Twin Pregnancy Week by Week Guide
First Trimester

For the first few weeks you probably have no idea that you are pregnant, let alone that you’re expecting twins!

Most women discover they are pregnant with twins after a missed period followed by a pregnancy test.

An ultrasound is typically when multiples are realized.

Weeks 0 – 4 Of Your Multiple Pregnancy

Your twin pregnancy...
By the time your period is due you are technically 4 weeks pregnant.

Taking a pregnancy test or three because you just want to make sure or you can't believe you're pregnant. Then making an appointment for a blood test with your healthcare professional will confirm or deny this.

Most women will discover they are pregnant one to three months after conception.

Morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms are likely to arise in the first few weeks, though severity differs from women to women.
If you are struggling with any symptoms speak to your GP (General Practitioner) with your concerns.

If you have not already started taking Folic Acid this is a great time to start. Some expectant mothers take a multi-vitamin that contains folic acid.

You will also need to cut the following things out:

• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Recreational Drugs
• Also there are foods to avoid whilst pregnant

Your babies...
Your twin babies start as a single cell formed when the egg and sperm connect, this the moment of conception. Fraternal Twins are two eggs which have been released, which are then fertilized by two sperm and Identical Twins are formed from one egg and one sperm that splits to produce two babies, TWINS!

~ Being Pregnant With Twins Is An Amazing Journey ~

Weeks 5 – 8 Of Your Multiple Pregnancy

About you...
Research pregnancy care options:

• Who do you want to share your twin pregnancy journey with? Obstetrician or Midwife? Maybe both. Having an OBGYN is highly recommended due to the high-risk status of a twin pregnancy.
• Adjust your exercise programme or start a pregnancy exercise regime, yoga is a great way to relax and keep fit.

  Always speak to your healthcare professional first before starting any exercise regime. Read more here: Exercise while Pregnant with Twins

• Establish a healthy pregnancy diet giving the best start for your two babies.

Keeping healthy is important for your twin pregnancy, labor and postpartum. You will need every bit of energy you have when your twin babies arrive. It is just as important to rest whenever you feel the need. If you are having trouble sleeping eating healthy and light exercise like a stroll can help.

When pregnant some women experience dental issues like bleeding gums, and some can even lose a tooth. So it is a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist if you have concerns.

Book your lamaze (antenatal) classes, great preparation for the birth of your twin babies. Although multiples are often delivery via a c-section many more are delivered naturally. Be prepared for both, this will help you be prepared for whatever happens on the day.

Your babies...
Week 5 – The neural tube is now developing for both twinfants, this will form the brain, spine and nerves. The heart is also forming.

Week 6 – The vital organs are now in place; heart, liver and kidneys and the arms and legs are also taking shape in the form of little buds. By now you will be able to see the two little sacs via an ultrasound.

Week 7 – The brain, muscles and bones continue to grow.

Week 8 – Measuring almost an inch and are now technically called a fetus. They have fingers and toes and skin that’s paper thin. Your babies are moving around now, although you won’t be able to feel it yet.

When will you feel your babies move, jump and kick?

With a twin pregnancy many women will be able to feel movements much earlier, probably because there are two with less room to move.

When pregnant with my twin girls, they were my second (and third) babies, I felt movements as early as 14 weeks. If this is your first pregnancy then you probably won’t feel any movements until week 18-20, as women who have been pregnant before are more aware of the signs and feelings of being pregnant.

Weeks 9 – 13 Of Your Multiple Pregnancy

About you...
Your breasts may be getting larger and your waist line beginning to expand. Especially with a twin pregnancy maternity clothes will be a must much earlier.

As the first trimester is coming to an end morning sickness generally starts to fade.

During your 12th week is when you will have your first twins ultrasound , this is probably when your twin pregnancy will be discovered. A Down syndrome test via measurements from your scan can be done this week, this can also be determined from a blood test. This ultrasound scan will also confirm gestational age and making sure everything is right on track.

If you have had fertility treatment or IVF then you will have a scan and/or blood test earlier than 12 weeks to confirm your pregnancy. A result in high hCG levels with your blood test can be a sign of a mulitples.

A growing uterus, particularly with twins, can cause you to urinate more often. This is caused by the uterus pushing down on your bladder.

You may also notice cravings of foods you usually don’t like, weird combinations or just have a constant craving for. I actually craved the smell of freshly washed laundry, so it's not always food that expectant mothers crave.

Start talking with your doctor/midwife and partner about your birthing options. A birth plan is a great document to prepare so everyone involved knows what you do and don’t want to happen during labor. Start asking lots of questions at your scheduled appointments.

Finding a pediatrician is something to think about nearing the end of this trimester. Research and find someone you are comfortable with.

Your babies...
Week 9 – The fingers and toes are getting longer and the ears are now developing. The organs, muscles and nerves are now beginning to function.

Week 10 – Genitals are developing and eyelids are formed yet they are unable to open them, not until about 27 weeks. They now measure about 1.4 inches.

Week 11 – Your twin babies are progressing nicely in their development.

Week 12 – All internal organs are developed along with fingers and toes which are fully formed.

Week 13 – Looking like babies now they are kicking, turning their heads and even swallowing. Fingerprints have started to form. Your twins are still very tiny, measuring about 3 inches doubling their size from week 10.

Tip: Have your Labor Bag Checklist with you in your handbag and slowly buy what you need week to week, spreading the cost is less overwhelming. It's also a great idea to do the same with all that baby gear you will need.

Read on as your twin pregnancy progresses to see what is to come.

| Pregnancy Second Trimester | Pregnancy Third Trimester |
| Newborn Twins | Premature Twins |

OR
Go to Easy Baby Life for more information about pregnancy week by week

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