Week by week Twins calendar: pregnancy in weeks 12-16


4-8 8-12 12-16 16-20 20-24 24-28 28-32 32-36 36-40

By twelve weeks, your once called embryo is now called a fetus. At twelve weeks each of your developing babies will weigh approximately 20 grams. At the beginning of week 13, each of your twins will resemble the familiar tadpole looking image! Although the babies do not have any obvious organization of movement yet, if seen on ultrasound you will notice reflexive motions. By 16 weeks the twins will each weigh around 120 grams! What amazing growth! They will also reach a length of about four inches long. By sixteen weeks, the devloping twins can swallow and the kidneys begin to operate. The production of urine by the fetus contributes to the amniotic fluid. Your babies are now beginning to show some control over its environment.

In most pregnancy, nausea should be diminishing or may even be completely gone. You should be enjoying a hearty appetite. At times you may feel ravenous and that is okay. Follow the dietary guidelines that your caregiver has given you and enjoy nourishing your babies!! If you are still experiencing cravings, that is fine, but do discuss any extreme cravings with your doctor. You may need an additional supplement or vitamin.

Vaginal discharge that is white and creamy in texture is common and should not be cause for concern. Any discharge that is any color besides white or is associated with other symptoms should be reported to your caregiver.

You may notice that you are not getting as much sleep as you are used to. Your sleep can be disturbed by the need to urinate, increased dreaming, heartburn or other reasons. Find a comfortable position and try to get as much rest as possible. It is hard work to carry a twin pregnancy and you need to be fair to your body and let it rest often.

Many women complain of an increase in headaches. If you experience severe and/or frequent pain, you should report it to your caregiver. Do not take any type of pain reliever without the consent of your caregiver. Try a relaxing bath, calming music, eating and drinking often, rest in a darkened room or a soothing compress over your eyes. Hormone production may cause migraine headaches. Many environmental, food, hormonal and lifestyle triggers cause migraines. Avoid air pollution, smoke, fumes, bright lights, alcohol, aspartame, caffeine, chocolate, dairy products, fatty foods, MSG, nuts, and physical exertion. Depression, stress and anxiety can also lead to migraines.

At this point of the pregnancy, maternity clothes are probably a must. You may be outgrowing your pants as your waistline expands. Moms of multiples experience this earlier. Maternity bras are very important also. Purchase or borrow clothes that will last the entire pregnancy.

Swelling of the feet is a common complaint also. The extra weight in your abdomen has the effect of increasing the curve of your spine. Wearing athletic shoes and propping your feet up throughout the day should alleviate discomfort.

Ongoing Symptoms

Increase or decrease in saliva
Anemia
Food cravings
Increased heartrate
Constipation
Leaking from nipples
Nasal stuffiness
Breast tenderness
Bleeding gums
Heartburn
Breathlessness
Sensitivity to sun
Change in sexual desire
Fatigue
Stretch marks

To Consider This Month:

Maternity clothing
Start purchasing necessary baby supplies
Any testing that needs to be done

At The Doctor
Your doctor will be assessing many factors of the pregnancy at this checkup. Address any questions or concerns at this time. You may have an ultrasound to assess the babies condition. Your caregiver will most likely offer you the AFP test to check for abnormalities. Your caregiver will also be checking:
1.)Weight gain
2.)Blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate
3.)Heart and lungs
4.)Breast exam
5.)External palpation of the uterus
6.)Measure height of fundus
7.)Check fetal heartbeat
8.)Urine screen for blood, sugar and bacteria



Comments by 12-16 week pregnant Twin mothers

Showing 1-48 of about 53 comments from week 12-16
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TWINGIRLS08 - Monday, 7 Jul
CONGRATS! To all of you on your twin pregnancy. My twins are almost 6 months now, man does time fly. I never thought I would say this being that my pregnancy was horrible!, but at one point (believe it or not) I did miss being pregnant, so enjoy it. Any questions or anything feel free to leave a comment. Good Luck and GOD BLESS!

New mom AZ - Thursday, 3 Jul
Well... my husband and I were getting really comfortable with the idea of being parents-to-be and then yesterday we found out that we are having twins! I feel pretty scared, overwhelmed and excited all at the same time.. This is my first pregnancy and twins don't run in either of our families.... it is a totally unexpected surprise!

mzrican - Tuesday, 1 Jul
lmartin5, i just turned 17wks today. But i jus got a belly around 15wks then it jus BOOM! stuck out like a cow. Lol. It will come chickie good luck and congrats!

lmartin5 - Tuesday, 1 Jul
I am having twins 12.3 weeks and still not showing yet! I am between size 14-16 and I am stillin my clothes and don't even have a bump yet. Is this unusuall?

beatrice9603 - Friday, 27 Jun
has anyone gone for their 16 week ultrasound? If so did you get the 4d ultrasound done?

preggiebelly - Wednesday, 25 Jun
Could someone please offer me an opinion? I had my hcg levels drawn on Friday at 3 weeks and 4 days and they were already 424, four times what they had expected them to be. Less than 72 hours later, I had them drawn again & they had more than trippled! :) I was just curious to know if any of you who are pregnant with twins had the same thing in early pregnancy?? Normal levels for 4 weeks are 5-424 and mine are 738! :) Either I'm having twins or there's one very healthy bub in there! Please let me know if you had your levels drawn early... and can remember what they were!

cinceercz3rii - Sunday, 22 Jun
see im 13 weeks and ive seen some of u guys pics of ur bellies. and i've had a good feeling of having twins since i found out i was pregnant, plus my bellies has been showing for a while now and its getting bigger. and i HAVE had an increase in headaches... ANY ADVICE???

cowgirlygirl28 - Friday, 20 Jun
NC 'Big twins' tip scales at a combined 23 pounds Posted: Today at 3:54 p.m. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — They aren't America's heaviest newborn twins on record, but they certainly tip the scales: Sean William Maynard and Abigail Rose Maynard weighed in at a combined 23 pounds and 1 ounce at birth this week, a North Carolina hospital announced Friday. Freda Springs, spokeswoman for Forsyth Medical Center, said the twins were delivered two minutes apart by Caesarean section on Tuesday at the center's Sara Lee Center for Women's Health in Winston-Salem. The boy weighed 10 pounds, 14 ounces; the girl, 12 pounds, 3 ounces. Springs said both babies are in excellent condition after their birth to parents Joey and Erin Maynard of Winston-Salem. The combined weight of the twins is about four pounds shy of the combined weight of twins born in Arkansas in 1927, the hospital said. Those twins weighed a total of 27 pounds, 12 ounces, hospital researchers said, adding they could find no public record of any heavier twins than the Arkansas pair born since 1900. They said the Maynard twins topped a 1997 delivery in North Carolina of big twins weighing a total of 18 pounds, 10 ounces. Sean, tucked in a blue blanket, was held by his mother and his sister, swaddled in pink, was cradled by her father at a hospital news conference Friday. The infants slept quietly through their first public appearance.

WendySue - Thursday, 19 Jun
lou2 - my best friend had triplets and she had them all in the same crib at first. They were used to all being together so they slept better that way.

lou2 - Thursday, 19 Jun
I had one appointment on the 18th this was my first scan and was told i was having twins so i have another scan in a week in a specialist twin department! If that helps durangomama!
• Hi Im just wanting some advice i am 12 weeks pregnant and found out yesterday im having twins. Theres none in our family so it was a shock. Do i put them in one cot or seperates? I have no bump above my pubic bone but my stomach has ballooned out im not sure wheather it is baby or just a downfall from having my son 2 year ago!!!! i was told at my scan they are doing fine and growing well but am very worried about having twins!!

beatrice9603 - Tuesday, 17 Jun
well I've reached the 12 week milestone! hurray! i went to the doctor's yesterday, heard the heartbeats, everything looks good except has anyone lost any weight during their pregnancy? is that normal? I've only lost 4 lbs but I guess b/c I've been doing more running around since I got my energy back.. maybe I should keep taking it easy like i did before.. any advice?

serenity74 - Tuesday, 10 Jun
hey everyone. i'm in week 14 with twins but it feels and looks like I am carrying them more so on my left side. i look kind of lopsided. anybody else experiencing this?

shpresaxo - Wednesday, 4 Jun
having terriblee headaches and back pain. anybody else experiencing this?

lad77 - Sunday, 1 Jun
Hi Preggiebelly...I did experience implantation bleeding about 4 or 5 days before my expected period and I have 2 growing twins at 11 weeks.

preggiebelly - Tuesday, 27 May
Did anyone here experience implantation bleeding?? I was 8 dpo when I started spotting a bit.... it was dark brown discharge. It stopped for 24 hours and then showed up again. I'm still a week away from af but called the doc and they said that implantation bleeding is more common with multiples and that it's perfectly okay. Fraternal twins are all over the place in both sides of my family.... so it could very well be possible that I could be pregnant with two. I was just hoping that someone here had experienced it.... and now has healthy little ones growing. If you could let me know if you have.... I would appreciate it tremendously. Thank you all so much & congratulations on your pregnancies!

durangomama - Monday, 26 May
so my second appointment was awesome. i've only gained 5 1/2 lbs in 4 weeks, dr was happy with that though. everything is normal. no doppler but i got to see the babies again on this awesome handheld ultrasound machine. its the size of a mini laptop. you could see the babies moving and their hearts beating, yay!

twins4me - Sunday, 25 May
Hello Ladies..Going on my 13th week now (wishing it were my 30th or something)! Congrats to you all and hope you are all doing well! Stay Healthy. Ciao

jenniferlynn5366 - Friday, 23 May
my belly does not seem like it is growing much why??

mummy33 - Friday, 23 May
Hi girls, Anyone here 14 weeks with twins? How high up is the top of your uterus?? I'm 14 weeks......but I'm wondering if there are twins in there????? Anyone?? Christine

notmybaby - Wednesday, 21 May
I went to the dr yesterday & all is fine with the twins. I go on June 17th for the anatomy sonagram, can't wait.

durangomama - Monday, 19 May
I have my second appointment this wednesday. Do you think I'll have another ultrasound? I was so in shock after the last one (finding out about the twins) that I didnt ask very many questions.

theTWINSmake5 - Sunday, 18 May
visit my page and view the belly size difference of two weeks, its amazing. ' invasion of the body snatchers, aaahhhhhh!'

raquel - Thursday, 15 May
Has anyone heard from an OB what the recommended calorie intake per day is for a twin pregnancy?

archie - Thursday, 15 May
Well, we had our first u/s yesterday at 12w & 1d. Everything looks good but we found out that we are expecting twins. Wow, what a shock. We already have a little boy who will be 3 in September.

durangomama - Thursday, 15 May
i was so sick my first trimester i could barely eat. now that i am eating and feeling better, i am large and in charge! seriously i will post pix cause i look about 4-5mos prego. ya have to have a sense of humor when your 12 wks and in full on maternity clothes right? hope all are well.~

dlei - Monday, 12 May
I'm scaring myself silly. I read my 'twins' books this weekend only to discover that if you find out about your twins in the early weeks then go for your second ultrasound all of a sudden one twin is gone. I saw both heartbeats (176/185) so does that bring down the chance of losing one?
• I'm the same way. I'm 13w3d and lost 2lbs in my first trimester. I think I may have gained the 2lbs back but that's it. I worry as well...I hope they're getting enough. My tummy is growing (and is SO itchy)

AshleyEvans - Monday, 12 May
I am 15 wks & 4 days preggo and have gained 10 pounds. I am also showing pretty good now. I am hoping to start feeling some movement soon. However, i have 2 anterior placentas and it may be longer before i do feel anything. Anyone else have anterior placenta? If so, have you felt any movement?

TWINGIRLS08 - Sunday, 11 May



To all the twin mommies out there!

kak21 - Sunday, 11 May
Hi - I am 13 weeks today - and having first set of twins - i have 5 other children: 17, 14, 8, 6, and 10 months - so I will have 3 children under 20 months when babies come - i have been in maternity clothes for couple weeks now, and gained 14 pounds already - but being my sixth pg then i should be big (lol) and i am having headaches all day everyday too

Mommy2twogreatkids - Sunday, 11 May


Mother's Day Glitter Pictures



sailorsbabybump - Saturday, 10 May
I am 14 weeks and I haven't gained ANYTHING! Actually I lost about 3lbs to begin with and I still haven't put any on. I try to eat...but I'm getting worried about them in there! My belly has gotten bigger but I can't put seem to put on weight. Grrr!

kristaS - Friday, 9 May
I've only gained 8 pds but I was really sick for awhile. Don't worry I'm sure I'll start gaining now.

theTWINSmake5 - Friday, 9 May
I HAVE GAINED 15 POUNDS THUS FAR, HOW ABOUT YOU ALL?

kristaS - Tuesday, 6 May
I am 15 weeks almost sixteen weeks pregnant with fraternal twins (thats what they think they aren't completely sureyet). I got to hear both heartbeats yesterday (150 and 155) which made me feel a lot better since I've been bleeding for pretty much since I found out I was pregnant. There is a small tear in one of the placentas and it should fix itself, makes me worry so much especially when you read about that vanishing twin syndrome. Now I'm just hoping for the best and wishing that I would stop bleeding completely. Anybody else have this same problem?

Twinbubz+1 - Tuesday, 6 May
Hey im almost 13 weeks pregnant with twins, i also have a 13 month old baby girl, so im going to have 3 kids under 20 months (thats if i have the twins on my due date) if not i'll have 3 kids under 19 months. is there anyone out there that has 3 under 2? or know anyone that has? i just want to no how we'll get by? i know we'll cope but i jsut wanted to know how other have coped?

kajk - Sunday, 4 May
Question for those of you knowing that you are preggo with twins... do any of you have dopplers at home? And/or when you are at the doc's and they use the doppler to find the heartbeats are the numbers often quite different and/or do they find them close together regularly as in position of doppler on abdomine or is it often different parts/sections of your tummy? Also for those of you who are about 16 weeks or so do you know what your uterus is measuring at? I ask b/c well, when I do use my doppler I often find two seperate bpm sometimes in different locations and sometimes close to where I was before - I know all about echo's and umblical/etc beats but I am wanting to know what you have to say before I bring it up to my doc. I haven't had an U/S yet but my uterus is measuring at almost 18 weeks and I am only ABOUT 16 weeks now. For compaison when I was 13 weeks the two were 156-8bpm and the other wouldn't go above 132bpm today it was closer with 154bpm and 143-6 bpm... please let me know what you think. I don't want to bring this up to my doctor without feeling more secure in what I seem to be stumbling upon - basically I don't want to look like an idiot. :) This is baby #3 for me and this pregnancy has been COMPLETELY different from the very begining, as well I too was a twin (though she didn't survive. Anyways, thanks for your thoughts I look forward to hearing from you. PS my next doc appointment is on Monday. Thanks

ali0489twins - Saturday, 3 May
I am 15 weeks pregnant with twins this is my first pregnancy and i need some advice on how this pregnancy might go i dont know anyone with twins and neither does my family so know one can help with my questions thanks

vikingbabies - Friday, 2 May
Hey Ladies, any of you having severe gas pains? And also Hunger pains? Im eating ALL the time but still sometimes get these. Plus I wake up in the night super hungry!!

HollieNJax - Thursday, 1 May
I have a question....my SIL is having twins and she is about 14 weeks. She went yesterday to her specialist doctor and they did a scan to check progress and measurements. The tech told her that 1 of the babies is for sure a boy and they were pretty sure the other one was too. Isn't this kind of early? I'm sure the tech is good at what she does bcuz she works at a specialist's office that does high risk pregnancies but that just seems so early. with my first the tech told me at about 15-16 weeks but she said she wasn't for sure. It ended up being right but she still could not tell me 100%. My SIL was upset and crying which pissed me off bcuz she needs to just be happy that she is having a healthy pregnancy so far and has been blessed with twins!! I have lost a child and a pregnancy and it just disturbs me for people to be so disappointed over the sex of their baby to actually cry. But whatever.....I told her they might not be both boys bcuz it's so early. Alot of times they get it wrong when they tell it this early. She is barely 14 weeks. Tell me what you think on my page.

babynumber1and2 - Tuesday, 29 Apr
I was 16 weeks as of yesterday. I just noticed the weeks on this twin page go 12-16 and 16-20. Where do I belong? Guess I'll read both.

mommyinoctober22 - Tuesday, 29 Apr
k have a question for all you twin mommies, as far as i know im only having one, i have had one ultrasound at 7 1/2 weeks and they only saw one, we have history of twins, i have a doppler and can hear heartbeat on both sides of my uterus, im 13 weeks and 4 days, but have been able to hear heartbeat on both sides since 11 weeks, i can't tell if it's the same heartbeat, and don't know if i should be able to hear the heart beat on both sides???? Need help!!!

raquel - Monday, 28 Apr
Im 12w3d with twins. I have been having really bad headaches too. I have started going to accupuncture. It really helps. Took the edge off the morning sickness also. This is my third pregnancy but first twins. I have found the morning sickness so bad I haven't been able to function. The accupuncture is the only thing that has eased it for me.

babynumber1and2 - Saturday, 26 Apr
This website is addicting!! My internet was down for 2 days and I was having withdrawls! Anyway, I told someone I was pregnant today, and she said 'I was thinking that you were because I didn't think you were that big. So, I only look fatter, not pregnant. It still made me happy, because someone thought I was pregnant. FINALLY!

fizzimomauk - Friday, 25 Apr
Hi Ladies, I'm visiting from 32 weeks. I hope you are all doing well! I've just added the CUTEST little baby shower gift set to my ebay store. Check it out on ebay, go into stores, then search for store name FIZZI MOMMA. Take care:)

HollieNJax - Thursday, 24 Apr
Hey yall! I'm only having one but I was looking on here because soon I will have twin nieces or nephews or one of each come October. I'm so excited. We don't have twins anywhere in the family but it's so cool. I noticed some of you saying you have had headaches. I had terrible migraines with this pregnancy and I have never had a migraine before. My doctor said it was more than likely hormones. The rising levels can cause headaches and just like the morning sickness begin to ease up around 12-14 weeks. Mine didn't really until about 16 weeks but they did go away. That is a very likely possibility with yall because your hormone levels are higher right? Just a thought. My doctor gave me Fioricet which is a non narcotic migraine medication and it worked miracles. Tylenol was not cutting mine either. Fioricet is a mix of Tylenol, caffeine, and something else. But it is safe for the baby. You would have to get it from your doctor though because it is a prescription med. Wish yall luck and congrats.

babynumber1and2 - Thursday, 24 Apr
OMG, I've been getting headaches everyday for about a month now. I called the Dr. and they said it was normal as long as my blood pressure wasn't high, and that it could be sinuses. They said it was safe to take Tylenol Sinus around the clock. I've been taking it about once a day, and trying to drink a LITTLE caffine. But nothing really helps, they just come and go. Good luck! Hope our heads stop hurting soon:)

coyote - Wednesday, 23 Apr
I am starting to show. Have been. 12 weeks today. I have already gained approx. 12 lbs. YIKES! Needless to say, can't fit in my normal clothes. Busted out my maternity clothes from my 3 yr old. This is my 2nd set of twins. Have 13 yr. old twin sons. My 3 yr. old son is the middle of my twin sandwich. :) I agree that they need a week-by-week of twins. This 4 weeks spand thing is strange. I don't know why they have it like this. Anyhow, thanx for listening.

AshleyEvans - Wednesday, 23 Apr
I am starting to show, baby#1&2. My hubby is all excited about it. Is anyone else getting terrible headaches daily? I had a migraine yesterday and i am not prone to migraines. Anyone know any remedies. Tylenol is not cutting it.

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