Welcome to the final week of your second trimester! Can you believe you’re approaching the home stretch? We’re so excited for you!
Let’s talk about what to expect this week and what you can look forward to as you approach your third (and final) trimester.
What’s new with your babies?
Your babies continue to develop fat beneath their skin to help regulate their body temperatures after they’re born. Their brains are also developing rapidly, which will continue at a fast pace through the early years of their lives.
Your little ones are now opening and closing their eyes with ease. They’re also able to recognize sound, so feel free to sing to and chat with your babies throughout the day to get them used to hearing your voice.
Your babies are just over 2 pounds each now — about the size of a bunch of bananas!
How are you doing?
Your body might be feeling a bit sore these days as it accommodates your growing little ones (who probably feel less little with each passing day). It’s a good idea to get some physical activity in, as it can help with minor discomforts. It doesn’t have to be a formal exercise class. Dancing in your living room, gardening, going for a walk, doing housework… they all count. The key is to stay active and keep your body moving and flexible.
New to working out? It’s never too late to add in some exercise. Talk to your healthcare provider about your plans before you start. Some low-impact options you might enjoy include water aerobics, yoga, pilates, or using an elliptical machine or stationary bike.
Some facilities even offer pregnancy-specific exercise classes, so it might be worth seeing if that’s an option in your area. After all, it’s a great way to meet other parents-to-be!
Will testing take place this week?
Over the next couple of weeks, you will be screened for gestational diabetes if you haven’t been already. This simple test involves drinking a sugary beverage, then having your blood drawn one hour later to see how your body processes glucose. If your numbers are on the higher end, you may be asked to do a 3-hour glucose challenge, which is a longer but similar test. This is the diagnostic test for gestational diabetes.
Depending upon your circumstances, you may need more frequent appointments moving forward. Some may be biweekly, others may begin weekly appointments around now, and others will have more frequent visits if their babies require some extra monitoring.
Let’s plan ahead!
What’s sweeter than tiny newborn clothing? Now is an excellent time to start washing and putting away your little ones’ darling duds. Once you have their wardrobes organized, you’ll feel accomplished and will probably have fun envisioning them in their adorable outfits!
Remember to use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dye-free detergent when washing their clothes, as chemicals can irritate babies’ sensitive skin. It’s recommended you use this gentle solution for at least the first 6 months, but some parents decide to use it through toddlerhood (and beyond).
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Multifetal gestation: Twin, triplet, and higher order multifetal pregnancies.” National Guideline Clearinghouse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 2014. Retrieved May 15 2021.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Twin pregnancy: What multiples mean for mom.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, December 13 2014. Retrieved May 15 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/twin-pregnancy/art-20048161.
- “FAQ: Multiple pregnancy.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, July 2015. Retrieved May 15 2021.
