Every pregnancy is unique in its way, and the experiences that come with pregnancy bring parents immense joy and satisfaction. If parents find out that the upcoming family member is not just a single baby but it is a twin, it adds an extra level of happiness to their lives. In today’s article, I will explain when twins are detected during pregnancy.

So, let’s get started without wasting any time.

Quick Summary
When Twins Are Detected- Twins are typically detected in pregnancy during the 11th to 12th week with an ultrasound scan. This is the only reliable way to confirm the presence of twins or multiples. High hCG levels and early fetal movements don’t definitively confirm a twin pregnancy; they only give us an idea that it might be a possibility.

When Are Twins Identified In Pregnancy

Several factors can influence whether you have twins or not. I already have a guide on 7 Twin Pregnancy Symptoms Week By Week; you can check out those symptoms. However, experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily confirm whether you have twins. Confirmation of a twin pregnancy typically occurs around the 11th to 12th week or later, as after 10 weeks, a healthcare professional can identify the fetuses, placenta, and amniotic sac. The most reliable way to detect a twin pregnancy is through an ultrasound scan, which is usually done around the 12th week of pregnancy.

How Early Twins Can Be Detected

It is confirmed that twins or multiple pregnancies can surely be diagnosed around the 11-12 weeks mark. However, I will also tell you about the best way to identify a twin pregnancy.

Can we Detect Twins Pregnancy By Blood or Urine hCG level?

Some individuals on the internet suggest that if a pregnant woman has high levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), it may indicate a twin or multiple pregnancy. Generally, in twin or multiple pregnancies, hCG levels can be 40%-50% higher compared to singleton pregnancies. The hCG levels start to increase two weeks later and it can be measured through blood and urine samples. However, in reality, hCG levels alone do not confirm a twin pregnancy. In some twin pregnancies, hCG levels have been lower than those in single-baby pregnancies.

Twin Detection By Ultrasound Scan?

The most reliable method for detecting twins and multiple pregnancies is through an ultrasound scan. It can typically be performed around the 11-12th week of pregnancy. Around the 11th week, in cases of twins or multiple pregnancies, the fetuses, placenta, and sacs begin to appear separately. Healthcare experts can detect twin pregnancies through an ultrasound scan. Ultrasound scanning is an imaging technique that creates an image of soft tissue or the fetus using high-frequency sound waves.

Pregnant With Twins By Fetal Moment?

Some women claim to feel early fetal movements during pregnancy due to twins or multiple fetuses. Other than this, some women report feeling more fetal movements on one side. However, fetal movement is not a reliable method for confirming the presence of twins in pregnancy.

Know More About Detected Twins In Pregnancy

If you have undergone an ultrasound scan between 10-12 weeks of pregnancy and it confirms that you have twins or multiples, it becomes important to determine whether your twins are identical or fraternal.

Identical twins occur when a single female egg is fertilized by a single sperm and then divides into two embryos. In identical cases, there is a higher likelihood that the twins will have the same genetic makeup and be of the same gender.

On the other hand, Fraternal twins, result from two different eggs being fertilized by two different sperm. In this case, the babies can have different genetics and may be of different genders. This typically occurs when the female releases more than one egg during ovulation. My fraternal twins were born at 34 weeks.

Preparation After Detecting Twins or Multiple Pregnancy

Only parents can understand how challenging it is to prepare for a twin or multiple pregnancies without any guidance. But don’t worry, I am here to share some tips with you.

Regular Checkups

After detecting a twin pregnancy, it is important to have regular checkups and discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare provider. Twin pregnancy is considered a high-risk pregnancy, so consulting with a good doctor is crucial.

Medication and Nutrition

Having twins means the mother needs to absorb more nutrients and other essential elements for the baby’s development. Therefore, the mother should consume more food and regularly take iron and calcium tablets. You can seek advice from your gynecologist regarding this.

Will Your Twins Be Born Early?

As soon as you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy, start packing your hospital bag for the nursery and prepare all the necessary items for delivery. This is because preterm birth is common in twin pregnancies.

When Twins Are Detected – Conclusion

Twins or multiple pregnancies can be detected between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy, and the best detection method is through an ultrasound scan. Other factors like high hCG levels, fetal movement, or feeling movement on one side early in pregnancy do not definitively confirm a twin or multiple pregnancy.

It’s important to consult with your healthcare advisor or expert for more details about your pregnancy because they can confirm it and provide guidance for your next steps.

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