Preface

This book discusses multiple pregnancies and their incidence and risk factors.

Twins are the commonest type of multiple pregnancy. When twins develop from one zygote fertilized by one sperm and the zygote splits and forms two embryos, the twins are considered monozygotic or identical. When twins develop from two zygotes fertilized by two sperm, the twins are considered dizygotic or fraternal. One in 250 natural pregnancies will result by chance in twins.

Diagnosis of multiple pregnancies is done via medical history and physical examination. Quantitative beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in twin pregnancies may be relatively high. An early ultrasound, around 6 to 10 weeks, can confirm the pregnancy and check for issues.

Patients with multiple pregnancies need more folic acid, calories, protein, and other nutrients. These patients should be referred to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

The delivery method for a multiple pregnancy depends on many factors, including the babies' health, positions, and gestational age.

This book is organized into four sections. The first section is an introduction to multiple pregnancies, the second section describes the rare diagnosis of multiple pregnancies, the third section discusses breastfeeding, and the fourth and final section examines complications of multiple pregnancies and their management.

> **Hassan S. Abduljabbar** Professor, Dr. Erfan and Bagedo General Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Jeddah Fertility Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

**1**

Section 1

Introduction

Section 1 Introduction

#### **Chapter 1**
