Why an increase in twin pregnancies?

Twins pose for a picture at the Kampala Twins' Festival organized by Vision Group's Sunday Vision recently. Photos/File

Lately we are seeing more women delivering twins than it was in the past.

Records from the department of gynecology and obstetrician at Mulago hospital indicate that one in every 60 expectant mothers seen at the department in the hospital is carrying a pair of twins.

Dr. Charles Kiggundu, the senior consultant obstetrician /gynecologist at the hospital attributes the increase to the advancing average age of mothers.

 
"The figures could be higher except some mothers never attend antenatal and deliver at home or in small clinics," Dr Kiggundu says.

In the same breath, Dr. Evelyn Nabunya a consultant gynecologist/obstetrician at Mulago hospital attributes the rise in number of twins to assisted reproductive techniques, specifically the use of fertility drugs and invitro (outside the body) fertilization.

"Some women who prefer to have many babies at ago opt for invitro fertilization (IVF) and end up with either twin or triplets," explains Dr Nabunya

 
Daniel Zaake, a gynecologist/obstetrician at Life Sure fertility center Mawanda road affirms estimates that since the technology was introduced in Uganda in 2004, over 400 babies have been born through invitro fertilization. With the first Ugandan baby about 15 years old.

Dr Zaake says a quarter of babies born through IVF are usually twins and 5% are triplets.

In the same breath, Dr Nabunya attributes the rise in number of twins to the growing population coupled with many women giving birth compared to the past. In addition, improved communication makes it possible for the news about twins to spread fast. 

Signs of a multiple pregnancy

Signs of a multiple pregnancy include: the womb becoming bigger than expected, persistent and exaggerated morning sickness, frequent hunger pangs, gaining of excessive weight and fetal movements at different parts of the abdomen but at the same time.