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Only 15 percent of twin pregnancies complete the 36 weeks gestational period. Twins and triplets are more likely to be born early, concurs NHS, UK. Pregnancy and parenthood may well be a life-changing event for a couple. Parents to-be often prepare their homes well in advance to welcome their little bundle of joy, their son or daughter. Wouldn’t it be all the more joyous if you were to find out that you are having twins!
6 Twin Pregnancy Symptoms
Twins may be a result of two separate eggs fertilizing with two separate sperms which results in fraternal or dizygotic twins. Or they may be a result of a single embryo splitting into two to develop into two babies who are called identical twins or monozygotic twins. Twin pregnancy symptoms are mostly similar to a singleton however, some symptoms may be elevated or increased. Gone are the days, when twin pregnancies were revealed during childbirth. Nowadays, twin pregnancies are confirmed in the very first trimester through an ultrasound. Here are common pregnancy symptoms that might lead you to believe that it is a double whammy.
A Rapidly Growing Belly
A rapidly growing belly or when the “uterus is too large for dates” may be an indication of twin pregnancy.
Elevated HCG Levels
HCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is the hormone that helps to detect pregnancy through a urine test. Twin pregnancies may have highly elevated levels of HCG. However, it may not necessarily be the case.
Doppler Heartbeat Count
A Doppler test is used to monitor foetal heart rate distinguishable in the late first trimester. A physician may detect more than one heart beat indicating twin pregnancies. However, it may be misleading, as the second heartbeat may be a background noise or may even sometimes be the mother’s heartbeat.
Excessive Morning Sickness
Early morning sickness may be elevated in some mothers expecting twin deliveries.
Early Foetal Movements
Mothers about to have twins may experience the baby or babies moving inside much earlier than a singleton pregnancy.
APF Results
APF or Alpha fetoprotein is a type of blood test mostly done on pregnant women to determine increased risk of birth defects. It is done in the second trimester. Twin pregnancies are likely to reveal positive or unusually high results.
Twin pregnancy symptoms being mostly similar to a singleton makes it difficult to tell for sure whether there is one foetus or two. Get an Ultrasound done as soon as possible to ascertain whether you are going to be parents to one or two babies. Twins are most likely to be born in a family with multiple pregnancy history.
Whether twin or singleton, do not forget to opt for Umbilical Cord Blood banking to secure your child’s future health. Cord blood banking helps preserve the cord blood stems cells that possess the ability to replicate host of other types of cells, therefore proving to be instrumental in myriad treatments of severe diseases.