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Am I Expecting Multiples?
Early Signs That Two or More Are on the Way
By April E. Clark
Because of this variance, most health care professionals do not use hCG levels to diagnose a multiple birth, cautions Bowers. "Generally, it's the ultrasound that makes the final diagnosis," she says. "A woman's hCG level will increase on an exponential basis, especially if she is pregnant with multiples. If the level doesn't increase, then she will know she's not pregnant."
Bowers stresses the importance of early ultrasound to officially diagnose multiple pregnancy and more closely monitor the babies' health. "The hCG levels are clues, while the ultrasound is the 'Real McCoy,' a definitive answer," she says.
Dr. Roseff agrees. "Combining hCG testing and ultrasound monitoring is far better than hCG levels alone," he says.
Ultrasounds are also very important to maintain both the mother's and babies' health in a multiple pregnancy, according to Bowers. She says ultrasound can determine if there is a single placenta or if the babies have separate placentas, especially during the first trimester. "As the babies get bigger, it's hard to see the tissue and layers of the placenta," she says.
But no matter whether you're expecting two, three – or even just one – be sure to see your health care provider regularly to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your babies.
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