Is It Twins? 10 Signs That You're Having Twins/Multiples
2009-06-19 Author:Pamela Prindle Fierro Source:About.com
1. Ultrasound Confirmation
Seeing is believing... the only way to indisputably confirm a twin or multiple pregnancy is to see it -- via ultrasound. An ultrasound image can indicate without a doubt if there is more than one fetus. Ultimately, no matter what other signs or symptoms you have, the only way you'll know for sure is to have an ultrasound.
2. Doppler Heartbeat Count
Using harmless sound waves, a Doppler system amplifies fetal heart sounds, usually distinguishable late in the first trimester. An experienced physician or midwife can detect more than one heartbeat, indicating a multiple pregnancy. However, the sounds can be misleading; what appears to be a second heartbeat may actually be background noise or, rarely, the mother's own heartbeat.
3. Elevated HcG Levels
For various reasons, doctors may monitor HcG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels. HcG is a hormone detectable in pregnant women's blood or urine about 10 days post-conception; it increases at a rapid rate, peaking about 10 weeks into the pregnancy. Twins may produce an elevated level of HcG. However, the standard HcG level for twins also falls within the normal range for singletons. |