Do you want a twin pregnancy or does the bigger bump scare you the most? Which category do you fall in?
A twin pregnancy can be easily configured through ultrasound, but it’s always great to play a guessing game until it is finally revealed. What are the signs and symptoms that indicate a twin pregnancy?
Excited to know? Let’s find out.
The chance of twin pregnancy can increase through multiple ways that include ART (Assisted Reproductive technique), IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization), ZIFT (Zygote IntraFallopian Transfer), and GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer). All of this falls under fertility treatment methods where multiple embryos are transferred into the uterus which would increase the possibility of twins.
Did you know the chance of twin pregnancy is higher amongst women aged above 30?
It is because, during that phase, there is increased production of FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) that leads to more than one egg being released from the ovary.
Now that we know a few reasons for a twin pregnancy, let’s look at early signs and symptoms that can make you play a pregnancy guess game!
10 Signs and Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy
- Extreme Morning Sickness
Higher ECG level results in extreme morning sickness that is experienced in the first two weeks of pregnancy. The medical term for extreme morning sickness is also called hyperemesis gravidarum. So, before you have missed your periods for the first month, you would already experience extreme nausea.
- Increased Appetite
When carrying two babies, the urge to eat tremendously increases. A twin pregnancy can lead to a larger appetite.
- More Than Normal Mood Swings
Mood swings are a common part of pregnancy, however, in twin pregnancy, it is more than normal. This is because the body is releasing a higher intensity of hormones to meet developmental needs. As you enter the sixth week of pregnancy, it is easily noticeable.
- Cramps and Shortness of Breath
A woman pregnant with twins would experience shortness of breath. It is resultant of the thrust against the diaphragm by two fetuses. Cramps in an early stage are a common symptom that happens due to the enlargement of the uterus more than general.
- Frequently Occurring Back Pain
Due to the excess weight put on, excess hormonal activity, and uterus enlargement, back pains become a common symptom of twin pregnancy. Holding the chest higher and standing straight would help relax the pressure. Also, wearing flats and avoiding locking knees while sitting can help.win pregnancy requires more blood flow for the healthy development of babies.
- Varicose Veins
For the healthy development of two babies, twin pregnancy requires more blood which leads to greater pressure on the veins. This causes varicose veins on the legs. Additionally, the thrust exerted by the babies on the uterus can cause pelvic compression causing vein enlargement near the vagina.
- Digestion Issues
Constipation, bloating, and heart burns are common signs and symptoms of twin pregnancy. It would be there, but to slow down the effects, you can try to avoid oily and spicy foods, keep yourself well hydrated and engage in small frequent meals to feel better.
- Insomnia
Insomnia is the lack of sleep experienced due to back pain, nausea, indigestion, and fatigue. The ideal way to sleep during this time is with a pillow in between your legs and under the tummy.
- Sore, Tender, and Painful Breasts
While sore and tender breasts are a part of pregnancy symptoms, you might experience this condition right in the fourth or fifth week and by the time you enter the sixth week, nipples would become darker and sensitive to pain. A solution could be wearing maternity bras.
- Baby Bump Would Grow More Rapidly
Twin pregnancy would lead to a larger baby bump because two fetuses are growing. The belly would start growing earlier than in a normal pregnancy.
While these symptoms might occur in twin pregnancies, they don’t assure anything. Ultrasound can eventually convey if you are pregnant with twins or not.
