How Can I Find Out if I'm Having Twins?

How Can I Find Out If I'm Having Twins?
An ultrasound scan can confirm a twin pregnancy. skynesher / Vetta / Getty Images

The thought will cross the mind of almost every pregnant woman at some time They wonder, "Could there be more than one in there?" or "Is it twins?" In some cases, the idea may be a passing fancy, yet for others, it is a strong hunch.

Symptoms

Every pregnancy is different. While there are certain symptoms that produce a suspicion of multiples, there are plenty of mothers of multiples who had no indications whatsoever. Some common signs include sensing fetal movement earlier in pregnancy, measuring larger for gestational age, rapid weight gain, extreme experience of common symptoms like morning sickness or fatigue. Other clues are hearing dual heartbeats or abnormal results on prenatal tests.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you are carrying twins or more, discuss your feelings with your doctor or midwife. Women pregnant with twins will require closer medical attention, and perhaps more frequent prenatal visits, and it's vital that they receive the proper care. Don't be intimidated about speaking up about your concerns.

Regardless of why you suspect you might be having twins, the next step towards confirming a twin pregnancy is an ultrasound scan. There's not really a test or evaluation that can confirm a twin pregnancy beyond that visual confirmation on ultrasound.

Ultrasound remains the most reliable way to detect and monitor a multiple pregnancy. The routine use of ultrasound in prenatal care has reduced the number of surprise appearances by twins in the delivery room, so that most multiples are discovered during the first half of pregnancy.

By Pamela Prindle Fierro
 Pamela Prindle Fierro is the author of several parenting books and the mother of twin girls.