Do you want to know more about some common signs and symptoms when you are pregnant with twins? 

Some women suspect that they are carrying twins from the beginning of their pregnancy whereas some women get completely surprised when they come to know about twin pregnancy after their first ultrasound scan report. The twin pregnancy is confirmed by your gynecologist who makes sure you undergo a clinical evaluation, an ultrasound scan, a doppler heartbeat count, and an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). From the beginning of your pregnancy, your body undergoes massive changes and produces different types of hormones. If you want to know more about your pregnancy that whether it is a singleton or a twin pregnancy then you must look out for these signs and symptoms because this can help you reveal the truth even before an ultrasound scan:

• Elevated hCG levels- The presence of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone is generally high in your blood and urine sample from the beginning of your pregnancy. The higher levels of hCG in the first 2 weeks also lead to the development of zygote and implantation. Undoubtedly it is one of the clear signs that show you are expecting twins or multiples. However, for confirmation, the doctor will recommend you to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound scan by the 8th week of your pregnancy.

• Morning sickness in extreme- Some women complain of experiencing severe morning sickness at any time of the day while expecting a twin. From the beginning of the first trimester, many women feel nauseated and their vomiting is also in excess because of multifetal gestation. The morning sickness slowly fades at the end of their first trimester.

• Mother’s intuition- Some women are asymptomatic at the beginning or might experience normal symptoms of pregnancy which include cramping, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and vomiting. These signs and symptoms exaggerate as the journey of pregnancy proceeds and sometimes many women instinctively guess that they are expecting twins. These intuition-based feelings are quite common because some women also get dreams of having twins. You must not feel ashamed to speak to the doctor about your gut feelings.

• Excess weight gain- Gaining weight in pregnancy is obvious but in the case of twin or multiple pregnancies, women tend to gain more weight from the beginning. The amount of weight gain also depends on certain factors like your body type, height, and if any chronic disease persists.

• Extreme fatigue- Feeling exhausted, lethargic, and drowsy are some of the common complaints that are made by almost every pregnant woman but if you are carrying twins these symptoms get exaggerated. If you are feeling more tired as compared to your last pregnancy then certainly it is one of the important signs that will give you a hint of your twin pregnancy.

When you are carrying twins, your body will automatically demand more food and that increases your appetite. To accommodate two babies in your womb later on the baby bump will appear bigger than normal. You might also experience severe mood swings because of the excess production of hormones during pregnancy. Shortness of breath and cramping are also some of the common signs but if in excess you must have a word with your doctor. Certain characteristics increase the chances of twin or multiple pregnancies and that is as follows:

• Family history- If the pregnant woman has a family history of fraternal twins, then the chances of expecting twins are usually higher.

• If the woman has undergone fertility treatment like IVF (In vitro fertilization)

• If the age of the mother is over 35 years old

• Higher Body Mass Index (above 25)

• Hormonal fluctuations during your previous pregnancy

Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind if you are carrying twins or multiples:

• Your doctor might warn you that you are having a high-risk pregnancy. You must schedule your prenatal appointments, tests, and ultrasound scans in advance.

• Eat a nutritionally balanced diet that includes whole wheat, a variety of fluids, seasonal fruits, colorful vegetables, and some healthy snacks.

• Do not hesitate or feel ashamed to ask for help from your friends and family during pregnancy. You must not exert your body and take plenty of rest.

• Practicing prenatal yoga under the supervision of a certified trainer is advisable.