Although being pregnant with twins is not much different from a singleton pregnancy, there are characteristics of being pregnant with twins that you need to know. Especially if you and your partner are expecting twins. That way, you can be more careful in maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
The characteristics of pregnant with twins can actually be known since the first trimester of pregnancy. For example, the emergence of nausea during pregnancy, the body feels tired quickly, and moods are more volatile.
However, these characteristics can sometimes also be experienced by women who are pregnant with only one fetus. Therefore, to ensure twin pregnancy or not, an obstetrical examination is still needed by a doctor.
Characteristics of Pregnant Twins
It has been mentioned earlier that the characteristics of multiple pregnancies are not much different from singleton pregnancies. However, there are several things that can distinguish the two conditions of pregnancy, including:
1. Morning sickness the heavier one
Even though morning sickness commonly experienced by pregnant women, but twin pregnancies can cause morning sickness heavier. This is because in multiple pregnancies, hormone levels human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) will be higher compared to singleton pregnancies.
To reduce the symptoms, pregnant women with twins can try several ways to deal with morning sickness that can be done at home. However, if these symptoms do not subside, immediately consult a doctor for treatment.
2. Kdrastic weight gain
Weight gain that is quite drastic since the beginning of pregnancy can be a feature of multiple pregnancies. The difference in weight between twins and singleton pregnancies can reach 4.5 kilograms at the same gestational age.
Even though the weight has increased significantly, mothers who are pregnant with twins need not worry as long as the weight gain during pregnancy is still ideal.
This is because increasing body weight plays an important role in supporting fetal growth and development, as well as reducing the risk of babies being born prematurely or born with low birth weight (LBW).
3. Stomach looks bigger
At the same gestational age, the size of the belly of a woman pregnant with twins will look bigger when compared to a single pregnant woman. This is due to the presence of two or more fetuses in the stomach of a twin pregnant woman.
4. The body feels tired quickly
Fatigue in pregnant women is actually a natural thing. However, in twin pregnancies, fatigue will feel heavier than singleton pregnancies.
This is probably due to the body that requires more energy and the uterus feels heavier when compared to a single fetus pregnancy.
To relieve fatigue, pregnant women with twins can try several ways, ranging from reducing activity, getting enough water and resting time, to taking supplements according to doctor's recommendations.
5. Frequent shortness of breath
Shortness of breath when pregnant with twins will feel worse when compared to normal pregnancy. Besides being influenced by high levels of the hormone progesterone, the presence of two or more fetuses in the womb can push the diaphragm muscle so that pregnant women become uncomfortable when breathing.
6. Heart beats faster
Gaining weight, carrying twins, and increasing blood volume by up to 70% in multiple pregnancies can cause the heart to work harder. This can make the heart rate of pregnant women with twins become faster or the sensation of a pounding chest appear.
7. The emergence of discomfort
Multiple pregnancies can be more uncomfortable than singleton pregnancies. Discomfort can include aches during pregnancy in the legs or back, abdominal discomfort, and chest heat.
This discomfort is caused by the extreme weight gain in multiple pregnancies and the increasing size of the fetus pressing against the stomach. In addition, mothers who are pregnant with twins will also experience faster mood swings.
Although the things above are often the hallmarks of being pregnant with twins, an ultrasound examination by an obstetrician to ensure twin pregnancies is still necessary.
In addition, obstetrical examinations must also be carried out regularly to monitor the condition of pregnant women and fetuses and avoid pregnancy complications.
