Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy
Based on family history, pregnancy blood testing, levels of alpha fetoprotein and ultrasound, multiple pregnancy can be diagnosed.
Multiple births can be diagnosed based on:
Physical examination: Physical examination shows that the size of the abdomen is more than expected for the duration of the pregnancy. The doctor may be able to detect more than one fetal heartbeats.
Symptoms of the patient: Normal symptoms of pregnancy like nausea and vomiting may be exaggerated in a patient with multiple pregnancy.
Family history: A family history of multiple pregnancy may assist in the diagnosis.
Tests used to diagnose multiple pregnancy include:
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- Pregnancy blood testing: High levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), a primary indicator of pregnancy, may help to suspect multiple pregnancy.
- Alpha fetoprotein: Levels of this protein released by the fetal liver and found in the mother#$#s blood may be high when more than one fetus is present.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound is the accurate diagnostic imaging technique used to detect the multiple pregnancy, especially during early pregnancy. Also, it helps to detect the developmental anomalies.
