What can you expect at 32 weeks pregnant with twins? We’ve compiled a list of common symptoms, to-do’s this week, pregnancy tips, pregnancy concerns, questions to ask your doctor, advice from other pregnant moms of twins, and tons of other info below to help you through this week in your twin pregnancy. Enjoy!
*This is the week at which dichorionic twins deviate from singleton weight reference charts.
You're probably gaining weight at a more rapid pace — about a pound a week. Half of that weight goes straight to your babies, who will gain one-third to half their birth weight in the next six weeks in preparation for life outside the womb.
32 Weeks Pregnant with Twins
Cook and freeze nutritious meals to enjoy after you’re home from the hospital. This is great advice if you have freezer space. If you don't, you should consider buying a chest freezer to hold everything, including meals that friends/family may drop off once the babies have arrived.
Pick out baby names. One of the top worries of twin parents is choosing the right names for their babies, and then (in the case of same-sex twins) deciding which baby gets which name. After the babies are born, don't let the hospital staff or your family pressure you into finalizing names until you are 100% sure. Check with your doctor, but you typically have about 14 days after the birth to finalize baby names.
5 tips for a better 32nd week of your twin pregnancy
Don’t stand for long periods of time, if you can help it.
Soak your feet with Epsom salts to help swelling.
Try to stretch or even take a gentle/prenatal yoga class.
Sleeping with a pillow between your knees helps with the back and legs.
Take a warm bath if you start to feel restless and agitated.
Advice from other Twiniversity moms when they were 32 weeks pregnant with twins
I tried kinesio tape for belly support for the first time and it was actually helpful. Call your insurance and figure out how to get your breast pump if you haven’t already. Tie up loose ends with maternity leave paperwork ASAP! Leave the chores alone and rest rest rest! – Amy B., Baton Rouge, LA
Follow doctor's orders, even if it means staying in the hospital overnight for observation. – Vanilynne G., Flushing, NY
The doctor told me to listen to my body and it honestly is the best advice. – Naomi C., Bolton, England
Drink plenty of water… there’s never too much! – Isabel W.
This is the 4th quarter of the game, you’re going to be tired, you’re going to feel like you’ve been giving your all and can’t give anymore, but you’re almost there, keep your eye and your heart on the prize of 2 healthy beautiful babies! – Amy B., Baton Rouge, LA
Be strong, I have to try and motivate myself almost everyday. It’s hard but for me making it to 32 weeks is a miracle. I try to keep my mind off the pain by reading and playing simple games on my phone when I’m relaxing. I also keep my hubby updated to my state of mind, in case I say something hurtful….LOL – Bahiya, Johannesburg, South Africa
Emergency panty liners are your friend. – Kelly B., Jacksonville, FL
Concerns other Twiniversity moms had when they were 32 weeks pregnant with twins
When will they come? Will I be able to do this? Will it be a c-section?
I’m currently on bedrest and am concerned about having the babies early. Glad to have hit the 32 week mark and almost 33 week mark, but would really like to carry them for at least a few more weeks if not, more! I’m also nervous about the possibility of having a cesarean.
Pain management during labor; debating an epidural.
I can barely get any sleep which is taking a toll on me physically, but also mentally too.
Not knowing when I will have the babies, will I go into labor on my own? Will the doctors have to induce me? Will it be a natural delivery or C-section? There are still a lot of unknowns for the next few weeks.
Questions Twiniversity moms had for their doctors when they were 32 weeks pregnant with twins
How far do you think I’ll go?
Can you check for dilation?
How big do you think they will be?
What position are the babies in?
What is different about a vaginal delivery of twins at the hospital (versus a singleton delivery)?
What is the difference between an epidural and a spinal block?
If twin A is head down and twin B is breech can I deliver vaginally?
Will the babies still have enough room to flip by 37 weeks?
If they’re in position do I have to get induced, or can I schedule a C section?
Are my birth plan expectations realistic for your practice and hospital?
When will my cerclage be removed?
Symptoms of early labor to watch for?
When will cervical checks begin?
When will GBS swab be done?
Why do I have itching all over at times?
Both babies are currently transverse. Is there is still a chance of them flipping to head down?
Typical tests that are done
It is common to have weekly nonstress testing (NST) with fluid assessments starting at 32 weeks in an uncomplicated twin gestation. As your pregnancy progresses you will likely be scheduled more and more frequently, building to every 1-2 days as you get closer to full term. A nonstress test is used to evaluate your babies’ health before birth. The goal of a nonstress test is to provide useful information about your babies’ oxygen supply by checking their heart rates and how it responds to your babies’ movements. The test might indicate the need for further monitoring, testing, treatment or delivery. A nonstress test typically requires no special preparation. During the nonstress test, you'll lie on a reclining chair. You'll have your blood pressure taken at regular intervals during the test and each baby will be monitored while you relax in a recliner for 20 minutes, playing on your phone or reading a book.
It would be foolish to choose one technique before the labor, because you really don't know what will work for you until you're in the moment, especially if this is your first labor. You may think that deep breathing will work fine to get you through the contractions, but when those contractions hit, you might need something else. The best thing to do is research several birthing techniques (the Bradley Method, Hypno-birthing, Lamaze, etc.) so that you have many tools in your arsenal when the time comes. If you are planning to have a drug-free delivery, remember that taking a shower, prenatal massage, using the birthing ball, breathing techniques, and sitting in a warm tub are all fabulous ways to help get you through the pain if your doctor is okay with them.
