Week by week Twins calendar: pregnancy in weeks 28-32


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

By the end of the 32nd week, each baby will weigh approximately four pounds. Actually, twins are tracking along the same rate as singletons at this point of the pregnancy. You should be familiar with their patterns of movement, although it is not as strong. It is difficult to determine which baby is which. Some moms can feel when their babies have the hiccups. This is very normal and should not be a concern. The babies are putting on alot of fat now, which is necessary after birth to regulate temperature. During this month, the head will be more in proportion to the body. With the exception of the lungs, all organs and systems are operational.

At this point, fatigue is very pronounced. Listen to your body and rest when you can. Even if you can not actually sleep, try to prop your feet up and allow your body to rest. Breathlessness may also be worse now. Your uterus is taking up an incredible amount of room in your diaphragm. Sitting up straight may help some with this problem.

Backache is becoming worse also. Pay attention to any new or unusual aching in your back-it could be a sign of preterm labor. A nice, warm bath can help soothe the discomfort of a backache. Do not sit in a jacuzzi or use hot water, though.

If you spend alot of time standing up or sitting down, hemorrhoids are likely to be a problem. To avoid constipation that could make the hemorrhoids worse, continue to eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Cold packs and sitz baths may offer some relief.

Ongoing Symptoms

Nasal stuffiness
Bleeding gums
Breathlessness
Changes in appetite
Change in sexual desire
Leg cramps
Edema
Overheating
Fatigue
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sensitivity to sun
Constipation
Increased heart rate
Leakage from nipples
Fetal movements
Heartburn
Stretch marks

To Think About This Month

Childbirth classes
Obtaining baby care essentials
Baby shower if needed

At The Doctor
Many women wonder what position their babies are in at this point of the pregnancy. This is the time to find out how your babies are positioned and make any necessary corrections or arrangements. Babies still can turn at this point, but they are running out of room to do so. Talk to your doctor about any Braxton Hicks contractions you may be experiencing. Your doctor will also make sure you are getting an ample amount of rest. Your doctor may find it necessary to do a pelvic exam to check for any dilation of the cervix. Some caregivers do a biophysical profile to assess the babies condition. Aside from answering any questions or concerns you have, your doctor will also be checking:
1.) Weight
2.) Blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate
3.) Heart and lungs
4.) External palpation of uterus
5.) Measuring the fundus
6.) Fetal heartbeat
7.) Breast exam
8.) Urine screens for sugar, protein and any bacteria
9.) Possible ultrasound assessment



Comments by 28-32 week pregnant Twin mothers

Showing 1-48 of about 57 comments from week 28-32
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rachc - 21.1 hours ago
Sammi, my 2 yr old was 6 lb 11 ozs and born at 39 weeks. She is still small for her age, she will be 3 in March and is 27 lbs and still wears some 18 mo clothes but the majority is 24 mo (the 2T is normally to long)

mommy2many - 21.3 hours ago
They are good size Rachc - that's great. My singleton girls were 6lb 9oz, and 5lb 15 oz at birth. My boys weren't much bigger either but over 7 lbs. I would be happy with two 5.5lb babies.

honeyspyder - Tuesday, 3 Nov
rachc.. wow.. your two year old was tiny! I would imagine your two year old was a preemie? When did you deliver her? But that is wonderful to hear your twins are growing so well! Sounds like right on track actually, according to the 28-32 week summary.

rachc - Tuesday, 3 Nov
We went in for our growth scan and then had our 3D/4D scan. I will be 30 weeks tomorrow and the girls are 3 lb 5 oz and 3 lbs 8 ozs, they are already bigger combined than my 2 year old was at her full term birth!

honeyspyder - Tuesday, 3 Nov
piecesofyoukp.. I am with you on the pain management thing. I feel like i've tried everything, and really just have to keep clinging to simple solutions like the heating pad. My vibrating pillow is nice.. but in short spurts. I have taken tylenol on occassion, but I dont want to make it a habit. tepid baths are nice too. Hang in there .. we can do it : )

piecesofyoukp - Tuesday, 3 Nov
honeyspyder- I also use a heating pad on low heat....without it I dont think I would be able to deal with the pain so effectively....babies are still hanging in the belly......

honeyspyder - Monday, 2 Nov
thanks mommy2many.. this is just a vibrating lumbar pillow.. no heat. I do use a heating pad on my back though. As long as its used in short spurts on low or medium heat.. its not going to raise your body temperature. So, there isnt a risk to the babies of being 'cooked'.

mommy2many - Monday, 2 Nov
A massage pillow would be fine but if it has a heating pad in it, I would turn that off or have in on very, very low. You don't want to start cooking them :)

honeyspyder - Monday, 2 Nov
I would have to agree with you ladies on leaving those babies in for as long as possible. It was my g.p. who said she didnt think I could carry longer than 36 weeks. My OB still hasnt really indicated how long she'll let me go before intervening. I have only seen my OB once, and she hadnt even seen any ultrasounds or test results a tthat time. I will see her again next week, and i'm sure we'll have a better sense on her ideas on when we'll deliver. I think the common goal is to keep them in there for as long as possible with the hopes of delivering 6 pound babies, like those posting in the 36-40 week forums- - but can't we all hope to be that lucky?! I do have a question.. does anyone know if its safe to use those vibrating massage pillows to help with back pain and muscle tension?

mommy2many - Monday, 2 Nov
jenna - so glad you get to try for a VBAC and with twins no less!! Good for you for speaking up. Both my babes are head down and have been since 21 wks. We are actually planning a home birth for them.

jennamoz - Monday, 2 Nov
I agree with mommy2many...your docotor should really let those babies stay in until at least 38 weeks or as long as they can, unless medically necessary. One thing I was reminded of regarding my doctor----YOU PAY THE DOCTOR, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND> so if you don't agree with something, speak up and see if things can be done a little differently. I did, my doc. was recommending a scheduled c-section for me and the next appt., I told him I was really leaning toward VBAC and he said, sure, as long as baby a is head down and my iron levels are normal. So, there you go. It pays to be a thinking patient.

mommy2many - Monday, 2 Nov
I personally wouldn't let a doctor induce me early just because I am carrying twins...unless there was a serious medical complication that necessitated it being done. Just because 36 wks is very common for twin mommys there are many who can and do carry them to term if allowed to. They need all the time they can get in-utero just like a singleton baby would. There would be less complications with twin babies if they were left to gestate as long as possible.

piecesofyoukp - Sunday, 1 Nov
So ladies i jinxed myself....lost my mucus plug on Thursday at the docs no less...I am 80% effaced and 1 and a half centimeters dialated ....am now on bedrest and no more sex.....also am splitting up with my significant other....has been a bad couple days....doc wants me to try to keep these babies in for three more weeks......got steroid shots last week....will be 32 wks tommorrow......so terrified of everything.....hope this finds you all well....keep me in your thoughts.....i go back to the doc tommmorrow....

honeyspyder - Sunday, 1 Nov
Hi everyone, I'm new here and am also expecting twins. I have been following the singleton development and blogs.. and just realized this existed. This is so amazing! I too am suffering along carrying a boy and a girl, and am now 28 weeks and 5 days. I have terrible carpel tunnel which only developed in the recent few months here. Im measuring at 40 weeks already, and arent really sure how i'm going to make it another 8. Doctors say 36 weeks is pretty much the max time to leave them in there.. is that standard for all you ladies? Anyhow.. I would love to make some twin mommy friends on here.. if you have the time or would like to chat, please message me : )

mommy2many - Saturday, 31 Oct
I'm not on any kind of restrictions and still feel pretty good - I am 29 wks. It is getting hard to walk around or be on my feet for long periods of time because I get out of breath from all the weight pulling on my chest. As long as I sit frequently, I am good.

tatsshorty - Friday, 30 Oct
kayvee , I have been spotting pretty much for 2 months now, I am just told to stay off my feet and no sex. Not really sure of why but it could just be the lining in the uterus thinning out.
• Hello mommy's I am sooooo happy and blessed I have made it to 30w6d with twins.I am stuck on bed rest but am still happy

ninavedicci - Wednesday, 28 Oct
Thank you piecesofyoukp, I didn't think that I should be taking two vitamins. Is anyone else feeling like they can't get any bigger? I'm almost 31 weeks, and I feel like I'm about to pop! I having Mono/Di boys, so my doctor is planning to deliver at 36 weeks.

piecesofyoukp - Wednesday, 28 Oct
I had Baby A moving around like crazy the other day....he is more active then his brother......hopefully that means he was turning head down so I dont have to automatically have a c-s I will find out tommorrow....no bed rest or restrictions on sex yet.....how bout you ladies????

rachc - Wednesday, 28 Oct
As if we aren't uncomfortable enough being 7 months give or take pregnant, add on pregnant with twins, now my girls have decided to push on each other! These 2 are pushing hard enough I can see the outline of knees and elbows and I'm not sure what else moving across my stomache and out my sides. I do believe these girls are GROUNDED when they get out!

mommy2many - Wednesday, 28 Oct
I can also tell which one is which. I get kicks on my sides and not so much in the middle. Sometimes they are in different positions though and it seems as though they are just kicking each other. I swear they were trying to give eachother black eyes yesterday...punching each other back and forth.

piecesofyoukp - Tuesday, 27 Oct
ninavedicci -I take one prenatal a day and extra calcium.......i do not think taking two premnatals would be a good idea.... steph- I can tell which one is kicking but I am now at 31 weeks so i dont know if that matters or not.........

ninavedicci - Monday, 26 Oct
I have a question ladies. I'm expecting mono/di twins in December, and I read somewhere that I should be taking 2 prenatal vitamins a day. Is this true? My doctor never told me that.

steph2009 - Monday, 26 Oct
Thanks guys... am feeling much better knowing that this is a common phenomenon!

bbcoop - Monday, 26 Oct
steph2009--dont be worried, my mono-di girls were the same way, baby A hardly kicked while baby B had all the room (on top) and kicked way more...they are 6mos now and baby a is still less of a kicker but her personality is just as big! Its fun remembering them in the womb and identifying who was who and seeing their personalities now...its wonderful!

Kris1209 - Monday, 26 Oct
I cannot tell which one is kicking unless it is on the outsides but most of the time it is in the middle so it could be either one. I rely more on the squirm which is what they do more anyway. They both have their heads down and butts up wtih legs in the middle. I just put my hands on either side to monitor movements. The other way is to lay down and usually that prompts them to either kick me or stick their butts out the top.

steph2009 - Monday, 26 Oct
I have a quick question... I was just wondering whether anyone else is having trouble working out which bub is kicking? I only ever seem to feel kicking on one side (in two distinct places but still...) and it worries me sometimes. Anyone else with the same problem?

mommy2many - Monday, 26 Oct
I'm still here Kris...nothing exciting going on except I am getting really out of breath when I am up waling around. Been mostly laying around and taking it easy.

Kris1209 - Sunday, 25 Oct
Everyone still hanging in there? Besides denise who had hers already but NICU bound.

mrsmom - Monday, 19 Oct
All you twin moms--Just thought I would drop in and say hello. I had twins a year and a half ago and delivered at 33 1/2 wks. My water broke at 33 and they kept be pregnant for a couple more days for steroid injections. Anyway, if you end up on those drugs, DO NOT SNEAK WATER--I ended up in ICU because I did. Pack early...I was SOOOO not ready. Good luck and it does get easier!!!

piecesofyoukp - Sunday, 18 Oct
Jennamoz-I think the c-section thing depends on the doc and the hospital....I met a lady last week that had identical twin girls 7 weeks ago and she said the hospital doesnt allow VBAC's....I have never had a cs but I would ask your doc....i am hoping to deliever vaginally.... Kayvee- No bleeding here honey...

jennamoz - Saturday, 17 Oct
pieces of you....I think your weight gain is just fine--don't worry. I have a questions for all of you mommies expecting twins that have had previous c-sections:::::: Is your Doctor saying that you'll need to have another c-section with your twins due to a previous c-section?

denise t - Saturday, 17 Oct
wow- sounds like most everyone is doing really well. I have now gained 30lbs. Everyone that comes to visit me says it is all belly- I just know none of it is boob. haha I get to find out on Friday how big the babies are. @31wks 5days today. Just waiting to get to 34 wks for less strict bedrest. kayvee- no bleeding here, just cervix adn contractions issues.

kayvee - Saturday, 17 Oct
Hi ladies, has anyone exerienced any 'spotting'? Ive been in and out the hospital but there is nothing they can do. I'm 28 weeks with identical girls. The heartbeats are fine!

Kris1209 - Friday, 16 Oct
I am having identical twin boys as well and they are 3lb 12oz and 3lb 13oz and I have only gained 15 lb. My doctor did not seem worried either as the boys are in the 76th and 79th percentile for their age. We just will not have to worry about loosing as much weight after they are born.

piecesofyoukp - Thursday, 15 Oct
Hello Ladies- I can't believe my babies are due in 8wks so excited and terrified.....I am now 29wks and 4 days pregnant with identical twin boys and feeling every moment of it.....I went to the doctor today and both babies are healthy and big about three and a half punds a piece yet I have only gained 25 pounds....should I worry about this????? my doctor says no what do you ladies think>>

Kris1209 - Tuesday, 13 Oct
brittany - good for you and your babies. I will be just a week behind you with my boys as the doctor said induce at 37 weeks unless they are born before. I am hoping for the day after Thanksgiving so I can have everyone over for Thanksgiving then have the boys. I am also trying to work until then but we will see. I just got kicked really hard. They know when I am typing about them.

brittany2178 - Tuesday, 13 Oct
GOOD NEWS FOR US! I went to the specialist today to check on the girls and Emma (Baby A) is 4lbs 5oz and Ellie (baby B) is 4lbs 9oz @ 31W 4D. They are in the 90% and measuring a week ahead of time. So now we just sit and wait.... Dr said 5 more weeks max.... so by Thanksgiving I will have my little girls :)

denise t - Monday, 12 Oct
the massage worked wonders. He did mostly pressure points and I felt wonderful for about a day... guess I need to get one every other day. wouldn't that be nice!!

Kris1209 - Friday, 9 Oct
denise t - good for you! I treat myself to a pedicure every month they are orange for halloween right now and I will do them red in Nov for the holidays.

denise t - Friday, 9 Oct
After 8 weeks of bedrest I am treating myself to a massage tomorrow since I made my 1st goal of 30 weeks. I can't wait b/c I am really starting to feel the weight of these 2.

gigantor - Friday, 9 Oct
denise t, there is still time! If only baby a would be head down. Mine were like baby a head down and b transverse. I opted for vaginal. After baby a was born they turned baby b into head down position. Yes, it took me another 4.5 hours to have baby b, but came vaginally as well. So it's doable. I also have to say, that my doctor was AWESOME! for hanging in there with me, not rushing into c-section.

happy out - Thursday, 8 Oct
i went for my routine check up and was sent to hospital overnight with hight bllod pressure, it was only slightly high and is back to normal now. im a lttle worried coz was scanned at 31 weeks 5 days and babies were only 3pounds 3 and 3 pounds 4, ive a small frame but just wish they were a lil fatter. they gave me an injection to help mature their lungs, they seem to be pretty sure they will be here sooner rather than later. both head down though, very pleased about that

ExpectingTwinGirls - Thursday, 8 Oct
Hello, my name is Michelle. 31 weeks pregnant with Twin girls. Inducing labor Thanksgiving Day if I make it that far. So my family can come from 1000 miles away.

Kris1209 - Wednesday, 7 Oct
I am still here just not much chatter lately. I am doing relatively good. Went to the hospital a couple weeks ago with contractions and am on medication to stop the contractions. My biggest complaint now is the pelvic pain. It is definately muscle/tendon related as it is the worst when I get up and once I am up it gets a little better. I should count myself lucky as I have only gained 13 lb and my cervix is long and closed, the boys are bigger than expected, and they are sharing nicely.

denise t - Tuesday, 6 Oct
anyone still out there in this section? If so, I am curious what issues/complications you are having at this stage with the pregnancy.

Kris1209 - Thursday, 1 Oct
steph - I am hoping for just the epidural and vaginally. Most likely you will not be allowed to go natural because of the concern for emergency c-section if there are issues. Most doctors will not automatically do a c-section if the largest and lowest baby is head down. It is a good idea to ask your doctor soon so you know your options and they know your prefernces, of course you may not have a choice if the lowest is breach.

denise t - Wednesday, 30 Sep
I would prefer natural but it doesn't look very good for that happening. The girl has had her butt right on my cervix for weeks now (she had been head down before that) and she doesn't seem to be interested in flipping again. And the boy is transverse on top so unless they both majorly change real soon I have to get cut open. My doc won't try to manipulate twins. The last thing I wanted was a c-section. 1st labor was 82 hrs and I would prefer that again... but I never thought I was going to have to do bedrest and have already had 48 days of it so now I am just more open to doing whatever has to happen to get healthy babies rather than try to plan anymore b/c all my plans for this pregnancy have not happened so far.

newmommyx2 - Wednesday, 30 Sep
today is probably one of the 1st days i feel so worn out..... will be 32 weeks tomorrow

steph2009 - Wednesday, 30 Sep
Hey everyone... I'm 29w1d with fraternal twin boys and I'm starting to worry about having a natural birth... I've had to natural deliveries before... so in some respects, going natural would be familiar, but the research I'm reading suggests that there is a much higher risk of things going wrong with a natural birth with twins - particularly for twin B... How does everyone else feel about natural labour? Are you concerned? Is anyone requesting a cesarean straight up? I'd love to hear your thoughts...

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