# What are the signs of multiple pregnancy (twins and triplets)? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-are-the-signs-of-multiple-pregnancy-twins-triplets Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.269Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.269Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-are-the-signs-of-multiple-pregnancy-twins-triplets A multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy with more than one fetus, such as twins, triplets, or more [\[1\]](). In the past, discovering a multiple pregnancy was often a surprise, but now it is diagnosed early in most cases [\[3\]](). Some women pregnant with more than one fetus may notice certain signs and symptoms that could indicate a multiple pregnancy, although a definitive diagnosis is typically made through medical examinations. ## Potential Early Signs Pregnant women carrying more than one fetus may experience some symptoms that could be more severe compared to a singleton pregnancy. These signs include: - **Severe Morning Sickness:** Morning sickness or breast tenderness can be more intense in women pregnant with twins or more [\[1\]](). - **Rapid Weight Gain:** Pregnant women carrying twins may notice weight gain occurring at a faster rate [\[1\]](). It should be noted that these signs are not exclusive to multiple pregnancy and can also occur in a singleton pregnancy, or they may not appear at all. Therefore, they cannot be relied upon alone to confirm a multiple pregnancy. ## Confirmation by Ultrasound The most common and effective method for diagnosing a multiple pregnancy is through an ultrasound examination [\[1\]](). This exam is usually performed early in the pregnancy and can determine the number of fetuses present in the uterus [\[3\]](). In a multiple pregnancy, ultrasound scans may begin more frequently, and may be conducted every 4 to 6 weeks starting from the second trimester to monitor the growth and health of the fetuses [\[1\]](). ## Reasons for Increased Probability of Multiple Pregnancy Several factors can increase the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy: - **Fertility Medications:** Fertility drugs that stimulate ovulation often result in the release of more than one egg from the ovaries, which can lead to a pregnancy with twins, triplets, or more [\[1\]](). - **In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):** Transferring more than one embryo to the uterus during IVF can lead to a multiple pregnancy [\[1\]](). - **Age:** Women over the age of 35 are more likely to release two or more eggs during one menstrual cycle compared to younger women, increasing the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy [\[1\]](). - **Family History:** A family history of twins also increases the probability of a multiple pregnancy [\[3\]](). ## Next Steps After Diagnosis If a multiple pregnancy is diagnosed, prenatal care visits with an obstetrician/gynecologist are likely to be more frequent [\[1\]](). This allows for close monitoring of the pregnancy and the fetuses, as multiple pregnancies carry a higher risk for certain complications such as premature birth [\[1\]](). The doctor will discuss the appropriate care plan, which may include additional screenings or lifestyle adjustments, such as the need to increase daily caloric intake by 300 additional calories for each fetus [\[1\]](). For example, a woman pregnant with twins needs an additional 600 calories daily [\[1\]](). For more information about the challenges, care, and preparation for delivery in a multiple pregnancy, you can visit [Multiple Pregnancy (Twins and Triplets): Challenges, Care, and Preparation for Delivery (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Multiple Pregnancy]() - [Twins, Triplets, Multiple Births]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-are-the-signs-of-multiple-pregnancy-twins-triplets#answer