Am I having twins?

Some people have a feeling that they are having twins (or triplets) before they find out for sure. If you’ve been wondering, there are sometimes early signs and symptoms that you may be carrying more than 1 baby.

On this page

Signs you may be carrying more than 1 baby

When will I find out if I’m having a multiple pregnancy?

Symptoms as your twin pregnancy progresses

How you feel about having twins or triplets

More support and information

Signs you may be carrying more than 1 baby

There are some symptoms that may suggest you’re having more than 1 baby. These include the following.

Twins run in your family

Although identical twins do not run in families, non-identical twins run on the mother’s side.

Your bump is bigger than expected

Baby bumps come in all different shapes and sizes. But if your bump seems bigger than it should be for how many weeks you’re pregnant, you may be carrying more than 1 baby.

You’ve had fertility treatment

You are more likely to carry multiple babies if you got pregnant using fertility treatment such as IVF.

You are an older mum

If you’re over 35, you’re more likely to get pregnant with twins because you’re more likely to release more than 1 egg during ovulation.

You have severe morning sickness

Not all pregnant people have morning sickness. But if you are carrying more than 1 baby, you are more likely to have it. It’s also more likely to be severe.  

When will I find out if I’m having a multiple pregnancy?

It’s usually possible to find out for certain if you’re having twins at your first ultrasound scan. This is done as part of your routine antenatal care at around 8 to 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Symptoms as your twin pregnancy progresses

Everyone is different, but you may have stronger symptoms as your multiple pregnancy progresses. This is because of the increase in pregnancy hormones. For example, you may have worse heartburn and indigestion. Your breasts may also be more tender.

The increased pressure from your womb onto your tummy may also cause swelling in your ankles and you may get varicose veins. These can appear on your legs and vulva (your external sex organs).

You may also be short of breath and have backache and pelvic pain as your body copes with the demands of carrying a heavier load. This can leave you feeling exhausted. Talk to your midwife if this is becoming a problem for you. They may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist.  

If you are carrying more than 1 baby, you are at higher risk of developing anaemia than women with single pregnancies. Your midwife will give you the same advice that women with single pregnancies have about having a healthy, balanced diet and what vitamins (supplements) to take during pregnancy. But you can prevent and treat anaemia by making sure that you are eating iron and folate-rich foods, as well as taking daily folic acid supplements.

You will have a blood test to check for anaemia at your booking appointment, at 20-24 weeks and at 28 weeks of pregnancy. But it may be helpful to find out more about anaemia symptoms and tell your GP or midwife at any time if you think you have it.

How you feel about having twins or triplets

Some people may be very excited to find out they are having twins or triplets. Others may be shocked or feel anxious about what this means for them.  

It’s natural to feel nervous or overwhelmed. Most people who are pregnant with twins deliver healthy babies, but carrying more than 1 baby can increase the health risks for you and your baby.

You may also be a bit worried about how you’ll cope physically, mentally and financially with 2 or more children. The Twins Trust has information about what financial help you might be able to get.

It may be reassuring to know that you will have extra antenatal care from a specialist team or doctors and midwives who are expert in managing twin and triplet pregnancies. This team will do everything they can to keep you and your babies comfortable, safe and well during pregnancy and birth.

This team may also include support from a mental health professional, a women’s health physiotherapist, an infant feeding specialist and a dietitian. This team should be able to give you all the advice you need about:

• antenatal and postnatal mental health and wellbeing
• nutrition in pregnancy
• the potential complications associated with multiple births
• your birth choices
• feeding your babies
• parenting.

The advice for keeping healthy in pregnancy is similar whether you're expecting twins, triplets or just 1 baby. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, doing gentle exercise and drinking lots of fluid will all help keep you both well. It's also important to attend all your antenatal appointments so your maternity team can keep a close eye on you and your babies.

More support and information

Talk to your midwife if you have any concerns. They will help make sure you are getting the support you need. You can also talk to a Tommy’s midwife free of charge from 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday on 0800 0147 800 or you can email them at [email protected].  

The Twins Trust provides lots of information and support for parents and parents-to-be of multiples. They also run antenatal courses and webinars about multiple pregnancies.