Genes in a twin and triplet pregnancy

We are told over and over again that being pregnant is not a disease – we are repeatedly reminded of what we should and can do. In the middle of the equation, we forget that we are people, women, with different bodies, different starting points and different life situations.

Is pregnancy a disease?
No – pregnancy itself may not be a disease, but it can leave a trail of symptoms, pain, injuries and illnesses in its wake. When the body has to prepare not just one, but two or three, little people to meet the world – it often requires just that little bit extra.

Some women go through both singleton and multiple pregnancies without the slightest difficulty, others are affected in the third trimester and others may be affected even before they realise they are pregnant. Some for short periods and others for the entire pregnancy. Again, individual bodies – individual pregnancies.

Information from other twin pregnancies
That’s why there is no definitive answer to how you should feel during your pregnancy. Despite this, I’ve gathered several short stories from other women to give you a little insight into the challenges they’ve faced in relation to the discomfort of their pregnancy.

I’ve done this to give you an idea that it’s OK to take sick leave early in pregnancy if that’s what it takes. It’s also okay to beam all the way through and work until the day before the birth. The most important thing is to listen to your body and your healthcare professionals. Fight for your body and your health – that’s the most important thing.

If you feel something in your body, say it out loud, ask to have it checked.

Different genes, different people
The list of possible discomforts is long, from heartburn to pregnancy-induced diabetes. Often there are more discomforts with a multiple pregnancy than with a singleton, but again, it’s important to note that you can also be lucky not to experience any discomfort – or just a few to a mild degree. Not everyone experiences a multiple pregnancy as stressful. (see the list below)

*All descriptions were collected in the ‘Twin Group’ on Facebook and are therefore not scientific data, but a summary of symptoms from women who are or have been pregnant with multiples.
There were 49 responses and stories from other multiple mums.

The 5 most commonly mentioned complaints:
Nausea (13 of 49)
Fatigue (12 of 49)
Fluid in the body (12 of 49)
Heartburn (12 of 49)
Pelvic pain (9 of 49)

The 5 least mentioned discomforts:
Haemorrhoids (1 of 49)
Vena Cava (1 of 49)
Restless legs (1 of 49)
Low blood pressure (1 of 49)
Oedema (1 of 49)

No Genes:
Of the 49 comments, 4 had no discomfort at all, and 3 had discomfort towards the very end of the pregnancy.

The full list of discomforts that were mentioned in relation to pregnancy:
Pelvic pain (9 of 49)
Shortened cervix (4 of 49)
Carpal tunnel syndrome in the hands (8 of 49)
Knee injury due to weight (1 of 49)
Contractions (3 of 49)
Nausea (13 of 49)
Bleeding gums (4 of 49)
PEP rash (2 of 49)
Hyperemesis (8 of 49)
Symphysis pain (1 of 49)
Fatigue (12 of 49)
Pregnancy-related Liver Itching (7 of 49)
Symphysis loosening (2 of 49)
Fluid in the body (12 of 49)
Fluid in the body after childbirth (1 of 49)
Pelvic pain (2 of 49)
Increased urge to urinate (4 of 49)
Heartburn/increased stomach acid (12 of 49)
Ligament pain (2 of 49)
General pain (3 of 49)
Crash haemorrhages (1 of 49)
Back pain (5 of 49)
Pain in abdominal skin (2 of 49)
Kidney stones (2 of 49)
Oedema (1 of 49)
Diabetes (4 of 49)
Breathing difficulties (4 of 49)
High blood pressure (3 of 49)
Low blood pressure (1 of 49)
Constipation (2 of 49)
Iron deficiency/low blood sugar (2 of 49)
Preeclampsia (3 of 49)
General itching (1 of 49)
Haemorrhoids (1 of 49)
Dizziness (3 of 49)
Vena cava (1 of 49)
Urinary tract infections (3 of 49)
Restless legs (1 of 49)

**These symptoms are not exclusive to multiple pregnancies, but can affect anyone. However, symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, muscle soreness, back pain, pelvic pain and labour pains are often more pronounced than if you are expecting a baby. (source: Twins (herlevhospital.dk)