Early Signs And Symptoms Of A Twin Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a unique and special time in a woman’s life, and every pregnancy is different. However, if you’re expecting twins, your pregnancy will be unique in its own way. Twin pregnancies can come with their own set of symptoms and signs, some of which may appear earlier than those in a singleton pregnancy. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the early signs and symptoms of a twin pregnancy.
Early Signs & Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy
Let's have a closer look at the early signs and symptoms of twin pregnancy:
1. Elevated HCG levels
One of the first signs of a twin pregnancy is higher than normal HCG levels. HCG is the hormone that is produced by the placenta and is responsible for sustaining the pregnancy. In a twin pregnancy, there is typically more HCG produced, which can lead to higher levels in the mother’s blood.
2. Extreme Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of pregnancy, but it can be even more pronounced in twin pregnancies. This is because your body is working harder to support two babies, and you may feel more tired than usual as a result.
3. Rapid Weight Gain
Weight gain is a natural and healthy part of pregnancy, but women carrying twins tend to gain weight more rapidly than those carrying a singleton pregnancy. This is because there is simply more to support - two babies, two placentas, and two amniotic sacs - which can lead to a larger and more rapid weight gain.
4. Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy, but it can be more severe in a twin pregnancy. This is due to the higher levels of HCG in the mother’s blood, which can cause more intense nausea and vomiting.
5. Larger Uterus
Another early sign of a twin pregnancy is a larger-than-normal uterus. This is because the uterus needs to accommodate two growing babies instead of one. This can also lead to a feeling of fullness or bloating in the mother’s abdomen.
6. Abnormal Fetal Heartbeat
During early pregnancy, doctors will monitor the fetal heartbeat to ensure the baby is developing properly. In a twin pregnancy, doctors may notice an abnormal fetal heartbeat or two separate heartbeats during an early ultrasound. This can be a sign that there are two babies developing in the uterus.
7. Excessive Movement
Mothers carrying twins may notice more frequent movements in their uterus than those carrying a singleton pregnancy. This is because there are two babies moving around inside, which can lead to a feeling of constant movement.
8. Higher Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common issue during pregnancy, but it can be more pronounced in a twin pregnancy. This is because the body is working harder to support two babies, which can lead to higher blood pressure levels.
9. More Frequent Urination
Mothers carrying twins may also experience more frequent urination than those carrying a singleton pregnancy. This is because the growing uterus can put pressure on the bladder, leading to a need to urinate more frequently.
10. Early Fetal Movement
Mothers carrying twins may also notice fetal movement earlier than those carrying a singleton pregnancy. This is because there are two babies moving around inside the uterus, which can be easier to detect.
Ultrasound Scan
All the above signs may be a sign of twin or multiple pregnancies but an ultrasound scan is the only sure way to diagnose single, twin, or multiple pregnancies. An early ultrasound can be scheduled for around 6 to 10 weeks.
Early pregnancy signs can't tell you whether you're pregnant with twins or multiples. So, an ultrasound scan is the most reliable method to confirm twin or multiple pregnancies.
If you're expecting and suspect that you're carrying twins then the above symptoms will help you to find out whether you're right or wrong. However, experiencing such symptoms is not the right way to surely know whether you're carrying twins or not. So, check with your doctor to confirm whether you're pregnant with twins.
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Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.
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