Week by week Twins calendar: pregnancy in weeks 36-40


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

Most mothers carrying multiples will deliver around this time. Babies born before now may require special care in an intensive care unit. However, it is a fact that mothers carrying more than one child generally do not remain pregnant as long as those women carrying one child. At this point of the pregnancy, you probably are feeling a great sense of being "done" with the pregnancy. Try to enjoy the last few weeks, as you will soon miss the feeling of being pregnant.

Most twins will weigh in around 5-7 pounds. If your babies are much smaller than this, they might have to remain at the hospital until they reach a healthy weight to go home. Babies that are much smaller than this will have a hard time regulating their own body temperature and will have to stay warm inside of special baby beds.

Labor and delivery of twins is not very much different than that of a single pregnancy. Of course, there are more babies to deliver, but the process is the same.

Ongoing Symptoms

A sense of completion
Change in appetite
Breathlessness
Change in sleep pattern
Anemia
Glow of pregnancy
Edema
Backache
Pelvic pressure
Braxton Hicks contractions

To Think About This Month

Finalize birth plan
Last minute baby items
Insurance concerns or questions

At The Doctor
Your doctor may set a date for your delivery if you need a cesarean section delivery. Otherwise, you will wait until your water breaks or you start dilating and having contractions. Your doctor will be doing pelvic exams to see what type of progress your cervix is making. As any questions about the upcoming delivery. He will also be checking:
1.) Weight
2.) Blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate
3.) Breast exam
4.) Pelvic exam
5.) Fetal heartbeat
6.) External palpation of the uterus
7.) Urine screen
8.) Ultrasound assessment
9.) Heart and lungs



Comments by 36-40 week pregnant Twin mothers

Showing 1-48 of about 115 comments from week 36-40
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TwinBambinos - 5.5 hours ago
Congratulations Krista!! isn't it amazing that they came out of your belly??? I was amazed how one fits in there all snuggly, and then when I had 2...I looked at them and just could NOT believe that they were all snuggled up inside my belly!!! Anyway, congratulations on the twins and soooo glad to hear that your recovery is going good!!! =)

kristaS - 7.9 hours ago
I had my baby boys!!! They are so amazing I can't even imagine just having 1 now! They weighed in at 5lb14 and 5lb1. They are so very tiny and so very precious!!! Good luck to everyone and my recovery is going really great too!!!!!!

alejad - Sunday, 5 Oct
thanks for the advice twinbambinos and jb81. I will look into the brace. We will be going to the store today to grab some last minute things and snacks for the kids at the hospital. I am getting more and more nervous because I am realizing tomorrow I will be the mother of 4 kids not 2 anymore!!!! It still amazes me how I was able to carry two babies all this time. I guess it wont sit in until I see them. Less than 24 hours of being pregnant left!!! And I wont ever be pregnant again!!!

TwinBambinos - Saturday, 4 Oct
My c-section this time around was fabulous! I had the spinal and didn't feel a THING! I didn't get nauseous, and I was able to use the bathroom *aka* get up and move around with SOME discomfort that night! The nurses were great and told me to put a pillow or folded sheet on my stomach when I was going to get up...the pressure made it SO much easier to move around! By day 3 I was walking around just fine...it hurt to cough but other than that it was great! Now, 2 weeks later I can't even tell I had a c-section! =) Goodluck to you, I know it is very scary to think about...but it is over so fast, enjoy it while it lasts!!!

JB81 - Friday, 3 Oct
alejad-I just joined this site so I could let you know that having a c-section really isn't all that scary. My first son ended up in an emergency c-section and now with this pregnancy (35 weeks pregnant with twin boys) I am having a c-section on the 24th. As for what to bring. Make sure you bring your own maxi pads!!! The hospital should supply you with some but as for going home with the ones they give you, haha, they are HUGE!!! I really took advantage of my husband and nurses while in the hospital as well, meaning having them get me things. I didn't change a single diaper while there because getting out of the hospital bed can be a challange. Bring loose pants to go home in ones that wont rub, like a pair of your maternity pants. I had a brace placed over the surgery site with a towel underneith it it helped alot for me. If you have to cough or laugh make sure you place pressure onto the site. Or it could really hurt. I had a very positive expirence for my first c-section and don't mind having to do it again. I hope yours is just the same! Oh I was up and moving around when I got home just had to limit myself for about 1-2 weeks.

alejad - Friday, 3 Oct
I went to the doctor and I am scheduled for a c-section Monday morning 8 am, gotta be there by 6 am. I am excited and scard at the same time, Ive never had a c-section and I dont really know what to expect. What to bring , how to prepare my home for when I come back home... ahhhh so much on my mind. I have a lonnngggg weekend ahead of me, cant wait to see them and hold them. Still worried how I am going to adjust when we get home but well see how it goes

kristaS - Wednesday, 1 Oct
I am having my little boys tomorrow!!! I am so nervous, so excited and sooooo ready to have them out of my body. I will be exactly 37 weeks and I can't imagine going any longer!

TwinBambinos - Saturday, 27 Sep
I posted some pictures of the twins, I cannot believe how magical it is...however very hard with a 2 year old and I am suffering with baby blues/depression/anxiety HORRIBLY bad! I cried and felt so scared and alone the first few days, anyone else feel this way at all? I am slowly feeling better but it's going to be a LONG road. However, I couldn't be happier that's for sure! I love my little family--I feel so complete!

shockedandamazed - Saturday, 27 Sep
Finally I had my babies. I had them on September 3rd but due to hurricane Gustav this is the first time that I have been online. My computer broke during a power surge due to the hurricane. I went into labor on the 2nd, the day after the hurricane and we had no power nor did the hospital. It was pretty miserable but my angels were worth it for sure. Check out my pics on my page. They are amazing. Good Luck to all of you that have not had your babies yet. I wish you the best of luck.

kristaS - Friday, 26 Sep
I went to the doctors yesterday which was my last apointment, and she said that the pain in my back is a pinched nerve. It is so painful that I can't sit or stand for more than 5 mins, or lay on my left side. That doesn't leave me with many options. At least it's only 5 more nights which seems like forever!

omgtwins - Friday, 26 Sep
Kristas- good luck keep us posted on the delivery details.

kristaS - Thursday, 25 Sep
I have finally made it to 36 weeks!!! I am scheduled for a c- section on oct 1st which is next wednesday. I am so nervous but also so ready to have them out. Good luck to everyone else!

uscgwyf - Wednesday, 24 Sep
The twins are here!! Ashton was born weighing 4 lbs 15 oz at 18 3/4 inches and Alivia was born weighing 5 lbs 6 oz and 19 inches long. They are teeny, but oh so healthy and strong and absolutely, positively beautiful and a blessing in my life!

TwinBambinos - Friday, 19 Sep
The twins are here! Chase Alexander was born at 10:29AM and weighed 6lbs 6oz and was 19.5inches long! Ella Elizabeth came 1 minute later at 10:30AM and weighed 5lbs 12oz! Both are doing excellent and we get to go home tomorrow! =)
• Today is the day! I am getting ready to go to the hospital for my c-section at 10:30am! I am so excited! I cannot believe the day finally arrived, it is SO worth the wait, and I am SO glad that everything worked out this way! I am 38 weeks and 3 days pregnant and these little stinkers are showing no signs of wanting to come out....buuuuut today is eviction day from the baby hotel! LOL =)

uscgwyf - Wednesday, 17 Sep
Here's to our speedy recoveries and HEALTHY HAPPY BABIES!!!

jannaczyk - Tuesday, 16 Sep
Congrats to all those who are becoming mommies soon and especially on making this far. I am 38 weeks 3 days today & having a scheduled c-section on 09/17...I don't think I would go another day if it wasn't tomorrow. Wishing everyone a quick recovery....This last day for some reason I'm feeling SUPER emotional like never in my life...and it still hasn't hit me that it is actually tomorrow. Good luck to all!

TwinBambinos - Tuesday, 16 Sep
Congrats Sue! =) I am scheduled to have a c-section tomorrow at 10:30am! I cannot believe I am 38 weeks and 2 days pregnant today! I am SOOO excited! uscgwyf Goodluck on your c-section the 18th! =) I am so excited for all of us, can you believe we've made it this far? AMAZING! =)

sue12333 - Sunday, 14 Sep
My girls are here.. Induced at 37 weeks.. 6 hours later.. 6 mins of pushing and they are here!!! Im so blessed.. good luck to everyone!!

uscgwyf - Saturday, 13 Sep
Congrats to all that have delivered and good luck to those who are delivering soon! My babies are scheduled for a repeat c-section Thursday, September 18 at 7:30 a.m. I cannot wait. I had my last ultrasound Friday and they are 5lb 14 oz and 5lb 13 oz. I say a good 6 lbs when they arrive this week. Again...good luck and congrats to everyone

Twinbambinos - Thursday, 11 Sep
Congrats jannaczyk!! I am so excited we are scheduled for the same day!! How ironic!!!! =) You've got to keep me posted!!

jannaczyk - Thursday, 11 Sep
Hello ladies!!! I am also scheduled for a c-section for September 17th at 11 am. Both babies are breech and a week ago baby A (girl) was 5lbs9oz and baby B (boy) was 6lbs4oz. I will be exactly 38 weeks and 4 days. Until this point I feel good but extremely uncomfortable since their movements are strong and just feeling extremely impatient...since I waited sooooo long....Congrats to all mommies-to-be!!! :)))

Twinbambinos - Thursday, 11 Sep
Congrats to those who have delivered and to those who have made it this far! I am 37 weeks and 3 days today with b/g twins! I am finally scheduled for a repeat c-section NEXT wed, September 17th @ 10:30am! I will be 38 weeks and 3 days at that point, I AM SOO EXCITED! I am so thankful to have made it this far, and other than a UTI and a sharp pain on the right side of my vagina area(gross I know), I feel pretty good! I had an ultrasound at 36 weeks and both babies were breech, and baby A(the boy) was measuring 6lbs 3oz, and baby B(the girl) was measuring 5lbs 11oz! It will be interesting to see how much they weigh at birth! I am guessing both to be around 6.5lbs! I had another NST today and babies both still sound great! No contractions, and no sign of them coming out before my scheduled date! I am trying to stay occupied between now and then but of course all I can do is think about next week! We are all set up and ready to go, so I have nothing left to do except wait! I wish all of you the best of luck these last few weeks!!! =)

Erikas - Monday, 8 Sep
My boys are born!!! They came early at 35wks +2days...lost mucus plug on Aug29th and Aug.30th my water broke and full labour started with in 2 hours...I laboured for 17hours, to end up having a section...it was a great experience. Very scary, spiritual, emotional etc...Thank God my boys are healthy and ok...they were born at 1010pm and weighed 4.7lbs and 5.1lbs, Hunter Marley & Taylor Phoenix...They spent 52 hours in icn, and came home with me 4 days later...I cant believe how amazing they are. My love for them is so intense and incredible... Is anyone else breastfeeding? Ive got to supplement as they are premies, but all im doing is feeding, pumping, changing,feding pumping changing...we give formula at night so we can get an extra hour in sleep wise. Im just curious as to other ppls feeding schedules...I cant believe how amazing they are. WOW!!!

mommy-of-6-little-blessings - Monday, 8 Sep
I finally brought Kobi and Kenzie into the world on August 30th, 2008 weighing 5 lbs 2 oz and 5 lbs 13 3/4 oz. I was 37.3 weeks. I went into labor before my scheduled c-section so my doctor decided to just deliver them instead of stopping my labor. They have no health problems and are perfect lil angels! Congrats to the other new twins mommies!!!

sue12333 - Monday, 8 Sep
Finally 37 wks today!! I get to meet my girls tomorrow.. I cant wait!! I am having so much pain and pressure im sure they are going to just fall out if they dont take them.. Good Luck to everyone!!

TOOTHFAIRY - Monday, 8 Sep
Hi - I had my two little girls on 22 August at 38 + 6 by c section as twin 2 had turned breech and i had a c section 15 months ago so i couldnt be induced. The c section was LOADS better this time with no bruising - i can do a lot more than last time, although i am trying to stop doing EVERYTHING!!! (post-it notes and a blackboard are good for delegating to other people!!) Arizona was 6 lb 7 oz and Nevada was 6 lb 8 oz - i was amazed they fitted in!! So glad now that i lasted so long, even though it was hard the last couple of weeks with keeping food down and swollen ankles and legs. They are doing great and are developing their own personalities already. Good luck to anyone who is still waiting after 37 weeks, as people assume you should have given birth weeks earlier!! The longer you keep them in the better! x

smartinson - Saturday, 6 Sep
My boys were born June 24th they are 10wks 5day and we had their 2 month check up and Cohen weighs 13lbs 11oz and Cash weighs 13lbs 5oz they are doing awesome. They hat to have shots them are no fun and we had to say 20 minutes longer because Cohen got really red and blotchy so we had to watch to make sure he was okay and he is but scary. Got to go back again in 2 months to do it again. But other that that they are wonderful very good babies they sleep as much as 7 hrs and as less as 5 at night. They love rice cereal in the babas. I love them to pieces could not ask for any better babes!!!

firsttwobabies - Wednesday, 3 Sep
I had my twins Aug 30! I was 37 weeks and 2 days. Baby A weighed 6 lb 7 oz and baby B weighed 6 lb 4 oz. I had a c section because baby A was transverse and baby B was breech. Baby B was in the NICU for 4 hours just for observation because she was breathing faster, but came out perfect! We all came home today, just 3 days later! They are amazing and I'm so glad they didn't come any sooner or any later. =) Pictures are posted!

godsgift - Wednesday, 3 Sep
did ne one do ivf?

jannaczyk - Monday, 1 Sep
For those who had a C-section, how is the recovery process going??? I have no clue what to expect. How soon can you shower afterwards, walk or do any small activities or can you do anything at all?
• Hi all! So I am 36 weeks and 3 days with twins (girl and a boy) and have a schduled C-sect. for September 17th ; where I'll be 38 weeks and 4 days. I hope they do arrive before then.

spadoinkle - Sunday, 31 Aug
babies r here..evelyn and olivia!! born aug 29th evelyn at 6 pm and olivia at 6:04. they didnt have to do a csection i was able to get olivia out before she turned

mommy-of-6-little-blessings - Friday, 29 Aug
Wow...my doc must be trying to keep mine in as long as possible! lol...I am 37 weeks today and she scheduled my section for Sept. 9th if B hasn't turned yet. That will put me at 38 weeks and 4 days! If he does, then we will try natural. He has been breech for months now, and I think he like it that way...so I am trying to look at all the benefits of having a section instead of all the horrible things! They are measuring 5 lbs 7 oz and 5 lbs 12 oz at my last u/s this past Monday..but, the nurse told me the measurements are +/- 386 grams. So their weights are just a guesstimation based on their measurments! At least I still have another week and hopefully they will grow a lil bit more...I need to eat more Little Debbie snack cakes...lol....

spadoinkle - Thursday, 28 Aug
I went for us today babies arent growing much and they said my placenta is stressed..so i am at hosp. now they induced me around 2 and im just waiting for my lil ones..37 weeks and 4 days today!

twinsagainplus2 - Thursday, 28 Aug
Ramblins 13: How much were the u/s off for you? My doctor is saying my babies are small too, but I think that they are tracking along fine. You had very good sized babies! I am hoping mine will be more than 5 1/2 lbs. I am almost 36 weeks and if I don't go into labor soon, I will be induced on Sept. 5th. Thanks!

SecondPregFirstTwins - Wednesday, 27 Aug
Wow my identical boys are a month old all ready. Time flies whenn you are sleep deprived. I wish I had time to exercise to get rid of my baby belly. I did get to finally ride my horse on the weekend!! It had been almost a year, and man did it feel good! Good luck to you ladies who are still waiting. It is soo worth it, and soon after they arrive, you'll forget about all your discomforts.

vanette - Tuesday, 26 Aug
Had my boys on my scheduled c-section date (aug 20) at 38 weeks exactly.....baby a 5lb 10oz baby b 5lb 8oz...their doing great!!! im truely blessed to have perfectly healthy children without any complications...breathing on their own, keep good temp, and feed on their own!!! the three of us came home together and been doing great!!!...my c- section recovery is slowly coming along but its not to bad... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO KEEP THEM ON A SCHEDULE OF FEEDING EVERY 3-4 HOURS!!!! the best thing that has happened to me...all they do is eat, sleep, and dirty up diapers...i sleep when they sleep and i dont feel exhausted and tired....if anyone have questions feel free to ask

paulecita - Tuesday, 26 Aug
mommy-of-6-little-blessings - My baby B is breech too, both had been vertex until week 32, I was so upset. My doctor is leaving it up to me to deliver them vaginally or by c-section, but I know that c-section is safer for both of them, even if we have to suffer a little. I am terrified as well, tomorrow I'll know when my c-sec will be. The only thing that makes me feel better is to know that I am not the only one to go through this; millions of women have had c-sections, and they've lived to enjoy their babies. It feels better to know ahead that you're going to need one, rather than needing an emergency c-sec that you're not even prepared for.

mommy-of-6-little-blessings - Tuesday, 26 Aug
Ok...so I am 36 weeks and 4 days...I had my u/s today and Baby A is head down, but B is breech...my doctor won't deliver natural if one is breech so I have to prepare myself for a section!! I am absolutely terrified...I talked with the anesthesiologist today too and he said that general anesthetic is too risky for the 2nd baby because they have exactly 8 minutes from the 1st cut to deliver them both without the second baby getting the effects of the anesthetic. So, In so many words, he won't knock me out for it because it can effect baby b. SO, now I am even more terrified!!! My doc says that B could still turn, but he has been breech for 2 mths and I doubt he will!! I have had my other 4 natural and I am soooooooooo terrified now!!!! Any words of advice for a mom whom has never had a c-section and is absolutely terrified beyond words??????????

firsttwobabies - Tuesday, 26 Aug
No I have 2 doctors. 1 specializes in the ultrasounds and he was the one that said excess fat on the abdomen makes readings less accurate. Doctors tend to know more than technicians =)

charlotte74 - Monday, 25 Aug
I am starting to get really nervous i go in tomorrow for my induction i can't wait to finally meet my twins!!!! but so scared! xxxx

Barbiezbabiez - Monday, 25 Aug
That doesn't make any sense because the tecnician measures the baby in the uterus via ultrasound.They measure head size,number of bones in the neck etc. They can see the actual babies inside. The doctor measures your tummy with a measuring tape.

firsttwobabies - Monday, 25 Aug
I asked my Dr. how correct the weights of the babies usually are on ultrasound compared to actual weights at delivery and he said the more fat you have on your abdomen the more likely it is that the weights off. He was actually complaining that I should have more fat on my stomach to make the ultrasound easier so I'm hoping their weights are pretty accurate!

ramblinrs13 - Sunday, 24 Aug
Hello! I had my twins on 8/18 via c-section. They were born on their daddy's birthday. My son, Matthew was born first weighing 5lbs 7oz and my daughter, Lauren was born second weighing 6lbs 9oz. He looks so small next to her. I was 37 weeks 3 days and was scheduled, because the high risk doctor thought they were too small and not getting everything they needed inside. It just goes to show you that the ultrasound measurements are not a sure thing. Both babies are doing great and I am feeling much better. Good luck to everyone!

twinstwice - Sunday, 24 Aug
Hi everyone - just wanted to let you know that I had my babies on the 21st - I was exactly 37 weeks. My babes were 6 lb 8 oz and 5 lb 13 oz. We came home this afternoon. Doing much better this go around! Good luck to everyone.

spadoinkle - Sunday, 24 Aug
37 weeks today !! and no sign.. my blood pressure was high on friday. they retook it 4 times and it went down..got go monday to recheck it to make sure i dont have preclampsia? but doenst look like they are coming anytime soon

charlotte74 - Saturday, 23 Aug
3 days to go until my induction..... fingers crossed i go into labour on my own before Tuesday! I can't believe i am finally going to meet my twins!!! i wonder what they will look like and if the songrapher was right with their weights!!!!! xxxxx

Barbiezbabiez - Saturday, 23 Aug
I had my twins in May. I was having weekly ultrasound for three months. By their calculations, my twins should have been both almost 7 lbs each. My son was 6lbs 4oz and my daughter was 4lbs 15oz. I would necessarily count on their evaluations.

firsttwobabies - Saturday, 23 Aug
I went to the dr today and baby A weighed 6 lb 5 oz and baby B weighed 6 lb 3 oz! I'm 36 weeks 1 day. My dr said if I start getting regular contractions again they wouldn't try to stop them and that the babies will most likely be able to go home with me! Looks like I've got a weekend full of walking, sex and using the breast pump haha I'm so ready to get them out!

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