Early signs that may indicate a woman is pregnant with twins can be both subtle and more pronounced compared to a singleton pregnancy. While many symptoms overlap with those of a single pregnancy, there are a few that may suggest the presence of twins:
1. Higher Levels of hCG: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy. Women carrying twins often have significantly higher levels of hCG. This can sometimes be detected early through blood tests and may correlate with more intense early pregnancy symptoms.
2. Severe Morning Sickness: Although morning sickness is common in many pregnancies, women pregnant with twins might experience more severe nausea and vomiting. This condition, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, is more common in multiple pregnancies due to higher hormone levels.
3. Extreme Fatigue: While fatigue is a common symptom in any pregnancy, carrying twins can cause greater exhaustion due to the increased metabolic demands and higher levels of pregnancy hormones.
4. Rapid Weight Gain: Women carrying twins often gain weight more quickly in the first trimester compared to those carrying a single baby. This is partly due to increased blood volume and the growing needs of two fetuses.
5. Exaggerated Pregnancy Symptoms: Symptoms such as breast tenderness, frequent urination, and food aversions may be more intense in twin pregnancies. The heightened hormone levels can amplify these common signs.
6. Early or More Pronounced Baby Bump: Due to the presence of two babies, the uterus expands more rapidly, leading to an earlier or more noticeable baby bump.
7. Increased Appetite: Women pregnant with twins may experience a stronger appetite earlier in pregnancy as their bodies require more calories to support two growing fetuses.
8. More Frequent or Earlier Fetal Movements: Some women report feeling fetal movements earlier and more frequently when pregnant with twins. This can be due to the increased activity of two babies.
9. Higher Basal Body Temperature: A consistently higher basal body temperature over several weeks can sometimes indicate a multiple pregnancy.
10. Ultrasound Confirmation: The most definitive early sign of a twin pregnancy is an ultrasound. By the 6th to 8th week of pregnancy, an ultrasound can usually detect two embryos or gestational sacs, confirming a twin pregnancy.
It’s important to note that while these signs can suggest a twin pregnancy, they are not conclusive. Only a medical professional through an ultrasound can confirm the presence of twins. Women experiencing severe symptoms should consult with their healthcare provider to ensure proper care and monitoring.