Pregnant with twins calendar

Twin Pregnancy Calendar: What To Do and When To Get Ready!

Use this helpful twin pregnancy calendar to plan out your twin pregnancy so that you don’t miss out on any important things during this special time.

A twin pregnancy is extremely different from a singleton pregnancy. It’s going to be filled with extra doctors appointments, possibly more testing, more ultrasounds, and more discomfort than a singleton pregnancy.

Among all of the things that might worry you, twin pregnancy is double the joy. I have made this twin pregnancy calendar to-do list for you to use aside of your regular doctor appointments. I hope you have an amazing, healthy pregnancy, and above all, try to enjoy every moment, even when you’re uncomfortable. It goes by too fast!

Visit our new Twin Pregnancy Week-By-Week Timeline

Month 1 (1-4 Weeks) – While trying to conceive…

•Start taking your prenatal vitamins.

•Call your health insurance to learn your costs for prenatal care and delivery.

Month 2 (5-8 Weeks) – After receiving a positive pregnancy test and learning “IT’S TWINS!”

•Start your prenatal vitamins if you haven’t already, and schedule your doctor appointments. If you don’t love your obstetrician, find one that you do. You’ll want to make sure they can deliver your babies at the hospital you prefer. Make sure to choose a hospital with at least a level 3 NICU. twin pregnancy calendar

•Talk with your partner and discuss when you would like to announce your pregnancy.

•My goal was to have as much as possible ready by 28 weeks. At 28 weeks with my twins, I was still able to move around pretty well, and my belly was about as big as my previous pregnancies were at full-term. The less stress you have from that moment on, the better.

•Focus on staying positive! Finding out you’re having twins is a shock! Gather your thoughts, figure out what all needs to be done before your babes come, and relax.

•Morning sickness is rough, so read up on how to keep it at bay. Eat small meals often throughout the day, avoid strong smells, and make sure you’re taking your B vitamins.

Month 3 (9-13 Weeks)

•Sign up for Twiniversity weekly pregnancy emails

•Visit the Twiniversity Twin Pregnancy Week-By-Week Timeline

•Talk to your doctor about screening for certain disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. They can be as easy as a simple blood test. Discuss possible complications that can arise during a twin pregnancy. Note any signs or symptoms that you need to be aware of in case of an emergency.

•Look at baby names, you need two of each! Exciting! twin pregnancy calendar

•Grab a copy of “What To Do When You’re Having Two: The Twin Survival Guide From Pregnancy Through the First Year”

•Start a journal. Take weekly belly pictures, even before your twin bump starts to grow. Before and after pictures are really fun and its a great way to document your progress!

•Start doing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor

•This is a good time to tell your family, and plan that really cute twin pregnancy announcement!

Month 4 (14-17 Weeks)

•During Month 4, you may start to see your twin belly-bump pop! Get a Belly Band if you’re having trouble buttoning your pants. It’ll save you from having to buy maternity pants for a few more weeks! twin pregnancy calendar

•Buy your stretch-mark oil now and start putting it on your belly every night! The sooner you start, the better. Most stretch marks are going to be inevitable, but this can help lessen their appearance.

•If your morning sickness is really rough, you may struggle to keep on weight, much less gain any. Don’t worry, because it will (hopefully!) lessen or stop this month.

•Decide whether or not you’d like to find out your twins’ genders.

•Read, read, read! The more knowledge you have about what to expect with twins, everything from pregnancy to breastfeeding, the better prepared you will be when you welcome your babies into the world.

•Twins go through a ton of diapers. Start thinking about which diapering route you want to take and start a “stockpile” of diapers. It isn’t easy to get out in the early days with your twins, especially if its just a diaper run, so I would get a few boxes of Newborn size to get you through the first week or two.

Month 5 (18-21 Weeks)

•Research postpartum recovery and put things on your list that you think will help you through your recovery, such as a sitz bath.

•Decide if you’ll use a pre- or postpartum doula, night nanny, mother’s helper, or household help for cleaning and start researching local contacts.

•Put your favorite items in a baby registry. twin pr

egnancy calendar

•Take off your rings! You will soon start to notice swelling and you don’t want to have to cut your favorite rings off. twin

pregnancy calendar

•Research cord blood banking and storage

•Think about the nursery and sleeping arrangements for the early weeks when your twins come home.

•Read up on preparing your pets for the babies.

•Babyproof. Go ahead and install cabinet locks, outlet covers, anchor your TV and furniture, and read up on safety to-do’s for baby.

•Register for an Infant CPR and First Aid class. Anyone that will be caring for your babies alone MUST take this class.

•Look into classes for expecting twins. Twiniversity offers them online and in NYC , Chicago, and Houston.

•If you want to breastfeed, sign up for the Twiniversity Online Breastfeeding Twins Class

•Find other twin moms to seek support during your pregnancy. It really helps to talk to other moms and it can be encouraging when you’re not feeling your best. Look for a Moms of Multiples club in your area. Check out the Twiniversity Forums for free support. twin pregnancy calendar

•Find pregnancy affirmations. There are a few poems about twins that made the days so much better for me when I was struggling.

Month 6 (22-26 Weeks)

•You’re probably going to be in maternity clothes this month! Splurge on yourself a little and go shopping. Make sure you buy things with plenty of room to grow.

•Celebrate Week 24! 24 weeks is a major milestone in pregnancy, when your babies reach viability. You are one step closer to your delivery date.

•Thinking about a gender reveal party? They are a great idea and it’s a lot of fun to include the family in this amazing moment!

•Feeling the weight of your twins yet? Sometimes it helps to buy a pregnancy support belt.

•Your babies can hear you, so sing to them or talk to them. Spend quiet moments alone and connect with them.

•Learn the signs of preterm labor. Get advice from your doctor about how to relax and what to do should you start feeling contractions. Prepare yourself for possibly going on bed rest.

Month 7 (27-30 Weeks)

•Week 28 is coming up! Did you know the average length of a twin pregnancy is 36 weeks? Half of all twins are born before 37 weeks. twin pregnancy calendar

•Find out the positions of your babies. The positions of your twins can tell you a lot about how your labor and delivery will go. Talk to your doctor about your options, and whether a vaginal delivery or a scheduled c-section would be best. If you have never had a c-section before, read about c-section procedures and tips for optimal recovery. Twin moms have about a 50/50 chance of having a c-section.

•Get familiar with routine twin deliveries at the hospital and make sure to take a tour, including a visit to the NICU. Talk with your doctor about your hospital’s specific routines and procedures, and what will happen when your twins are born. It’s going to be a beautiful, exciting time, but it can come with unexpected road bumps. Prepare yourself for this by being flexible with your birth plan, having an open mind, and above all, staying positive!

•Stay hydrated (aim for 1 gallon of water per day) and rest often. Make sure your to-do list is finished, or at least get big tasks done. Hire a company to come and deep clean your home.

•Plan your maternity leave and discuss childcare options with your spouse.

•Get some maternity photos done! twin preg

nancy calendar

•Do not push yourself physically. Pamper yourself. Lie down as often as you can. Take a warm bath, go out to eat, or get a prenatal massage.

Month 8 (31-35 Weeks)

•Time to get the hospital bag ready! Pack lightly for you and your babies.

•Get your labor and delivery game plans ready. Make sure any family and friends that are watching siblings are on-call. Make a baby-watch list for the people you want to notify when you go to the hospital.

•Line up help for when you come home, and think about freezing meals. Ask a close friend to organize a Meal Train to coordinate friends and family to drop off meals in the early weeks at home. twin pregnancy calendar

•Find a pediatrician. Talk to your pediatrician about the NICU and the possibility of having your twins early.

•Make sure you have your car seats installed. Make an appointment to have your car seats tested for proper installation. Visit safercar.gov to find locations near you.

•Now is a great time to get a hair cut! twin pregnancy calendar

•Talk to your doctor about what to expect on delivery day. This is the most exciting part! This will also be one of the most uncomfortable times of your life. But it’ll go by in the blink of an eye. Take lots of pictures, and smile! You’re going to treasure your photos for years, and your twins will love them too.

•Map out the best way to the hospital, and get familiar with alternate routes. Having a smart phone is great for this, but in case of an emergency, get a paper map to put in your car in case you can’t get directions from your phone. Plan with your spouse how you will coordinate cars and bags if you are separated and/or at work.

Month 9 (36-40 Weeks)

•Spend some special time with your older children; get them pumped up about their big-kid jobs for when the babies come.

•Enjoy a night out with your significant other, or go on a walk by yourself.

•Sleep (if you can.) twin pregnancy cale

ndar

•Think about baby announcements and newborn photography. Contact your favorite photographer or find one specializing in newborn shoots.

•Finally, watch for contractions! Download an app to help you time contractions and be on the lookout for the signs of labor. You may not notice any signs – you just have a “feeling” it’s time. Call your doctor if you feel something – anything – is off!

Congratulations! Twins are a true blessing and although I never thought we would have twins, I couldn’t imagine my life without them, or the experience of my twin pregnancy. I hope you spend as much time as you can enjoying your pregnancy, stay healthy, and be safe.

Make sure to visit the Twiniversity Twin Pregnancy Week by Week Timeline, which outlines weeks 8-38 of your twin pregnancy in full detail, including what to expect, tips and advice from twin moms, questions to ask your doctor, product recommendations, and more!

Brittany Suter is a stay at home mother of four, including a set of fraternal twins. She is a blogger dedicated to helping new moms make the most of their pregnancies and enjoy the early days with their twins.

Twin Pregnancy Week By Week Timeline

If you just heard that second heartbeat for the first time, or you know it’s been two for a while, you need to read our twin pregnancy week by week calendar. Created by expert twin moms and dads from our Twiniversity community just for moms pregnant with twins!

Welcome to Twiniversity. If you found us through an internet search, or were told by one of your twin parent BFFs, you have come to right place. Pregnant twin moms find that Twiniversity is the world’s leading resource just for them. Our info is sourced not only from our outstanding Twin Mom Squad, but also from thousands of twin families around the globe. You’ll find that Twiniversity is all about us…the universal twin parent “us”. We created a place for families to read, learn, and laugh about this wild ride called twins!

In case you’re new to us, Twiniversity.com offers TONS of articles about twin baby showers, double strollers, what to expect when you’re having twins, how to start a twins schedule, parenting tips for raising twins… the list goes on! Feel free to use that little search box above to look for anything that’s on your mind while you’re pregnant with twins or after your twins are born.

Week by Week Twins Pregnancy Timeline

What happens week by week with twins?

This twin pregnancy week by week timeline will help you learn what happens week by week with twins.

You’ll learn if your twin pregnancy symptoms are normal, about twin pregnancy complications that may have arisen, all about your twin pregnancy first trimester to-do list, details on your twin pregnancy development, dozens of twin pregnancy week by week pictures of belly, photos of twin ultrasounds, and SO much more! We’re so glad you found us!

We know you might be ecstatic, scared, anxious, happy, confused, joyful, petrified, over the moon or somewhere in between about being pregnant with twins, but rest assured, we got ya covered with our twin pregnancy week by week!

What to expect pregnant with twins?

When you’re pregnant with twins, expect the unexpected. Educate yourself on the warning signs of preterm labor, the warning signs of preeclampsia, and read up as much as you can on what to do to prepare. Our expecting twins class (offered in NYC, Chicago, Houston, and online) is a great way to learn all you need to know to prepare for your twin delivery and bringing home your babies (we also offer an online breastfeeding twins class!)

What are the symptoms of twins in early pregnancy?

The symptoms in a twin pregnancy are the same as in a singleton pregnancy except they are typically stronger. If you would have nausea with a singleton pregnancy, you’ll feel EXTRA nauseous when you’re pregnant with twins. Your hCG levels will also be a lot higher than with a singleton pregnancy but you would only be able to know that with a blood test (which is typically done with reproductive assistance) but even then there’s no magic number to indicate twins. The only way to truly know if you’re having twins is to have a sonogram at your doctor’s office.

How is twin pregnancy different?

Twin pregnancy is typically a lot more difficult to manage than a singleton pregnancy. You may experience typical pregnancy symptoms in a more extreme manner, such as more nausea, more shortness of breath, more high blood pressure. But if this is your first pregnancy you probably will not know the difference — you may feel like this is how pregnancy is supposed to feel! On the converse, just because you’re pregnant with twins doesn’t mean that your symptoms will be hard to manage. A lot of twin moms report that they had typical pregnancy symptoms that can be compared to symptoms of a singleton pregnancy.

However, once you are getting around 32 weeks or later, you will really start to notice how difficult and painful a twin pregnancy can be. Around 32 weeks, your belly will measure about the size of a full-term singleton pregnancy and you’ll start to wonder how you’re possibly going to make it all the way to 38 weeks! Just hang in there and take it one day at a time.

Our new digital twin pregnancy journal is up for sale on the Twiniversity Etsy store! This is the first and only digital journal exclusively for twin pregnancy. It’s the perfect way to record your precious twin pregnancy memories to cherish for years to come. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and Twiniversity Shop!

First Trimester with Twins Timeline

Second Trimester with Twins Timeline

Worried about breastfeeding twins? What To Do When You’re Breastfeeding Two is an on-demand online breastfeeding twins class made just for YOU! This course was created by Twiniversity in partnership with Judy Teibloom-Mishkin, IBCLC. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our virtual lactation consulting and virtual twin parent coaching services.

Third Trimester with Twins Timeline

Need some twin parent friends? Get the support you need with a Twiniversity Membership. Benefits include a monthly twin parent club meeting on Zoom, access to a private Facebook group just for twin parents, and a video library of twin parenting lessons. Visit Twiniversity.com/membership to join today!

How many weeks is a normal pregnancy for twins?

The ideal time for twins to be born is at 37-38 weeks. It’s important that the pregnancy doesn’t go past 38 weeks to avoid added risks to the babies and mother, such as a ruptured uterus. About 60% of twins are born before 37 weeks, while single babies are born around 40 weeks.

A little more than half of twin pregnancies end in preterm delivery (before 37 weeks). While 40 weeks is the full gestation period of the average pregnancy, most twin pregnancies are delivered at approximately 36 weeks (range 32-38 weeks depending on the type of twin pregnancy).
John Hopkins Medicine

Are you looking for the best double stroller for twins? Not sure if you should go for a tandem stroller or a side-by-side stroller? And what about a Snap N’ Go? We’ve got all the details for you in our double stroller resource. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and the Twiniversity shop!

What are the symptoms of bring pregnant with twins twins in first trimester?

Higher-than-normal levels of hCG in your twin pregnancy week by week may indicate that you’re pregnant with multiples, but you’ll need to wait until your ultrasound for 100% certainty.
Common early pregnancy symptoms of fatigue, frequent urination, breast tenderness, and food cravings are extra EXTRA — your symptoms are WAY more severe than what is normal for a singleton pregnancy
Due to elevated levels of pregnancy hormone hCG, women carrying multiples may have more nausea and vomiting than those carrying only one baby
Your faster-than-normal growing belly may tip you off. But if you’ve never been pregnant before you don’t have anything to compare it to.
If you have any of the following conditions you may have greater risk of twin pregnancy: Family history of fraternal twins, fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), mother is of advanced maternal age (over 35 years old), BMI over 30, above average maternal height, or you’ve had previous pregnancies

Need twins lactation help from a pro? Book a virtual session with Twiniversity founder Natalie Diaz, Certified Lactation Counselor. Click here to book now!

Is your uterus bigger with twins?

As you get further along in your twin pregnancy week by week, your uterus will be pushed to its limits. By the time you are around 32 weeks, your twin pregnant belly will likely be measuring the same as a mom having just one baby at 40 weeks. Your uterus has to expand as your babies grow and it will definitely be larger than with a singleton pregnancy. This is why it’s important to deliver your twins by 38 weeks — to avoid uterine rupture, which can become deadly. After delivery, the nurses will be very concerned with compressing your uterus every 20 minutes to help your uterus contract to a smaller size to avoid hemorrhage.

Got twins? Us too! The Twiniversity Podcast with Natalie Diaz is created by parents of twins FOR parents of twins, from expecting times through the teenage years and everything in between. This podcast is all about parenting twins, offering plenty of tips, parenting hacks, and of course, humor. Just know that we are laughing WITH you every step of the way. When you’re done visiting the twin pregnancy week by week, make sure to click over and subcribe!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NOW!

Are you looking to connect with an experienced parent of multiples who has been in your shoes? Do you want to feel supported, guided, and heard as a new parent of multiples*?

Or, do you love offering advice and tips to new parents of multiples*? Would you love to support, guide and listen to a soon-to-be or new parent the way you wish someone was there for you?

If you said, “YES!” to any of those questions, then the Twiniversity Parent-to-Parent Mentorship Program is perfect for YOU!

We are looking for parents of multiples from around the globe who want to be matched up with a parent mentor, or who want to BE a parent mentor. We’ll be matching up moms with moms and dads with dads from all over the world to get personal support in this crazy life of multiples parenting!! All you have to do is complete a simple application form and we’ll do the matchmaking! And the best part? The program is totally FREE! There are no fees to take part in this program.

Ready to sign up? When you’re done visiting the twin pregnancy week by week, make sure to click over and visit the Twiniversity Parent-to-Parent Mentorship Page to learn how to apply!

Need a plan for the first week home with twins? Book your 60-minute twins post-delivery strategy session on a video call with Lauren Oak, Twin Expert and Certified Postpartum Doula (and mom of twins!), to create a customized game plan for you and your twins when they come home. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our Twiniversity Shop and Twin Parent Memberships.

Are you a new twin parent? Check out Natalie Diaz’s new book “What To Do When You’re Having Two: The Twin Survival Guide From Pregnancy Through the First Year”, available in stores now!

The rate of twin births has risen 79 percent over the last three decades, and continues to increase. A mom of fraternal twins and a national guru on having two, Natalie Diaz launched Twiniversity, a supportive website with advice from the twin-trenches.

What to Do When You’re Having Two is the definitive how-to guide to parenting twins, covering how to make a Birth Plan checklist, sticking to one sleep schedule, managing double-duty breastfeeding, stocking up on all the necessary gear, building one-on-one relationships with each child, and more.

Accessible and informative, What to Do When You’re Having Two is the must-have manual for all parents of twins. When you’re done visiting the twin pregnancy week by week, make sure to click over and check it out!

Click here for info on our expecting and new twin parent classes in New York City, Chicago, Houston, and online!

Weekly twin pregnancy calendar

Every mother who is expecting the birth of two babies at once, wonders what happens in her body at different stages of pregnancy.

1-4 weeks

During this period, as in normal pregnancy, the expectant mother is not yet aware of her condition, and lives her normal life, or she may feel any early signs, often even on an intuitive level. They are no different from the signs of pregnancy with one child. At this time in the body is the process of conception.

5th week

The fifth week is the time when the delay of menstruation occurs, and the woman takes a pregnancy test. Those who have already given birth to twins claim that the sign of multiple pregnancy will be two very bright strips on the test, , but it is not known whether this is the case in all cases.

6 week

At the sixth week ultrasound can already show the presence of two embryos, however, any special differences from normal pregnancy at this time do not appear. True, some future mothers of twins say that at this time you can already feel the impending toxicosis, which during multiple pregnancy starts earlier and feels sharper. Babies at this time begin to take shape: they have beating hearts, the rudiments of eyes appear and the head end is formed, but in the place where the arms and legs will later be, there are still outgrowths resembling flippers in shape.

7th week

This is a rather dangerous period, which will last until the twelfth week, because at this time malformations of babies may appear, which are still called embryos. At this time, they are no more than a centimeter long, their heads occupy almost half the length of the body, they have arms and legs begin to form, however, the fingers are not yet separated. The faces have not yet taken shape, but you can already understand where the eyes, noses, mouths and ears will be.

However, this does not mean that both embryos will die. In most cases, only one of them dies, and as a result, the expectant mother will give birth to only one baby.

8 week

At the eighth week, it is possible to determine that the expectant mother is expecting two babies only with the help of ultrasound of the uterus. Babies at this time are actively developing, their bodies almost double in size and reach 2 cm. Their hearts were formed and hid in the chests, the fingers on the handles were divided, on the legs, however, still remain connected by membranes. On the eighth week, the umbilical cord is finally formed , which will become the link between the baby and the mother. The placenta is still in the process of formation. It is at this time that almost all pregnant twins begin severe toxicosis, which may continue for the sixteenth week.

Week 9

This is the time of the final formation of the placenta, on which babies begin to depend, and it is at this time that there are threats of miscarriage. To prevent this from happening, at the ninth week of the future mother of twins it is better to abstain from sex.

10 week

At this point, it is possible to diagnose a double pregnancy in any case. From the tenth week, the risks of any malformations in the development of babies are left behind. Future children the embryonic period ends and the fetal period begins. The sizes of babies already reach 4.5 cm, and despite the possible disproportion, they can actively move, because they are fully formed and already have all the organs and quite distinguishable faces.

11th week

At the 11th week of pregnancy with twins, the expectant mother's tummy begins to grow, and babies are already forming arms and necks, hearts have completed development. The twins are actively moving, and their gender has already been formed, though ultrasound will not show this yet, since the babies are still very small and weigh no more than 4 grams.

Week 12

By this time, the future babies reach a length of , about 6 cm, and the expectant mother can already see them on ultrasound. The likelihood of miscarriages is already behind, and toxicosis is easier to tolerate, but does not go away at all.

Week 13

At 13 weeks , the uterus of a woman pregnant with twins begins to stretch greatly, because of which the expectant mother may experience discomfort that disappears with a change in position. Babies already weigh by 14 grams and move a lot, but so far this is still imperceptible for the mother. The skin of babies is transparent and still red because of the vessels translucent through it. By the 13th week, the babies are covered with a gentle fluff, their hearing does not function, and their eyes are closed, but they can already clench their fists and coordinate their movements. In addition, at this time they have a sucking reflex.

Week 14

Early toxicosis is over, and each of the babies has already grown to a length of at 12 cm and weighs 35 grams. The tummy of the expectant mother from this period begins to grow actively.

Week 15

By week 15, during pregnancy with twins, babies reach a weight of at 60 grams, they train their lungs, and despite the fact that they remain in the fetal position, they actively move and suck their fingers.

They already have facial expressions. They are active about once an hour, the rest of the time they sleep.

Week 16

This is the time for the second ultrasound and triple test - analysis for malformations and chromosomal abnormalities. The results can (and should) show elevated levels of AFP and hCG, but don't be alarmed - this is the norm for a twin pregnancy.

Week 17

The belly of the expectant mother from the 17th week of pregnancy with two babies begins to increase intensively and can already exceed the size of the belly of a woman pregnant with one child, but at the same time. Babies at 17 weeks already weigh 100 grams, and they develop hearing, which means you can talk to them, tell stories, turn on music.

18th week

Some mothers-to-be with twins begin to feel movements of their babies from the 18th week, although for some this happens later - at 20-21 weeks. The belly grows very quickly, and the expectant mother at this time is often put in storage.

Week 19

By this time, the kids are already gaining 1/10 of her birth weight (approximately 300 grams each) and half her height (about 25 cm). All their organs are already fully functioning, they have first hair and eyelashes, and the nervous system begins to develop actively. Although their eyes still remain closed, they are already capable of feeling light and darkness. It is during this period between babies that an attachment to each other is formed, which will continue throughout life.

Week 20

Half of the pregnancy is already behind, the expectant mother of twins at the 20th week of pregnancy feels how actively her babies are moving, in which even intestines have already begun to work. It is at this time that polyhydramnios may develop in one of the fetuses, and one of the babies will weigh less than the other, , but there is nothing wrong with that - after birth, he will definitely gain his weight.

21 weeks

By 21 weeks of pregnancy, twins weigh 400 grams, they have earned the first reflexes, and vision begins to develop. At this time, they are very active, and it becomes very difficult for the expectant mother physically because of the large belly.

Week 22

The belly of the expectant mother has already risen noticeably above the pubis, and she may experience difficulty breathing. The babies reached a length of approximately 27 cm and a weight of 400 grams. An ultrasound at this time may show a difference in the weight and height of the twins, but this is not a cause for concern.

23rd week

At the 23rd week of pregnancy with twins, the mother's body definitely needs sufficient calcium. Since some risks still remain at week 22, for example, with premature births, babies (who have already gained half a kilo) may not survive, but after a month you can breathe easy, as these troubles will be left behind.

Week 24

During the period of 24 weeks, the expectant mother of twins needs to pay special attention to her health, as it may worsen. Since high risks varicose veins, preeclampsia, anemia and other troubles. At this time, you need to consult your doctor more often. Babies at week 24 weigh approximately 600 grams.

25th week

At the 25th week of pregnancy, balance organs mature in babies, their immune system and sense organs begin to work.

Babies also begin to accumulate fat, which is necessary after birth.

Week 26

At this time, the future mother of twins becomes very difficult, because they already weigh for 800-850 grams, and the uterus almost completely filled the abdominal cavity, which together with creates a big load on the heart.

Week 27

By the time they are 27 weeks pregnant with twins are going through a difficult period, as the babies, who together have already gained about two kilograms, often kick. The uterus practically rests on the ribs and it is difficult for the expectant mother to breathe. There is a risk of premature birth, the symptoms of which are girdle pain in the abdomen.

28 weeks

28 weeks of pregnancy with twins is a milestone after which premature birth (if they occur) will not be dangerous, since babies are already fully formed, weigh more than a kilogram each and are quite viable.

Week 29

By this time, the expectant mother of twins is gaining a fairly large weight of 10-11 or more kilograms.

Read more: http://tinymini.ru/poleznie-statii/dlya-mamy/kak-raspoznat-poslerodovuyu-depressiyu-i-kak-s-nej-borotsya.html#ixzz2r6FD9i9z Read more: http://tinymini.ru/poleznie-statii/beremennost-i-rody/razvitie-ploda-po-nedelyam-beremennosti-pervyj-trimester.html#ixzz2r6Ergjcl The soon to be born babies weigh around 1200 grams each and are about 37 cm long, however there can be a significant difference in weight between them.

Week 30

Babies at 30 weeks already have a well-developed brain, they weigh a little less than one and a half kilograms each, and begin to move less, because it becomes crowded in the uterus.

31 weeks

Most often, at 31 weeks of pregnancy, babies already choose the birth position, and their kicks become more sensitive for the mother. Each of them has already reached the weight of at 1.5 kg.

32 weeks

This is the time for the last ultrasound, which will show the location of the babies and determine if an independent birth is possible or if a caesarean section is required. Children have already gained by 1600 grams of and from that moment their growth slows down, but the development of their organisms accelerates - this is how they prepare for premature birth.

33 weeks

By this time babies already look almost the same as newborns. They react to light and sounds, and suck everything they need.

34 weeks

Babies at 34 weeks gain weight up to 2 kg, move little, and are actively engaged in training the respiratory system. And one of them can lower the head into the small pelvis, which will somewhat alleviate the physical condition of the expectant mother, but may cause discomfort in the intestines. Twins born at this time are likely to be fine and will not need an incubator.

35-37 weeks

The mission of carrying twins is completed and the expectant mother can only wait for the birth, which occurs in the period of 35-37 weeks, which in 70{e0d51d7233b9c97ba3953d741db586d2de0577dbe38ab22f0e246

Development of twins by week of pregnancy: weight gain chart

However, there are other factors that contribute to the onset of multiple pregnancy. For example, genetic predisposition. Moreover, such a feature is transmitted mainly through the female line and most often through a generation.

Important!

Multiple pregnancy is most likely if the woman stopped taking contraceptives shortly before the onset. While taking contraceptives, the production of your own hormones is suppressed. And after stopping taking the drugs, the ovaries usually begin to work in an enhanced mode, increasing the likelihood of conception in principle, and twins in particular.

It is not uncommon for multiple pregnancies to be preceded by treatment for infertility. After all, a woman at the same time takes drugs that stimulate the maturation of the follicles and prepare the endometrium for the acceptance of the embryo. Sometimes the body is so responsive to such treatment that not one, but two eggs mature at the same time. If they are also fertilized at the same time, then the result is a multiple pregnancy. That is why families who dream of at least one baby sometimes become happy parents of two babies at once.

Twins or twins?

If two eggs are fertilized, then such babies are considered twins. In the uterus, such fruits have their own children's places. They can have a different gender, appearance, blood type. Their genetic sets coincide by about 60% - the same as that of ordinary brothers and sisters.

Sometimes, much less often, one egg is fertilized. However, for unknown reasons, it divides, giving rise to two fruits. These babies are called twins. It is very difficult to distinguish them, the external similarity is so great. Twins are always same-sex, have an identical blood type, their genetic sets are the same. In the future, they often suffer from the same diseases. Fetuses during an identical pregnancy are more vulnerable, because they compete for a child's place. Sometimes the development of one of the fetuses stops at an early stage, and over time, such a fetal egg resolves.

Features of the course of multiple pregnancy

Important!

It is natural for a woman to bear only one fetus. Therefore, twins require close monitoring by specialists throughout the pregnancy.

Women who are pregnant with two fetuses are at higher risk of developing anemia, as their volume of circulating fluid increases significantly. Their uterus grows larger and faster, which means that it compresses neighboring organs more strongly. Therefore, with multiple pregnancy, constipation, heartburn, and shortness of breath are almost inevitable.

There are also often peculiarities in weight gain. If during a normal pregnancy the weight of a woman increases by 8–15 kg, then with twins it increases by 15–20 kg. This can affect the vessels, spine and joints - sometimes there are pains in the back and legs, as well as varicose veins.

There are also peculiarities in the duration of twin pregnancy. It is good if a woman manages to carry babies 36–38 weeks. However, you need to be prepared that childbirth will occur at 34–36 weeks, and sometimes even earlier.

Most often, childbirth in multiple pregnancies is carried out by planned caesarean section. However, even if the birth is natural, you need to be prepared for the fact that at any moment a decision will be made about the operation. After all, the likelihood of complications in the birth of twins is significantly higher.

Twins born are lighter and often show signs of prematurity. However, twin babies have a peculiarity: they have high adaptive abilities and quickly catch up with their peers in weight.

Feelings during pregnancy with twins

As a rule, with twins at very early stages, signs of toxicosis appear from the very first days of missed periods. Unlike a singleton pregnancy, toxicosis when carrying two babies almost always occurs. There are no special manifestations that distinguish toxicosis during the bearing of twins from toxicosis during a singleton pregnancy. These are nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, intolerance to smells, drowsiness. Toxicosis stops at the usual time - at 12-15 weeks.

The accelerated weight gain of a woman during pregnancy with twins is associated with a significant increase in the volume of fluid circulating in the body. However, this symptom can also be observed in a woman pregnant with one baby.

The expectant mother also feels pregnancy with twins by the early appearance of frequent urination, as the uterus grows faster and puts pressure on the bladder. With twins, the enlarged uterus fills the abdominal cavity. At the same time, intra-abdominal pressure increases, which makes it difficult for the outflow of bile and raises the diaphragm. And this means that the development of twin pregnancy is accompanied by bitterness in the mouth and shortness of breath.

If a woman has a first pregnancy with twins, then she will feel the movements of the babies at a period of 18–20 weeks, that is, the same as with one fetus. If the pregnancy is not the first, then the expectant mother will feel the movements a little earlier - at 16-18 weeks. Thus, there are no features in the timing of the appearance of movements. But the severity of such movements is growing rapidly. And at a later date, the expectant mother feels active, often painful kicks.

Diagnosis of multiple pregnancy

When and how can you tell if a woman is pregnant with twins? Signs of twins in the early stages are determined by ultrasound. This method is the earliest and most objective. The presence of twins is determined already at the 4-5th week of pregnancy. Identical twins are seen later, closer to the 12th week. There are earlier, but not so reliable signs of twins in the early stages of pregnancy. For example, a rapid increase in the level of chorionic gonadotropin, and these are two bright stripes on the test from the very first days of a missed period.

The development of pregnancy with twins is accompanied by a discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the period from about 8–9 weeks. And with a Doppler study, the beating of two hearts is determined.

Signs of early twin pregnancy such as rapid belly enlargement and active weight gain are not accurate. Indeed, in a woman who carries twins under her heart, the tummy is rounded earlier and becomes noticeable already at the 12-14th week. However, the early appearance of the abdomen is also possible with a singleton pregnancy if the woman has a narrow pelvis, asthenic physique, polyhydramnios or a large fetus.

Welcome

Find us on iTunes!

Popular Posts