Signs & Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy

According to the March of Dimes, 3.2 percent of live births in the U.S. were twin deliveries in 2006. If you suspect you might be pregnant with twins, you're probably excited, nervous and anxious to learn the common symptoms of a twin pregnancy.

Early Weight Gain

Many women who are pregnant with twins experience rapid weight gain early in pregnancy as the body prepares to nourish two babies.

Measuring Large

Women pregnant with twins may be told by their doctors that they are "measuring large for dates," meaning their uterus is bigger than expected given their point in pregnancy.

Exaggerated Symptoms

While many pregnant women experience morning sickness, breast tenderness, fatigue and increased appetite, these symptoms may be more severe for women carrying twins because of the additional hormones in their body as compared with a woman with just one fetus.

Increased hCG

All pregnant women produce the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), but women carrying twins will have higher levels, which doctors usually test early in a pregnancy.

Two Heartbeats

Around the 12th week of pregnancy, your doctor will probably use a Doppler instrument to hear your baby's heartbeat and he may be able to find two distinct heartbeats.

References

• University of Virginia Health System
• The Labor of Love
• March of Dimes