Feeling some extra movement this week? It makes sense! Your babies are moving and grooving, and when they’re not, your stomach is probably growling as your appetite picks up to keep up with their growth.
Your babies are kicking and punching up a storm in the womb, and pretty soon, you’ll be able to feel more defined jabs. Week 18 is a big growth week — both for you and your babies. Let’s see what’s changing this week and what you can do to keep yourself feeling your best!
What’s new with your babies?
Those sweet little faces are becoming more defined as your babies’ facial features continue to develop. Your babies can now yawn, swallow, and hiccup. In addition to typical fetal movement, you’ll eventually be able to feel hiccups as well.
A coating of myelin is now developing on your babies’ nerves. This is a substance that facilitates the brain’s communication with the rest of the nervous system. Because myelin is essential for your babies’ brain development, you’ll want to support this growth by consuming healthy fats, like Omega-3s and DHA.
Your babies now weigh about 6.7 ounces — about the size of an artichoke.
How are you doing?
Chances are, you’re feeling excited about your upcoming anatomy ultrasound in a couple of weeks. Seeing your babies is always a thrilling experience, and this in-depth ultrasound will allow you to do so longer than ever. You’ll also have a chance to learn their sex if you haven’t done so already, which can be a pivotal part of your pregnancy journey!
Physically, you may be feeling ravenous as your appetite picks up to meet your growing babies’ needs. Fueling your body with healthy food and small, frequent meals will help you feel your best, but it’s perfectly OK to indulge from time to time as well.
As your circulatory system expands to make room for extra blood volume and to deliver more blood flow to your babies’, your blood pressure will lower. This can leave you feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and weak. To combat this, avoid going from a lying or seated position to standing too quickly, and remember to drink lots of water. Blood pressure generally hits its lowest point in pregnancy between 28-30 weeks and then begins to gradually climb back up. Listen to your body and take it slow on the position changes. If the dizziness makes it hard for you to go about your day-to-day activities, definitely bring this up to your pregnancy provider.
Will testing take place this week?
If you have elected to have an amniocentesis to test the babies’ genetics, it may take place between 15-20 weeks. This is not a common test and many people reserve it for when a specific condition is suspected, a genetic screening test indicates an increased risk, or ultrasound findings suggest the baby may have a genetic condition. However, it is an option in all pregnancies, regardless of whether a genetic condition is suspected. If you want to have it done, bring it up with your pregnancy provider if they don’t offer it to you.
Let’s plan ahead!
You’re nearly halfway through your pregnancy, so it’s time to start thinking about what’s available to you as an expectant parent of multiples. You may want to give your insurance company a call to see what coverage options you have, including a breast pump, if you’re planning to nurse your babies.
If you do plan to breastfeed, it’s never too early to get support. Ask your physician for a referral to a lactation consultant who is familiar with breastfeeding multiples. Being armed with knowledge before your babies arrive will make for a much smoother process!
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, Updated December 17 2024. 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. Last reviewed: May 2025.
