There’s been a substantial  increase in the birth rate of twins  in the United States over the past 35 years.  This is because more women are availing themselves to assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as   IVF  and more  women  are giving birth at a later age which also increase the chances of having twins.

Women pregnant with twins have a higher risk of having a premature delivery. Carrying multiples increase your chances of certain complications  than women carrying  a single baby. The biggest risk is preterm  labor and premature birth.

Premature babies are at a much greater risk of many complications that can affect their physical and intellectual life long health.

There  are ways to determine the risk of premature labor.

These include

• ultrasound used to measure the length of the cervix. The shorter the cervix,  the greater your risk of preterm birth
• fetal fibronectrin. A positive result  means you are at increased risk of premature birth

Is there any way to prevent premature birth when  carrying twins ?

Unfortunately there is very little that can be done to prevent premature birth. However there are things we can do to prepare for premature birth that will improve the health  outcome of the baby. These include  giving the mom medications such as steroids, magnesium, antibiotics  that help improve the health of premature baby.

 
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