Many women begin to wonder early in their pregnancy if they may be carrying twins. Symptoms of a multiple pregnancy are the same as for a singleton, but may be stronger and noted much earlier in the pregnancy. The only way to diagnose a multiple pregnancy is by blood tests and ultrasound.
Increased Morning Sickness
You may experience increased morning sickness when pregnant with twins. This is due to the double amount of pregnancy hormones in your body. Conditions in which women have higher levels of hCG, such as carrying multiples, are associated with higher rates of nausea and vomiting, reports Baby Center. Hormones are thought to slow down the process of digestion, and give women an enhanced sense of smell and sensitivity to odors. Most women will feel relief by about 14 weeks, while a some may go on to have morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy.
Excessive Weight Gain
Carrying twins makes you more likely to experience rapid weight gain in the first trimester. Weight gain of up to 10 lbs. in the first trimester can result due to increased blood volume and uterine size, reports Pregnancy Info. Your doctor may notice your uterus is measuring large for gestational age during the early stages of a multiple pregnancy.
Extreme Fatigue
You may experience severe fatigue while carrying twins. Your body is channeling extra energy to the developing babies, which may leave you feeling much more tired than usual. It's possible that hormonal changes, in particular a dramatic rise in progesterone, are contributing to your sluggishness, reports Baby Center. Most women will feel some energy return in their second trimester. Fatigue may return again around seven months and last up until delivery.
