Finding out you’re pregnant is an exciting journey, but discovering you’re carrying twins or multiples can feel like a whole new world! While only an ultrasound can confirm multiples, there are some early signs and symptoms that might give you a hint. Let’s explore the possible indicators that you could be expecting twins or more.
1. Elevated hCG Levels
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone produced during pregnancy. In twin or multiple pregnancies, hCG levels often rise more rapidly than in singleton pregnancies. This is because the placenta produces this hormone, and multiple placentas or a larger one may result in higher levels. However, high hCG can also occur for other reasons, so it’s not a definitive sign.
2. Severe Morning Sickness
If you’re experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting (known as hyperemesis gravidarum), it could be an indicator of twins or multiples. The increased levels of pregnancy hormones like hCG are thought to contribute to more severe symptoms. Keep in mind that every pregnancy is different, and some women with twins may not experience excessive nausea.
3. Faster or More Pronounced Weight Gain
Carrying more than one baby means your body needs to support additional weight. If you’re gaining weight faster than expected in the early stages of pregnancy or noticing your bump appearing earlier than usual, it could be a sign of twins or multiples. Your healthcare provider will monitor your weight gain to ensure it’s healthy for both you and your babies.
4. Extreme Fatigue
Feeling more exhausted than usual during pregnancy is common, but women carrying multiples often report extreme fatigue early on. Your body is working overtime to nourish and support two or more babies, which can leave you feeling drained.
5. A Larger-Than-Expected Uterus
During routine prenatal visits, your doctor will measure your fundal height (the distance from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus). If this measurement is larger than expected for your stage of pregnancy, it could indicate multiples. An ultrasound would be needed to confirm this.
6. Early or Intense Fetal Movements
Some women carrying twins or multiples report feeling fetal movements earlier or more frequently than in a singleton pregnancy. This could be due to more babies moving around in the womb, making the sensations more noticeable.
7. A Family History of Twins
If twins run in your family, particularly on the maternal side, your chances of having multiples may be higher. Fraternal twins are often hereditary, as they result from the mother releasing more than one egg during ovulation. Identical twins, however, occur randomly and are not influenced by family history.
8. Advanced Maternal Age
Women over the age of 30 are more likely to conceive twins or multiples naturally. This is because hormonal changes with age can cause the release of more than one egg during ovulation, increasing the likelihood of fraternal twins.
9. Fertility Treatments
If you underwent fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or used medications to stimulate ovulation, your chances of having twins or multiples are significantly higher. These treatments often involve transferring multiple embryos or stimulating the release of multiple eggs.
10. Stronger or More Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Some women carrying multiples notice that their early pregnancy symptoms, such as breast tenderness, food aversions, or heightened sense of smell, feel much more intense than in previous pregnancies. The increased hormone levels associated with multiples may be the reason.
11. A Gut Feeling
Many mothers report having an instinct or gut feeling that they’re carrying twins or multiples. While this isn’t scientific, it’s worth noting that mothers often have a strong intuition about their pregnancies.
12. Early Confirmation via Ultrasound
The most reliable way to confirm a twin or multiple pregnancy is through an ultrasound. As early as 6–8 weeks, an ultrasound can detect multiple heartbeats or separate sacs, depending on the type of multiples you’re carrying.
When to See Your Doctor
If you suspect you might be carrying twins or multiples, it’s essential to see your healthcare provider for an early evaluation. Multiple pregnancies require closer monitoring to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and babies. Your doctor will likely recommend more frequent ultrasounds and check-ups to track growth and development.
Conclusion
While these signs can hint at a twin or multiple pregnancy, they’re not definitive. Only an ultrasound can confirm whether you’re expecting more than one baby. Regardless of the number of babies, every pregnancy is unique and requires proper care and attention. If you suspect twins or multiples, consult your doctor early to plan the best care for you and your growing family.
FAQs
1. Can you feel twins earlier than a single pregnancy?
Some women report feeling fetal movements earlier or more strongly in a twin pregnancy, but this varies for each individual.
2. Can blood tests detect twins?
Blood tests measuring hCG levels might suggest a twin pregnancy if the levels are unusually high, but this isn’t conclusive without an ultrasound.
3. Are twins always hereditary?
Fraternal twins can run in families due to genetic factors, but identical twins occur randomly and are not hereditary.
4. Do twins mean more severe pregnancy symptoms?
Many women experience intensified symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and weight gain, but this isn’t universal.
5. How early can twins be detected on an ultrasound?
Twins can typically be detected on an ultrasound as early as 6–8 weeks into the pregnancy.
