Multiple pregnancy refers to the condition where a woman is carrying more than one fetus simultaneously. The most common types of multiple pregnancies include:
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Twins: This is the most frequent form and can be classified into two subtypes:
- Identical twins (monozygotic): These occur when a single fertilized egg splits into two embryos, resulting in two genetically identical individuals.
- Fraternal twins (dizygotic): These arise from two separate eggs being fertilized by two separate sperm, leading to siblings who are genetically similar, but not identical.
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Triplets or higher-order multiples: This includes pregnancies involving three or more fetuses, which can be a combination of identical and fraternal types.
Multiple pregnancies can occur naturally or may be the result of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). They often come with higher risks for both the mother and the babies, including increased chances of complications such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and gestational diabetes. As a result, medical monitoring and specialized care are typically advised for women experiencing multiple pregnancies.
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