A dream for many women, a twin pregnancy can bring just as many changes to a woman’s body as a singleton pregnancy. But do you actually know how to detect a twin pregnancy and what changes to expect for your body?
Types of twin pregnancy
A twin pregnancy can be dizygotic1 (two babies formed from two fertilized eggs) or monozygotic2 (identical twins resulting from one egg and one sperm). Twin pregnancies are becoming increasingly common due to procedures like in vitro fertilization and hormonal ovulation induction. In these cases, a twin pregnancy may even be expected. It also applies to people who have twins in the family, and therefore may have a genetic predisposition for it. However, most cases can come as a complete surprise to the whole family! But then, how can you know—before any test is done—that the pregnancy underway is a twin pregnancy?
Symptoms of twin pregnancy
A single embryo pregnancy can cause symptoms such as nausea, drowsiness, breast pain, abdominal pain, and many other symptoms. A twin pregnancy can cause these same symptoms, only more intensely. Furthermore, a twin pregnancy can also result in greater abdominal pain once the pregnancy reaches a more advanced stage. Women at 12 weeks or more may have a more prominent abdomen than other pregnant women due to the size of the uterus, which becomes larger than in a singleton pregnancy. The size of the belly is also debatable in early stages, as bloating caused by hormonal changes can frequently occur, often at night. The stage of pregnancy should be taken into account regarding this factor. A woman’s weight gain can also indicate a twin pregnancy. Usually, a woman expecting two or more babies tends to gain weight much faster than other pregnant women. The size of the uterus during prenatal consultations is also a strong indicator of a twin pregnancy. If the uterine height is much greater than usual for that gestational age, this is a strong sign of a twin pregnancy. But remember, none of these are hard rules or definitive signs that a twin pregnancy is in progress.
Is HCG higher in twin pregnancy?
One of the frequent questions that arises here at Famivita is about the amount of HCG (pregnancy-exclusive hormone) found in the woman’s blood. If the level is much higher than expected for that gestational age, it may indeed be a twin pregnancy. But, first of all, we should properly calculate the pregnancy so as not to be disappointed. For example, in the 6th or 7th week, the ideal and expected beta is around 2000 to 4000 mlU/ml of HCG. If this value exceeds 4000 mlU/ml, it can be an indicator of a twin pregnancy. The only reliable way to detect a twin pregnancy is still an ultrasound; however, even this can fail if performed too early in the pregnancy. Multiple pregnancy can be detected as early as the 5th week by ultrasound, where two gestational sacs or two embryos may be seen in the case of monozygotic twins. Twin pregnancy is considered a high-risk pregnancy—not due to any imminent problem, but because it requires greater medical care. Blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and pain must be monitored very closely. Therefore, prenatal care needs to be taken very seriously. It is recommended that at least three ultrasounds are done per pregnancy, one each trimester. However, twin pregnancies should be monitored more closely by ultrasound because of the unique circumstances of the woman’s body.
Changes in the pregnant woman’s body during twin pregnancy
Everyone knows that the belly can get larger in a twin pregnancy, right? Wrong! Not always does a twin pregnancy result in a bigger belly than expected, and this can cause concern. Some bodies may respond to a twin pregnancy differently, carrying two or more babies without a huge belly. This may be because the babies are not that large, or due to the body type of the mother and father. What’s important is that everything is going well and the babies are gaining weight properly and consistently3. Changes during a twin pregnancy start with the uterus, which tends to be larger even if the belly doesn’t appear so. The problem is when the babies are very big. Space inside the belly gets extremely tight and can cause a lot of pain for the mom, whose skin and uterus are stretched very far. In a woman pregnant with twins, there is also greater blood circulation than with a singleton pregnancy. Circulation is much greater, as the blood has to nourish two or more babies and often two separate placentas. As a result, a woman’s blood pressure may rise. This is a concern for doctors. Even so, the ideal is for a pregnant woman’s blood pressure to remain around 128. Internal organs also undergo more significant changes. The heart, stomach, and intestines shift around within the body to accommodate the babies and adapt to the woman’s new condition. This can be painful and often uncomfortable. What pregnant woman hasn’t felt tired and short of breath during pregnancy? Now imagine a mother of twins. She is bound to struggle with this twice as much due to the heavier belly and much more kicking. In fact, a twin pregnancy offers the incredible experience of a group of babies moving around inside the womb. It’s amusing how mothers know exactly which one is the more active at any given time.
What changes for a mother expecting twins?
Nutrition should be better, with more nutrients and much more fluid intake. In addition, more fiber-rich fruits should be consumed. Fruits like bananas, which contain potassium and help prevent the dreaded leg cramps more commonly experienced in women pregnant with twins, are a good choice. Besides helping with cramps, bananas also support vitamin B12 levels. For women expecting twins, working hours should be reduced, since fatigue arrives much more quickly for them. Ideally, as soon as they feel tired, these women should be allowed to begin their maternity leave early to avoid a premature birth. Rest as much as possible whenever you can. At the end of a twin pregnancy, it’s normal to notice more swelling in the legs too.
Twin delivery
Childbirth—this is the main concern for women with a twin pregnancy. These women are more likely to give birth before 40 weeks, and it’s very common for it to happen. However, with advances in medicine and good prenatal care, the chances of reaching the 9th month are almost the same as for women pregnant with just one baby. The signs that labor is about to begin will be indicated by your body. The placenta and your overall health will show when it’s time. And your doctor will do everything possible to help nature bring the pregnancy to the most suitable date for the babies to be born healthy. Deliveries from 35 weeks onward are considered a great outcome for those expecting twins. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to help produce enzymes that will cause the babies’ lungs to mature more quickly than in a singleton pregnancy. Remember, a twin pregnancy requires more care, but it’s a pregnancy just like any other. Enjoy this unique and much-dreamed-of moment! See also: Getting Pregnant with Twins – What’s the Secret?
