How to know if youre having twins

If you're in the early stages of pregnancy and have an inkling you could be expecting twins, we've looked at some of the signs that may confirm you're growing two or more babies!

Did your pregnancy test show up two lines immediately, or do you have a sixth sense that you're carrying more than one baby?

You won't know until your scan for sure as there's no evidence to back these up, but it's fun to wonder.

Some twin mums from our BabyCentre Community said they didn't experience anything to indicate twins, but others said there were some clear early indicators that made them question whether they were expecting two babies.

If you're thinking you could be one of those families, here are some of the signs:

1. Symptoms start earlier

You're only a few weeks pregnant, but you have nausea, a strong metallic taste in your mouth and the smell of coffee is already making you heave. Well early pregnancy symptoms could mean there are two babies growing in there.

Many twin mums could relate: "I was more tired and nauseous than with my first pregnancy but I figured this one would just be a boy - turned out to be two girls!"

"Early sickness at six weeks, almost debilitating by seven." added one mum.

Another said: "I knew a week or more before I missed my period. Symptoms like enhanced smell, metallic taste and nose bleeds happened. It was like all the symptoms they say you get came all at once. I never really had morning sickness with my other pregnancies, but with twins it was definitely ramped up! I was swollen all over - my hands and feet were ridiculous!."

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2. Strong result on your test

You've only just dipped that pregnancy test in wee, but it immediately shows up positive. Yes, it could be a sign you're pregnant with multiples! Some twin mums have even said the digital tests showed they were further along than they were (possibly because of higher hCG levels).

"My pregnancy test was positive a week before it should have appeared!" said one mum.

Another added: "I knew I wasn't as far along as it said because I'd been really accurate with my dates, but the digital test said I was. It made me wonder if I was expecting twins."

3. You already have a bump

It's the first trimester but you're already showing? Well that little bump might be because two or more babies are growing in there.

A pregnant twin mum said: "My bump was showing quite early on at eight weeks."

4. Breast pain

That dull ache you get before your period can also happen in pregnancy. Some twin mums said they really felt it during those early months of their multiple pregnancy.

A BabyCentre twin mum told us: "Looking back now I think my boobs were definitely doubly sore."

iStock.com / JurgaR

5. You're exhausted like never before

Pregnancy is exhausting. Growing a baby zaps you of all energy, but if you're growing two or more babies that's even more exhausting and twin mums said they felt super tired during pregnancy.

One said: "I was really very tired. I’ve had two previous pregnancies and had never been that exhausted. I was at the point even standing took it out of me, I was just so shattered all the time."

6. Being breathless

Being pregnant takes your breath away. Literally. Feeling breathless is a struggle, and for some twin mums even more so while they're carrying two.

7. Turn down the heat!

Feeling a bit hot? Yeah, that's what some twin mums said too. Being pregnant with two babies can make you feel hotter than normal. Someone grab that fan.

8. Sixth sense

You just know. It's twins, right. Many twin mums said they just knew they were carrying two. Roll on that 12-week scan to find out for sure.

"Knew in my gut it was twins from five or six weeks. I was so convinced I booked an early scan at 10 weeks where it was confirmed." said one mum.

Another said: "My friend kept dreaming that her first scan revealed she was having twins and it did!"

9. That stinks!

Coffee, cut grass, your partner! Expecting twins can make smells you previously loved revolt you. It's a pregnancy symptom with a single baby, but with twins you may find you're experiencing this even more.

10. Implantation pain

Feeling those implantation pains during the first trimester? It could be twins, but if you're not sure or feel pain that's concerning make sure you get this one checked out by your midwife.

One mum said: "I had implantation pains and a lot of discharge compared to the first pregnancy. I thought what if it's twins. Then I got twins."

11. Night-time toilet trips

You rarely got up before and now night-time means regular wake-ups and regular trips to the loo. Well you're not alone. Some twin mums said they had to make several trips to cope with their squeezed bladder.

This is a post by a contributing parent and the opinions expressed are their own. If you’re concerned about your child speak to your healthcare provider.

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