The Signs & Symptoms of Carrying Twins

Pregnancy-info.net suggests that a healthy weight gain for a singleton pregnancy is between 10 and 20 lbs. while the mother pregnant with twins may find herself in the 15 to 25 lb. range, although mothers of twins may gain more than 30 lbs. during pregnancy. If you suspect you are pregnant with multiples, discuss your instinct with your doctor to protect your bundles of joy, because twin pregnancies may be high-risk.

  1. Mother's Intuition

    • Intuition or a hunch may lead expectant women to believe they are having twins. Overwhelming feelings, dreams, choosing two baby names and constant daydreams may be a subconscious sign of being pregnant with multiples. Don't disregard the feelings and ask your doctor to check it out during your first prenatal exam.

    Mood Swings and Irritability

    • HCG, a pregnancy hormone released when an egg has been fertilized, is often detected in blood or urine and confirms that a woman is pregnant. These hormones, paired with increased estrogen and progesterone, are also responsible for mood swings, hunger pangs, fatigue and irritability as suggested by American Pregnancy. These symptoms of pregnancy are developed at a faster rate and earlier in gestational age than that of a singleton pregnancy. Irritability may be more severe than your first pregnancy or week prior to your monthly period.

    Morning Sickness

    • Expectant mothers may or may not be inconvenienced with the daily early-morning trip to the porcelain throne. Morning sickness is common due to rising HCG levels in the body. But with twins, you may expect your trip to the restroom to be more frequent. You may even petition to change the name of "morning sickness" to "all day and night sickness" when pregnant with multiples. Crackers, peppermints and avoiding strong smells may help to alleviate your misery. But in severe cases your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication or added vitamin supplements to keep you and babies nourished.

    Early Weight Gain and Water Retention

    • Weight gain and increased bloating can be an initial sign of pregnancy. However, if after eight weeks of pregnancy, you're finding that your pants are too tight, you may be pregnant with twins. Larger uterine size earlier in the pregnancy is a sign of multiples, and women pregnant for the second time may appear larger due to the elasticity of the uterus. Unhealthy food choices may alternatively be the cause of your tight pants opposed to two fetuses.

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