Multiple Gestations Specialist in Lawrenceville, GA

Multiple gestation is a medical term referring to a pregnancy involving more than one fetus developing simultaneously within the uterus. This condition contrasts with a singleton pregnancy, which affects only one fetus.

Multiple gestations often result from the implantation of multiple embryos in the womb during the early stages of pregnancy, either from natural occurrences or through assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedures.

Recognizing the necessity for frequent prenatal care and monitoring in multiple gestations, our team provides regular ultrasound scans to assess the growth and development of the fetuses and detect any potential complications early. Throughout the pregnancy and delivery process, they aim to guarantee the mother’s and the babies’ health and safety.

Despite the challenges that multiple gestations may present, under the care and management of Dr. Gilles, most women can expect to have healthy babies. With his knowledge and specialized care, he is committed to making your multiple gestation adventure as simple and safe as possible.

In our practice, we understand that multiple gestations are not the same as single pregnancies. They involve a higher level of complexity and risk, including premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, particularly with monozygotic or identical twins sharing the same amniotic sac. Therefore, we place a significant emphasis on frequent prenatal care to closely monitor the health of both the mother and the fetus.

We are experienced in recognizing and managing the different types of multiple pregnancies, from identical twins conceived from a single egg split into two to fraternal twins from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperms. We are also familiar with more complex multiple pregnancies, such as triplet or quadruplet pregnancies that may involve a mix of identical and fraternal siblings.

When it comes to higher-order multiple pregnancies, like sextuplets, septuplets, or octuplets, which often result from fertility treatments, we can guarantee the best result because we have the expertise and resources.

Our commitment is to give women who have had multiple gestations the best possible treatment. Our team offers personalized care and support throughout the pregnancy, ensuring that you and your babies receive the best possible healthcare.

Our team of healthcare professionals is experienced in the diagnosis and care of multiple gestations. Using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology, we can detect the presence of multiple embryos as early as six to eight weeks into the pregnancy.

During the ultrasound, we will look for signs of multiple gestational sacs, which are an indicator of more than one baby. We may also listen for multiple heartbeats, although differentiating between the heartbeats of multiple babies and the mother’s heartbeat can sometimes be challenging.

We may also suspect multiple gestations during a physical examination. If a woman’s uterus is larger than what is expected for her stage of pregnancy or if she experiences rapid uterine growth disproportionate to the expected gestational age, this can indicate that there are several pregnancies.

Additionally, we may check for higher than average levels of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), that could indicate the presence of more than one baby. This can be determined by analyzing results from blood tests or urine samples administered at our medical practice.

Women carrying more than one baby may experience more severe pregnancy symptoms, such as intense nausea, fatigue, rapid weight gain, and increased discomfort. However, keep in mind that these symptoms alone cannot definitively diagnose a multiple gestation and can also occur in single pregnancies.

Our team of proficient healthcare professionals understands the unique risks associated with multiple pregnancies, including gestational diabetes and high blood pressure disorders like gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, and the potential for severe hemorrhage due to placental abruption. These conditions not only affect the mother but can also lead to premature birth and other health complications for the babies.

Additionally, we recognize the increased discomfort mothers carrying multiple pregnancies may experience due to higher weight gain, back pain, and other pregnancy-related symptoms. We are also well-equipped to handle emergencies such as amniotic fluid embolism and are vigilant in managing the increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

For babies, to control the risks of intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and premature birth, we offer careful care. We are also prepared for the increased chance of miscarriage or stillbirth and congenital abnormalities such as neural tube defects and heart malformations associated with multiple pregnancies. We also have expertise in handling complications like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, specific to identical twin pregnancies.

We understand that multiple pregnancies may require a cesarean section, a surgical procedure that carries its risks. As such, we provide expert care and advice to optimize the outcomes of these procedures while minimizing potential complications.

Several factors may increase the likelihood of multiple gestations, such as a woman’s age, family history, ethnicity, body weight, and use of fertility treatments. In particular, women over 35 years old undergoing fertility treatments, especially those with a history of twins or other multiple pregnancies in their family, are at a higher risk. Additionally, women of African descent and those who are overweight or obese are more likely to conceive multiples.

We are well-equipped to manage these risk factors effectively. Through careful fertility treatment management, he can regulate the number of embryos transferred during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. We use processes like elective single embryo transfer (eSET) or selective embryo transfer to significantly reduce the chances of multiple gestations.

In some cases, we might advise patients to use oral contraceptives before starting fertility treatments to suppress ovulation and reduce the likelihood of multiple pregnancies. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of controlling obesity and keeping a healthy weight as part of lifestyle modifications to lower the risk of multiple gestations.

Patients considering assisted reproductive technologies (ART) or fertility drugs should consult with Dr. Gilles to discuss potential risks and benefits. His expertise in counseling ensures that patients are well-informed and can make decisions that best align with their health and family planning goals. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 601A Professional Drive, Suite 370, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. We serve patients from Lawrenceville GA, Suwanee GA, Snellville GA, Duluth GA, Loganville GA, Auburn GA, and surrounding areas.