What is the term for a multiple pregnancy involving more than one fetus, such as twins or triplets?

Prepare for the Lippincott Maternal Health Exam with comprehensive study materials. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

The term for a multiple pregnancy involving more than one fetus, such as twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples, is "multifetal." This term encompasses all pregnancies with more than one fetus, regardless of how those fetuses were conceived.

Understanding the distinction is essential in maternal health, as multifetal pregnancies often require closer monitoring due to increased risks for both the mother and the fetuses. This includes considerations for prenatal care, nutritional needs, and potential complications during labor and delivery.

While the other terms mentioned relate to specific types of multiple pregnancies, such as monozygotic (identical twins formed from one fertilized egg) and dizygotic (fraternal twins formed from two separate eggs), "multifetal" is the broadest and most accurate term to describe any situation where there is more than one fetus. "Gestational" refers to the period of carrying a fetus or fetuses and does not specifically denote the number of embryos involved. Thus, "multifetal" is the most applicable term in this context.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy