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Questions and Answers

Q. I am 15 weeks pregnant with my second child. I have already felt movement and my doctor says the top of uterus is much higher than it normally is at this week in pregnacy. does this mean I am further along than 15 weeks or does it mean I might have twins? They are on my side (both parents) not my husbands.

Thank you,
Jennifer

A. Indeed this can be both a sign that your dates are off or also a sign of twins. Suspicion is aroused when the uterus looks unusually large. Don't get too exited yet though, it may be a large baby or just a measurement a little off. Did the same care provider measue you from month to month? Has any one listened for two heartbeats? You may have a ultrasound to determine if your size/dates continue to not match. If it is twins, there will be special concerns you will need to address. You may want to visit some sites with information about multiple births. Keep up your prenatal care and congratulations!

Debi Fatherree, RN, has been in nursing for 10 years. All of it has been with a childbirth focus. She has worked postpartum, nursery, NICU and have cross trained some in Labor and Delivery. She started a infant home visit and prenatal educational program in her rural home town and was nominated for Maternal Child nurse of the Year in 1995. She and her husband were transferred with his company 1 1/2 years ago and she started teaching chidlbirth classes and doing breastfeeding classes and consults. She also works as a doula and has her own business, StorkHelp. Debi is mom to three wonderful children - Katie, age 8, Hannah, age 6 and Bobby, age3 (my spit fire.) She and her husband have been married thirteen years, a great accomplishment these days. She currently teaches in the hospital setting and privately through StorkHelp.

Debi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.