Frequently Asked Questions: Pregnancy
We believe each patient is an important member of her own care team and education is the cornerstone of our care. Find answers to some of the most common questions about pregnancy.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy
Every pregnant woman feels like she’s getting big. But if you’re pregnant with 2 or more babies, you’ll really be growing fast. Be prepared by learning the signs of a multiple birth.
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Maternal-Fetal Medicine Program
The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Program at Massachusetts General Hospital provides obstetric sub-specialty care to families with complicated or high-risk pregnancies.
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The Obstetrics Program at Massachusetts General Hospital provides state-of-the-art, individualized care for women before, during and after childbirth.
Ultrasound & Prenatal Diagnostics Center
The Ultrasound and Prenatal Diagnostics Center at Mass General offers state-of-the-art ultrasound and prenatal diagnostic testing and care.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy
What are the symptoms of multiple pregnancy?
Each woman may have slightly different symptoms. But the most common symptoms of multiple pregnancy are:
Uterus is larger than expected for the dates in pregnancy
More morning sickness
Greater appetite
Too much weight gain, especially in early pregnancy
Babies' movements felt in different parts of the stomach at the same time
How is multiple pregnancy diagnosed?
Many women think they are pregnant with more than 1 baby. The healthcare provider may diagnose multiple babies early in pregnancy. This is especially true if fertility treatments were used. The provider may make the diagnosis with a health history, physical exam, and the following tests:
Pregnancy blood testing. Levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may be quite high with multiple pregnancy.
Alpha-fetoprotein. Levels of a protein released by the fetal liver and found in the mother's blood may be high when more than 1 baby is making the protein.
Ultrasound. This is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds can be done with a vaginal probe (transducer), especially in early pregnancy. Or they can be done with an abdominal probe in later pregnancy.
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