Signs and symptoms of multiple pregnancy
Many women suspect
that they are carrying more than one child, but how can you be sure? Here are
the signs and symptoms of multiple pregnancy:
Ultrasound confirmation
An ultrasound is the
only way to know for sure if you are having twins.
Number of Doppler heartbeats
Fetal heart sounds
can be detected by doppler at the end of the first trimester. Experienced
doctors and midwives can detect multiple heartbeats; however, this may not be
accurate as a single heartbeat may be detected in multiple areas of the
mother's abdomen.
High hCG
Women with multiple
pregnancies may have elevated levels of hCG, a hormone that is produced during
pregnancy. However, an elevated hCG level does not automatically indicate
multiplicity. Further research is needed to confirm the cause of elevated hCG
levels.
Abnormal AFP test results
Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) screening, also called maternal serum screening or triple marker testing,
is done during the second trimester. This screening is used to detect certain
birth defects and to measure the amount of a certain protein secreted by the
fetal liver.
A positive or high
test result may indicate a multiple pregnancy.
Measuring large for gestational age
Most doctors and
midwives monitor fundal height (the distance from the top of the pubic bone to
the top of the uterus) during pregnancy. This measurement can help determine
the gestational age.
Women with multiple
pregnancies often have increased uterine distension, and the height of the
uterine fundus may be greater than the actual gestational age. While this may
indicate a multiple pregnancy, there may be other factors as well.
Weight gain
Many factors can lead
to excessive weight gain, most of which are due to improper diet. The amount of
weight a woman needs to gain depends on her height, build, and pre-pregnancy
weight.
Excessive morning sickness
About half of all
pregnant women experience some form of morning sickness during pregnancy. While
some mothers of large families report an increase in the severity of morning
sickness, many do not.
Just because a woman
is pregnant with twins doesn't mean she's going to have a double or triple dose
of morning sickness.
Early or frequent fetal movements
Despite controversy
in the medical community, some women with multiple pregnancies report that
fetal movement occurs earlier than expected. It is important to note that most
women have earlier movements in subsequent pregnancies.
Extreme fatigue
While it can also be
caused by stress, work, and responsibilities, it is also commonly reported by
women who are pregnant with twins. This may be due to the fact that the
mother's body is trying to provide nutrients to more than one child.
History or intuition
Some families may have multiple pregnancies. In addition, some mothers may have an intuitive feeling that they are pregnant with twins. Remember that many of these signs can be due to other causes, and the only way to be 100% sure that you are a carrier of twins is to confirm with an ultrasound.