Think you’re carrying twins? You might be right—twins are on the rise. Find out what your pregnancy signs have to say the chance that you’re having twins is higher than ever before—twin pregnancies have been on the increase since 1980, peaking in 2019 at about 5% of all babies born.
In addition to the more common early pregnancy sign, women who are pregnant with twins may have the following twin pregnancy signs:
HCG levels
In general, a twin pregnancy causes moms body to produce more hCG, the hormone the body secretes during pregnancy.
Some of the studies show that moms with twin pregnancy produce high hCG and for a more extended time than a singleton pregnancy.
hCG Level chart for twins and single pregnancy Keep in mind, though, that hCG production varies widely from woman to woman so high levels should not take as a definitive measure of whether mama is carrying twins.
Weight gain
Rapid weight gain is a significant sign of a twin pregnancy. It’s normal for twin pregnancy than a woman carrying a single baby; you’re creating twice the amount of babies after all!
You may gain upto 5kg in the first trimester due to increased uterine size and blood volume. When moms-to-be of twins have gained between 7kg and 12kg – whereas moms expecting one baby usually only gain between 5kg and 10kg.
Increased nausea
Although not all twin pregnancies result in increased nausea and morning sickness, many mums-to-be who are expecting twins report increased and more severe nausea than they experienced during their singleton pregnancies. If the nausea does hit, here’s what to do:
Eat a healthy balanced diet
Sometimes easier said than done, but a mix of protein, fat, and complex carbs at each meal will not only support you and baby but help regulate blood sugar (one potential cause of morning sickness).
Support the liver
The liver is responsible for processing hormones and other toxins and is often overburden in the first trimester of pregnancy. Milk thistle or dandelion root teas are excellent, as are safe digestive bitters, fermented foods like raw apple cider vinegar, and lemon water.
Boost digestion
Age-old remedies of both ginger and peppermint are helpful for stomach upset and nausea. Use these ginger chews or tea and these real peppermints and tea.
Beware of the empty stomach
As soon as you wake up, Take food that contains protein and complex carbs. Most of the moms even keep whole-grain crackers by their bedside. It can reduce nausea caused by sluggish bile or low blood sugar.
Extreme morning sickness
Because of the more significant increase in several pregnancy hormones, morning sickness can be especially bad during a twin pregnancy. In studies, twin pregnancies are a risk factor for the common severe form of morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum.
However, not all moms pregnant with twins will experience severe morning sickness! Some may not feel queasy at all. Every mom and pregnancy is different.
Food intolerance
Similarly to severe morning sickness, some moms with a twin pregnancy notice an unusually strong aversion to certain foods. Blame this (again!) on the hormonal fluctuations you are experiencing.
In any case, it may be best to listen to that stay away from aversions foods for now. Try to eat healthy, mild-tasting foods you can tolerate like broth, bananas, avocados, oats, and smoothies and don’t stress about it.
These aversions usually pass within a few weeks, and you can get your fill of nutrient-dense foods following weeks.
Extreme tiredness
Many pregnant women are going to be tired, but many moms with a twin pregnancy report feeling utterly exhausted.
The sharp rise in progesterone to support the gestation of two babies, combined with a higher basal metabolic rate, can cause debilitating fatigue.
Plus, the first trimester is the most critical for growing the baby’s foundational body systems (and you’re doing this for two babies!)
Serious breast tenderness
Pregnancy can make breasts incredibly sore and tender. Breast tenderness is another early pregnancy sign that is often extreme when it’s a twin pregnancy, and hormone levels are raised.
Your breasts are enhancing overtime since they’ll have to support two babies rather than just one.
Frequent urination
When mom carrying twins can cause increased urination due to higher levels of hCG. hence twin pregnancy have elevated hCG levels than those in singleton pregnancies,the increased need to go to the bathroom may be especially obvious.
Here are some ways to deal:
- Drink your liquids earlier in the day and stop 1-2 hours before bed.
- Try to avoid beverages that are diuretics. This could include seltzer, tea, and coffee. Stick with hydrating electrolyte drinks like coconut water, broth or plain filtered water.
- Empty your bladder by leaning forward with each pee. You can also wait a few seconds while on the toilet to be sure your bladder is empty.
Mood swings
When those hormone fluctuations kick in, mood swings might not be far behind. And like with other early symptoms of twin pregnancy, improved moodiness due to massive biological changes may be a sign that you’re expecting two bundles of joy!
Higher resting heart rate
As we mentioned Previous, in pregnancy, the basal metabolic rate rises to provide nourishment for the baby. Likewise, the resting heart rate can increase too.
A normal human resting heart rate is around 70 beats per minute (bpm). During pregnancy that increases between 80 to 100 bpm. But a twin pregnancy, the heart rate can be even higher.
After 100 bpm, tachycardia may be diagnosed. Tachycardia is often considered normal in pregnancy (so there’s no need to worry) but should be monitored by your doctor.
Author Bio:
Kalaivani is a content writer in Pulse Pharmacy. Kalaivani is exclusive in guest blogging, blog publishing and social media campaigns. She believes in the fact that being healthy and fit isn’t a trend, it’s all about lifestyle. She specializes on topics like health benefits, medical issues as well as medical news. An enthusiast who prompt the readers to have a healthy lifestyle.
