TWIN PREGNANCY Meaning and
Definition
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A twin pregnancy refers to a condition in which a woman is carrying two offspring in her uterus simultaneously. It is a type of multiple pregnancy. Twins can be classified into two types: identical and fraternal. In an identical twin pregnancy, also known as monozygotic twins, a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos during early development. As a result, the twins share the same genetic material and resemble each other closely. On the other hand, fraternal twins, also called dizygotic twins, occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm cells. These twins are genetically distinct and can be of the same or different sexes.
Twin pregnancies are often detected either by physical symptoms experienced by the mother, such as rapid weight gain or increased fundal height, or through ultrasound imaging. Due to the presence of multiple fetuses, twin pregnancies are deemed high-risk pregnancies that require additional monitoring and medical assistance compared to singleton pregnancies. This is because twin pregnancies can be associated with increased risks of complications, including preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and malpresentation of the babies during labor and delivery.
Medical interventions and care plans for twin pregnancies typically focus on optimizing the health and well-being of both the mother and the babies. Frequent prenatal visits, ultrasound scans, specialized dietary and exercise regimens, and close monitoring of maternal and fetal parameters are commonly employed to assess and manage the unique challenges and potential risks of twin pregnancies.
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Bigeminal p., the simultaneous development of two impregnated ova.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TWIN PREGNANCY
Etymology of TWIN PREGNANCY
The etymology of the word "twin" can be traced back to the Old English word "twinn", which means double or consisting of two. The word "pregnancy" originated from the Latin word "praegnantia", which means being with child. When combined, "twin pregnancy" simply refers to the state of being pregnant with two offspring at the same time.
