Although triplets are almost always born early, you are now at the half way point of your pregnancy! You most likely have been feeling your babies movements by now and will continue to feel them for the remainder of the pregnancy. Although some women have known for quite some time they are expecting triplets, some women are just finding out because of the routine ultrasound performed this month! This month, it is possible to find out the sexes of each baby during the developmental ultrasound. By the end of this month, each baby will weigh nearly a pound and will be approximately 7 inches long from crown to rump. Each baby is responsible for producing their own amniotic fluid now, whereas the placenta was doing it before. The membrane between the three babies is very thin but can be seen clearly on ultrasound.
Your babies senses are beginning to activate and they can respond to sounds. Loud noises may startle the babies and they may respond with a kick or jerking motion. Eyesight continues to develop also. Each of the babies has a coating of vernix caseosa to protect against the continuous exposure of amniotic fluid. Fine downy hairs, known as lanugo, are also present and help each baby regulate their temperature. Brown fat also helps the babies regulate their body temperature and the fat is being laid down. Although most of the systems are complete, the babies still need time to grow and fully develop lung function.
Most of the time nausea will have dissapeared at this point of the pregnancy. You might begin to experience heartburn and indigestion. Constipation and pelvic pain are also common symptoms around this time. If the pain is severe or interferes with your daily activities, you should contact your health care provider.
As always, discuss any questions or concerns with your caregiver at this time. Your doctor will be discussing the results from any prior screening tests. You will be discussing the ultrasound process and amniocentesis, if needed. They will also be checking:
1.) Weight gain
2.) Blood pressure, pulse, 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
9.) Ultrasound assessment
10.) Pelvic exam