The signs of a possible hidden twin pregnancy can include severe nausea, excessive weight gain or fatigue, abnormally high hCG levels, and repeatedly measuring large for gestational age at prenatal exams.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Severe Nausea or Morning Sickness: Experiencing significantly worse nausea and vomiting than expected, potentially leading to hyperemesis gravidarum, can be an early indicator. Twin pregnancies often result in higher hormone levels that contribute to increased nausea.
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Excessive Weight Gain or Fatigue: Gaining weight faster than is typically recommended during the first trimester or experiencing extreme fatigue beyond what's considered normal for pregnancy may suggest a twin pregnancy.
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Abnormally High hCG Levels: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is the pregnancy hormone. Higher-than-normal levels detected in blood tests can sometimes indicate a multiple pregnancy. However, it's important to note that hCG levels can vary widely even in singleton pregnancies.
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Measuring Large for Gestational Age: At prenatal appointments, your doctor will measure the size of your uterus. Consistently measuring larger than expected for your gestational age might raise suspicion of a twin pregnancy. This is often noticed during routine check-ups.
Keep in mind that these signs are not definitive and can also be caused by other factors. An ultrasound is the most reliable way to confirm a twin pregnancy. If you experience these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.
