Question 1

What is Multiple Pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Multiple pregnancy occurs when a woman carries two or more babies simultaneously, such as twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples. It is caused by either the fertilization of multiple eggs (fraternal) or the splitting of a single fertilized egg (identical). The Pregnancy Test (Very Early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important blood test for early detection because significantly elevated hCG levels can indicate the presence of multiple fetuses.

Question 2

What causes multiple pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Multiple pregnancy is caused by either hyperovulation (releasing multiple eggs during one cycle) or the spontaneous splitting of a single fertilized embryo. Fraternal twins or triplets occur when two or more eggs are fertilized by separate sperm, while identical multiples result from one fertilized egg dividing into two or more embryos. Factors that increase the likelihood include fertility treatments, family history of twins, maternal age over 30, and having previous pregnancies.

Question 3

What is the best test for multiple pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The Pregnancy Test (Very Early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important blood test for early detection of multiple pregnancy because it measures precise hCG hormone levels in your blood. Women carrying twins, triplets, or more typically have hCG levels that are significantly higher than the expected range for single pregnancies, often 30-50% higher or more. This occurs because each placenta produces hCG, so more babies means more placental tissue and dramatically elevated hormone levels. While this blood test provides crucial early indicators, your healthcare provider will confirm multiple pregnancy with ultrasound imaging, which can visualize the number of fetuses and placentas.

Question 4

When should I get tested for multiple pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you used fertility treatments like IVF or ovulation-inducing medications, have a family history of twins, experience unusually severe morning sickness, or notice your belly growing faster than expected for your gestational age. Early testing is especially important if you have extreme fatigue, very tender breasts, or if an at-home pregnancy test shows an unusually dark positive line very early. Women over 35 or those who have had multiple previous pregnancies should also consider early testing, as these factors increase the likelihood of releasing multiple eggs.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of multiple pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Women carrying multiples often experience more intense pregnancy symptoms than those with single pregnancies. You might notice severe morning sickness and nausea, extreme fatigue that feels overwhelming, rapid weight gain in early pregnancy, and a uterus that measures larger than expected for your gestational age. Other signs include severe breast tenderness, detecting multiple heartbeats with a doppler device, and increased appetite or food cravings. Many women also report intuition or a strong feeling that they are carrying more than one baby.

Question 6

Who is at risk for multiple pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Women undergoing fertility treatments are at highest risk, as IVF often involves transferring multiple embryos and medications like Clomid stimulate the release of multiple eggs. Your risk increases significantly if you are over 30 years old, as older women naturally release multiple eggs more frequently. Having a family history of fraternal twins, especially on the maternal side, increases your likelihood, as does being of African descent, which has the highest natural twin rate. Women who are taller, heavier, or have had multiple previous pregnancies also face elevated risk.

Question 7

What happens if multiple pregnancy is left unmonitored?

Accepted Answer

Unmonitored multiple pregnancies carry significantly higher risks for both mother and babies. Without proper prenatal care, you face increased chances of preterm labor, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and severe anemia. The babies are at higher risk for low birth weight, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (in identical twins sharing a placenta), and developmental complications. Early detection and specialized monitoring throughout pregnancy are essential to manage these risks, adjust nutrition needs, and plan for potential complications or early delivery.

Question 8

Can multiple pregnancy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests can suggest the possibility of multiple pregnancy but cannot definitively diagnose it. The quantitative hCG blood test measures hormone levels that are typically 30-50% higher or more in women carrying multiples compared to single pregnancies. However, elevated hCG can also result from incorrect pregnancy dating or other factors, so blood test results serve as an early indicator rather than confirmation. Ultrasound imaging remains the only definitive method to confirm multiple pregnancy and determine the exact number of babies and their placental arrangements.

Question 9

How is multiple pregnancy treated?

Accepted Answer

Multiple pregnancy requires specialized prenatal care with more frequent monitoring appointments than single pregnancies. Your healthcare provider will schedule regular ultrasounds to track fetal growth, monitor for complications, and assess cervical length. You will need enhanced nutrition with additional calories, protein, and prenatal vitamins, often including extra folic acid and iron supplementation. Your doctor may recommend modified activity levels, earlier maternity leave, or bed rest if complications arise, and will discuss delivery planning, as multiples are often delivered earlier than single babies.

Question 10

How can I prevent complications in multiple pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent multiple pregnancy itself, you can reduce complications through early prenatal care, proper nutrition, and following medical guidance. Attend all scheduled appointments, take prescribed prenatal vitamins with extra folic acid, and consume adequate calories and protein to support multiple babies. Stay well-hydrated, get sufficient rest, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and unnecessary medications. Monitor for warning signs like severe swelling, persistent headaches, or decreased fetal movement, and report these immediately. Working closely with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist ensures the best outcomes for you and your babies.

Question 11

What can I do at home for multiple pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Focus on consuming 300-500 extra calories per day beyond a single pregnancy, emphasizing protein-rich foods, leafy greens, dairy products, and whole grains. Rest frequently throughout the day, elevate your legs to reduce swelling, and sleep on your left side to optimize blood flow to the babies. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 10 glasses of water daily and practice gentle prenatal exercises approved by your doctor, like swimming or walking. Join a multiples support group to connect with other parents, prepare your home early for multiple babies, and consider meal prepping or arranging help for after delivery when caring for newborn multiples becomes demanding.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Multiple Pregnancy Blood Test

What is Multiple Pregnancy?

What causes multiple pregnancy?

What is the best test for multiple pregnancy?

When should I get tested for multiple pregnancy?

References

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