multiple pregnancy

Multiple pregnancy occurs when a woman carries two or more fetuses simultaneously. The most common types are twins (two fetuses), triplets (three), and so on. Multiple pregnancies can happen in two ways: identical multiples arise from a single fertilized egg that splits, while fraternal multiples result from multiple eggs being fertilized at the same time. Factors influencing multiple pregnancies include family history, maternal age, and fertility treatments. These pregnancies often require special medical care due to increased risks for both the mother and the babies, including premature birth and complications during delivery.