O31: Complications specific to multiple gestation

Complications specific to multiple gestation refer to a set of medical issues that occur during pregnancies where more than one fetus is present. These complications often arise due to the increased demand on the mother's body and the complex interactions between the fetuses. Such complications may include: premature labor and birth, as the uterus gets stretched more than during a single pregnancy; increased risk of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and gestational diabetes; higher chance of birth defects, particularly if assisted reproductive technologies are involved; problems related to the placenta, like placental abruption or placenta previa; and possible discordant growth, where one fetus grows significantly slower than the others. These complications can affect both the mother and the fetuses and are commonly monitored via regular check-ups throughout a multiple pregnancy.