The long-awaited third trimester has finally arrived — go ahead, do a happy dance. Too tired for all that? Well, you at least deserve to give yourself a round of applause!
The final chapter of your pregnancy journey will likely be the most eventful as you prepare to meet your bundles of joy. What are they up to this week? Let’s dive in to explore their latest developments.
How are the babies?
Viability increases significantly between the 28 and 31-week mark as your babies continue to grow and develop. Babies born at this gestation have a better chance of survival without long-term health issues and require less NICU time than those born at an earlier gestational age.
Your babies are gaining weight, growing longer, and developing their lungs for their big debut. While they’re quite active in the womb, it’s common to feel less movement now as things get a bit more crowded. You should still feel kicks, though; talk with your provider about kick counts with multiples, as it can be more challenging to differentiate than with a singleton. And make sure to check out Ovia’s kick counter!
Your babies are around 2.5 pounds each now — about the size of a coconut!
How are you doing?
You may be feeling ravenous these days, which is perfectly normal. Your babies are working hard to gain weight as they get closer to their due date, meaning they need extra nutrients from you. Listen to your body’s hunger cues, and don’t be surprised if you put on a bit more weight this month than in the past.
Since multiples are typically born earlier than singletons, these upcoming weeks are especially important for their growth. Eating nutrient-dense foods frequently will give them — and you — the fuel you need to get through the day.
Will testing take place this week?
If you haven’t already, you’ll take the glucose test to determine whether you’re at risk for gestational diabetes. This condition refers to high blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy and resolve after delivery in most cases. Carrying multiples increases your risk of gestational diabetes, but the testing method is the same as a singleton pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need additional testing once your results are complete.
Let’s plan ahead!
Are you thinking about breastfeeding? A little education will go a long way, especially since you’re having multiples. Speak to your healthcare provider at your next visit about your questions, and get their recommendations for classes and lactation support in your area.
Now is also a good time to start researching breast pumps. Your insurance company should be able to provide you a list of options they will cover, so give them a call and see if they can offer guidance on the ordering process.
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.
