Twin pregnancy

Symptoms and Signs of Twin Pregnancy: All women experience a range of symptoms with pregnancy. The symptoms vary from woman to woman, in the case of twins, just as with single pregnancies. One of the common indications of twins includes early weight gain, within the first trimester. Increased uterus size can also indicate multiple-pregnancy. Fatigue is an extremely common complaint with the expectant mothers, in the case of twins. However, the only way to be certain of twin pregnancy is through an ultrasound, by an experienced professional, in the second trimester. Listening for dual heartbeats can be tricky and sometimes the early sonograms are not conclusive and doctors may test HcG levels in the mother’s blood, to detect twins. HcG or human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone detectable in a pregnant woman's blood or urine, about 10 days after conception. Twin pregnancy may produce elevated levels of HcG.

Weight Gain With Twin Pregnancy: Early weight gain of up to 10 ponds within the first trimester is a common symptom of twin pregnancy. Over the entire gestation, it is recommended to try for extra weight gain with twin pregnancy. Where as mothers with singleton pregnancies should gain 25-35 pounds, weight gain with twin pregnancy should be in the range of 35-45pounds.

Risks with Twin Pregnancy: Understanding the possible risks and the available treatment options enable you to deal with the situation, in the event of any problem. The mother and babies are both potentially at risk. The major risk is pre-term labor and resultant, premature birth. Mothers of twins are more likely to go through pre-term labor. This can be managed or even stopped, if detected in time. Twin-to-twin Transfusion Syndrome occurs when monozygotic twins share a single placenta. Blood vessels within the placenta get crossed, resulting in an imbalanced blood flow to the babies. However, doctors can correct this with surgery, using lasers. Another possibility is a condition called Monoamnionic Monochorionic or Mo-Mo Twins, affecting only a small percentage of twins. It occurs when the twins are enclosed in a single amniotic sac. As they grow, their umbilical cords become entwined, compressed, stopping flow of oxygen and nutrients. Sadly, there is no treatment for this condition. The only option is to deliver the babies.

Other situations linked to twin pregnancy affect the mother's health. Mothers of twins are more likely to experience gestational diabetes. It can usually be controlled with diet, but sometimes insulin must be administered. Whether there is a single, shared or multiple placentas, problems with the placenta can result in dangerous complications like hemorrhage during pregnancy or after delivery. However, careful monitoring can detect these problems in advance. Elevated blood pressure is common in twin pregnancy. Blood pressure should be checked regularly during the pregnancy. Treatment options include bed rest and occasionally, medication. When the pregnancy is accompanied by two additional symptoms, edema and proteinuria or protein in the urine, it is called preclampsia. This is mainly treated with bed rest, but the condition should be closely monitored. Neglect may result in serious complications like kidney failure, seizures or stroke.

Online resources: The Internet has a number of sites that offer advice, support, FAQ’s, forums and discussion groups. There are also sites that have a weekly pregnancy calendar and picture gallery. These list symptoms and also provide belly pictures to mothers wanting to know how they will look during the various stages of the pregnancy with twins.