What do triplets look like in the womb
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
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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
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Multiple pregnancy
Author: Mikheeva Natalya Grigoryevna, Malyshok magazine
A multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy in which two or more fetuses develop simultaneously in the uterus. Multiple pregnancy occurs in 0.4 - 1.6% of all pregnancies. Recently, there has been an obvious trend towards an increase in the incidence of such pregnancies due to the active use of assisted reproduction technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Types of multiple pregnancies
Children born in multiple pregnancies are called TWINS. There are two main types of twins: monozygotic (identical, homologous, identical, similar) and dizygotic (fraternal, heterologous, different). African countries have the highest twin birth rate, Europe and the USA have an average rate, and Asian countries have a low rate.
Dizygotic (fraternal) twins are more common (in 66-75% of all twins). The birth rate of dizygotic twins varies from 4 to 50 per 1000 births. Dizygotic twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilized. The maturation of two or more eggs can occur both in one ovary and in two. The predisposition to develop dizygotic twins may be maternally inherited. Dizygotic twins can be either same-sex or opposite-sex, they look like each other like ordinary brothers and sisters. With fraternal twins, two placentas are always formed, which can be very close, even touching, but they can always be separated.
Two fruit spaces (i.e., fetal bladders or two “houses”) are separated from each other by a septum consisting of two chorionic and two amniotic membranes. Such twins are called dizygotic dichorionic diamniotic twins.
Monozygotic (identical) twins are formed as a result of the separation of one fetal egg at various stages of its development. The frequency of birth of monozygotic twins is 3-5 per 1000 births. The division of a fertilized egg into two equal parts can occur as a result of a delay in implantation (immersion of the embryo in the uterine mucosa) and oxygen deficiency, as well as due to a violation of the acidity and ionic composition of the medium, exposure to toxic and other factors. The emergence of monozygotic twins is also associated with the fertilization of an egg that had two or more nuclei. If the separation of the fetal egg occurs in the first 3 days after fertilization, then monozygotic twins have two placentas and two amniotic cavities, and are called monozygotic diamniotic dichoriones (Fig.
A). If the division of the ovum occurs between 4 - 8 days after fertilization, then two embryos will form, each in a separate amniotic sac. Two amniotic sacs will be surrounded by a common chorionic membrane with one placenta for two. Such twins are called monozygotic diamniotic monochorionic twins (Fig. B). If division occurs by 9- 10th day after fertilization, then two embryos are formed with a common amniotic sac and placenta. Such twins are called monozygotic monoamniotic monochorionic (Fig. B) If the egg is separated at a later date on the 13th - 15th day after conception, the separation will be incomplete, which will lead to the appearance of conjoined (undivided, Siamese) twins. This type is quite rare, approximately 1 observation in 1500 multiple pregnancies or 1: 50,000 - 100,000 newborns. Monozygotic twins are always the same sex, have the same blood type, have the same eye color, hair, skin texture of the fingers, and are very similar to each other.
Twin births occur once in 87 births, triplets - once in 87 2 (6400) twins, quadruples - once in 87 3 (51200) triplets, etc.
(according to the Gallin formula). The origin of triplets, quadruplets, and more twins varies. So, triplets can be formed from three separate eggs, from two or one egg. They can be monozygotic and heterozygous. Quadruples can also be identical and fraternal.
Features of the course of multiple pregnancy
In case of multiple pregnancies, the woman's body is subject to increased requirements. All organs and systems function with great tension. In connection with the displacement of the diaphragm by the enlarged uterus, the activity of the heart becomes difficult, shortness of breath, fatigue occur. Enlargement of the uterus, especially towards the end of pregnancy, leads to compression of the internal organs, which is manifested by impaired bowel function, frequent urination, and heartburn. Almost 4-5 times more often there is the development of preeclampsia, which is characterized by an earlier onset, a protracted and more severe clinical course, often combined with acute pyelonephritis of pregnant women.
Due to the increased need and consumption of iron, iron deficiency anemia often develops in pregnant women. Significantly more often than with a singleton pregnancy, complications such as bleeding during pregnancy and childbirth, anomalies in labor, and a low location of the placenta are observed. Often, with multiple pregnancies, abnormal positions of the fetus occur. One of the most common complications in multiple pregnancy is its premature termination. Preterm birth is observed in 25-50% of cases of such pregnancies.
The development of term twins is normal in most cases. However, their body weight is usually less (by 10% or more) than in singleton pregnancies. With twins, the weight of children at birth less than 2500 g is observed in 40-60%. The low weight of twins is most often due to insufficiency of the uteroplacental system, which is not able to adequately provide several fetuses with nutrients, trace elements and oxygen. The consequence of this is a delay in the development of the fetus, which is a common occurrence in multiple pregnancies.
The mass of twins, respectively, decreases in proportion to their number (triplets, quadruplets, etc.).
With monochorionic twins in the placenta, anastomoses are often formed between the vascular systems of the fetus, which can lead to a serious complication - the syndrome of feto-fetal transfusion. In this case, there is a redistribution of blood from one fetus to another, the so-called "stealing". The severity of feto-fetal transfusion (mild, moderate, severe) depends on the degree of redistribution of blood through the anastomoses, which vary in size, number and direction.
Diagnosis in multiple pregnancy
The most reliable method for diagnosing multiple pregnancies is ultrasound, which allows not only early diagnosis of multiple pregnancies, but also to determine the position and presentation of fetuses, localization, structure and number of placentas, the number of amniotic cavities, the volume of amniotic fluid, congenital malformations and antenatal fetal death, the state of the fetus from a functional point of view, the nature of the uteroplacental and fetal-placental blood flow.
In multiple pregnancies, due to the higher risk of complications, ultrasound monitoring is performed more frequently than in singleton pregnancies. With dizygotic twins, about once every 3-4 weeks, with monozygotic twins - once every 2 weeks.
In addition, examinations and control of clinical tests are carried out with great care, and CTG is regularly recorded from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Birth management
Indications for caesarean section associated with multiple pregnancies are triplets (quadruple), the transverse position of both or one of the fetuses, breech presentation of both fetuses or the first of them, and not associated with multiple pregnancy - fetal hypoxia, anomalies labor activity, prolapse of the umbilical cord, extragenital pathology of the mother, severe gestosis, placenta previa and abruption, etc.
-
ECO
In the department of assisted reproductive technologies of the Maternity Hospital No.
2
, IVF is performed at the expense of the Republican budget for couples
who have received a positive decision from the Minsk city or regional commissions to provide one free IVF attempt.
No drug supply problem. There is no waiting list. -
Farewoman
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Individual care for patients
-
Ultrasound diagnostics
Curious facts are
0
, how many are the Geminis? up to 80 million pairs of twins.
The number of twins born in relation to the total number of newborns in different countries and on different continents is different, but in general the trend is such that it continues to grow. Compared with the 60s, the percentage of twins has increased from 1.18 to 2.78, that is, almost 2.5 times.
The largest number of children
The largest number of children born to one mother, according to official data, is 69. According to reports made in 1782, between 1725 and 1765.
The wife of a Russian peasant Fyodor Vasiliev gave birth 27 times, giving birth to twins 16 times, triplets 7 times and 4 twins 4 times. Of these, only 2 children died in infancy.
The most prolific mother of our contemporaries is considered to be Leontina Albina (or Alvina) of San Antonio, Chile, who at 1943-81 years gave birth to 55 children. As a result of the first 5 pregnancies, she gave birth to triplets, and exclusively male.
Most birthed
The record 38 births are said to be Elizabeth Greenhillies Abbots-Langley, c. Hertfordshire, UK. She had 39 children - 32 daughters and 7 sons.
The largest number of multiple births in one family
Maddalena Pomegranate from Italy (b. 1839) had triplets born 15 times.
There is also information about the birth on May 29, 1971 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, and in May 1977 in Bagarhat, Bangladesh, 11 twins. In both cases, no child survived.
Most fertile pregnancies
Dr.
Gennaro Montanino, Rome, Italy, claimed to have removed, in July 1971, the embryos of 10 girls and 5 boys from the uterus of a 35-year-old woman who was 4 months pregnant. This unique case of 15-fertility was the result of infertility pills.
9 children - the largest number in one pregnancy - were born on June 13, 1971 by Geraldine Broadrick in Sydney, Australia. 5 boys and 4 girls were born: 2 boys were stillborn, and none of the rest survived more than 6 days.
The birth of 10 twins (2 boys and 8 girls) is known from reports from Spain (1924), China (1936) and Brazil (April 1946).
The father with many children
The largest father in the history of Russia is Yakov Kirillov, a peasant from the village of Vvedensky, who in 1755 was presented to the court in connection with this (he was then 60 years old). The first wife of a peasant gave birth to 57 children: 4 times four, 7 times three, 9once twice and 2 times once. The second wife gave birth to 15 children.
Thus, Yakov Kirillov had 72 children from two wives.
Longest Birth Intervals for Multiple Pregnancies
Peggy Lynn of Huntington Pennsylvania, USA, gave birth to a girl, Hanna, on November 11, 1995, and the second of the twins, Erika, only 84 days later (February 2, 1996).
Siamese twins
United twins became known as "Siamese" after Chang and Eng Bunkers were born fused in the area of the sternum on May 11, 1811 in the Maeklong region of Siam (Thailand). They married Sarah and Adelaide Yates of pc. North Carolina, USA, and had 10 and 12 children, respectively. They died in 1874, and with a difference of 3 hours.
The science of twins - gemellology.
"Secret language"
Twins often talk to each other in a language that others do not understand. This phenomenon is called cryptophasia.
Left-handed twins
18-22% of left-handed twins (for non-twins this percentage is 10).
The story of a family from Tyumen who had triplets in 2022 — the story of the Boboshko family | 72.
ru A woman could not get pregnant for a long time, and then she gave birth to triplets
Photo: Irina Sharova
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Vladlena and Andrei Boboshko from Tyumen could never imagine that they would become parents of triplets. The couple dreamed of having at least one baby. But for a long time they did not succeed. Vladlena had already resigned herself to the fact that she would not become a mother, but last year the doctors stunned the Tyumen city. A week before the wedding, she was informed of a multiple pregnancy. And at first the doctor suspected that in the stomach of our heroine there were not even three, but four babies. Before we tell you this amazing story in more detail, we note that Vladlena did not do IVF.
The couple was preparing for the wedding when they found out that they would soon become parents
Photo: Vladlena Boboshko
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Vladlena had long wanted to become a mother, but because of health problems, the doctors did not encourage the Tyumen woman. They told her that, most likely, nothing would work out. 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 Tyumen woman 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.
— Then all of a sudden 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 Tyumen, says with a smile on his face.
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
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— 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.
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 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.
— 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
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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.
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.
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.
— 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 little sister was still in the intensive care unit at that time
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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.
The baby survived bowel surgery
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Intestinal necrosis is a life-threatening condition characterized by the death of intestinal wall tissues. 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.
- 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.
— 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 a charitable foundation
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This is the stroller of the large Boboshko family. When they walk around the yard, all the people turn around
Photo: Irina Sharova
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When the child's condition stabilized and it became possible to visit the girl, Vladlena came to her ward 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.
Milana looks at her favorite toy
Photo: Irina Sharova
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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.
Mark, Milana and Matvey Boboshko
Photo: Irina Sharova
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One of the triplets made his way into the frame while his brother and sister were napping in the crib
Photo: Irina Sharova
The family is not going to leave
Share. 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 Department of Health, 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.
