Twin pregnancy: features and risks. Twin pregnancy calendar by week: features of the development of multiple pregnancies

Expecting a child is a crucial moment in the life of every woman. Pregnancy with twins is a double responsibility associated not only with the anticipation of upcoming troubles, but also with possible complications course of pregnancy. Upon registration, such a pregnant woman immediately comes under special supervision by the staff of the medical institution. Any woman can become pregnant with twins.

Causes of multiple pregnancy

During fertilization, the union of two germ cells occurs - the mother's egg and the father's sperm. If several eggs are produced in the mother's body at the same time, they can be fertilized at the same time. In this case, two children develop at the same time; they have a different set of chromosomes and little similarity. Such children are called twins. If one egg is fertilized, but during its division two fetuses are formed, it is said to be a twin pregnancy. Such children have a similar set of chromosomes and are always born of the same sex.

Signs of multiple pregnancy

Already at the beginning of pregnancy, a woman may suspect the development of twins. At the same time, all the symptoms of pregnancy appear especially clearly. Features of twin pregnancy:

• on early stages toxicosis is more pronounced during pregnancy;
• the breasts increase significantly in size and become painful;
• pigmentation may appear on the body;
• severe anemia of pregnant women;
• shortness of breath and heartburn are more pronounced due to the high position of the diaphragm;
• with gestosis, swelling is more pronounced;
• varicose veins appear more often on the legs;
• stretch marks often appear on the skin;
• due to the increased load on the spine, pain occurs in the lumbar region;
• weakness and fatigue appear, stronger than during normal pregnancy.

Signs of twins in the early stages are nonspecific, so to obtain a reliable diagnosis you need to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist for an examination.

Multiple pregnancy has characteristic features already in the early stages. The doctor can identify signs of multiple pregnancy during examination: the size of the uterus may be enlarged and does not correspond to the gestational age. When examining the level of hCG, a significant increase can be detected.

At later stages, it is possible to identify objective signs characteristic of twin pregnancy - the heartbeats of two hearts are heard, and parts of the body of two fetuses are palpated. The most accurate way to determine twins is by ultrasound. Pregnancy with twins after cesarean can proceed without complications, but the woman needs closer medical supervision. After a caesarean section, doctors often recommend a repeat operation and rarely allow you to go into labor on your own.

Increase in belly size

During a twin pregnancy, the belly grows in size faster than during a normal pregnancy. Belly sizes during twin pregnancy by week:

1. Week 12. During pregnancy with one fetus, the belly at this stage is barely noticeable; during multiple pregnancy, the uterus is sufficiently enlarged and the woman’s position becomes noticeable to others.
2. Week 17 Already at this stage, it becomes difficult for a woman to lie on her back and her lower back becomes strained. How to sleep when pregnant with twins? You have to sleep lying on your side with your knees bent to facilitate breathing. To unload the spine, it is recommended to place a pillow under the pregnant belly or between the legs.
3. Week 20 It is recommended to use a special bandage, which is put on while lying on your back and worn throughout the day. The bandage is put on underwear so as not to irritate the skin of the abdomen. The bandage is selected individually according to size.
4. Week 30. The abdomen is significantly increased in volume, stretch marks may appear. Doctors recommend using special creams to increase skin turgor.

Many people think that when pregnant with twins, the weight of the belly also doubles. But that's not true. Weight gain during pregnancy depends on the woman’s initial height and weight. Based on these indicators, body mass index is calculated. To do this, you need to divide the weight (in kilograms) by the woman’s height squared (in meters). If a woman had a low body mass index before pregnancy - less than 20, then she can gain twenty kilograms throughout the pregnancy, especially if she is pregnant with twins. Weight gain with an index of 20-27 during pregnancy with twins can reach 17 kg. And with a mass index level of more than 27, a woman gains no more than 13 kg during a normal multiple pregnancy. Weight gain during pregnancy with twins is more noticeable.

Trimesters of pregnancy

Gestational age table:

Normal course of twin pregnancy in the first trimester

The first trimester occurs from the first to the 12th week of pregnancy. During this trimester, the formation of the main organs occurs. The pregnancy calculator will allow you to calculate the duration of pregnancy and the day of the upcoming birth by day last menstrual period. Sex in the early stages can be irregular due to toxicosis and constant nausea in a woman. If there is a threat of interruption, sex should be limited. You can have sex at any stage of pregnancy if there are no contraindications.

Embryo development by week of pregnancy:

On days 7-8 after fertilization, the amniotic sac is implanted into the uterine wall. On days 10-14, pregnancy can be determined using a test or blood test for hCG. At 13-14 days you can determine pregnancy using pharmacy test, the reliability of the result is 95-100%.

By the end of the first month of pregnancy, the fetus is no more than 1 cm long and is actively developing. internal organs, the baby’s head and sensory organs are formed. The mother's weight begins to increase. At 4-5 weeks, the baby’s heart begins to beat. During this period, the first ultrasound examination is performed to confirm the fact of pregnancy and assess the condition of the embryo.

After 12 weeks, toxicosis gradually goes away. Nausea disappears, appetite gradually returns, and health improves. At 12-14 weeks, the belly is visible under tight clothing. Children develop their fingers and toes, head and neck. At 10 weeks the heart is already formed; defects can be diagnosed. Usually, an ultrasound examination is prescribed within 10-12 weeks. The formation of baby teeth occurs; the woman is recommended to take multivitamins with calcium.

Week 12 – optimal time during pregnancy with twins to determine gross developmental disorders and possible Down's disease. An abortion is performed when gross developmental defects are detected in twins.

Features of pregnancy in the second trimester

The second trimester begins at 13 and ends at 24 weeks. Sex during this period is not contraindicated if there is no pathology of pregnancy.

Twins pregnancy by week:

1. The 13th week of pregnancy with twins is characterized by a heavy load on the mother’s body. It's the fourth month of pregnancy. The uterus begins to enlarge, pain may appear in groin area due to sprained ligaments. The developing baby actively moves in the mother's womb, and a sucking reflex appears.
2. At the 15th week of pregnancy with twins, each fetus is already about 10 centimeters long, the lungs are already formed, and the child is training the respiratory muscles. The glottis is still closed, so there is no risk of amniotic fluid entering the lungs.
3. Week 17 shows a good appetite; during pregnancy with twins, the belly grows more noticeably, it becomes more difficult to breathe and sleep on the stomach. You need to start using cream for your chest and abdomen to prevent stretch marks. Children begin to hear everything that is happening around them. You need to talk to them, turn on good music.
4. The 18th week of pregnancy with twins is the period when it is time to start using a bandage. Lower back pain appears and it becomes difficult to walk in heels. It is necessary to start doing gymnastics and attend classes at the antenatal clinic to prepare for childbirth. The doctor may recommend hospitalization to continue the pregnancy. At what date can the gender of future children be determined? From 18 to 21 weeks of pregnancy, a routine ultrasound is performed to assess the condition of the child, and at this time the sex of the children can be determined.
5. 19th week of pregnancy. Growing twins reach half their height at birth. All organs are already formed, children continue to grow and develop. The sense of touch is already quite developed; twins can feel each other in their mother’s belly. Children have their own biorhythms, they wake up and fall asleep at the same time, which does not always coincide with the mother’s biorhythms.
6. Week 20 The first tremors appear. When pregnant with twins, a woman feels the movements of the babies in different parts belly. Babies can swallow amniotic fluid, which accumulates in the intestines in the form of dark, pasty stool - meconium. Stool is released into the environment after birth. Twins urinate in amniotic fluid, which is constantly renewed through the placenta.
7. 21 weeks pregnant with twins. A pregnant woman constantly feels movements. The abdomen is significantly enlarged and does not allow bending over. The weight of each child at this time is about 400 grams.
8. 22 weeks of pregnancy. Twins reach a total weight of 800-1000 grams.
9. 23 weeks of pregnancy. Each fruit already weighs about 500 grams. Developing twins actively absorb calcium, which they need for bones and teeth, so at week 23 you need to take multivitamins and visit the dentist. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on bladder, urination becomes more frequent.
10. 24 weeks pregnant with twins. At this stage everything can become aggravated. chronic diseases, especially kidney disease. Anemia increases, dilated veins appear in the legs, swelling, and stool disorders. The lungs of children are already fully formed; a surfactant is formed, which is responsible for respiratory function.

Third trimester of pregnancy

During this trimester, the woman’s body and babies are preparing for the upcoming birth. In order to check the child's condition, it is necessary to conduct a CTG. In this case, a special sensor is applied to the anterior abdominal wall, the baby’s heartbeat and the tone of the uterus are measured. CTG is performed after 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Twin pregnancy calendar by week:

1. 25 weeks pregnant with twins. At this stage, the nervous system and sensory organs, as well as their immunity, are actively formed. In children, brown fat is deposited on the body, which will serve as a source of energy in the first days after birth.
2. 26 week of pregnancy. The uterus is located high, the twins already weigh more than one and a half kilograms. It becomes difficult to breathe and walk due to an increase in the volume of the abdomen and an increase in the volume of circulating blood.
3. 27 weeks pregnant with twins. You should keep the necessary things ready for hospitalization, as the risk of premature birth increases. If there is prolonged pain in the lower abdomen or amniotic fluid breaks, you must urgently call an ambulance.
4. 28 weeks pregnant with twins. This is the seventh month of pregnancy. Sick leave for pregnancy and childbirth in case of multiple pregnancy opens 84 days before the expected birth. The pregnant woman goes on maternity leave and regularly visits the doctor. In the third trimester, gestosis may appear, so it is necessary to measure blood pressure, monitor weight gain and submit urine for analysis.
5. 29 weeks pregnant with twins. Babies are rapidly gaining weight. Twins weigh about 2400 grams. Children may gain weight at different rates; the difference in weight can be up to 300 grams.
6. Week 30 is characterized by a decrease in amniotic fluid. When pregnant with twins, babies begin to move less, since their weight is quite large, and they become cramped in the uterus. Internal organs are sufficiently developed gastrointestinal tract prepares to digest food.
7. 31 weeks pregnant with twins. The total weight of the children is approximately three kilograms. The babies are gaining strength and their kicks are becoming more noticeable. Belly reaches maximum sizes, pulls in the lower back. Children begin to occupy a position in the uterine cavity in which they will remain until birth.
8. Week 32. The eighth month of pregnancy has begun. At ultrasound examination Twin pregnancies are determined by presentation and the method of delivery. With a high degree of probability it will be C-section. During pregnancy with twins, babies gain weight more slowly, but the process of final formation of all organs and systems accelerates.
9. 33 weeks pregnant with twins. Starting this week, you will need to visit your doctor weekly with constant weighing and urine testing. Children have well-developed senses, they react to sharp sounds and light, taste amniotic fluid, and dream.
10. Week 34. The stomach goes down. During pregnancy with twins, the head of one of the babies drops into the pelvis, the twins become cramped and move less. At this stage, the fetus is already fully viable.
11. 35 week of pregnancy. The body is preparing for childbirth. The twins are fully formed. There are practically no complications during childbirth at 35 weeks. It is necessary to fold and keep ready everything necessary for hospitalization.
12. 36 weeks pregnant with twins. It's a week of waiting long-awaited birth. There is practically no weight gain anymore. Doctors examine the pregnant woman regularly and prepare for a planned birth.
13. 37 weeks pregnant with twins. Often the doctor recommends hospitalization as early as this week. More than half of twins born are born during this period.
14. 38 weeks of pregnancy. Children don't grow as fast. Twins gain about 30 grams per day. The estimated due date is approaching. You should monitor for swelling and increased blood pressure. Contractions can start at any time. If you experience abdominal pain and the first contractions, you need to go to the maternity hospital.

In multiple pregnancies, delivery is usually planned. A week or two before giving birth, doctors recommend going to a specialized hospital. In most cases, the woman is offered a caesarean section. There is no need to worry, as this operation is done to preserve the health of the mother and babies. If desired, a woman can become pregnant again and give birth to a healthy child.

One of the most intelligent twin pregnancy calendars, I used it quite often. Pulled from some site.

From 1 to 4 weeks of pregnancy
These four weeks will pass unnoticed for you; you will not even know about the upcoming event. However, these weeks determine whether you will have one heir or several. If you are reading this article, they are most likely already behind you, because the signs of pregnancy with twins, like the signs of any other pregnancy, are not determined until the delay.

5 weeks pregnant
The beginning of the 5th week of pregnancy is the same delay in menstruation, others usually appear early signs multiple pregnancy, in principle, they are indistinguishable from those during a normal pregnancy with one fetus.

It must be said that two children means twice as much human chorionic gonadotropin secreted by their future placentas, which means that a multiple pregnancy in the early stages means the appearance of symptoms very early, earlier than with a normal one, and if you have twins, a pregnancy test will show bright two strips already on the first day of the delay.

This pregnancy calendar by week, twins in it main character, it starts for you right now, but you still cannot know that you are expecting twins, although by the end of the 5th week the ultrasound will already show twins. If this is a multiple pregnancy after IVF, you will be sent for it now to make sure of success; for most of our other visitors, this week is either a time of hope for twins, or this week is already over.

Pregnancy 6 weeks twins
Signs of twin pregnancy will appear later.

Your babies are now getting better and better every day, and it is already clear where their head is, you can see the rudiments of their eyes, their hearts are beating, they can be seen during an ultrasound examination, and in the place of future arms and legs, flipper-like outgrowths have appeared.

Determining a multiple pregnancy at this stage is quite possible by ultrasound, and the doctor will see two fertilized eggs or one, but there are two beating hearts in it. They can already tell you what type of twin you are carrying.

You most likely already know the fact of pregnancy. The delay occurred 2 weeks ago, and if you have a regular cycle, you probably took a pregnancy test.

You've probably already felt the toxicity coming. If you are having twins, your pregnancy will have more severe symptoms of early toxicosis and it will last longer than usual. And in general, there are slightly more dangers awaiting you than when carrying one child.

Pregnancy 7 weeks twins
7 weeks of pregnancy with twins is the time when most women have already managed to contact antenatal clinic.

The babies are a little less than a centimeter long each, their arms and legs are gradually acquiring familiar features, but their fingers have not yet separated.

Their heads occupy almost half the length of the body, and although the neural tube has already closed and the rudiment of the brain has formed, there is no skin sensitivity over most of the surface of the body, only areas sensitive to touch appear near the mouth.

It must be said that the babies’ faces have not yet taken shape, but you can already understand where the mouth, nose, ears and eyes will be.

Nowadays babies are also called embryos, and this is the most dangerous period their development, it will last until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriage and developmental defects are quite possible.

If a frozen pregnancy occurs, not all of the twins may die, but only one of the embryos. The second one will then continue to develop further and only one child will be born.

Pregnancy 8 weeks twins
Symptoms of multiple pregnancy may be suspected by your doctor during a gynecological examination as early as this week. Your uterus is growing too fast for your pregnancy. However, in case of multiple pregnancy, early diagnosis during examination by a gynecologist is difficult. overweight women, since it can be difficult to estimate the size of the uterus in this way.

In any case, at 8 weeks there is only one the right way how to determine a multiple pregnancy is an ultrasound of the uterus, everything else is just assumptions and suspicions.

Meanwhile, your kids are actively developing, they don’t care about your desire to find out how many there are and what gender they are, their task is to grow. Within a week, they each doubled in size, and now the body length is 2 cm, the heart has formed and hid in the chest, and now the twins look more formed.

An embryonic hernia of the umbilical cord may be visible on an ultrasound in a child; at this stage this is normal; soon the intestines will return back to the tummy. The fingers on the arms have separated, but on the legs they are still connected by membranes. The umbilical cord is formed, the placenta is actively forming, villous chorion gradually destroys the endometrium, the active formation of the connection that will connect mother and babies throughout pregnancy is underway.

And you, most likely, are now suffering from toxicosis. With twins, almost all women have it, with rare exceptions, you can now even lose weight due to complete absence appetite, nausea and vomiting. Don't worry, it will pass soon, just be patient... a couple of months. With twins, toxicosis often continues until the 16th week of pregnancy.

9 weeks pregnant twins
At week 9, twins cross a peculiar milestone; they now become completely dependent on the newly formed placenta. It is this period that is most dangerous for miscarriage.

If you are expecting twins, the danger increases. Mothers of twins should give up sex during pregnancy, the stakes in this game are too big.

10th week of pregnancy twins
The 10th week is the usual period for a doctor to determine a multiple pregnancy; as a rule, by this time the uterus has enlarged so much that it is simply impossible to ignore its discrepancy with the gestational age. It may already be 13-14 weeks old, that is, it may leave the pelvis. This saves you from such troubles as frequent urination and a tendency to constipation.

However, the course of multiple pregnancy has its own characteristics. Your rapidly growing belly means your uterus will soon be stretched beyond its limits, which is the main reason babies are born earlier. due date. But don’t worry, nature made sure that they come into the world mature, ready to live independently; after 35 weeks, twins most often require almost no medical support after birth.

At 10 weeks of pregnancy, twins enter their fetal period of development. The time of organogenesis, when there was a risk of major malformations, is already behind us.

The babies are about 4.5 cm in size, they are fully formed, can actively move, and although their bodies are not yet proportional, they already have all the organs. The faces of the children are quite distinguishable, the arms seem long, and the legs are a little behind, the tails are no longer there, and the organs have returned to the abdominal cavity, the head still seems too big...

11 weeks pregnant with twins
You feel a little better, toxicosis loosens its grip, but it won’t let you go completely for a long time. Your twins no longer want to be invisible, you can already see your growing belly, although clothes still allow you to hide it.

Your twins have now straightened their backs a little, their heads have gained freedom. The chins separated from the chest, the neck formed. The toes are still connected by a membrane, but the hands are fully formed.

The heart has completed its development, now it has four chambers and there will definitely be no major defects.

Your twins can move, but only with monoamniotic twins can they touch each other. Baby teeth are being laid. The gender of the twins can already be discerned, but they won’t be able to tell you on an ultrasound; the babies are still very small, each weighing no more than 4 grams.

12 weeks pregnant with twins
At 12 weeks, a multiple pregnancy is rarely not yet diagnosed. The period when a multiple pregnancy can be determined with a simple gynecological examination is 9-10 weeks. If twins are discovered later, this means that either the woman was registered late at the consultation, or she was examined too early and was not examined again (this often happens, because gynecologists try not to disturb pregnant women too much in the early stages).

Miscarriage is now less likely during multiple pregnancies, and your twins are less vulnerable. You're on the verge of the second trimester, your babies are now about 6 cm long each.

You've probably already had your first ultrasound and met your twins. This is an incredibly touching moment; few women can resist tears when they first see tiny babies on the monitor screen.

Pregnancy 13 weeks twins
The development of multiple pregnancy creates a large burden on the pregnant woman’s body.

Now your uterus is growing very quickly, and you may experience pain due to the stretching of the uterine ligaments. This is an unpleasant sensation on the sides of the uterus, which goes away when you change position.

These pains differ from the symptoms of a threat in that the uterus remains relaxed, and the pain is localized in the iliac region, and there is no downward pressure. When there is a threat, you feel pain similar to menstrual pain, but this pain is dull or sharp, and is not at all similar to what happens during menstruation.

Managing a multiple pregnancy requires special consideration in the antenatal clinic; you will have to go to appointments more often and take more tests. What can you do, it's pregnancy high risk.

Your babies are now moving a lot, but it is not yet noticeable to you. Fetuses at the 13th week of pregnancy already weigh about 14 grams, their skin is thin and translucent, appearing red due to clearly translucent vessels.

And by this time the children are completely covered with soft fluff. Their eyes are closed, and their hearing is not yet functioning, but now the entire skin of the babies is very sensitive, they have a sucking reflex, they have learned to coordinate their movements, and can clench their hands into tiny fists.

Twins 14 weeks pregnant
Your tummy has risen almost to the middle of the distance between the navel and the pubis, the fundus of the uterus is about 3 cm higher than during normal pregnancy.

Twins at 14 weeks weigh about 35 grams each and have a body length of 12 cm.

Finally, early toxicosis is a thing of the past, you feel great. In your case, the wonderful feeling will not last long, your children are growing very quickly, and for this reason you will very soon experience all the delights of a big belly.

Gynecologists usually prohibit sex during multiple pregnancies, but no one prohibits mutual affection and alternative relationships.

Features of multiple pregnancy are such that you have an increased risk of vitamin deficiency, anemia, and late toxicosis. You will now have to go to see a gynecologist 2 times a month, because you need more careful monitoring.

15 weeks pregnant with twins
Your twins at the 15th week of pregnancy weigh about 60 grams, and have a length of 10 cm from the top of the head to the butt. They are already training their lungs, these are breathing movements with a closed glottis. At the same time, the muscles necessary for breathing are trained, and amniotic fluid does not enter the lungs.

The babies are forced to take the fetal position in the uterus, curled up in a ball, but there is still enough space and they move a lot.

Your belly is like that of other mothers at 17 weeks, but you cannot feel any movement, because despite such a large belly, there are babies there that are normal for the period of pregnancy, they are no larger or stronger than other children at this stage.

The kids look very thin now. Facial expressions have appeared, they can wince and frown. The corpuscles are covered with delicate down, lanugo. Legs and arms are proportional, movements are coordinated. Children suck fingers and generally anything that comes to hand, even their own umbilical cord, and they have formed their own rhythm of sleep and wakefulness. They sleep almost all the time and wake up about once an hour. The secretion of the glands, a kind of lubricant (the so-called cheese-like lubricant), accumulates in the folds; it protects the skin from moisture and is needed to facilitate childbirth.

Pregnancy 16 weeks twins
The time has come for the triple test, this is a second trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities and developmental defects. The result may confuse you; there will be deviations from the norm in the tests. AFP is always elevated in multiple pregnancies, but the babies are fine, don’t worry.

HCG norms during multiple pregnancies are also higher, which in fact only means that everything is fine with the twins. The level of hCG in multiple pregnancies is increased due to the fact that there is not one placenta, but two, or one, but larger in size and provides two children. Concern can only be caused by reduced level HCG.

It's time for the second ultrasound. If the first ultrasound was genetic and targeted major abnormalities, this will detect almost all malformations and abnormalities in children. It is carried out from 16 to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

You are already wearing maternity clothes, your pregnancy is noticeable to others. Sometimes women feel the first movement at this stage of pregnancy...

17th week of pregnancy twins
During pregnancy with twins at 17 weeks, the belly begins to seriously interfere. It is difficult for you to choose a sleeping position, get used to sleeping on your left side, this will improve blood circulation in the twins’ placentas. Try adding pillows.

The fundus of the uterus is at the level of the navel; many have a dark stripe in the middle of the tummy; this will go away after childbirth.

The skin of the abdomen stretches quickly, stretch marks can be prevented special care. Don't forget about the hip area and your beautiful, enlarged breasts. She needs special care, maternity underwear and special creams - reliable protection from stretch marks. Be sure to use them.

During pregnancy with twins, weight is gained faster than during normal pregnancy, and from this period you will feel it in full. Try not to overeat and eat right, your appetite is enviable now.

Your twins are about 12 cm long and weigh about 100 grams. At this stage, they acquire the ability to hear, which means it’s time for prenatal education. Talk to them, sing them songs, tell them stories, read books to them, play classical music.

Have you already signed up for childbirth preparation courses?

Pregnancy 18 weeks twins
Women feel movements during a multiple pregnancy at the same time as during a single pregnancy.

If this is your first pregnancy and you don’t feel the babies yet, this is normal; some expectant mothers feel them only at 20-21 weeks, don’t worry.

The belly with twins grows very quickly, pain in the lower back and back can become a constant companion. Wear a prenatal bandage, it relieves pain, choose comfortable shoes and rest more often. Gymnastics for pregnant women also helps.

Often from this period misadventures begin with constant hospitalizations in the maternity hospital for preservation. Be philosophical about it, at least, take a rest. Before maternity leave There are still 10 weeks, and a couple of weeks in the maternity hospital is just an opportunity to take a break, giving the babies all the time.

Pregnancy 19 weeks twins
The 19th week of pregnancy is the time when babies gain half their height at birth (almost 25 cm), and 300 grams of weight, this is 1/10 of how much they will gain by birth. Further they will actively grow, the organs are all already developed and functioning.

The central nervous system and lungs begin to develop most actively, and the twins are preparing for birth. They are still very thin, the skin is thin and red, covered with fuzz and a layer of grease. While weight is gained through the development of organs and muscle tissue, the time for fat accumulation will come later.

Although children's eyes are still closed, they are already able to distinguish between light and dark. The sensitivity of the skin is well developed, the fingers have an individual pattern, and the fluff gradually begins to fade, remaining thick on the shoulders and back.

Vegetation appears on the head, the first head of hair appears, babies have eyebrows and eyelashes.

Twins sense each other’s presence, and an attachment is formed in utero that will last a lifetime. If the pregnancy is monoamniotic, the twins have the opportunity to touch each other, which they do, feeling not only themselves, but also their neighbor. With diamniotic twins, the babies are isolated by the membranes, but this does not mean that they do not feel each other’s movements and do not interact in any way in utero.

After giving birth, the twins will still be attached to each other, and you will find nothing better than keeping them in the same crib for the first months, because this way they will behave more calmly.

It is interesting that the biological rhythms of children are synchronized in utero; they move at the same time and sleep at the same time. And these rhythms may not coincide at all with my mother’s.

Pregnancy 20 weeks twins
We're halfway through the pregnancy. For you, perhaps even more, because few pregnant women carry twins to term until 40 weeks; in most cases, twins are born before 37 weeks.

The twins have now grown even more, and you can feel their movements. Children spend most of their time sleeping, and when they wake up, they exercise, as space allows, and swallow the surrounding amniotic fluid.

Their intestines are already working, digesting desquamated skin cells from the amniotic fluid, but nothing is excreted anywhere, all waste products accumulate in the large intestine, and children will get rid of them after childbirth. This original stool is dark olive in color, almost black, and is called meconium.

Babies also urinate in the amniotic fluid, which is part of their renewal cycle. During the day, amniotic fluid changes its composition several times.

It must be said that with twins, a problem such as polyhydramnios occurs in one of the fetuses. How does this happen?
If there is a connection between the placentas, a vessel, the so-called shunt, blood can be discharged in larger quantities to one child. This leads to the fact that he urinates more and... grows faster. As a result, a difference in weight is formed between children and moderate polyhydramnios at one of them. This cannot be cured, but this situation does not pose any particular danger; the second baby will certainly gain weight after birth.

21 weeks pregnant twins
There are only 7 weeks left until maternity leave, but you already want to get everything done. You are now looking for baby things, the family is preparing for the arrival of two babies.

Your tummy no longer allows you to even bend over to fasten your shoes, and you have adapted to putting on your shoes while sitting.

Your babies have gained almost 400 grams each and are now very active. At this stage, almost all pregnant women feel movements. The child’s strengthened bones and rapidly maturing nervous system allow him to perfectly coordinate movements, and the first reflexes work. If you touch the baby’s foot, he will pull back his foot and clench his toes; if you touch his cheek, he will reach out and try to grab with his mouth what touched him.

Kids now not only hear well, their eyes have begun to open. Of course, there is still a problem with vision, they can only distinguish vague shadows, but there is nothing to look at yet.

22 weeks pregnant twins
The weight of twins at the 22nd week of pregnancy is already 400 grams, length 27 cm; an ultrasound may reveal a difference in weight and height; often one of the twins is larger than the other. This is normal and there is no reason to worry.

It’s already quite difficult for you, your stomach has risen 25 cm above the level of your pubis and is beginning to limit your breathing. You quickly gain weight, children grow - you inevitably get fat.

If you have more than two children, it is even harder for you. But let's digress a little. The most multiple pregnancy occurred in 1971, 15 babies were born! And if their mother managed it, can’t you handle it?

23 weeks pregnant twins
Your babies have gained almost half a kilogram of weight. They still have very little chance of surviving premature birth, but in a month they will be quite viable.

You look good now, pregnancy makes you look good. Under the influence of pregnancy hormones better hair and skin, but now you have many risks associated with the fact that you are carrying twins.

How long have you been to the dentist? Often women do not have enough calcium, and this affects their dental health. Your back and legs may be bothering you. Backache common occurrence due to the redistribution of the load, and the legs may even swell. You may now be diagnosed with anemia.

Follow all your doctor's orders.

Pregnancy 24 weeks twins
At 24 weeks of pregnancy, twins weigh about 600 grams each.

The maturation of the lungs has begun, they have formed most of the alveoli, air sacs, and now the production of surfactant, the substance responsible for their expansion after childbirth, has begun.

Your body is now being tested to its strength. Pyelonephritis, varicose veins, anemia, gestosis and many other troubles occur more often and are more severe with twins.

Often children never choose correct position before childbirth, and very often there is placenta previa and associated bleeding.

Your belly is growing, growing very quickly, and every day it becomes more difficult for you to walk and more difficult to breathe. Heartburn and nausea, constipation are also a consequence of uterine pressure, try to eat more often and in small portions.

Complications of multiple pregnancy are varied and dangerous, try to think less about them. Remember only the symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

If your stomach hurts or even just pulls, this pain does not go away when you lie down, and happens more than 5 times per hour,
- if any unusual discharge from the genital tract appears,
- if you have a fever or pain when urinating,
- if you notice swelling or too rapid weight gain,
- if you have a headache, there is a feeling of irritation from light.

Twins 25 weeks pregnant
There are 3 weeks left before maternity leave, but most pregnant women last weeks are tracked for storage. You also have the opportunity to free yourself from getting up for work in the morning by taking advantage of your right to take another vacation immediately before maternity leave.
Your babies have begun to accumulate fat; they will need it immediately after birth to maintain warmth. This is a special, brown fat that will burn, providing energy, in the first days after birth, meeting the child’s needs during the period when nutrition has not yet improved. This fat is deposited on the tummy and between the shoulder blades, the arms and legs are still thin, and the skin is wrinkled and red.

Soon the time will come to bulk up and accumulate white, real fat.

Now the formation of nerve connections is underway, the twins are developing nervous system. The organ of balance matures and sense organs are formed, vision and hearing become more and more perfect.

Twins are now beginning to produce their own antibodies for the first time, the immune system. Important has food expectant mother, because right now the origins of future allergies in children may be laid.

26 weeks pregnant twins
At the 26th week of pregnancy, the fundus of the uterus with twins rises 30 cm or more from the pubis. This means that it has practically filled the abdominal cavity, shifting and squeezing the digestive and respiratory organs, which causes natural discomfort.

Your heart is now working overtime, your blood volume has increased by 60%, and your lungs have nowhere to expand, which may cause shortness of breath. You find it difficult to find a sleeping position, and even pillows are of little help. Be patient, most of the journey is over.

Your twins now weigh 800-850 grams, they are already quite cramped, although for now they can change presentation by turning around in the uterus. Often with twins, children are not lying correctly, and because of this they have to have a caesarean section. Special gymnastics can partly influence the situation of children, but there is little hope for it.

27 weeks pregnant with twins
It’s hard for you to walk and breathe hard, the kicks of babies are sensitive, your uterus is actually already resting on your ribs. What can you do, two kids are double the weight, and they have gained almost a kilogram each.

More than half of twins are born prematurely, and from this time onwards the chances for health and well-being become great.

Despite the fact that you have a multiple pregnancy, the signs of a threat of premature birth are the same as with a normal one. These are regular pains in the abdomen of a girdle nature.

Very often, labor begins with premature rupture of amniotic fluid and proceeds rapidly. We advise you not to leave home without an exchange card and to avoid walking alone.

On next week you are going on maternity leave.

Do you already have your emergency suitcase ready? Is everything ready for the arrival of babies into your life? Has the dowry been collected?

28 weeks pregnant with twins
Maternity leave for multiple pregnancies starts earlier; you will be given sick leave after 84 calendar days before the expected date of birth, in addition, postpartum leave is required for 110 days. Add up these numbers; if you give birth early, your postpartum leave will be extended by the unused number of days.

28 weeks is a kind of milestone, from which you can calm down a little regarding the risk of premature birth. Your babies are already viable, although you need to be aware that they will spend many days in the hospital before you can take them home if labor starts now.

Geminis weigh more than a kilogram each, and now it's time for you to rest.

Any woman is afraid of childbirth, and a woman pregnant with twins is even more afraid, and this is not surprising, because it is obvious that such a birth will not be easy. Be prepared for the possibility that you will most likely be offered a caesarean section.

29 weeks pregnant with twins
Now your twins will gain weight every week.

Now the children are already 37 cm tall from head to toe, and the weight of each of them reaches 1200 grams. Nowadays the difference in the weight of babies can be increasingly significant; one can weigh 1000 grams, and the second 1300.

You are now experiencing all the same sensations that women experience during full-term pregnancy. And the weight gained was about the same, 10-11 kg, if not more. The back and pelvic bones, especially in the symphysis area, can be very painful; the body is preparing for childbirth.

30 weeks pregnant with twins
Your twin babies are fully formed. The boys' testicles are in the scrotum, the children began to actively become rounder, and their length growth slowed down. This normal phenomenon that they now move less and less, it’s just that the uterus is becoming quite crowded.

The weight of children reaches 1350-1400 grams, the amount of amniotic fluid is approximately about a liter for each, and now it will decrease every day.

The brain of twins is developed enough to ensure independent breathing and maintenance of body temperature in the event of premature birth, and the gastrointestinal tract is now ready to independently digest food. The babies' arms and legs no longer seem as thin as before, now they have begun to actively store fat, and the first thing that has become rounder is... the twins' cheeks. The fact is that the fat pad in the cheek area is vital for sucking, which means it must be created first.

31 weeks pregnant twins
The children's weight reached approximately one and a half kilograms. Most likely, your twins have already chosen a position for birth, but they are still squirming and kicking a lot, although their activity has already subsided. Every day they get stronger, and these pokes and kicks are quite painful.

You seem simply huge to yourself. During a multiple pregnancy, the belly reaches its maximum size by 31-32 weeks, and is very disturbing. It’s hard to breathe, you feel pain under your ribs, and you can’t lie quietly on your back for even five minutes, you feel faint. But soon it will become easier, the stomach will drop before childbirth.

You'll have your last ultrasound next week if you haven't had one yet. If you found out the sex of the children at the last ultrasound, they will tell you whether spontaneous childbirth is possible. There are situations when a planned caesarean section is the only option correct solution. For example, when the placenta is previa or one of the fetuses occupies a transverse position in the uterus.

32 weeks pregnant twins
The time has come for the last ultrasound during pregnancy; twins will now be assessed not only from the point of view of development and the presence of possible abnormalities and diseases, but also as an object for future births. Usually, by this time, children are determined to be breech and lie with their heads down. The condition of the placentas and their location are assessed, and childbirth is predicted.

It should be noted that in case of twins, upon admission to the maternity hospital for the birth itself, as a rule, an ultrasound is also performed, based on the results of which the final decision on the tactics of childbirth is made.

Children weigh approximately 1600 grams each. Now the uterus is so crowded that a natural protective mechanism is activated, and weight gain becomes slower than during normal pregnancy. Your twins will weigh less than the average child during a normal pregnancy, and at the same time, the maturation of all organs and systems of babies is accelerated; twins can be born prematurely and they are preparing for this.

33 weeks pregnant twins
Your doctor now wants to see you every week, and that's no surprise. Childbirth may begin unexpectedly, now you have a high risk of gestosis and other complications, your health needs constant monitoring.

Your children could have gained up to 1800 grams, their height is approximately 43 cm. They now look approximately like ordinary newborns, differing only in their thinness. The skin has smoothed out, nails are growing on the fingers and toes, the fluff on the body has almost disappeared, and hairs on the head are growing back.

Geminis actively develop their senses. They can see and react to bright light directed at the anterior abdominal wall, they are frightened by sharp sounds and taste amniotic fluid. Their main occupation, as before, is to suck whatever they have to.

Sleep and wakefulness alternate, and brain activity is clearly recorded on the electroencephalogram. Your children are already dreaming...

34 weeks pregnant with twins
You're probably already tired. Tired of a big belly, of waiting, of pain in the back and legs, in the pelvic bones... You are tired of endless tests and visits to the doctor, you are tired of the walls of maternity hospitals. It is quite possible that your stomach has already dropped. The head of one of the twins drops into the pelvis, it becomes easier to breathe, but at the same time the problem of constipation appears, or gets worse if it already existed before.
Your twins are training their respiratory system through breathing-like movements. The fetal heart rate is approximately 120 beats per minute. Sometimes babies hiccup, you feel it as a rhythmic shaking in the stomach.

They move less and less every day, their weight can already reach 2 kg, and of course, they are very cramped. If they are born this week, you will most likely be able to take them home quickly. In most cases, at this stage, twins no longer even need an incubator.

35 weeks pregnant twins
That's all. You can consider your mission completed and calmly wait for the birth. As a fact, from this week of pregnancy, in the absence of other diseases, all newborns survive and have no health problems. If the birth is without injuries and hypoxia, you will take them home straight from the maternity hospital.

We hope that you have already prepared everything you need for your twins and for yourself in the maternity hospital.

36 weeks pregnant twins
The 36th week of pregnancy and beyond, for those who have not yet given birth, is the time of waiting for the onset of labor.

During a multiple pregnancy, your weight could increase by 15-17 kg by the end of it, and of course, these weeks are very difficult.

Childbirth during a multiple pregnancy is usually planned, which means that by now you should already be in the maternity hospital under the supervision of doctors.

We can only be glad that you made it through and reached the end, very soon you will be able to take your babies in your arms.

Pregnancy and childbirth with twins is not an easy experience for any woman, and if you have a multiple pregnancy, a cesarean section can be the method of choice for childbirth with about a 70% chance. If you are planning more pregnancies, do not worry about this, pregnancy after twins is quite possible, and it does not matter whether you gave birth yourself or had a cesarean section, you will just need rest to regain strength and health.

The onset of pregnancy is very an important event in the life of any woman, regardless of whether she planned to become a mother or fate decreed it so. Exciting preparations begin for the birth of the baby. Sometimes you need to prepare for the arrival of two babies at once. This is double happiness, but also double burden and responsibility.

Carrying twins is on the border between normal and pathological due to the increased load on female body. Multiple pregnancies increase the risks of health problems, miscarriage, and complications during childbirth. That is why it requires increased attention and observation.

From the first days of discovering the fact that she is pregnant with twins, a woman comes under careful control both from medical personnel and from relatives and friends.

Multiple pregnancy, early signs

Early diagnosis of twin pregnancy is extremely important for the normal course of pregnancy, because it requires special attention and constant monitoring.

In general, a woman does not initially feel that she is pregnant with twins. Most often they find out about this during the first ultrasound examination when registering at the antenatal clinic.

Pay attention to some early signs that may indicate a multiple pregnancy:

• Increased sense of smell, odor intolerance, toxicosis
• Pronounced swelling of the mammary glands
• Appearance age spots on the face and chest
• At the first examination, the presence of two fetuses may be suspected by the gynecologist due to the size of the uterus and its rapid enlargement at the next appointment. Sometimes pregnant women are given an incorrect due date at the first appointment due to the fact that the size of the uterus does not correspond to the due date.
• At 10 weeks, multiple pregnancies can be detected by electrocardiography
• Elevated hCG level which can be detected using a blood test

Important: The first ultrasound examination does not guarantee the detection of a multiple pregnancy, because one fetus may be hidden behind another.

After 20 weeks, multiple pregnancies can be detected without the help of an ultrasound machine:

• When palpating the abdomen, four large parts are felt in different places(heads and buttocks)
• The height of the uterine fundus and its dimensions significantly exceed those of a normal pregnancy
• The expectant mother clearly feels the movements of two fetuses
• Listening to the abdomen reveals two heartbeats

Pregnancy test, twins

• A pregnancy test is the first tool that can be used to suspect the presence of a multiple pregnancy.
• In this case, the level of HcG (hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin) is much higher, as a result of which the second line on the test, which indicates the presence of pregnancy, is distinct and bright in color
• Besides, increased level HCG helps detect the presence of multiple pregnancies earlier than detecting a normal one

Pregnancy with twins - sensations

During a multiple pregnancy, a woman’s well-being and sensations are somewhat different from being pregnant with one child. What the expectant mother may face:

• Severe long-term toxicosis
• Varicose veins due to weight gain
• Shortness of breath due to excessive enlargement of the uterus, resulting in displacement of the fundus diaphragm
• Heartburn
• Increased fatigue, drowsiness
• Edema
• Back pain
• Dark spots
• Anemia, dizziness, fainting

A pregnant woman begins to feel fetal movements a couple of weeks earlier than during normal pregnancy; they are more intense and numerous. This is explained by the fact that babies are cramped and lie closer to the wall of the uterus.

Pregnancy: twins or twins

There are two types of twins: monozygotic or dizygotic:

• Monozygotic (identical) twins mean the birth of very similar friends on a friend of babies (twins). They come from one egg and have one set of chromosomes. The egg divides early in its development. With such a pregnancy, children of the same sex are born
• Dizygotic (fraternal) twins develop when two eggs are fertilized by two sperm and have a different set of chromosomes. As a result of such a pregnancy, babies of different sexes may be born. Twins do not imply strong similarities between children

Interesting: Since ancient times, the birth of twins has been given a mystical connotation. For example, in Ancient Greece such a phenomenon was considered a gift from the gods.

Weight during pregnancy with twins

There is a misconception that weight gain during pregnancy with twins is much higher and can reach 30-40 kg. However, this is not true.

The rate of gain depends on the woman’s weight before pregnancy and her height. It is from these data that BMI is calculated - body mass index. To calculate BMI, you divide your weight (in kilograms) by your height squared (in meters). For example, for a girl of 56 kg with a height of 1.6 m, the BMI will be 21.9.

Based on the initial BMI, we can predict how much the expectant mother of twins will gain when normal course pregnancy:

• BMI< 20 — набор веса 16-20кг
• BMI 20-27 - gain 13-17kg
• BMI > 27 – gain 11-13kg

For determining ideal weight at different stages of multiple pregnancy, you can use an online calculator.

Belly during pregnancy with twins

• During a multiple pregnancy, the belly begins to grow earlier than during a normal pregnancy. By the 12th week it can be quite noticeable due to the increase in the size of the uterus
• Starting from the 17th week, it becomes quite difficult to sleep. It is recommended to lie or sleep on your left side with your knees slightly bent. Helps reduce painful sensations a special pillow for pregnant women or just a rolled blanket placed under the stomach and between the legs
• In the third trimester, the belly begins to grow very actively, which leads to the appearance of stretch marks. It is recommended to use moisturizing creams or oils from the beginning of the second trimester to increase skin elasticity. For example, wheat germ oil or baby oil
• Around week 20, your doctor may recommend wearing a back and abdominal support band.

Development of twins by week: first trimester of pregnancy

A multiple pregnancy is a little different from a normal pregnancy. One of these differences is the somewhat accelerated development of fruits. I offer you an approximate description of what is happening to your body and to your babies:

• 4-7 weeks - fruit growth is 20-30mm, the development of the brain and internal organs begins. The expectant mother may feel the first signs of pregnancy: breasts swell, mild nausea appears
• 7th week - embryo growth is 8-10mm, the outlines of the head and limbs appear, eyes, mouth and ears appear on the head. There is a possibility of miscarriage, it is determined during examination
• 12th week - babies grow to 5-6cm, the risk of miscarriage decreases. You can already get to know them by undergoing an ultrasound. The fruits have the outlines of nails and teeth, their height can reach 15cm, and their weight can reach 1g. They can already respond to stimuli by clenching their fists and make their first attempts to swallow

Development of twins by week: second trimester of pregnancy

• 20th week - by this time the growth of the fruit reaches 25 cm, the weight is already 250-300 grams. Babies begin to respond to sounds, the urinary system and intestines of the fetus begin to work. The expectant mother already clearly feels movements and tremors
• 24th week - height about 30 cm, weight - 600g, hair appears on the body, the outlines of eyebrows and the first eyelashes are already noticeable on the face, noses are formed. The head is still disproportionately large
• 27th week - starting from this period, the fetuses are considered viable in case of premature birth. Vital processes in the lungs are formed, weight can reach 1 kg, height 35 cm. Since twins grow quickly, the pregnant woman feels discomfort due to a large belly and lower back pain. Due to the increased load on the legs, it becomes difficult to walk a lot

Development of twins by week: third trimester of pregnancy

• 32nd week - the formation of the skeleton is completed. The twins weigh about 1.5 kg, height up to 40 cm. Each fetus has its own sleep cycle. The bodies begin to catch up with the head in proportions, the pancreas begins to work
• 34th week - the expectant mother feels pain in almost the entire body, fatigue appears. If one of the babies falls head down, there is a slight relief because the stomach drops and stops putting pressure on the diaphragm and internal organs
• 36th week - nails protrude beyond the edges of the fingers, the formation of fat under the skin ends. Weight 2-2.5 kg, height up to 45 cm. Twins are smaller in size than one baby at this stage, but often their lungs and other body systems are more developed

Features of multiple pregnancy

• Get ready for frequent visits to the antenatal clinic; twin pregnancy requires careful monitoring
• Take vitamin complexes and folic acid
• Eat right, get outdoors more often
• You may have increased appetite, because carrying two babies requires a lot of energy
• Your figure may change its shape slightly, and there is a high probability of stretch marks appearing on your face. later
• Be prepared for early labor. Twins are rarely carried to term until the 40th week; delivery usually occurs at 36-38 weeks
• There is a high chance of a caesarean section

Video: Pregnancy with twins

Pregnancy with twins is quite unexpected news that causes many conflicting feelings: both double joy and double responsibility. Statistics show that every 80th woman has a multiple pregnancy. Today, such cases have become more frequent because the age threshold for women giving birth has increased, and this is a prerequisite for carrying two babies at the same time.

A multiple pregnancy does not proceed from week to week exactly like a normal pregnancy. More than 50% of births are premature, but most children are born mature, and they adapt well to future life outside the womb. During a multiple pregnancy, a woman is diagnosed with more than one fetus - depending on their number, these are twins, triplets, etc.

Causes

There are two basic reasons for multiple pregnancies:

• Several eggs mature in the uterus at the same time.
• After fertilization, the zygote is divided into several parts.

On ultrasound, in the first case there is no septum between the twins, while in the second it is present, but the degree of separation of the embryos may differ. In the event that the zygote splits in the first days (second option), then future children will have high degree isolation. If this process continues for several weeks, there is a high probability that conjoined twins may form.

Twins can be monozygotic (identical) or dizygotic (fraternal). In the first case, the single fertilized zygote is divided into two or more parts. And the sooner this happens, the more distant the twins are from each other and the more favorable the conditions for their development. For example, if a zygote splits on the 1st–3rd day of its existence, each twin is surrounded by two membranes, there is a separate placenta or a common one, which consists of two merged together. Of course, they will have separate blood circulation and nutrition, so it decreases possible risk complications.

If the division of the egg occurred between 4-8 days, the twins will have a common placenta and the circulatory systems will communicate with each other to some extent.

When dividing on day 8, the embryos will share an amniotic sac (amniotic sac) and placenta. The fruits are not separated by anything, and they move together in amniotic fluid, and can “catch” on each other. In this case, the expectant mother may be offered a caesarean section before labor activity. If the division began on the 13th day, then it is not complete, so as a result of this, conjoined or so-called Siamese twins are formed.

Identical twins are always same-sex, they are very similar in appearance - they have the same hair color, eyes, location and shape of teeth, skin texture of the fingertips, and the same blood type.

Pregnancy in the second case occurs with the simultaneous fertilization of two or more zygote eggs, the maturation of which occurred in one or both ovaries. Babies born from multiple pregnancies are respectively called twins, triplets, etc. Their gender can be the same or different, the similarity between them is like ordinary brothers and sisters.

When can twins be born?

It is possible to identify factors that lead to the birth of twins. These include:

Heredity

If twins have already been born in the family, then in such families the likelihood of multiple pregnancies increases. Experts note that twins in such cases can be born within one generation.

Stimulation of ovulation

Women suffering from infertility undergo special treatment. Often this is a course of hormones that stimulate follicle growth. As a result of this treatment, two or more follicles mature simultaneously. Sometimes it happens when a woman used oral combined contraceptives for a certain time, but then stopped taking them. Now it begins active work ovaries that previously did not work thanks to these pills. They produce their own hormones, and as a result, two or more eggs can mature at the same time. In medicine, this is called the “rebound effect.”

Woman's age

The older expectant mother, the more the chances of multiple pregnancy increase. There is a high probability of maturation of 2 or more eggs after 50 years of age, when changes occur hormonal levels women.

Twins made to order

Today, reproductive technologies have gained popularity, one of which is IVF (in vitro fertilization). With this technology, conception occurs in a test tube - several eggs grow, of which 2-4 are subsequently implanted in the woman’s body. In these cases, the possibility of having twins, triplets, etc. increases.

Parity

Women who have already given birth have a greater chance of having twins - the chances of a multiple pregnancy are higher, the more births you have had in the past.

First signs of twin pregnancy

Sometimes situations may arise in which, after an ultrasound examination, a woman finds out that she is having twins. A repeat ultrasound after 5 weeks indicates the presence of one fetus, which is clearly visible. What about the second one? It didn’t exist at all, because in medicine there are also cases that are called “hidden twins.” During ultrasound in the early stages, everything is not clearly displayed, so such situations often occur. In order not to upset future parents, even during the first ultrasound examination of a pregnant woman, the doctor must inform about the possibility of an error.

At week 12, ultrasound is more accurate and there is no chance of error. In order not to wait for childbirth and to determine how many embryos are in the womb, you can monitor the signs of twin pregnancy. These include:

A thick second line on a pregnancy test is one of the signs of twins

Features of the pregnancy test result. When it is carried out, two stripes will be visible, but one will be thicker than the other. This is all due to the increased concentration of the hormone chorionic gonadotropin, which is released if there is a fertilized egg in the woman’s uterine cavity. The level of this hormone increases 2 times during pregnancy with twins.

Severe toxicosis

Very often pregnancy is accompanied by toxicosis. In case of multiple pregnancy it will be more severe.

A pregnant woman gets freckles

You can assume the presence of twins in the womb by pigmentation on the skin in the form of freckles. This phenomenon usually occurs throughout pregnancy, but when conceiving twins, pigmentation is maximally pronounced already in the early stages.

A pregnant woman's belly is more pronounced

The size of the abdomen increases more actively in the early stages. At 13-15 weeks occurs in the stomach active movement(with normal development, the fetus begins to move at about 20 weeks).

Physiological changes

Severe shortness of breath occurs. Can often increase arterial pressure and be like this until the birth of children.

In addition to the indicated signs, go through family tree their relatives and husband. If you think you might be pregnant with twins, see your doctor to help clear up any doubts.

How can a doctor determine that a pregnant woman has twins?

In the hospital, the doctor will be able to determine the following symptoms of twins during pregnancy:

• the monitor shows 2 embryos (closer to 12 weeks);
• AFP blood test – high levels;
• the gynecologist, after measuring the uterus, discovers its significant expansion;
• Using the Doppler system, an experienced doctor will be able to hear the two embryonic pulses beating.

After a woman’s doubts are confirmed by a doctor, she can track the development of twins by week of pregnancy using a special calendar. This is how it will be easier to go through the period of intrauterine development.

How twins develop by week of pregnancy

The course of a multiple pregnancy is slightly different from a singleton pregnancy. Babies develop faster in the mother's womb. Let’s take a closer look at what happens to the fetus and your body in each trimester of pregnancy.

Twin pregnancy calendar by week

In the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 13 weeks)

it happens like this:

4-6 weeks- The fruits grow up to 20-30mm, the brain and internal organs begin to develop. The expectant mother begins to experience the first signs of pregnancy: mild nausea, breast swelling. At 6 weeks of pregnancy, the doctor can see on an ultrasound that you are having twins.

7th week- Embryo growth increases by 8-10mm. You can see the outlines of the head and limbs. The mouth, ears and eyes are outlined on the head. There is a high probability of miscarriage, which can be determined during examination.

9-10 weeks– The height of babies reaches about 4.5 cm. The bodies are not proportional, but all the organs are already there. The faces are quite distinguishable, the heads are very large. During this period, mothers of twins are advised to limit sex life. During this period, the uterus leaves the pelvic area, due to which the woman’s tendency to constipation and frequent urination disappears.

11-12 weeks– The fetuses increase by 5-6cm during this period, the risk of miscarriage is reduced to a minimum. The outlines of nails and teeth are already visible in the fruits, the hearts are four-chambered and formed. Babies can already react to stimuli and make their first attempts to swallow. Their weight at this time is 1 gram, height is about 15 cm.

In the second trimester of pregnancy:

13-14 weeks- The uterus enlarges quickly, so women may experience pain. The weight of babies during this period is 35 grams, they are completely covered with fluff, their skin is transparent. The sucking reflex is developing. Children can clench their hands into fists.

15-16 weeks– The fetuses in the uterus take on an embryonic position, they are thin. Babies sleep almost all the time, they already have facial expressions - they can frown and wince. Their arms and legs are proportional. In case of multiple pregnancy, the second ultrasound is performed between 16 and 22 weeks. Often it is at this time that expectant mothers feel the first movement of the fetus.

17-18 weeks– The fundus of the uterus is located at the level of the navel. Due to the fact that the stomach begins to interfere, it is difficult for the expectant mother to choose suitable posture for sleep. Care must be taken to prevent stretch marks, as the skin stretches quickly. At this time, your appetite increases, so try to avoid overeating. Wear your prenatal brace daily.

19-20 weeks– The weight of the fruit is within 250-300 grams, height is about 25 cm. Their intestines and urinary system begin to work, and a reaction to sounds occurs. The expectant mother clearly hears tremors and movements.

21-22 weeks– The maturation of the nervous and skeletal systems continues. The weight of the babies is about 400 grams, length - 27 centimeters. The fruits' eyes open and they hear well. The woman is rapidly gaining weight, her stomach is already restricting her breathing.

23-24 weeks– Approximate fruit height is 30 cm, weight is 600g. The head is disproportionately large, the noses are formed, the first eyelashes and outlines of eyebrows can already be seen on the face, and hair on the body. Children's lungs are maturing. During this period, a woman often complains of swelling of the legs and back pain. Teeth may decay as children “take away” calcium. To prevent this, doctors advise consuming enough dairy products. Anemia and varicose veins can often occur.

We recommend reading:
- Getting rid of edema during pregnancy
- What are the dangers of calcium deficiency during pregnancy and how to correct it?

25-26 weeks– Fruits from this period are considered viable. Their height becomes 35 cm, weight - about 1 kg. The abdomen increases significantly, and lower back pain may occur. The load on the legs increases, making it difficult for the woman to walk.

Third trimester of pregnancy

31-32 weeks– The height of the twins is about 40 cm, their weight is about 1.5 kg. Tulub begins to catch up with the head in proportion. The twins have already chosen a position for subsequent births. Each fetus has its own sleep cycle. During this period, the pancreas begins to work. During this period, a prenatal ultrasound is indicated.

33-34 weeks– The fruits are about 43 cm tall and weigh 2 kg. They react to light and hiccup. Hair grows on the head and nails grow on the fingers. The babies look like normal newborns. The expectant mother experiences rapid fatigue and pain in almost the entire body. You must visit your doctor every week during this period. There is a high risk of gestosis. If one of the fruits goes down, the woman feels slight relief, since the stomach drops and no longer puts pressure on the internal organs and diaphragm.

35-36 weeks– Fruit weight is 2-2.5 kg, height is about 45 cm. The size of twins is smaller than that of one child at this stage, but more often the lungs and other organs are more developed during this period. During a multiple pregnancy, a woman's weight increases by about 17-20 kg. All that remains is to wait for the birth.

Managing a twin pregnancy

Women who have multiple pregnancies are considered to be at high risk. They must be under strict medical supervision. Until 28 weeks of pregnancy, you need to visit the doctor every 2 weeks, and after this period - weekly.

It is imperative to pay attention to nutrition. The body of the expectant mother of twins needs to receive sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals, and in greater quantities than during a singleton pregnancy. Toxicosis can occur at any stage of pregnancy.

Babies often take a transverse or breech position, so most often (in 70% of cases) childbirth takes place by cesarean section in order to avoid the possibility of unforeseen complications. Women very rarely carry babies to term until the 40th week; births most often occur at 35-37 weeks.

Possible complications

During multiple pregnancy, the following complications are possible:

• Anembryony or death of one fruit. For one reason or another, one egg may stop developing.
• Fetal coupling and the birth of conjoined twins.
• Feto-fetal blood transfusion syndrome - babies receive blood in unequal amounts. This is harmful to the development of both embryos.
• Congenital malformations in one of the babies or even death in the womb.
• Chromosomal abnormalities.

When pregnant with twins, it is very important to pay maximum attention to your health, because during this period everything affects the future children. You already know how a multiple pregnancy progresses week by week and how the fetuses develop. Be sure to pay attention to any changes in your health and visit a doctor. In addition it is necessary:

It is a consequence of the maturation of one or more eggs in one or two ovaries or even at different time intervals. Cases of ovulation occurring against the background of pregnancy in the same menstrual cycle and even during the next one have been described. menstrual cycle, including extremely rare case from different partners.

When two eggs are fertilized, they are born, and twins can be of the same or different sex, with the same and different group blood. When one egg is fertilized, which divides into two structures, identical (monozygotic) twins of the same blood type and gender are born:

• if division occurs in the first three days after fertilization, then biamniotic, bichorionic twins develop, when each fetus has its own membranes;
• when separated before the 8th day, each fetus has its own amniotic membrane, but a common chorionic one, then the twins are biamniotic monochorionic;
• when separated on days 8-13, when the amnion was laid down, the membranes are common and monoamniotic monochorionic twins;
• in later stages, the separation will not be complete, which leads to the formation of conjoined twins.

Chorionicity is an important indicator that doctors look at during multiple pregnancies. In monochorionic pregnancy, the likelihood of fetal mortality is higher than in bicharial pregnancy. Unfortunately, often in monochorionic monozygotic twins at 15-25 weeks the first signs of the syndrome (FFTS) appear, when there is communication between the circulatory systems and blood is discharged from one fetus to another. The syndrome is very dangerous due to the possible intrauterine death of one or both fetuses.

Fetal growth rate in twins

The term “height” refers to both general indicators of fetal development (weight, abdominal circumference, head size, length of bones and feet, etc.) and the length of the baby’s body. When pregnant with twins, it is important to monitor the growth parameters of both fetuses in the first meaning of this term.

In case of multiple pregnancy, in addition to screening studies, it is recommended to conduct an ultrasound after 24 weeks every month before delivery. If deviations are detected, the examination is carried out more often, once every 2 weeks or weekly. In addition to ultrasound diagnostics with Doppler, FCTG is important, which must be carried out after 32 weeks every week until delivery. Take amniotic fluid helps in diagnosing developmental anomalies, hemolytic disease, and determining the maturity of the fetal lungs.

In the first trimester, the doctor assesses the length of the fetus from the coccyx to the crown, the coccygeal-parietal size (CTR). Later, to assess fetal growth, ultrasound fetometry parameters and their ratio are used:

• biparietal and fronto-occipital size of the head;
• abdominal circumference;
• length of the femur and foot;
• humerus length, etc.

Based on the indicators, the doctor can identify the degree of delay in fetal growth and development:

• I degree - when fetal growth retardation is recorded by 2 weeks;
• II degree - for 3-4 weeks;
• III degree - for 4 weeks or more.

Nowadays they prefer to use special computer programs, developed by V.N. Demidov, which reduces the risk of error and detects fetal malnutrition.

Normally, until about 30 weeks, both fetuses grow at the same pace, the growth of the head and limbs does not differ from those in a singleton pregnancy. The twins' growth then slows down due to placental insufficiency and lack of intrauterine space.

The abdominal circumference of both fetuses is practically the same, but to accurately diagnose changes, the size of each fetus is assessed. Typically, disorders begin to be recorded after 26-28 weeks due to smaller abdominal circumference values.

Note! Intrauterine growth restriction in multiple pregnancies occurs with a frequency of 70%, while in singleton pregnancies it is 5-10%.

Fetal growth in terms of body length can be determined using ultrasound only after the 11th week of gestation, since before this the size of the fetus is too small. During the first screening, the doctor does not evaluate the growth of the fetus from head to feet, but only the CTE - the distance from the tailbone to the crown of the baby. By the time of the second screening, it is already difficult to accurately measure the growth of the fetus, since the legs are bent at the knees, so the conclusion about the development of the fetus is made on the basis of other data (abdominal circumference, BPD, weight, etc.).

Growth of twins by week of pregnancy: table

The table shows the approximate growth of one of the fetuses in twins:

Duration (week)	cm

Selective fetal growth restriction in twins

A serious complication in monochorionic twins is the syndrome selective delay fetal growth, when the difference between the expected weight of the fetus reaches 20%. Increasing the difference to values ​​exceeding 25% increases the risk of stillbirth significantly. In this case, the difference in abdominal circumference between fetuses reaches more than 20 mm, in the biparietal size of the head more than 5 mm and in head circumference more than 5%.

If the syndrome of selective fetal growth restriction is detected, fetometry is carried out once every 2 weeks, with intermittent blood flow once a week, and with changes in the venous duct 2 times a week. After a thorough examination, a decision is made on the timing of delivery.

Growth of twins at birth

The woman is closely monitored throughout her pregnancy, and in case of any deviation from the norm, hospitalization in the department of pathology of pregnant women is indicated. Prenatal hospitalization is carried out two weeks before birth at 36 weeks to monitor the condition of the woman and fetus, prevent complications, carry out treatment, determine the method and timing of delivery. With identical twins, hospitalization and delivery are carried out at an earlier date.

When the period reaches 38 weeks, the issue of inducing labor is decided. Cesarean section is increasingly being practiced routinely, which helps to avoid serious complications, both from the fetus and the mother.

In delayed newborns intrauterine growth the subcutaneous fat layer is poorly developed, general body temperature is reduced, internal organs are reduced with disruption of their function, glucose concentration is reduced, the amount of bilirubin is increased and jaundice develops.

Normally, twins initially have a lower weight than singletons. children born. The height of twins at birth at 36 weeks is usually within the range of 45-47 cm. Twins catch up with single children in weight and height after 1.5 years.

In newborns, the risk of developing cerebral palsy is several times higher compared to a singleton pregnancy. They are more prone to infectious diseases, may have a sleep disorder with intermittent, superficial restless sleep; eating disorder with refusal to eat or, conversely, overeating. By the age of 3, the disturbances gradually weaken, but can last for a longer period.

Vladlena Razmeritsa, obstetrician-gynecologist, especially for the site

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