Twin Pregnancies
Twin pregnancies bring double the joy, excitement, and, sometimes, unique challenges. Expecting twins is a remarkable journey that requires specialised care, attention, and expertise. Dr Kelly Hankins understands the intricacies of twin pregnancies and provides tailored services to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and babies.
Understanding Twin Pregnancies
Identical twins are formed when one fertilised egg splits in two. They are also known as 'monozygotic twins'.
There are different types of identical twins, depending on what they share in the womb.
Almost 1 in every 3 pairs of identical twins have their own separate placenta, inner membrane and outer membrane. The medical term for these twins is ‘dichorionic diamniotic’ or DCDA twins.
Almost 2 in every 3 pairs of identical twins share the same placenta and chorion but have their own amnion. These are ‘monochorionic diamniotic’ or MCDA twins.
Less commonly, only about 4 in 100 pairs of identical twins, share everything. They are called ‘monochorionic monoamniotic’ or MCMA twins.
Twin pregnancies come with increased complexities and are always considered a high-risk pregnancy due to the need for additional monitoring and higher likelihood of complications.
Special Care for Twin Pregnancies
Dr Kelly Hankins provides the following services for twin pregnancies.
- Frequent monitoring: Twin pregnancies necessitate more frequent prenatal check-ups and ultrasounds to closely monitor the growth and development of both babies. Screening can assess if the babies share a placenta.
- Nutritional support: Specialised dietary guidance is provided to ensure the mother receives adequate nutrition for her own health and the healthy growth of both babies.
- Risk assessment: Dr Hankins identifies and manages potential complications such as preterm labour, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia, which are more common in twin pregnancies.
- Preventing preterm birth: Dr Hankins can implement strategies to prevent preterm labour and ensure the babies receive the necessary lung maturation treatments if early delivery becomes necessary.
- Pregnancy education: Information regarding pregnancy, birth and parenting is provided to support expectant mothers throughout their twin pregnancy.
- Postnatal Care: Receive continued care and support after delivery with Dr Hankins. Postnatal care includes assistance with breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and newborn care.
Expecting twins is an extraordinary experience that requires exceptional care. Trust Dr Kelly Hankins to provide expertise, compassion, and support throughout your twin pregnancy.
What are my birthing options for twins?
These days, most women expecting twins deliver by caesarean section; however, vaginal birth is an option for women with uncomplicated twin pregnancies where twin 1 is head-down.
Dr Hankins is very experienced in vaginal twin births and will happily support this option as long as it is safe for you
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Trust Dr Kelly Hankins to provid expertise, compassion, and support throughout your twin pregnancy.