In an exclusive interview with PUNCH, the gynaecologist reveal that twin gestation is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage which, in turn, is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide if it is not well managed.
“Twin gestation is a high-risk pregnancy. It is a high risk pregnancy in the sense that it is associated with so many complications.
“Consequently, women that are carrying twin pregnancy should ensure that they start antenatal early and also ensure they deliver in the hospital.
“The delivery of twins has its own risk and the woman is at risk of having postpartum hemorrhage.
“Though twin gestation is not one of the causes of maternal mortality, it is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage and the bleeding is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide,” Magashi said.
With various complications associated with twin gestation, Magashi said the situation could be effectively managed through combined efforts, emphasising that women pregnant with more than one baby require special care and attention.
“The symptoms are more severe in a woman carrying multiple gestation. So, even the vomiting may be severe. She will have excessive vomiting and the risk of having miscarriages is higher in twins than in singletons.
“As the pregnancy progresses, there will be increase in special symptoms as she will be complaining of excessive heaviness of the tummy.
“If it is twin gestation, she is at risk of anaemia in pregnancy. If the woman has anaemia, the baby may have intrauterine growth restriction.
“Women with twin gestation may deliver pre-term because they are at risk of that. They are also at risk of placenta previa which predisposes them to antepartum haemorrhage [bleeding from or into the genital tract during pregnancy].
“Again, they are at risk of having premature rupture of the membrane and also at risk of having hypertensive diseases of pregnancy which include severe preeclampsia and eclampsia,” the physician concluded.
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