You’re just about at the finish line! Can we just take a moment to celebrate what a fantastic job you’ve done during your pregnancy? Carrying multiples is not for the faint of heart, and you’ve rocked your journey.
Your little ones aren’t so little anymore. In fact, they’re just about to join you earthside. Get ready for an amazing adventure!
How are the babies?
Your babies’ central nervous systems and lungs continue to develop each day. Their major organs are doing big work, too. Their kidneys are fully developed now, and their livers can process some waste.
While you’re most likely ready to close the pregnancy chapter, remember each passing day is a bonus for your babies. The longer the gestation period, the less likely they are to need breathing intervention when they arrive. Also, the weight they put on during the final weeks will do wonders for helping them regulate their body temperatures.
Your babies may weigh just over 5 lbs now — about the size of a honeydew melon!
How are you doing?
Physical discomfort aside, you may be feeling mentally zapped as well. Between making the final touches on your home to prepare for their arrival and keeping up with frequent appointments, you have a lot on your plate right now.
Many people report a decrease in appetite as they get closer to the end of pregnancy. This is normal given the amount of space your babies are taking up in your belly at the moment, but it’s important to remember to eat: your little ones still need the nutrients. Ask your doctor about nutrient-dense foods you can eat to keep you nourished without feeling too full.
To keep indigestion at bay, try smaller, more frequent snacks and meals. It’s also helpful not to eat too close to bedtime, as lying down within two to three hours of eating can exacerbate heartburn symptoms.
Let’s plan ahead!
Right now, your body needs to relax and rest more than ever to get ready for delivery day. If possible, delegate any unfinished tasks to friends and family. This will also help you avoid added swelling and discomfort.
Running out of shows on your Netflix queue? Try passing the time by making a pregnancy scrapbook. It’ll be fun to take a walk down memory lane and will be a lovely keepsake to look back on once your babies are older!
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.
