Let us be one of the first to with you a big ol’ CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
If you just heard that second heartbeat for the first time, or you know it’s been two for a while, you need to read our twin pregnancy week by week calendar. Created by expert twin moms and dads from our Twiniversity community just for moms pregnant with twins!
Welcome to Twiniversity. If you found us through an internet search, or were told by one of your twin parent BFFs, you have come to right place. Pregnant twin moms find that Twiniversity is the world’s leading resource just for them. Our info is sourced not only from our outstanding Twin Mom Squad, but also from thousands of twin families around the globe. You’ll find that Twiniversity is all about us…the universal twin parent “us”. We created a place for families to read, learn, and laugh about this wild ride called twins!
In case you’re new to us, Twiniversity.com offers TONS of articles about twin baby showers, double strollers, what to expect when you’re having twins, how to start a twins schedule, parenting tips for raising twins… the list goes on! Feel free to use that little search box above to look for anything that’s on your mind while you’re pregnant with twins or after your twins are born.
- What happens week by week with twins?
- What to expect pregnant with twins?
- What are the symptoms of twins in early pregnancy?
- How is twin pregnancy different?
- First Trimester with Twins Timeline
- Second Trimester with Twins Timeline
- Third Trimester with Twins Timeline
- How many weeks is a normal pregnancy for twins?
- What are the symptoms of bring pregnant with twins twins in first trimester?
- Is your uterus bigger with twins?
What happens week by week with twins?
This twin pregnancy week by week timeline will help you learn what happens week by week with twins.
You’ll learn if your twin pregnancy symptoms are normal, about twin pregnancy complications that may have arisen, all about your twin pregnancy first trimester to-do list, details on your twin pregnancy development, dozens of twin pregnancy week by week pictures of belly, photos of twin ultrasounds, and SO much more! We’re so glad you found us!
We know you might be ecstatic, scared, anxious, happy, confused, joyful, petrified, over the moon or somewhere in between about being pregnant with twins, but rest assured, we got ya covered with our twin pregnancy week by week!
What to expect pregnant with twins?
When you’re pregnant with twins, expect the unexpected. Educate yourself on the warning signs of preterm labor, the warning signs of preeclampsia, and read up as much as you can on what to do to prepare. Our expecting twins class (offered in NYC, Chicago, Houston, and online) is a great way to learn all you need to know to prepare for your twin delivery and bringing home your babies (we also offer an online breastfeeding twins class!)
What are the symptoms of twins in early pregnancy?
The symptoms in a twin pregnancy are the same as in a singleton pregnancy except they are typically stronger. If you would have nausea with a singleton pregnancy, you’ll feel EXTRA nauseous when you’re pregnant with twins. Your hCG levels will also be a lot higher than with a singleton pregnancy but you would only be able to know that with a blood test (which is typically done with reproductive assistance) but even then there’s no magic number to indicate twins. The only way to truly know if you’re having twins is to have a sonogram at your doctor’s office.
How is twin pregnancy different?
Twin pregnancy is typically a lot more difficult to manage than a singleton pregnancy. You may experience typical pregnancy symptoms in a more extreme manner, such as more nausea, more shortness of breath, more high blood pressure. But if this is your first pregnancy you probably will not know the difference — you may feel like this is how pregnancy is supposed to feel! On the converse, just because you’re pregnant with twins doesn’t mean that your symptoms will be hard to manage. A lot of twin moms report that they had typical pregnancy symptoms that can be compared to symptoms of a singleton pregnancy.
However, once you are getting around 32 weeks or later, you will really start to notice how difficult and painful a twin pregnancy can be. Around 32 weeks, your belly will measure about the size of a full-term singleton pregnancy and you’ll start to wonder how you’re possibly going to make it all the way to 38 weeks! Just hang in there and take it one day at a time.
Our new digital twin pregnancy journal is up for sale on the Twiniversity Etsy store! This is the first and only digital journal exclusively for twin pregnancy. It’s the perfect way to record your precious twin pregnancy memories to cherish for years to come. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and Twiniversity Shop!
First Trimester with Twins Timeline
Twin Pregnancy Week by Week Timeline - First Trimester
Second Trimester with Twins Timeline
Worried about breastfeeding twins? What To Do When You’re Breastfeeding Two is an on-demand online breastfeeding twins class made just for YOU! This course was created by Twiniversity in partnership with Judy Teibloom-Mishkin, IBCLC. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our virtual lactation consulting and virtual twin parent coaching services.
Third Trimester with Twins Timeline
Need some twin parent friends? Get the support you need with a Twiniversity Membership. Benefits include a monthly twin parent club meeting on Zoom, access to a private Facebook group just for twin parents, and a video library of twin parenting lessons. Visit Twiniversity.com/membership to join today!
How many weeks is a normal pregnancy for twins?
The ideal time for twins to be born is at 37-38 weeks. It’s important that the pregnancy doesn’t go past 38 weeks to avoid added risks to the babies and mother, such as a ruptured uterus. About 60% of twins are born before 37 weeks, while single babies are born around 40 weeks.
A little more than half of twin pregnancies end in preterm delivery (before 37 weeks). While 40 weeks is the full gestation period of the average pregnancy, most twin pregnancies are delivered at approximately 36 weeks (range 32-38 weeks depending on the type of twin pregnancy).
John Hopkins Medicine
Are you looking for the best double stroller for twins? Not sure if you should go for a tandem stroller or a side-by-side stroller? And what about a Snap N’ Go? We’ve got all the details for you in our double stroller resource. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and the Twiniversity shop!
What are the symptoms of bring pregnant with twins twins in first trimester?
- Higher-than-normal levels of hCG in your twin pregnancy week by week may indicate that you’re pregnant with multiples, but you’ll need to wait until your ultrasound for 100% certainty.
- Common early pregnancy symptoms of fatigue, frequent urination, breast tenderness, and food cravings are extra EXTRA — your symptoms are WAY more severe than what is normal for a singleton pregnancy
- Due to elevated levels of pregnancy hormone hCG, women carrying multiples may have more nausea and vomiting than those carrying only one baby
- Your faster-than-normal growing belly may tip you off. But if you’ve never been pregnant before you don’t have anything to compare it to.
- If you have any of the following conditions you may have greater risk of twin pregnancy: Family history of fraternal twins, fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), mother is of advanced maternal age (over 35 years old), BMI over 30, above average maternal height, or you’ve had previous pregnancies
Need twins lactation help from a pro? Book a virtual session with Twiniversity founder Natalie Diaz, Certified Lactation Counselor. Click here to book now!
Is your uterus bigger with twins?
As you get further along in your twin pregnancy week by week, your uterus will be pushed to its limits. By the time you are around 32 weeks, your twin pregnant belly will likely be measuring the same as a mom having just one baby at 40 weeks. Your uterus has to expand as your babies grow and it will definitely be larger than with a singleton pregnancy. This is why it’s important to deliver your twins by 38 weeks — to avoid uterine rupture, which can become deadly. After delivery, the nurses will be very concerned with compressing your uterus every 20 minutes to help your uterus contract to a smaller size to avoid hemorrhage.
Got twins? Us too! The Twiniversity Podcast with Natalie Diaz is created by parents of twins FOR parents of twins, from expecting times through the teenage years and everything in between. This podcast is all about parenting twins, offering plenty of tips, parenting hacks, and of course, humor. Just know that we are laughing WITH you every step of the way. When you’re done visiting the twin pregnancy week by week, make sure to click over and subcribe!
Are you looking to connect with an experienced parent of multiples who has been in your shoes? Do you want to feel supported, guided, and heard as a new parent of multiples*?
Or, do you love offering advice and tips to new parents of multiples*? Would you love to support, guide and listen to a soon-to-be or new parent the way you wish someone was there for you?
If you said, “YES!” to any of those questions, then the Twiniversity Parent-to-Parent Mentorship Program is perfect for YOU!
We are looking for parents of multiples from around the globe who want to be matched up with a parent mentor, or who want to BE a parent mentor. We’ll be matching up moms with moms and dads with dads from all over the world to get personal support in this crazy life of multiples parenting!! All you have to do is complete a simple application form and we’ll do the matchmaking! And the best part? The program is totally FREE! There are no fees to take part in this program.
Ready to sign up? When you’re done visiting the twin pregnancy week by week, make sure to click over and visit the Twiniversity Parent-to-Parent Mentorship Page to learn how to apply!
Need a plan for the first week home with twins? Book your 60-minute twins \post-delivery strategy session on a video call with Lauren Oak, Twin Expert and Certified Postpartum Doula (and mom of twins!), to create a customized game plan for you and your twins when they come home. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our Twiniversity Shop and Twin Parent Memberships.
Are you a new twin parent? Check out Natalie Diaz’s new book “What To Do When You’re Having Two: The Twin Survival Guide From Pregnancy Through the First Year”, available in stores now!
The rate of twin births has risen 79 percent over the last three decades, and continues to increase. A mom of fraternal twins and a national guru on having two, Natalie Diaz launched Twiniversity, a supportive website with advice from the twin-trenches.
What to Do When You’re Having Two is the definitive how-to guide to parenting twins, covering how to make a Birth Plan checklist, sticking to one sleep schedule, managing double-duty breastfeeding, stocking up on all the necessary gear, building one-on-one relationships with each child, and more.
Accessible and informative, What to Do When You’re Having Two is the must-have manual for all parents of twins. When you’re done visiting the twin pregnancy week by week, make sure to click over and check it out!
