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Twin Pregnancy Symptoms
and Early Signs of Multiples
Be sure to read through our list of the most common twin pregnancy symptoms and signs, especially if you have an inkling that you might be carrying more than one baby!
A "Very Positive" Or Early Home Pregnancy Result
What I mean by "very positive" is - if you take a home pregnancy test on the first day of your missed period (or within just a day or two) and you get a distinctive, dark, second line or plus sign. Most women experience a faint line when testing this early. Pregnancy tests detect the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). It is beleived that a woman carrying twins would have higher levels of this hormone and therefore a stronger positive or earlier result.
In my own experience, I decided to get some of those expensive home pregnancy tests that claim to show a positive result (if you are indeed pregnant) slightly before your missed period. Now that I have my twins, I think it kind of funny that I never got a positive result until the day of my missed period (I took several tests during the week before my period was to arrive...All negative!). And although I did get the distinctive second line on the day of my missed period, you would have thought me the perfect candidate for an early result.
Keep in mind, a blood test at your doctor's office will yield a more accurate result.
Early Weight Gain
Due to increased blood volume and a growing uterus, twin mothers usually experience a slightly higher weight gain than mothers of singletons. Approximately five pounds, give or take, more than a singleton mother by their second trimester. But this can still vary greatly due to many other factors including the mother's pre-pregnancy weight. So think of it as a general guideline.
Measuring Large For Gestational Age
 Even though measuring large for gestational age may be a sign of a twin pregnancy, it is widely accepted that a second pregnancy "shows" sooner than a first pregnancy. So it does not always indicate twins. If this is a first pregnancy it may be harder to determine by yourself without prior experience or your doctor‘s advice. Also, your pre-pregnancy size will be a factor. A smaller framed, slim woman will almost always start showing any pregnancy sooner than a larger or heavier woman as a general rule. Coupling a large gestational age measurement with some of the other factors mentioned here would be a stronger indication of a twin pregnancy or could add to your twin pregnancy symptoms.
Severe Morning Sickness And/Or Fatigue
As if feeling sick and tired isn't bad enough, many mothers of twins can experience this twofold. But don't get discouraged just yet.  I do know at least a few moms of twins that had neither the fatigue or morning sickness. Both morning sickness and fatigue have to be among the most common complaints of any pregnancy. Some women experience one, both, or none. So the best way to gauge if your twin pregnancy symptoms are due to two babies would probably be your experience with a prior pregnancy. But not all of us will have twins our second time around. For many, a twin pregnancy is the first pregnancy. Now what? Well, if this is in fact your first pregnancy and you are also experiencing one or more of the other twin pregnancy symptoms and/or signs mentioned, you may have a better indication. Also keep in mind that some of the worst fatigue will come towards the end of your twin pregnancy.
Feeling Fetal Movement Early In Pregnancy
Most pregnant women don't feel fetal movement until about 18 to 22 weeks. It is arguable that you would feel movement earlier than this if you are pregnant with twins. Although many women expecting twins claim to, there are a few factors to consider here. If this is a first pregnancy it may be difficult to determine if what you are feeling is indeed fetal movement. Also, a single fetus may be more active than usual causing stronger sensations in the womb. If this is a subsequent pregnancy you might have a sneaking suspicion or strong indication that that something is different with what you are feeling. I have a friend who (in first pregnancy) did not feel her twin babies move at all until the 23rd week! She said, "I can't believe that during the ultrasound my babies are clearly moving, turning, and kicking so much, yet I can't feel a thing!”"
Confirmation Via Ultrasound
There is no better tried and true method of determining a twin pregnancy than having an ultrasound (also called a sonogram). On the ultrasound monitor your doctor or other professional can usually distinguish two fetuses and/or two heartbeats with ease. Indeed many obstetricians perform an ultrasound as a definite confirmation of pregnancy at your first appointment.
A great way to see if your twin pregnancy symptoms are correct!
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