5 Weeks Pregnant With Twins or Multiples

Congratulations! You have reached the 5th week of your pregnancy, and the adventurous ride has begun! During pregnancy, your body will undergo many changes, which will be more pronounced if you are pregnant with twins or multiple babies. Although at 5 weeks, women don’t know whether they are expecting twins or more, many women pregnant expecting twins or multiples suspect it from the start. If that is the case with you, you should learn about the signs and symptoms of twin pregnancy. You are in the initial stage of your pregnancy, and we know it can be a little frustrating for you. But when you discover how your little ones will grow in your womb, you will feel much better.

When Can Twins Be Detected?

If you suspect you are expecting twins, you must be eager to find out. But twin or multiple pregnancies can be detected only if the twins or multiple babies are present in their separate sacs of placement. Detecting heartbeats at this stage and separating them is difficult during this time. Babies who share a common sac can be difficult to detect since their heartbeats coalesce pretty much with each other. So, it may not be possible to detect twin pregnancy at the 5th week of pregnancy. But when you reach the 6th week of your pregnancy, it will be easier for your doctor to detect your babies’ heartbeats as the babies tend to have their own sacs by this stage, and their separate heartbeats can be observed. Going for an early scan should be opted for only if you are ready to pay the premium.

The Growth of the Babies at 5 Weeks

At about 5 weeks of pregnancy, the babies tend to be the size of a slightly larger seed. The ultrasound scan reveals that the shape resembles a tadpole, which will slowly take a human form over the coming weeks. Covered with endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm, the embryos develop into various body parts. Your baby’s teeth, hair, genital organs, nails, nervous system, blood, intestines, and numerous other parts will begin to form gradually. The neural tubes of the babies begin to seal off, and the portion in the upper part of the tube will start to take the shape of a cranial skull. The yolk present in the egg of the particular baby will be used to initiate the umbilical cord’s source, providing the nutrition and oxygen required for the baby’s development.

What Is the Size of the Babies?

Your babies will be too small at around 5 weeks of your pregnancy. Most babies at this stage are similar to the size of tadpoles. Your little ones will mostly be around the size of a seed.

Common Bodily Changes

For most women, this is when the signs and symptoms of pregnancy become evident. These changes will be more profound when a woman is pregnant with twins. Many changes will be common, irrespective of the babies you are carrying.

• At times, you may not face any symptoms as such except for nausea.

• Your breasts may become more sensitive and tender as the hormonal levels fluctuate. Oestrogen and progesterone hormones begin to ramp up rapidly within the body. This also leads to the accumulation of fat layer on and around the breasts as well as a boost in the circulation of blood towards the breasts, which causes their size to increase, thus making them softer.

• Hormonal fluctuations during this time may also make a woman salivate more. These might be stronger in women pregnant with multiples. Chewing on safe gums for pregnant women can help keep this in check.

Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy at 5 Weeks

Whether you are expecting one baby or twins, the signs and symptoms of pregnancy will mostly be the same. You can expect the following symptoms at 5 weeks of your pregnancy. 

1. Fatigue and Exhaustion

If you are pregnant with twins, fatigue and exhaustion will be your constant companions. The presence of multiple babies can take a toll on your body; you may feel extremely tired and exhausted. Taking proper rest combined with some easy exercises should help you feel better.

2. Frequent Urination

The presence of multiple babies may make your uterus quite large within a short period of time. This enlargement can make its presence felt on the bladder, leading it to contract a bit to make space for the uterus. Since this contraction results in the bladder being able to hold a smaller amount of urine, you might have to visit the loo frequently. Don’t hold it in whenever you have the urge to urinate; it might lead to bladder infections.

3. Morning Sickness

You can expect nausea and vomiting at any time of the day. Being pregnant with twins or multiples can make it worse for some women. Morning sickness may become a misnomer since nausea tends to come and go randomly throughout the day. And nausea may become even stronger with passing weeks, which can be quite frustrating for many. Have small but frequent meals to combat this problem effectively.

4. Acidity

If you expect more than one baby, they can pressure the stomach, and the stomach acids may get pushed upwards in the oesophagus. Hormonal changes during this time can also relax the valve, which keeps the stomach acids out of the oesophagus. While antacids are pretty good at alleviating such issues, going for a light walk after a meal can help with the symptoms substantially.

5. A Stuffy Nose

During pregnancy, the blood circulation within a woman’s body increases. It reaches and impacts all the parts of the body, including the nose as well. This can make it feel quite stuffy since it stimulates the mucous membranes inside the nostrils and forms a lot of sticky substances.

6. Bleeding Nose and Gums

You can expect your nose and gums to bleed from time to time. This is common, especially if a woman in case of multiple pregnancies. An increase in blood volume and a surge in hormones during this time can dilate the network of blood vessels in the nose and mouth, which may make your nose bleed. Your gums may bleed, too, after brushing.

7. Breathlessness and Hypertension

Women expecting multiple babies may feel out of breath many times of the day, and such sensations may worsen as the pregnancy progresses. The increase in the blood supply and the drop in the blood pressure can result in such a situation, which can also make the heart beat faster.

8. Abdominal Discomfort and Bloating

This is one of the most common signs of having twins at 5 weeks. As the uterus grows to accommodate two fetuses, it may cause stretching and discomfort in the pelvic area. This discomfort can be caused by the ligaments and muscles supporting the uterus stretching to accommodate the growing fetuses. The added weight and pressure of carrying two babies can also contribute to bloating, gas, and other digestive discomforts. This may result in feelings of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen, making it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. It’s important for women experiencing abdominal discomfort to rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting.

9. Increased Hunger and Food Cravings

Pregnant women often experience food cravings and increased hunger, but these symptoms can be even more pronounced in twin pregnancies. With two babies to nourish, the body may require more calories and nutrients than during a singleton pregnancy, leading to more intense cravings and hunger pangs. Women carrying twins may always feel hungry and need to eat more frequently to keep their energy levels up. While most experts concur that twin pregnancies require about 1,000 extra calories daily, single-born pregnancies only need 300 more calories daily. It’s important to remember that while cravings can be intense, eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods high in sugar or unhealthy fats is important. Additionally, ensure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks.

Twin Pregnancy – Belly at 5 Weeks

Are you wondering what 5 weeks pregnant belly twins look like? Your belly will be larger than before, and the weight you gain during this time will be more than that gained by a woman expecting only one baby. Your doctor may also check the size of the uterus, which, if larger than usual, will indicate the presence of multiple babies. 

Twin Pregnancy at 5 Weeks – Ultrasound

Usually, a 5 weeks pregnant ultrasound twins scan is not conducted unless and until a woman reaches the 11th week of her pregnancy. Ultrasound scans performed during this time can help your doctor determine the approximate delivery date. She may also conduct other tests to rule out the presence of any disorder or developmental issues. Any scan conducted before completing 8 weeks of pregnancy is usually done internally instead of the usual external method. In such a case, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina of the woman to get the images of the babies on the monitor. Such a technique makes obtaining clearer and better images of the multiple babies in the womb easier.

What to Eat?

Being pregnant with twins can take a toll on your health, so you should eat healthy during this time. Since you are expecting multiple babies, your appetite will increase rapidly, and you may have intense hunger pangs frequently. Have small but frequent meals but stick to a healthy diet. Don’t opt for a weight-loss programme or restrict any food items since your babies need everything they can get.

Tips to Take Care of Yourself During Pregnancy

Taking a few tips into account to keep yourself safe in this phase of pregnancy will help you stay healthy and happy for the weeks and months to come.

Do’s

• Talk to your doctor and take the prescribed prenatal vitamins regularly.
• Go for dental checkups and rule out any conditions that could complicate your pregnancy.
• Stick to a healthy diet and start with some light exercises to keep yourself healthy.

Don’ts

• While giving in to your cravings occasionally is good, do your best to avoid any meat products that are undercooked or raw. Infections of any sort can be fatal to developing babies.
• Don’t over-stress at your workplace or home; it might affect you and your baby. Relax and enjoy this beautiful phase!

What You Need to Shop For?

Your belly will start increasing in size in the coming weeks. So now would be a good time to go out and purchase a maternity dress that would be comfortable for you. Also, start investing in skirts or other flowy dresses that would accompany the seasons.

FAQs

1. Is It Normal to Have Cramps at 5 Weeks Pregnant With Twins?

Yes, it is normal to experience mild cramping in early pregnancy, including when carrying twins. This is due to the uterus and ligaments stretching to accommodate the growing fetuses. However, it is important to seek medical attention immediately if the cramps are severe or accompanied by heavy bleeding or fever.

2. Is It Possible to Detect Twins at 5 Weeks Pregnant?

It is possible to detect twins during an ultrasound as early as 5 weeks, but detecting them around 6-7 weeks is more common. At 5 weeks, the fetuses are very small and may not be visible on an ultrasound. However, other signs, such as elevated levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG, may suggest the presence of multiples.

3. How Do You Feel at Five Weeks Pregnant With Twins?

At 5 weeks pregnant with twins, many women may experience fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, and frequent urination. However, it is important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and some women may not experience any symptoms.

4. What Do Fraternal Twins at 5 Weeks Look Like?

At 5 weeks, fraternal twins (or dizygotic twins) will appear as two separate gestational sacs within the uterus. Each sac will contain its own embryo and placenta. The embryos will be very small, typically around 3-4 mm long. It is also possible to detect the presence of two heartbeats at this stage, although it may be more common to see the heartbeats around 6-7 weeks.

Being 5 weeks pregnant with twins is quite an achievement in itself. The initial stages of pregnancy can seem tough, especially if you are pregnant for the first time. But you must know that this phase will pass soon. Stay calm and focus on the outcome. In no time, you will have your baby. Meanwhile, stay happy and eat healthy, and you will have healthy babies!.

References/Resources:

1. Twin pregnancy: What twins or multiples mean for mom; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/twin-pregnancy/art-20048161

2. Expecting Twins or Triplets; Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9710-expecting-twins-or-triplets

3. Townsend. R, Khalil. A; Ultrasound surveillance in twin pregnancy: An update for practitioners; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6243450/; August 2018

4. Wierzeiska. RE; Review of Dietary Recommendations for Twin Pregnancy: Does Nutrition Science Keep Up with the Growing Incidence of Multiple Gestations?; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8953105/;  March 2022

5. Having Twins? How to Stay Healthy; Healthy Children;https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Having-Twins-How-to-Stay-Healthy.aspx  

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