insulin.
- Placenta abruption: This condition happens when the placenta detaches (separates) from the wall of your uterus before delivery.
This is an emergency situation. Placenta abruption is more common in women who are carrying multiples. - Fetal growth restriction: This condition can also be called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or small for gestational age (SGA). This condition happens when one or more of your babies is not growing at the proper rate. This condition might cause the babies to be born prematurely or at a low birth-weight. Nearly half of pregnancies with more than one baby have this problem.
Fraternal twins always have two placentas. The risks of pregnancies with fraternal twins are similar to those of pregnancies with only one baby. However, the number of possible risks are increased when compared to pregnancies with one baby.
Identical twins may have one placenta (70% of the cases) or two placentas (30% of the cases). The risks of identical twins with two placentas are similar to those listed above for fraternal twins. Identical twins with one placenta (called monochorionic) have risks that are unique to them.
In 5 to 15% of the cases, they may develop a condition called twin-twin-transfusion-syndrome (TTTS). This is the consequence of vascular communications at the placenta level between the twins. Due to these communications, the twins may share their blood. When this happens — if nothing is done — there is a 90% risk that the twins will die in-utero. In-utero procedures are performed to decrease the fetal death risk for the twins.
Another complication that can happen in identical twins with one placenta is called twin-anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). This is due to blood that goes from one twin to the co-twin because of vascular communications at the placental level. In this condition, one twin becomes anemic (low red-blood cells), whereas the co-twin becomes polycythemic (too many red-blood cells). Several treatments/interventions are performed when this happens.
A third condition that can occur in identical twins with one placenta is called” selective IUGR”. One twin grows well, whereas the co-twin does not experience much growth.
Another condition typical of identical twins is called twin-reversed-arterial-perfusion syndrome. In this condition, the heart of one twin pumps blood for the circulation of both twins. One twin does not have the heart and will not survive following birth. The outcome of the twin with the normal heart varies. Fortunately, this syndrome is rare (1 in 20,000 to 40,000) and it is amenable to in-utero procedures.
Identical twins with one placenta may also be in the same sac. They are called monochorionic (one placenta)-monoamniotic (one gestational sac). This pregnancy occurs in 1% of multiple gestations and it’s associated with an increased risk for one or both twins.
Your healthcare provider will diagnose the above conditions with an ultrasound.
Am I more likely to have a C-section delivery if I’m carrying multiples?
A cesarean section is a procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision (cut) in the abdomen. This type of delivery might be used for a variety of reasons, but it’s fairly common in multiple births.
Your chance of having a C-section for a multiple birth is higher than if you were pregnant for only one baby. However, even in single births, a C-section can sometimes be the safest option for delivery.
Often, the babies aren’t in the right position for birth — head down. A C-section can also happen if you have a complication during pregnancy that means a vaginal birth isn’t the safest option for you or your babies. Your healthcare provider will monitor you leading up to your due date and talk to you about the best option for delivery.
What can I do to stay healthy during a multiple pregnancy?
Eating nutritious foods, getting enough rest, and visiting the doctor regularly are important steps for any pregnant woman to take toward a healthy pregnancy. These steps are especially important during multiple pregnancies.
If you’re expecting multiples, you have additional dietary needs to meet. Getting enough protein and enough hydration (fluids) is important. You’ll also need to make sure you get enough extra calories for the developing fetuses.
One rule of thumb is to eat an extra 300 calories a day per baby. That means that if you’re pregnant with twins, you will need to add 600 calories to your daily diet. Talk to your healthcare provider about your diet and the specific amounts you’ll need for a healthy pregnancy.
Moms of multiples might also experience the typical discomforts of pregnancy more intensely. It’s important to take good care of yourself and get plenty of rest to help ease the stresses of pregnancy.
In some cases, you might want to find a healthcare provider who has experience with multiple births. Specialized healthcare can help ensure that you and your babies are receiving the best care available. The need for frequent, intensive prenatal care is very important in a multiple pregnancy. Talk to your family doctor or OBGYN about their recommendations for specialists.
Can I be active and exercise during a multiple pregnancy?
Exercise and activity is an important part of any pregnancy. In most cases, you can absolutely exercise during a multiple pregnancy.
Low-impact exercises are a great way to stay in shape and maintain your health throughout pregnancy. Some low-impact exercises to try during a multiple pregnancy can include:
- Swimming.
- Walking.
- Prenatal yoga.
Even though activity is wonderful during pregnancy, you should talk to your healthcare provider about the best activities for you. Some more strenuous activities might not be a good idea during a multiple pregnancy, including:
- Jogging.
- Aerobics that involve jumping.
It’s also important to remember that your exercise routine might need to change over time if you experience any complications.
Multiple pregnancy (triplets or more)
Multiple pregnancy (triplets or more) | Pregnancy Birth and Baby beginning of content7-minute read
Listen
During your pregnancy, you may find out that you're expecting 3 or more babies.
This can sometimes be a surprise or even a shock. Most families with multiple pregnancies find having several babies at once to be a very positive experience. Being pregnant with triplets or more does mean you will need extra medical support throughout your pregnancy.
How do 'higher order multiples' occur?
If you are having 3 or more babies, they are known as 'higher order multiples'. This sort of multiple pregnancy can occur when:
- a single fertilised egg splits
- more than one egg is fertilised
Both of these things can also happen at the same time. This means that multiple babies could be fraternal (non-identical) or identical.
Higher order multiples rarely happen naturally and are usually the result of fertility treatments.
In 2020, 1.4% of all births in Australia were multiple births. Of these, almost all were twins. Just 1 in 100 of the multiple births were triplets or higher.
You can find out if you are having a multiple birth when you have an ultrasound.
When carrying triplets or more, you can expect the same early pregnancy symptoms that you would have with one baby. But they can start sooner and be more severe.
You will need extra medical care throughout your pregnancy. Choose an experienced doctor and medical support team that is right for you.
You may see a team of health care professionals who are experienced in higher order multiple pregnancies. These may include:
- obstetricians (specialist doctors who give medical care during pregnancy and birth)
- midwives (specialist nurses who give medical care during pregnancy and birth)
- sonographers (specialist in imaging with ultrasound)
- physiotherapists
- dietitians
You will need tests such as a glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes. Frequent ultrasounds may be recommended to see how your babies are growing. Ultrasound scans can also check whether there are any problems with the placentas or cords.
The most common pregnancy complication with triplets or more is premature birth. Your healthcare team will keep a close eye on your health. Carrying multiple babies puts you at higher risk of certain problems. These can include:
- pre-term labour (going into labour early)
- anaemia (not having enough red blood cells, usually caused by iron deficiency)
- gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
- hypertension or pre-eclampsia (potentially dangerous forms of high blood pressure)
- hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness)
- polyhydramnios (having too much amniotic fluid around the baby)
- miscarriage or stillbirth (sometimes one of the babies may die in the womb)
- Postpartum depression (also known as postnatal depression, and perinatal anxiety and depression)
- postpartum haemorrhagep (heavy bleeding after the birth)
Talk to your healthcare team if you have any concerns while you are pregnant.
Looking after yourself during multiple pregnancy
Having a multiple pregnancy can be physically and mentally overwhelming. It is important to take care of yourself. Make sure to surround yourself with a positive support network.
Nutrition
If you are carrying triplets or more, you may grow bigger than with a normal pregnancy. You may also grow more quickly. You will need to eat more to meet the babies' nutritional needs, and your own.
You may need to take iron, calcium, Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements. Your healthcare team will provide you with a nutrition plan.
Conditions associated with pregnancy
With a multiple pregnancy, you may be more likely to experience:
- reflux
- haemorrhoids
- varicose veins
- constipation
See your doctor for information and advice about how to manage these symptoms.
You may experience backache, so correct posture is very important. To keep good posture while pregnant, you should:
- continue gentle exercise as advised
- bend your knees when lifting
- tilt your pelvis forward when sitting, standing, or lying down
- consider stomach support
Activity and rest
Doing some gentle exercise during pregnancy can help ease tension and improve your muscle tone.
Towards the end of your pregnancy, you may need to make some changes, such as
- limiting physical activity
- limiting travel
- possible bed rest
You can feel very tired in the later stages of the pregnancy. You may have problems sleeping. Frequent rest and drinking plenty of water will help.
You will also usually have to stop work earlier than with a single pregnancy. Your healthcare team can advise you on the right time for this.
Preparing for multiple babies
Be as prepared as you can. The babies are likely to be born earlier so it's a good idea to get the nursery ready.
Attend antenatal classes earlier than you would for a single pregnancy. Some classes or information evenings are designed specifically for women expecting multiple babies. These sessions can provide support, and a chance to meet other families.
Before your babies are born, you can speak with your midwife or lactation consultant about feeding.
They can provide advice and support on:
- what to expect when feeding multiple babies
- positions for breastfeeding
- different baby formula options
- how to bottle feed
- what equipment you may need
When are multiple babies born?
While a normal pregnancy usually lasts 40 weeks, triplets are often born earlier.
Usually, the longer your babies can stay in the uterus, the better. But when you are pregnant with triplets or more, complications can often develop. With some complications, it may be better for you and your babies if they are delivered early.
Most multiple births take place by caesarean section. Your medical team will decide when to deliver. This will be based on your health and the health of the babies. You may need to stay in hospital for a while before the birth.
If you experience any signs of preterm labour, call your doctor immediately.
Where to find more information
If you are expecting higher order multiples, it's common to worry about things such as:
- possible pregnancy complications
- changes to your body
- how your other children will cope
- what help you will need
For support and resources, contact the Australian Multiple Birth Association.
You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 for advice or support 7 days a week
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Sources:
Australian Multiple Birth Association (What to expect when you're expecting multiples), Australian Bureau of Statistics (Births, Australia), Multiples NZ (Pregnancy and Birth)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: June 2022
Back To Top
Related pages
- Twins, triplets and multiples
Need more information?
Types of multiple pregnancy
Multiple pregnancies, including twins, triplets and more, are rare but require lots of support.
Find out about different types of multiple pregnancy here.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Multiple birth - triplets or more
If you are pregnant with triplets or more, the birth will need careful planning. The main risk is that your babies will be born prematurely. Find out more here.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Raising multiple babies
Raising multiple babies - triplets or more - involves planning, hard work, and well designed routines. But with support, raising multiples does get easier.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Twins, triplets and multiples
If you are having twins, triplets or more, find out everything you need to know about your pregnancy, the birth, feeding and raising your babies.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Fraternal twins & identical twins | Raising Children Network
Whether you’re having fraternal twins or identical twins, it’s good to find out during pregnancy. Get the facts you need about different types of twins.
Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
Twins and multiple births - Better Health Channel
Multiple births are more common than they used to be, due to the increased use of assisted reproductive techniques, in particular the use of fertility drugs.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Feeding multiple babies
Feeding multiple babies, such as triplets or more, can be challenging at first, but even breastfeeding is possible with some expert help.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Pregnant with twins
If you're pregnant with twins, a healthy lifestyle and diet will help you manage your pregnancy and give your babies the best start in life.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Private health insurance and pregnancy
If you are planning to have a child and want private health insurance, there are things to consider such as waiting periods and what is covered.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Ultrasound scans during pregnancy
Ultrasound scans will help you and your doctors monitor your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy.
Find out more, including about why you might need one.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Disclaimer
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
OKNeed further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?
1800 882 436
Video call
- Contact us
- About us
- A-Z topics
- Symptom Checker
- Service Finder
- Linking to us
- Information partners
- Terms of use
- Privacy
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is funded by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is provided on behalf of the Department of Health
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby’s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework. This website is certified by the Health On The Net (HON) foundation, the standard for trustworthy health information.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.
The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.
Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.
Support this browser is being discontinued for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site
- Internet Explorer 11 and lower
We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:
- Chrome by Google
- Firefox by Mozilla
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari by Apple
You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.
The story of a family who had triplets in 2022 without IVF, although the doctors said that there would be no children | 74.ru
A woman could not get pregnant for a long time, and then she gave birth to triplets
Photo: Irina Sharova / 72.RU
Share
Vladlena and Andrey Boboshko from Tyumen could never even imagine that they would become the parents of triplets.
The couple dreamed of having at least one baby. But for a long time they did not succeed. Vladlena had already come to terms with the fact that she would not become a mother, but a week before the wedding, the doctors stunned her, reporting a multiple pregnancy. And at first, doctors suspected that in the stomach of our heroine there were not even three, but four babies. Before you hear this amazing story from our colleagues at 72.RU, we note that Vladlena did not do IVF. nine0003
The couple was preparing for the wedding when they found out that they would soon become parents
Photo: Vladlena Boboshko
Share
Vladlena had long wanted to become a mother, but because of health problems, doctors did not encourage her. They said that most likely nothing would work. But the woman herself did not leave the dream and was looking for new doctors. So she met a doctor, about whom mothers say: “Yes, after him everyone gets pregnant.
” He prescribed hormonal therapy for the patient and gave some recommendations. During the next scheduled appointment, Vladlena came for an ultrasound scan, but several fibroids were found in her. The woman was upset and decided not to try to get pregnant again. And she resigned herself to the idea that she would not give her future husband children. Beloved, seeing the suffering of Vladlena, supported her. nine0003
Just a little bit more and the video will load
Video: Mikhail Petelin / 72.RU
— Then suddenly I started having health problems. There were signs of pregnancy: nausea, aversion to food, and so on. But even after that, I didn't think I was pregnant. After all, I recently visited doctors and they said that, unfortunately, this is impossible, ”says Vladlena. - One fine morning, when I felt bad again, it dawns on my husband: “Honey, you’re pregnant!”
Vladlena denied it at first, but then decided to take a pregnancy test. One showed a positive result, the other did not reveal anything, and the third was with one stripe and a small manifestation of the second.
— It was all on the eve of the wedding. We decided to have an ultrasound just in case. Well, suddenly the test showed a false pregnancy? This kind of thing happens too. We went to the clinic after work. Vladlena went to the examination, and I stayed in the car. She was gone for about an hour and a half. And immediately thought that yes, pregnant. After all, if not, they would immediately let her go! - Andrey Boboshko, the husband of our heroine, says with a smile on his face. nine0003
Vladlena got married while pregnant. On the day of the wedding, she had a terrible toxicosis. But this did not spoil the holiday, because a miracle happened in the couple's life
Photo: from the archive of Vladlena Boboshko
Share
— I was on an ultrasound, and the doctor said: "I see three eggs." I thought about everything, but not about pregnancy. Then everything was explained to me. The doctor also couldn't believe that everything had worked out.
The ultrasound went on for over an hour. I remember how I was lying, and tears were flowing down my face, ”recalls Vladlena. - The medic could not catch the angle the first time to count all the kids. She began to count them: "One, two, three ... And what is this, is it really the fourth?" And at that moment I got scared and prayed that she was wrong. And in the end, there really were three children. nine0003
Vladlena recalls that she was afraid to go out to her husband. It took me a long time to find the words to tell him the good news. As a result, with tears in her eyes, she handed over an ultrasound picture.
Three dots were drawn there. I thought that it was just photographed, and I began to imagine, I said to Vladlena: “Is this a head, arms and legs?” And she replied that it was like triplets. Words cannot express how happy I was, - Andrey Boboshko said. - On this day, I went to my friends to celebrate, because I was very happy. And the beloved remained at home crying, she was very excited.
nine0003
— I was very afraid of my husband's reaction. I was in shock myself, - Vladlena laughs. But he was just blown away with happiness. I have never seen him so happy in my life.
Vladlena calls her pregnancy the most terrible period in her life
Photo: Vladlena Boboshko
Share
The couple's parents reacted to the news of the triplets in different ways. In order not to immediately shock future grandparents, Vladlena and Andrey first said simply about pregnancy. And only then they clarified that there would be three grandchildren at once. The husband's parents were delighted and immediately began to plan how they would help a young large family. But Vladlena’s mother at first jumped for joy and clapped her hands, and then sat down in a chair and said: “Poor daughter, how sorry I am for you.” The woman realized that Vladlena would not be easy in the coming months, and therefore took pity on her. nine0003
And my grandmother's expectations came true. It was really hard for Vladlena throughout her pregnancy.
— My whole pregnancy was very difficult. Therefore, I had an idea: I would sooner give birth, and that’s it. Doctors told me: "You will remember this golden time." But this is not the golden age. This is a terrible time! Lately, I've barely moved at all. It seemed to me that the pelvis would crumble. I remember walking to the bank, which is next to the house. If you walk in a normal state, then the road will take a maximum of five minutes. But while I was pregnant with triplets, five people managed to approach me, they wanted to call an ambulance. Because it was so hard for me,” recalls the Tyumen woman. - I slept for two hours. The belly was just huge. They even bought me an air mattress so that I could roll over comfortably. nine0003
Most of all Vladlena was afraid of premature birth. And on March 30, 2022, she came to the hospital for another examination. The doctor noticed severe swelling in the woman. As the heroine herself describes, her ankles were swollen. And so she was immediately sent to give birth. Everything happened so quickly that Vladlena only had time to write a short SMS to her husband.
She was taken to the delivery room and had a caesarean section. And after 15 minutes, two boys and a girl were born in the perinatal center. nine0003
— It was impossible to pull, because there was a threat to one of the kids, — explained Vladlena. - They gave me an injection, I didn’t feel how they cut my stomach. But when they began to get the children out of there, I screamed in hellish pain.
Two brothers on discharge from the hospital. My sister was still in the intensive care unit at that time
Photo: Vladlena Boboshko
Share
Immediately after the birth, the children were sent to the intensive care unit. The boys, Mark and Matvey, were discharged a week later, but Milan stayed in the hospital for a long time. She was the smallest of the trio and weighed only 960 grams. The girl was left under the supervision of doctors so that she could gain the desired weight.
A little later it turned out that the baby was not being discharged due to a more serious health problem.
- At first they told me that Milanochka had tachycardia. I thought that she was not being discharged, because it was tachycardia that was being treated. So I calmed myself down. And when she came to visit her, she was frightened, she was all in tubes. So scary. Then I did not suspect anything terrible. I thought that this is how tachycardia is treated. And only then the doctor said that she had intestinal necrosis. nine0003
The little girl survived intestinal surgery
Photo: Vladlena Boboshko
Share
Intestinal necrosis is a life-threatening condition characterized by the death of intestinal wall tissue. It can occur as a complication of the oncological process, severe inflammation, infection, intestinal obstruction.
This was terrible news. After all, the parents of the babies were told throughout the pregnancy that the children would be healthy - development is going well.
Milana spent some time in the perinatal center. Then the spouses agreed to transfer the baby to OKB No. 2 for surgery. They did not immediately take the girl away, because they realized that she was still too weak. And then, two days later, they still operated on at OKB No. 2, they removed her rotten intestine. The girl was transferred to the ward, where she had to lie alone. Her parents only brought her everything she needed. It had been a few days since she was switched to normal infant formula and she had a bowel failure. nine0003
- Milan was supposed to be discharged on June 10, but there was an intestinal breakdown. She was left in the hospital, - Andriy Boboshko said. - We were immediately told that the gastroenterologist is her main friend in life. Well, be an athlete. On proper nutrition.
But this was not the only problem.
The child's nose was burned in intensive care during ventilation. Mom saw redness, but she was assured that it was a small burn that would soon pass without leaving a trace. However, in reality it turned out quite differently - the girl's face was disfigured. Now she has no tip of her nose. nine0003
— The doctor told me that, in principle, the nose is intact. I looked, the nose is really intact. I thought: well, burn and burn. Everyone has burns. I didn’t know what degree the burn was, because it was hidden under a layer of spray. I was calm because my nose was completely intact. Yes, it was red, with a crust, but whole, - says Vladlena.
Every premature baby has such rockets. They are donated by the charitable foundation
Photo: Vladlena Boboshko
Share
This is the stroller of the large Boboshko family. When they walk around the yard, all the people turn around
Photo: Irina Sharova / 72.RU
Share
When the child's condition stabilized and it became possible to visit the girl, Vladlena came to her room and was horrified.
— I saw that my daughter was missing part of her nose up to the septum. I was very upset, I asked the doctors who was to blame. But no one could answer. I began to look for third-party doctors to find out how this could happen. She showed a photo with redness when the nose was still there, but already with burns, and what was left after. And the specialist explained to me that such a burn does not occur immediately. In one of the photos, he saw puffiness, which means that the process was already underway and then lasted until the tissue died off, ”the girl’s mother said. nine0003
Milana looks at her favorite toy
Photo: Irina Sharova / 72.RU
Share
According to Milana's mother, no one even apologized for what they did to the girl.
And this despite the fact that the child will now have to undergo plastic surgery.
— We consulted doctors. Now only plastic surgery can help Milan. And given that she does not have a nose to the very cartilage, she will have to do plastic surgery every year. We are experiencing. Of course, we love her very much, no matter what nose she has. But we are afraid that this situation will not affect her life in any way, - says Andrei Boboshko. She is still too small for operations. Yes, and so she already had too many in a short time. We think that we will decide on a nose job closer to the kindergarten, so that she feels confident there. nine0003
Mark, Milana and Matvey Boboshko
Photo: Irina Sharova / 72.RU
Share
One of the triplets sneaked into the frame while his brother and sister were dozing in the crib
Photo: Irina Sharova / 9002.RU 9002.RU Share
The family is not going to leave what happened. They have already applied to the police, the Investigative Committee and the prosecutor's office. And then - only the court. The couple want the doctors to answer for their negligence and the spoiled health of the baby.
The health department, where we sent the official request, knows this story. They also got involved in the proceedings.
— Based on this fact, checks are currently being carried out aimed at assessing the quality and safety of care provided to mother and child at the Perinatal Center. Considering that this institution is a medical organization where women with a high degree of risk of maternal and fetal health, who have severe somatic diseases or fetal pathology, give birth, checks are carried out by the competent departments. The situation is still being analyzed, the department said. nine0003
Time will tell whether the perpetrators of what happened will be found.
We will follow the development of this story.
Early signs and diagnosis of multiple pregnancy, facts about twins
Today, instead of grandmother's methods for determining the sex and number of children during pregnancy, there are more reliable ones: for example, ultrasound. However, some signs even before the examination will tell you that you have twins. Or triplets...
Irina Obraztsova
Legion Media
You knew that there are ailments at the beginning of pregnancy, but what kind of things like that?! It’s like you feel sick for two and you want to sleep twice as much and everything somehow manifests itself doubly ... So maybe you have twins? Many would prefer to live in ignorance, the news that your family will increase by two people at once can cause too much shock. But forewarned is forearmed! The sooner you hear the bombshell news, the better you can prepare for the birth of twins. Or maybe you have triplets?
Content of article
Early signs of pregnancy with twins
- As with any other pregnancy, nausea and feeling unwell in the morning are possible.
Only on this basis it is difficult to determine a multiple pregnancy. If she is not the first, you may feel the difference in the strength of the manifestation of morning sickness. And then suspicions may arise that more than one child is developing inside you. - Severe acne, dryness and flaking of the skin due to abrupt hormonal changes (with a singleton pregnancy, the hormonal surge is not so pronounced). nine0158
- High blood pressure, increased heart rate: with twins, the body pumps more blood than with one baby.
- Early dyspnea: two fetuses press on the diaphragm.
- Increased soreness of the mammary glands, such that even just touching the breast is unbearable, can also be a sign of twin pregnancy.
- Increased appetite and rapid weight gain is one of the frequent companions of multiple pregnancy. The body spends too much energy on maintaining multiple embryos and requires more "fuel". nine0158
- Very tired. If you fall off your feet in the morning and your only dream is to lie down (and preferably lie down throughout your pregnancy) and you have no strength for anything, you may have twins.
Although a singleton pregnancy, and stress, and lack of sleep can manifest themselves this way. - Movement too early or movement in various parts of the abdomen. "Hearing" two babies is more likely at an earlier date than one.
- Rapid growth of the abdomen. With twins, as a rule, it begins to protrude forward earlier, since the uterus grows more actively and, upon examination, the doctor sees a discrepancy between its size and the gestational age. nine0158
- Increased level of the pregnancy hormone hCG (chorionic gonadotropin) for the current gestational age. However, this does not automatically mean that you are pregnant with more than one baby, more accurate diagnosis will still be required.
What will help to reliably determine pregnancy with twins
The surest way to diagnose multiple pregnancy is ultrasound. Dopplerometry (blood flow study) is not so indicative, because the doppler machine can “hear” one heart in different parts of the abdomen or, conversely, take two heartbeats as one in different locations, mistake extraneous noises or the mother’s heartbeat for the second heartbeat, and so on.
Ultrasound in the first trimester will accurately tell the number of fetuses. Also, this research method determines the so-called chorionicity of the fetus - options for attaching the chorion (placenta) in the uterine cavity and the number of fetal bladders and membranes. Multiple pregnancy happens:
- Monochorionic - with one placenta for all babies in the abdomen (the rarest type of twins)
- Dichorionic - each fetus has its own placenta
- Monoamniotic - children develop in the common amniotic fluid in one diabetic egg 9015 9015 the baby has its own fetal membrane and fetal bladder.
Twins or twins?
Strictly speaking, there is no concept of twins in science. There are monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins. nine0003
Monozygotic twins result from the division of one fertilized egg into two embryos. Identical twins have the same set of genes, are always the same sex, and are nearly identical in appearance.
Dizygotic (fraternal) twins are the result of fertilization by two spermatozoa of two different eggs. As a result, children of both the same and different sexes are born, similar to each other as siblings, not identical in appearance, with a different genotype and only 50% of the same genes. nine0003
Ultrasound diagnostics will not help in determining the zygosity of twins. Whether they are identical or not can only be determined with the help of a DNA test as a result of such studies as amniocentesis (checking amniotic fluid), chorion biopsy (taking chorion tissue) or cordocentesis (cord blood sampling).
Multiple pregnancy: numbers, records, history
youtube
Click and watch
According to statistics, multiple pregnancy occurs in 1.5-2.5% of cases. And these are not only twins, but also triplets and so on. The record for multiple pregnancy was set at 1946: A woman from Brazil carried and gave birth to 10 children.
And this is a big rarity, if you rely on medical statistics, which, to calculate the probability of multiple pregnancy, offers a formula with the number 80 exponentially: twin pregnancy occurs once in 80, triplets - once in 80 squared (that is, for 6400 pregnancies), quadruples - by 80 cubed (512,000), five by 80 to the 4th power (40,960,000) and so on.
The question of how the conception of twins occurs has worried mankind since ancient times. According to Hippocrates, the twins appeared as a result of the division of the male seed in two, Democritus assured that an excess of the seed leads to multiple pregnancy, according to Aristotle, the twins were formed as a result of the splitting of one germ into two and was not far from the truth. nine0003
Why do some women get pregnant with twins and others don't?
This question is still open. There are several factors that increase the chance of multiple pregnancy.
Among them:
- Heredity. If your great-grandfathers gave birth to twins, you have every chance to repeat their feat, since the likelihood of multiple pregnancy increases through the generation, as well as in families where the future father or mother (or both spouses) came from twins. nine0158
- Multiple ovulation. Sometimes ovulation occurs in two ovaries at once. It is also possible for two eggs to be released from one ovary (superovulation) both as a result of hormonal stimulation and spontaneously.
- IVF. If among natural pregnancies the percentage of multiples does not exceed 2-3%, then pregnancies with twins, triplets, etc. as a result of in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies occur in 30-40% of cases.
- Age . On average, after the age of 35, women increase the production of FSH, or follicle-stimulating hormone, which promotes multiple ovulation. As a result, the likelihood of having twins increases.
