Week by week Twins calendar: pregnancy in weeks 8-12


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9 week ultrasound scan on twins

The embryonic period will be over after week 12 and the embyological structure is complete. Your developing twins still have a tremendous amount of developing to do. Their kidneys, intestines and extremities are developing rapidly. At 8 weeks each baby is approximately four centimeters long and weighs about one gram. By twelve weeks they will have more than doubled to be about nine centimeters long and has grown to about 20 grams!

During this time of your pregnancy you will still most likely notice changes within your appetite. You may be noticing more cravings or advesions to certain types of foods or smells. Many researchers believe that a craving is the body's way of trying to obtain something that you are lacking. Some women crave salt and need the sodium, while others crave spinach for the extra iron.

Mild anemia is not uncommon during pregnancy, especially when carrying multiples. This is because your body's blood supply has increased dramatically to support the growing babies and your red-cell production has decreased.

Around this time of a pregnancy, many women report a change in sexual desire. Most women report a decrease in their libido during the first trimester. This can come from nausea, breast tenderness, and the increased pressure on the bladder. However, some women also report an increased desire for intimacy. Both partners should be reassured that sex is perfectly safe during a pregnancy with multiples. The baby is well protected and you can not "poke" the baby.

You may also notice some changes in your complexion. Some women may experience the pregnancy "glow". The increase in blood creates a look of radiance, but also makes your skin more sensitive to skin care products. It is important to take care of your skin during pregnancy.

Bleeding gums is a common complaint throughout the pregnancy. Again, this is due to an increased blood supply which will cause the gums to swell. The bleeding should not be cause for concern. Just be gentle when brushing and flossing.

Most pregnant women worry about stretch marks. Stretch marks are a natural and sometimes unavoidable consequence of skin that is stretching for the growing baby. It is best to accept the fact that stretch marks may occur. After delivery, the stretch marks will generally fade away and become less noticeable. You can keep your skin well moisturized and use Vitamin E creams to help with the marks and itching.

Ongoing symptoms

Breast tenderness
Breathlessness
Constipation
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Increase or decrease in saliva
Increased heart rate
Leakage from nipples
Morning sickness
Nasal stuffiness
Change in sexual desire
Bleeding gums

To think about this month:

Maternity clothes for some women
Spreading the news, if you have not already
Spreading the news to family members and co workers
Finding a pediatrician

At the doctor
You will go back to the doctor again this month for a routine prenatal visit. If you have any questions that you forgot to ask at your previous checkup or that have recently come up, this is the time to bring them to your caregivers attention. Your doctor may classify your pregnancy as high risk, because you are carrying multiples. Some doctors will do an ultrasound assessment to check the baby's well-being. You may also be offered a series of genetics testing, chorionic villus sampling and a nuchal fold scan at this time. They are optional and you can discuss the pros and cons with your caregiver.

Your doctor will be checking the following during your visit:
1.)Weight gain or loss
2.)Blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate
3.)Heart and lungs
4.)Breast exam
5.)External palpation of the uterus
6.)Measure the height of the uterus
7.)Check for fetal heartbeat
8.)Urine screens for blood, sugar and any bacteria



Comments by 8-12 week pregnant Twin mothers

Showing 1-48 of about 57 comments from week 8-12
1 Next

irishbaby1 - Thursday, 31 Jul
Hi there. I am pregnant for the 2nd time and inmy 5th week now. I just have a question - my belly has started to grow already! Now, I have heard that with subsequent pregnancies I could show earlier, but I didn't really start to show until I was closer to 20 weeks with my first (I just got fatter - lol) so I am wondering when any of you guys started showing with your twins? My MS has started earlier too. I will not be able to have a US until 12 weeks.Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated - could you message my page just in case I miss replies. Thanks so much and I hope all is going well

ChaneyW-Twins - Wednesday, 30 Jul
My Name is Cristle and I am 8 weeks with twins.. Went to the doctor Monday and they said twins!!! I about fell on the floor..

jens1st - Thursday, 24 Jul
Ihave a question for you did you have hcg test done at about 4 weeks?? If so what were your levels. I had my done on 10do and they were 15 then again 12dpo and they were 36 now I am 19 dpo aand they are 730??? what do you think??

ourbabyt - Wednesday, 23 Jul
Hello to all! We just had our ultrasound today and surprise, we found out we are having twins. Talk about a complete shocker!

EmilyorMLE - Saturday, 19 Jul
Hi everyone! I'm 10wks2days pregnant. I'm very glad to have found this site, I love to talk to other expectant twin mothers!

lilsaturnette72 - Saturday, 19 Jul
Hi just joined today am 10wks4days with twins. Just wanted to say hi to all.

Felicitie - Friday, 18 Jul
Hellooo! I am 11 weeks pregnant with my twins! my fiancee and I are just thrilled! quick question, i havent gained too too much weight yet. just wondering when it might become more noticable. I want to hold off on telling my un-supportive family as long as possible. Also, know any good ways to camoflauge the extra weight? I appreciate any info you ladies have on twins whatsoever! thanks!

Ms-Borrero - Friday, 18 Jul
Good afternoon ladies! I am 10 wks pregnant and found out I am having twins!! What a shock!! Don't get me wrong I am SUPER excited but I am also scared at the same time. I already have a 2 year old daughter so I already have been through the whole pregnancy thing but this time with twins I'm extra nervous!! Is there anything I should know?? Am I just going crazy?? LOL

lilrhy87 - Saturday, 12 Jul
i put new pics of my twins up for all those interested from my u/s yesterday ...10w4d and its AMAZING how much theyve grown in just a month :)

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!

sofaaddict - Thursday, 3 Jul
sickness hit me bad only just easing up was all day everyday with extreme tiredness now i'm still tired but the sickness comes and goes. the weirdest thing of all is all drinks make me feel sick squash/juice/tea/coffee/water its making it real hard to drink plenty of fluids...

DaisyT - Thursday, 3 Jul
Hi! I am 10 weeks with Frateral twins after 2 attemps of IVF. I have been bleeding since week 7 and had about 4 sonograms done after the bleeding since I got nervous and ran to the doctor each time I spotted. The babies are fine and growing with a strong heart beat. The doctor told me that 50% multiples IVF pregnancies bleed.

lilrhy87 - Thursday, 3 Jul
hey...for those below asking about hcG levels...at around 4ish weeks mine was 8,000 and soemthing and i never thought anything of it but then 2 weeks later i went for a U/s and there was twins...i was roughly 6wks 4d and i got to see both heartbeats...big shocker....is anyone else getting some killer nausea b/c it feels like its all day everyday and a never ending thing, i cant eat half the things i use to love to eat..its depressing :(

BindedLove - Wednesday, 2 Jul
I am 11 weeks gone with twins. Was very unexpected as I have a past history of Hodgkin's Lymphoma where the docs told me that I would never be able to have children naturally. I guess that this pregnancy was meant to be.

sofaaddict - Tuesday, 1 Jul
dont know if they can detect heartbeats that early other than by a sonograph scan. might not be strong enough if they can to tell its 2 separate heartbeats. good luck the prospect of having twins is scary but i feel blessed in a way because its a 1 in 80 chance it will happen and it happened to me

ClaireR - Tuesday, 1 Jul
i am 9 weeks gone with my 3rd child but looking like i did when i was 6months gone with my first two pegnancies! my mum has told me there are twins and triplets in the family but not for years now and i am freaking out, i have my first midwife app next week, will they be able to dect 2 heartbeats or will i have to wait for my scan?

rahomsw - Tuesday, 1 Jul
Sofaaddict - Welcome aboard!! I'm in the same situation about my body! Looking more like 4-5 months preggers, than 10 weeks! LOL! Love your screen name btw!!

sofaaddict - Monday, 30 Jun
hi just joined i am 10weeks with fraternal twins at the moment i am waiting for my 12week scan to make sure everything is ok for both babies as i had some bleeding at 8wks. found out at 6weeks was carrying twins biggest shock of my life am already looking like i did at 5 months whilst pregnant with my daughter cant stop eating otherwise i'm sick, in reply to katd14 i'm in uk and they told me straight away at my dating scan at 6weeks they said i was having non-identical twins and they seemed very certain.

rahomsw - Wednesday, 25 Jun
Hi twin mommies - How's everyone feeling today? I'm always good in the morning, but feel yucky in the afternoon. I can't wait to get to the 12-13 week mark that's for sure!!

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!

ameylocket23 - Tuesday, 24 Jun
hi ladies. Congrats with your pregnancys!!! I do feel envious of u all though. Im 32 weeks pregnant carrying a baby girl. I was expecting twins but i bled at 10 weeks. It was funny as i knew i was pregnant, had not yet seen a doctor - but i knew i was still pregnant. My mum said i had probably miscarried, but it didnt even cross my mind, which is really wierd!! It wasnt until i had a scan the following day to be told my babys heart was pumping away nicely, but there was an empty sack too. I felt to confussed. My Dad was a twin, and my partners Aunties are twins. In a way, i think i knew i was carrying twins. I couldnt stop thinking about it afterwards! During the time until i lost one twin, my morning sickness was horrendous, my skin was awful and i couldnt eat!! Despite this, i still put on 28lbs in my first 3 months of pregnancy!! I blew up real quick!! I think you ladies are the luckiest women in the world. I am glad my baby daughter is doing well though... i just think and wander what it wouldv'e been like. God bless to you all!! x x x

paloma - Tuesday, 24 Jun
Esperanza, Call your OB immediately and get a sonogram, it's the only way to tell what is going on in there. I had bleeding and then spotting starting at 8 weeks (am 10 wks pregnant w/ twins now) and it turns out that I had a subchronic hemorrage or small rupture in the uterus (probably left over from implantation and aggravated by too much activity)which was bleeding. My doctor immediately put me on bed rest and I stayed in bed for 2 weeks. I had a sono on Friday (last) and the doctor confirmed that the bleeding had resolved itself and I could resume my normal activities. There could be many things causing the bleeding, but you won't be able to relax until you know. Good luck.

rahomsw - Tuesday, 24 Jun
I started showing at 4 weeks and I'm very petite too! Esperanza - did anyone respond to you?? I'm sure everything is fine, but it's probably worth just talking with your IVF doctor or OB about. We did IVF too (for this prego and for my 4-yr-old son) and I'm always calling them about things!! Good luck and keep us posted.

katd14 - Monday, 23 Jun
This is my first pregnancy and I feel like Im huge. I was like 113 lbs pre-pregnancy and Im now at 126 lbs and have been at that weight and had a little bump since I was 6 weeks! Ive been exhausted all the time and have a hard time staying awake more than like 6 hours. Twins run in his family but not mine. Im hoping for fraternal b/g twins but dont really feel like its gonna happen. Can you tell sooner that its twins with an ultrasound if its fraternal or identical? Ive had friends that didnt know they were having twins til right before delivery so Im concerned that even with an ultrasound they might not see twins if its there.

bostonmom4 - Monday, 23 Jun
Can I ask you ladies something? Did you start carrying big right away. Im 9 weeks pregnant and I look about 4-5 months. Everyone can tell I'm pregnant and I get the comments about 'WOW you're huge' 'are you having twins?' Of course I don't know yet..but I notice that I'm MUCH bigger than I was with my other babies. I'm petite, 118 lbs before pregnancy..& 122lbs. now. I also notice I'm super tired and have ZERO energy at all. It feels like I run a marathon every single day and I do hardly anything. I'm beginning to think maybe I am in fact carrying twins or something is really wrong with me. Any advice?

Esperanza - Sunday, 22 Jun
Hello. I need some guidance. I am almost 11 wks PG with fraternal twins. I had an ultrasound at 9 wks and they looked great. Fantastic heart beat and size. My dr and I were happy. This morning I woke up to find pink with red specs of blood in my tissue. I am upset and sad. These babies were my last hope since I conceived them through IVF.

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.

rahomsw - Wednesday, 18 Jun
We are having dizygotic (fraternal) twins. They each have their own sac and their own placenta. We did IVF and they implanted 2 embryo's so our chances of fraternal twins was 50%. Here's some good info about twins. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin#Dizygotic_twins

heart2broke - Tuesday, 17 Jun
Im 11.5 weeks pregnant with twins, and i went to the doctors yesterday for the ips, and everything looked really good, babies heart beats 172 and 164, so thats really good, i read they should be between 120-160, so woo hoo. they are both 8cm is that small or good, the doc said everything looks awesome. Well i go back tom, but have no idea when i get another ultrasound, which im thinking 16weeks, but then again i have had a sonogram everytime, is it because im carrying twins?

lmartin5 - Tuesday, 17 Jun
You can't truely tell if the twins are identical or not till the blood test at birth unless the are shareing the same sac. So I am not sure what mine are. My older set are feternal, but my dad and nieces are identical
• My older set of twins did not ever sleep in their own bassinets but when they got about 4 or 5 months old they started sleeping in their own beds!
• I had my very first Dr. appointment today, and It is TWINS! This is my second set of twins and baby # 5&6. It takes a litte getting used to but I am really excited! 10 weeks today!

2atonce - Tuesday, 17 Jun
twins run on my mums side of the family but we werent trying to fall pregnant so i didnt do anything to increase my chances i guess you just have what your meant to have

my2kidsarecuter - Monday, 16 Jun
Hi there!!! Im 6.5 weeks right now and will have the first u/s on the 3rd. Twins run in the family on my moms side and I ate TONS of yams to try to increase chances of conceiving twins. Preg test showed up + very early (15 days after conception) and I have been having terrible heartburn since 4 days after conception and lots of twin baby dreams. Any of you moms have these 'signs'? THANKS!!!

2atonce - Monday, 16 Jun
rahomsw i had my ultrasound done at 8 weeks 2 days and mine were each 19mm in length heartbeats were 174 and 172

rahomsw - Monday, 16 Jun
Hi, I'm 8 weeks prego with twins!! I saw a high risk doctor on Friday due to my son being born 8 weeks early. Just curious, here it says the babies should be 4 cm by 8 weeks. I had an u/s on Friday and each baby was 2 cm. Did anyone else run into this? I'm not really worried bc the doctor said they are growing at the same rate and doing GREAT!! It was neat to see their little heartbeats!!!

2atonce - Saturday, 14 Jun
hello everyone i am almost 10 weeks with twin a big surprise considering i have already have 4 boys i was wondering the same thing about the cots

heart2broke - Friday, 13 Jun
so should i buy two cribs, or can they sleep in the same one?

beatrice9603 - Friday, 13 Jun
I need some advice from the moms out there that have their twins. Did you purchase 1 bassinett or 2 when they were born? Even though they have their own cribs, is it necessary to buy 1 or 2 bassinetts

jennywren - Thursday, 12 Jun
Congrats to all of you! I was just wondering if you had stronger pregnancy symptoms because you are having twins or if they were just normal to light?

beatrice9603 - Thursday, 12 Jun
heart2broke - i'm always looking for someone to chat with about twins.. I'm 11 weeks and 4 days and would love to chat...

McCandless - Wednesday, 11 Jun
Hey I am 10.1 weeks pregnant with twins and i would like to know what its like if anyone has some input.

heart2broke - Wednesday, 11 Jun
I guess no one comes on the twins comment page

beatrice9603 - Tuesday, 10 Jun
Is there anyone out there who is pregnant with identical twins? If so, please send me a message. I would love to share info with you..

heart2broke - Sunday, 8 Jun
Ok now taht i found the twin boards i can start writting here. Hi everyone and congrats to each and everyone of you. Im almost 10 weeks and i think i am have fraternal twins, you tell me. They are in different sacs, so yea? Hopefully a boy and a girl. That would be sweet! Well i go the 16th for the first look, to see if they have any defects, has anyone of you gone yet to find out?

beatrice9603 - Thursday, 5 Jun
hello ladies.. I went for my 10 week ultrasound yesterday and it looks like they are going to be identical b/c of the thin membrane. Has anyone had identical twins? They are also sharing 1 placenta we found out. Any feedback would be great! Hope everyone is feeling good.. We are just over the moon with joy!

sethina2 - Monday, 2 Jun
Hi all i'm currently 10.4 wks preg with fraternal twins. Would love to hear from anyone with practical advice and experience of twins. EG: Should i sleep them in the same cot? What's the best pram to buy?

two-by-two - Monday, 2 Jun
I am 9 weeks pregnant with fraternal twins. This was very unexpected! I have been very sick to my stomach, and throwing up daily. Had a good day yesterday, and semi decent today. I don't have any morning sickness.... it all starts at 4 pm and after!

FiremensWife - Thursday, 29 May
I am a little over 10 weeks along and we found out 2 weeks ago that we are having twins. We already have a little girl that will be 3 in Oct and the twins will be here in Dec. Just trying to meet people that are in the same boat that we are.

chloesmom - Wednesday, 28 May
Hi, everyone I am brand new to the sight and want to make a few friends. I am around 11 weeks along and found out a week ago that I am having twins. I have two other children as well. I go in for another ultrasound in 6 days that will help to determine exactly how far along I am since I am not to sure. I am very excited but also very nervous. I think I am the most nervous about the whole pregnancy more than anything else. Is there anyone out there that has ever had IUGR with their pregnancies before. I had it with both my previous kids and am really worried about the twins. Let me know if you have any input.

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