With your second trimester well underway, you’re likely feeling a wide range of emotions — excited, anxious, and maybe even a bit overwhelmed! All of these feelings are perfectly normal and are to be expected as you inch closer toward meeting your babies.
If you have friends or family members who are pregnant with singletons, it might be difficult for you to relate to their pregnancy journeys, particularly if you’re due around the same time. Carrying multiples is a unique experience, and you may find it beneficial to connect with others who are also expecting more than one baby moving forward.
Let’s see what’s on tap with your little ones this week, as well as what you might be experiencing during this stage of your pregnancy.
What’s new with your babies?
Your babies have been practicing breathing with amniotic fluid, and they may start producing meconium this month. Meconium is the sticky, tar-like stool that your babies will pass after they’re born, composed of the materials they ingest in utero.
Those little ones are starting to grow bigger as they store fat under their skin to help regulate their body temperature once they’re born. Since multiples are often born early, it’s worthwhile to speak with your healthcare provider about your weight progression, as you’ll want to ensure your babies are at their healthiest and strongest when they make their big debut.
Your babies are around 1.2 pounds each now — about the size of a coconut!
How are you doing?
Between your growing belly and babies, you might be feeling both exhausted and uncomfortable as time progresses. While your to-do list may seem urgent right now, remember, you still have time before your babies enter the world! It’s important to relax and unwind when your body tells you it needs rest; you can tackle your tasks when you feel more energized.
Many people start feeling swollen around this stage of pregnancy. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. This will help you feel better overall and will also help combat swelling.
Speaking of water, taking a swim is a great way to keep active while also soothing your body. If you’re up to it, try floating in a pool or natural body of water to help you relax during the coming weeks. Just avoid temperature extremes like hot springs or frigid water.
Will testing take place this week?
You’ve had your anatomy scan, and the next test will be performed between 24 and 28 weeks to assess your risk for gestational diabetes. This is a routine blood test to monitor your body’s response to glucose.
You can expect your office visits to pick up at this point to ensure your babies are progressing on target and without complications. Your monthly appointments will now shift to biweekly or even weekly, depending on factors like how many babies you’re carrying and how they share the uterus.
Let’s plan ahead!
It’s always comforting to get familiar with the birthing facility where you plan to deliver. If you’re delivering at a hospital, now is a good time to see about getting a tour of the labor and delivery floor, as well as the NICU. Many hospitals will include a tour as part of their childbirth classes.
Not sure if your insurance covers childbirth classes? Give them a call so they can help you better understand your benefits. While you’re on the line, you can also ask questions about other items that might be covered and find out what you’ll be paying out of pocket.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Multifetal gestation: Twin, triplet, and higher order multifetal pregnancies.” National Guideline Clearinghouse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 2014. Retrieved May 15 2021.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Twin pregnancy: What multiples mean for mom.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, December 13 2014. Retrieved May 15 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/twin-pregnancy/art-20048161.
- “FAQ: Multiple pregnancy.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, July 2015. Retrieved May 15 2021.
