Many women have suspicions early on that they may be pregnant with more than one baby. While the only absolute way to tell for sure you are carrying twins is through an ultrasound, there are some early pregnancy signs that may provide the first clues. An awareness of these early signs is important because many doctors consider a multiple pregnancy to be "high risk," making early prenatal care critical.
Excessive Nausea and Vomiting
According to americanpregnancy.org, approximately half of all pregnancies involve nausea and/or vomiting. Many report an increase in the severity of these symptoms with a pregnancy involving twins or or multiples. For many, the severity of nausea and vomiting is hard to gauge if it is a first pregnancy.
Heightened Fatigue
Fatique is a common symptom for all pregnant women. Women who are pregnant with twins or multiples, however, tend to report higher levels of fatigue, according to americanpregnancy.org. Increased fatigue may be the result of needing to provide nutrients to more than one baby. As with nausea and vomiting, it may be difficult for first-time mothers to gauge the severity of this symptom without anything to compare against.
Greater Weight Gain
Early weight gain of up to 10 pounds in the first trimester, much more than in a singleton pregnancy, can result due to increased blood volume and uterine size when twins are being carried. According to pregnancy-info.com, by the end of the second trimester most multiple pregnancies result in a 15- to 25-lb. weight gain as opposed to singlton pregnancies, which result in an average second trimester weight gain of 10 to 20 lbs.
Abnormal AFP Test
The alphafetoprotein (AFP) test is used as a preliminary Down syndrome and spina bifida screening device for pregnant women during the middle of the second trimester. Elevated results on this test, which measures for protein in the mother's blood, are another sign of multiples. According to pregnancy-info.org, a high result may also suggest abnormalities with a single baby. To be on the safe side, an ultrasound will usually be scheduled immediately to investigate further.
