What’s the difference between single and twin pregnancy symptoms?
According to the CDC, there were 32.6 twins for every 1,000 live births in 2018. Numerous variables affect the frequency of twin births each year. A number of factors, including age, genetics, and reproductive interventions, can raise your chance of producing twins.
How to know if pregnant with twins
Difference between single and twin pregnancy symptoms. | Photo by Isaac Hermart
Your doctor won’t know for sure until you have your first-trimester ultrasound, which is typically carried out between weeks 6 and 9 of pregnancy but can be done at any time between week 14 of pregnancy.
You may be able to recognize twin pregnancy as early as week 5 if your human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels are higher than usual.
Your body begins to make hCG as soon as the embryo implants in the uterus. Levels peak during the first few weeks of pregnancy and then typically double every two to three days for the following 10 weeks or more.
Here are more signs of implantation with twins and twins boy and girl symptoms.
Difference between single and twin pregnancy symptoms: Twins pregnancy symptoms
Similar to single pregnancies, multiple pregnancies provide the individual carrying them with a variety of symptoms. However, there are a few physical signs that could reveal how many children you are carrying.
Look out for these early indications of twin pregnancy that could point to multiple pregnancies. What’s the difference between single and twin pregnancy symptoms?
Difference between single and twin pregnancy symptoms. | Photo by Alex Green
Beginning as early as the fourth week of pregnancy, or right around the time you stop getting your period, morning sickness is common among pregnant women. The prenatal hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hGH) rising during pregnancy may be a contributing role.
In certain cases, mothers who are carrying several children report experiencing more acute or persistent morning sickness. You might be carrying more than one embryo if your nausea and vomiting last through the fourteenth week of pregnancy.
Sadly, hyperemesis gravidarum can also be indicated by severe or persistent morning sickness. If you’re losing weight, feeling queasy all the time, or vomiting a lot, you should see an OB-GYN.
Fatigue is another extremely early pregnancy sign. In the first few weeks, and perhaps even before your period is supposed to start at four weeks, you could start to feel exhausted.
In addition to potential issues like interrupted sleep and increased urine, high hormone levels may make it difficult for you to get the usual amount of sleep.
Again, it’s impossible to tell if the weariness you’re experiencing is the result of a single pregnancy or numerous pregnancies. If you’re feeling very exhausted, make an effort to obtain enough sleep by moving your bedtime earlier, taking naps when you can, and creating a relaxing environment.
3. Higher HCG levels
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that the body produces throughout pregnancy (hCG). Home pregnancy tests look for this hormone in urine to indicate a positive test result. Home pregnancy tests cannot pinpoint your body’s exact hCG level; only blood testing can.
If you are undergoing particular reproductive therapy, blood may be drawn to measure your hCG levels. Your OB will set a baseline and then track the data to see if the numbers double as expected. Women who are expecting multiples may have hCG levels that are higher than normal.
4. Two heartbeats
As early as 8 to 10 weeks into your pregnancy, a fetal doppler may allow you to hear the heartbeat of your unborn child. If your OB-GYN thinks they can hear a second heartbeat, they will likely suggest scheduling an ultrasound to get a better understanding of what is happening.
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5. Movement
Since the majority of parents don’t claim to feel movement until the baby is around 18 weeks old, this is also not an early sign. Your child moves in the womb from the very beginning, but it’s unlikely that you will feel anything until your second trimester.
With two or more babies, you might feel movement a little bit earlier than you would with just one, although this is quite unusual to happen before the second trimester.
6. Weight gain
It’s common to recommend a gain of 1 to 4 pounds within the first 12 weeks. The second trimester is when weight gain takes up the quickest, whether you are carrying one kid or numerous.
If you observe that you are gaining weight more quickly during the first trimester, talk to your OB-GYN about any potential causes or concerns.
Based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following weight gain for twin-pregnant women:
- Less than 18.5: 50–62 lbs.
- 18.5–24.9: 37–54 lbs.
- 25–29.9: 31–50 lbs.
- BMI greater or equal to 30: 25–42 lbs.
7. Abnormal AFP results
In the second trimester, pregnant moms get an AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) screening blood test. It is also known as maternal serum screening or multiple marker screening and is used to evaluate whether a certain birth abnormality is more likely to occur.
A twin pregnancy may produce an unusually high or “positive” reading. The typical approach from your doctor will be to arrange an ultrasound for further assessment.
8. Uterine measurement
During your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will measure the height of your uterine fundus to establish the gestational age and the stage of the fetus’ development. From the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, this measurement is taken.
With a twin pregnancy or many pregnancies, the woman’s uterus may expand beyond what is typical.
However, additional factors could cause the measures to be increased. If you’ve already been pregnant, you’ll probably start showing sooner. You may also be measuring large if your child is simply bigger or your conception date is off.
9. Shortness of breath in early pregnancy: Sign of twins?
Due to increased pressure on the diaphragm, breathing problems may be a very early symptom when you are carrying two infants.
How to confirm hidden twin pregnancy symptoms?
An ultrasound scan can conclusively demonstrate whether there are many fetuses. Getting an ultrasound is the only surefire method to know, regardless of any additional symptoms or signals you may experience.
If you suspect there may be more than one baby, let your doctor know. A second or third pregnancy would almost certainly be detected by an ultrasound view, especially at those times.
However, hidden twins have occasionally been discovered. A “hidden” twin is more likely to be detected during an early ultrasound, especially when the newborns are identical (monochorionic) twins.
What to remember when pregnant with twins
- It’s always best to be aware of potential issues if you know you might be suffering from a high-risk pregnancy. Read books, do your own research, and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. That may sound terrible, but nothing awful will occur! Remember not to overthink research and always consult your doctor first.
- Eat only the healthiest meal options. Increase the amount of wholesome, nutritious items in your diet. Fast food and junk food should be avoided at all costs, but try to limit your consumption to once a month instead!
- Never be ashamed to ask for help. Because they feel like a burden to everyone around them, pregnant women frequently attempt to perform jobs that they are incapable of.
- Exercise. Yoga can not only ease certain unpleasant pregnancy symptoms, but it can also make labor easier for you. If you can, continue to be engaged in small ways.
How to know if pregnant with twins: Consult your doctor
Monochorionic twins (mono-mono or mono-di), or twins who share a placenta, require more frequent monitoring. Best practices for identical twins include biweekly checks and ultrasounds beginning at 16 weeks.
This cycle continues up until 36 weeks, at which point you will either give delivery or go in for weekly checkups, depending on your doctor’s advice.
This may seem like a lot due to the possibility of developmental problems including twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and selective intrauterine growth restriction, but it is extremely important (sIUGR). Since these problems can occur at any time and are generally treatable if caught early, periodic scans are required.
Given that they share an amniotic sac in addition to a placenta, mono-mono twins may start biweekly scans in the first trimester and weekly scans in the second. You can expect to be closely observed beginning as you approach your third trimester and continuing through the delivery day.
Here are questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What kind of twins am I carrying, and do my twins share a placenta or an amniotic sac?
- What is my treatment plan, and who will be on my medical team?
- Will I have to speak with a maternal-fetal medical expert?
- What signs should I be on the lookout for, and what issues should I be cognizant of?
- When will the morning sickness end?
- Which medications are safe to use?
- What prenatal genetic testing is recommended for me and are they available?
- If I have twins, how will my delivery and birth plans change?
- Will I require an early delivery or a scheduled c-section?
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