It is believed that the shape of the abdomen, the state of health during pregnancy and the rate of weight gain can tell not only about the sex of the unborn child, but also about the number of embryos. All this can be determined by a woman on her own, paying attention to toxicosis, manifestations of fatigue and emerging taste preferences. All these signs are enhanced in a situation of development of two fruits inside it. The gynecologist also, at the first examination, can determine whether a pregnant woman has twins or twins. Subsequently, ultrasound studies carried out confirm this information.
How a gynecologist defines twin pregnancy without ultrasound
Multiple pregnancies have become quite common. Its appearance is mainly due to genetic factors. Often, a pregnant woman, accustomed to the thought of one child, gets a lot of stress in the second trimester when she learns that she will have twins or twins. In fact, a gynecologist can identify such a pregnancy at the very beginning. Visual inspection and test results will help him in this.
For example, an enlarged uterus and a strong jump in the hCG hormone will immediately tell about twins, it is typical only for pregnant women. Normally, its indicator is 3, and in the presence of two fruits, this figure will double. Screening will reveal a high protein content in the ACE test. A doubled heart rate, determined by a special Doppler system, in the eighth week of pregnancy will also tell about the presence of two children in the womb. At a short time, ultrasound may not show two fruits, because one can hide behind the other. But during the examination, an experienced doctor will certainly be able to probe them and notify the woman.
Many are sure that ultrasound will harm the unborn child and, in principle, do not go for them. 3 procedures during pregnancy are considered the norm. They will not only not harm the health of the baby, but will also help to identify malformations in time.
Symptoms of multiple pregnancy
These signs, of course, are more intuitive than reliable. But it often happens that even before coming to the ultrasound, a woman is sure that twins will soon be born. The most visible sign is the belly. It begins to grow at such a rate that by the end of the first trimester, its size can be compared with those who are already going on maternity leave. This is due to an increase in the size of the uterus. By the way, weight will also gain very quickly. The twins' movements also begin quite early, even before the onset of 20 weeks.
Moreover, it is interesting that the children move at the same time, which creates noticeable discomfort for the mother, because you need to take a body position that is comfortable for two.
With multiple pregnancies, the breast becomes very sensitive, it increases by 2-3 sizes, all touching it causes discomfort. Because there are two babies, the diaphragm begins to rise already in the early stages of pregnancy - this leads to severe shortness of breath throughout the entire period. Also, the likelihood of having twins in your family increases if such cases have already occurred in your family.
If it seems to you that all of the above signs are observed in you, then you can try to palpate multiple pregnancies on your own. To do this, while walking, put both hands on the lower abdomen: if there are two fruits, then two heads will be clearly felt. Pay attention to the shape of your tummy: with multiple pregnancies, it will be square at the bottom.
