Babies at this stage develop differently in terms of size, so it will soon be difficult to give exact predictions about height and weight. However, it’s pretty standard for multiples to gain weight a little more slowly than the half a pound each week until birth that singleton babies gain during the third trimester.
What are your babies busy with this week? Let’s explore their development and talk about how we can help make this a great week for you!
How are the babies?
Your babies are keeping their eyes open while they’re awake. It will be amazing when you get to gaze into their eyes in the coming weeks! What color do you think they’ll be?
They’re getting bigger and stronger, but their bones are still relatively soft. Their brains are continuing to develop every day, transforming what used to be a smooth surface into all the grooves and wrinkles you’re used to seeing in pictures of brains.
Their kicks may feel stifled as they get bigger, but counting them is still important (try Ovia’s kick counter!). Try to pick a time each day to count kicks as a way of monitoring your babies’ health. If you have difficulty deciphering who’s doing the kicking, ask your healthcare provider if there’s any way you can make that determination.
Your babies weigh around 4.5 pounds each now — about the size of a cauliflower blossom!
How are you doing?
Insomnia taking its toll? Between racing thoughts and raging hormones, it’s no wonder sleep is hard to come by these days. Not to mention, you’re probably more than a little uncomfortable most nights.
If you haven’t already, think about investing in a sleep pillow. There are some that have been designed with pregnancy in mind that can help you clock a longer snooze session.
It’s normal to feel more stressed or anxious than usual as you approach the finish line. However, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you feel overwhelmed by feelings of depression and anxiety. Seeking professional support can be helpful as you navigate this major life change.
Sex may be the last thing on your mind, or you may still be into getting intimate. Sex can be completely normal and healthy until labor, but be sure to discuss safe guidelines with your provider beforehand. If you’re in the mood and have been given the green light, go for it! It can be a great way to relieve some of that stress and connect with your partner before your babies arrive.
Let’s plan ahead!
Since you’re carrying multiples, it’s wise to prepare for the possibility of bed rest. If you think bed rest might be in your future, order books or other materials to keep you entertained, so you have them on hand.
Your provider might put you on bed rest because of pregnancy complications, or they might modify your activity level if you find it too difficult to work or stand for prolonged periods. In some cases, you may be eligible for short-term disability payments if you can no longer comfortably do your job. Doing your research on your company now is helpful in case you end up in that position.
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.
