If you’ve had twins, your body worked harder during pregnancy than if you had one baby. What does this mean for your heart health? Professor Jeff Craig, Deputy Director of Twins Research Australia explains.
(This relates to a recent news article Twins Boost Heart Disease Risk in New Mothers | Mirage News which summarised this study: Hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in the year after delivery of twin pregnancies | European Heart Journal | Oxford Academic)
What this study found
If you’ve had twins, your body worked harder during pregnancy than if you had one baby. This study looked at over 36 million pregnancies and found that mothers of twins have a slightly higher chance of heart-related hospital visits in the first year after birth compared to mothers of single babies.
But the good news is, the overall risk is still low. Most women do not develop serious heart problems after a twin pregnancy.
Understanding the risk
Here’s what the study found:
- For every 100,000 mothers who had single babies without high blood pressure during pregnancy, about 734 were hospitalised for heart problems
- For mothers of twins without high blood pressure, this number was about 1,105 per 100,000.
- This means that only around 3–4 extra cases per 1,000 women were affected
- This means that only around 3–4 extra cases per 1,000 women were affected
- If the mother had high blood pressure during pregnancy, the risk was higher:
- For single pregnancies with high blood pressure: 5,890 per 100,000 (about 6 in 1,000 women)
- For twin pregnancies with high blood pressure: 8,210 per 100,000 (about 8 in 1,000 women)
So, while the risk does increase, it is still uncommon. Most twin mothers do not have serious heart issues.
Why does this happen?
- Carrying two babies puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- Some twin pregnancies come with higher blood pressure, which can add to this strain.
- The heart takes time to recover after birth, and for twin mothers, it may take longer.
What can you do to stay healthy?
Even though the risk is small, it’s still a good idea to look after your heart, especially in the first year after birth. Here’s how:
- Know the warning signs – If you feel very short of breath, dizzy, or have chest pain, see a doctor. These symptoms are uncommon but important to check
- Have regular check-ups – Even if you feel fine, a quick visit to your doctor can help spot any issues early
- Monitor your blood pressure – High blood pressure can develop after pregnancy, so keeping track of it is a good idea
- Eat a balanced diet – Plenty of fruit, veggies, and lean protein help keep your heart strong
- Move when you’re ready – Walking or light exercise can help your body recover
- Manage stress and rest when possible – Sleep and relaxation help your heart recover, even if it’s tough with twins!
The takeaway
Having twins means your heart worked extra hard, and while the risk of heart problems is slightly higher, it is still low overall. The best thing you can do is take care of yourself, know the signs of heart issues, and check in with your doctor regularly.
By looking after your health, you can focus on what matters most—enjoying time with your babies!
