Week by week Twins calendar: pregnancy in weeks 24-28


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You have encountered a magical point in your pregnancy. Around 24 weeks, the babies will enter the stage of viability. If born now, there is a 90% chance of survival with medical intervention. During these four weeks, the babies will double their weight and by week 28 each baby will weight around 3 pounds and will be around 15 inches long. Fat is developing rapidly under the skin and the babies are beginning to get more pigment in their skin. Hair continues to grow and facial features are becoming more distinct. During this month your babies' eyelids will become unfused. If observed on ultrasound, you can see your baby opening and closing their eyes. Each baby is already very individual and has their own cycles of sleep and wakefulness. Babies will begin to respond to sound during this month. Turn on the music and read to your babies each day.

By 28 weeks you are likely to feel the affects of pregnancy. You will be feeling very heavy and the weight of the pregnancy is probably starting to affect your back and legs. The pressure of your growing uterus can also cause backaches. You may experience relief when the babies change their positions. As the babies move down into your pelvis, you will experience pelvic pressure and increased pressure in your rectum. You will notice an increased urge to urinate more frequently. This urge will remain for the rest of the pregnancy.

You should be feeling movements from each baby every day. The intensity of their kicks and movements may be changing around this time. There is not room for them to move around as much anymore, so you may not feel as strong of movements.

Because you are carrying multiples, expect to experience alot of Braxton Hicks contractions. A Braxton Hicks contraction is a contraction of the uterus and feels similar to a menstrual cramp. Typically, they are not painful but will make your belly feel hard. Sometimes a change in position will trigger a Braxton Hicks contraction. Unlike true labor contractions, there is no pattern to a Braxton Hicks contraction.

Ongoing Symptoms

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

To Think About This Month

Be aware of symptoms of preterm labor
Obtaining baby care essentials
Finding care for your other children while you are laboring
Limiting physical activity
Accepting help from others

At The Doctor
You will probably be visiting the doctor every two weeks by this point. Make sure you address any questions or concerns to your caregiver. Make sure that you have asked your doctor about any physical activities and sexual intercourse at this point of your pregnancy. You will be screened for group B streptococcus around this time. You will also have a glucose tolerance test at this visit. The glucose tolerance test will check to see if you have gestational diabetes. In addition to these tests, your caregiver will be checking:
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 height of fundus
7.) Fetal hearbeat
8.) Urine screens for sugar, blood and any bacteria
9.) Possible ultrasound assessment



Comments by 24-28 week pregnant Twin mothers

Showing 1-46 of about 46 comments from week 24-28
1

Gigantor - Tuesday, 30 Jun
Thank you first2. I went to see my doctor yesterday and it turns out (they just confirmed it today) that they do indeed have the authorization for further ultrasounds, but for some reason the request was submitted 10 times! and they only approved 2. Doctor got the approval I ended up with the denial. In any case, I'll have my further ultrasounds.

first2 - Tuesday, 23 Jun
Gigantor, I'm also sorry to hear about your insurance denying anymore ultrasounds.. that really sucks. Maybe your Dr will be gracious and do it for cheap.
• Thanks Gigantor, for the warm welcome. I was hoping to find some place I could chat with other twin pregnant moms!

Gigantor - Tuesday, 23 Jun
Hi First2. Congratulations on your pregnancy! I am 25w with fraternal boys today. I gained 30lbs so far and I am 5'5'. My pregnancy is going pretty good too, I only have pressure some days. Besides that I cannot complain (yet)...lol

first2 - Monday, 22 Jun
Hi ladies, I just joined. I am 27 wks with fraternal boy and girl! I have no real complaints. Things are going really well thus far. I'm kind of waiting for 'it' to hit me one of these days. It meaning swollen, uncomfortable, painful..ect. I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions since 14 wks but not excessive. although if I don't drink enough water they become more frequent. I've gained 35 lbs so far. I started at 144lb. I thank the Lord for my long body. I'm 5'9' which I think help carrying multiples.

4under4 - Saturday, 20 Jun
twinsontheway- i am 33wks 3days i lost 20lbs in the begining and have only gained 13lbs back both the babies weigh over 4lbs now and my dr says everything is ok just ask your dr if they are concerned

identical4helen - Friday, 19 Jun
Michelle, are you out there, I'm sure you haven't been on here, because I'm hoping you're too busy because your little ones are at home. :)
• Gigantor, bring your notice to your doctor, they might have a way around it when it does become neccessary. :)

Gigantor - Friday, 19 Jun
I guess everybody is worried about something. I just got a letter of denial from my insurance company for any further u/s scans. They think it's 'medically unnecessary' as all my scan/blood results came back normal. I won't even have a growth scan at week 28. I am truly disappointed.

twinzontheway - Thursday, 18 Jun
Hi everyone!I am 25 weeks pregnant with twin boys! I have been doing pretty good thus far, but I am worried about my weight. I have only gained 20 lbs thus far and my weight has been the same for about a month now. I get ultra sounds every 2 weeks and the boys are growing great-they are right where they should be, but I am wondering why my weight seems to be at a stand still. Is this normal? Any advice?

jofreem18 - Wednesday, 17 Jun
27 weeks, 0 days- No GD Baby A 2lbs 9 oz Baby B 2lbs 11 oz Yes, it's large, but it could very well be your genetics!

ashuhleigh - Monday, 15 Jun
I just came from getting my u/s and i am 27 weeks today. I am a little concerned because i have gd - cntrolled by diet but they said baby is measuring at 27 weeks 6 days and weighs 2 lbs 8oz and baby b is measuring 28 weeks 0 days and weighs 2 lbs 9oz. does this seem very large to anyone? i cant belive they are measuring a week ahead and im not sure if the weight is too much. please help!!

pregowtwins09 - Tuesday, 9 Jun
Trying to sleep comfortably is very hard for me right now, I am also taking tylenol pm before bed and my Dr. said it was ok. As for actually getting comfy it's hard but I sleep with a body pillow between my knees, under my belly and just enough left to wrap my arms around sometimes. I also put a pillow behind my back for most of the night, I know it seems like alot, but ANYTHING to be somewhat comfortable. I have a 2 yr old daughter and a 1 year old son, so I try to get a good night sleep when possible.

mom2eight - Tuesday, 9 Jun
brodysmom- I have the same concerns. I have actually lost weight not gained. But my g/b twins are growing reight on track. I have an app. Thur. and we'll learn more about how they are doing now that it's time for them to really put on weight. identical4helen- I sure do have 6 kids and now two on the way. Ages range from 18-4. :)

identical4helen - Tuesday, 9 Jun
brodysmom - your weight gain all depends on the individual. If the doctor says it's o.k. you're o.k., you little ones might be using you other supply that has been there. As long as you are eating and grazing and feel good - you should be o.k. If worried ask your doctor at the next check up. :)
• Michelle, you are right, my u/s said my little ones are about 3lbs each - so they are growing at the same rate. They must be so beautiful - have you posted pictures yet?

brodysmom - Tuesday, 9 Jun
Good Morning Ladies- I am 24 weeks prego with twin. I am concerned about my weight gain so far. I have only gained 10 lbs. Everything I read says I should have gain 24 lbs by now. Any suggestion would be great appreciated. Am i be a worry wart?

twinmommy2009 - Monday, 8 Jun
fetal fibernection test is where the dr swabs your cervix to test if you are going into preterm labor.

oopsy4 - Monday, 8 Jun
what is fetal fibernection testing? I've never heard of it. Anyone have more info. on it?

twinmommy2009 - Sunday, 7 Jun
Is anyone else having fetal fibernection testing done already? I have to have one every other week, is this normal???

michelletwins1 - Sunday, 7 Jun
hi helen, both doing ok at the moment, not far short of 3lb. If all goes well they will be home in a couple of months, when yours have been born mine will be 12 weeks but they will be probably the same size! They say home time is roughly when they were due. They are soo much alike but have different personalities. I hope you are all well and I can't imagine how uncomfortable some of you are feeling. When I look at my daughters and they are so small I still cannot imagine them inside as don't look like there would be room. Take care and update you when next back from hospitalx

4under4 - Saturday, 6 Jun
i have to take 2 Tylenol pm before going to bed to help me sleep the dr says its fine i still notice some discomfort when switching positions but for me it defiantly helps im 31wks 3days

identical4helen - Saturday, 6 Jun
Michelle, your babies must have a light at the end of the tunnel of when they can come home with you. They sound so strong now. How is everything going?
• oopsy4 - I had a vaginal delivery for my first pregnancy so my OB and I are hoping for a vaginal delivery for the twins too! But right now I have so much back discomfort when I am sitting, I hope I don't have back labour. I'm actually starting to get nervous.

rylansmommy23 - Thursday, 4 Jun
My doctor says 37 weeks will be the MAX he will let me carry.........so 10 weeks left!

2twinboys - Thursday, 4 Jun
Does anyone have any good tricks to sleeping half way comfortable? I have tried the pillow between the knees, but it doesn't really do much. It is more my belly. I feel like it is just hanging there. I know it isn't, but it feels like it.

Gigantor - Thursday, 4 Jun
I am so sorry 2twinboys. I am sure it is very hard, but it's almost over (well I know, not exactly). Hang in there!

mom2eight - Wednesday, 3 Jun
2twinboys- hang in there. I think it changes from day to day. I was ready to quit last week but this week is much better.
• I'm almost 28 weeks so if 37 weeks is the possible cutoff, I have only 9 weeks left!!

2twinboys - Wednesday, 3 Jun
Gigantor- 10 weeks seems like an eternity right now!!! I have been so miserable this week.

oopsy4 - Wednesday, 3 Jun
My doctor told me the same thing, that they wouldn't let me go past 38 weeks. He said it is much higher risk of still birth in one of the twins if you go further. I am hoping to be able to have a vaginal birth as I didn't have a c-section for my first three children. What is everyone else planning on doing?

Gigantor - Wednesday, 3 Jun
2twinboys, so you only have another 10 weeks left to go! You must be very excited. Take care!

2twinboys - Tuesday, 2 Jun
I went today and he told me he wasn't going to let me go past 38 weeks.

Gigantor - Tuesday, 2 Jun
2twinboys, my doctor told me that they won't let me go beyond 37 weeks. Some doctors allow twin pregnancies to be carried longer than that, but my doctor said they'll induce at week 37 as the twins would have practically no more room to grow and it would be pretty hard on the mother's body.

michelletwins1 - Monday, 1 Jun
hi helen, 5 weeks today! I had a cuddle of both together today and it was just wonderful and they look so much alike. One still has the ductus issue and seeing a specialist tomorrow although not causing any problems at the moment, having problems expressing now but you can only do what you can. Both have been promoted to room 2, hopefully another couple of months and they will be home. I can imagine how you all feel, when I held them both today I thought there is no way they would fit in my belly! They are only 30 weeks gestation... Wish you all the best for the coming weeksx

2twinboys - Monday, 1 Jun
This might be a dumb question, but oh well. My dr has never really said how far he will let me go. So if 37 weeks is actually full term, will they still make us go until 40 weeks or will they induce closer to 37?

rylansmommy23 - Sunday, 31 May
2twinboys-I get an ultrasound every 2 weeks, and have so since week 12, and will get one weekly from week 30 onswar. My doctor measures my cervical length and c-section scar which is why.

2twinboys - Sunday, 31 May
Hi oopsy4. My boys have seperate everything and have the membrane between them. The placentas have fused together. They told me I wouldn't know unless I did DNA testing.

oopsy4 - Sunday, 31 May
Congrats, 2twinboys! I didn't find out I was having twins until I was 19 1/2 weeks along at my anatomy ultra sound scan. I am having boy/girl twins, so I know they are fraternal. Do you know if your boys share a placenta, or if they are in their own sacs with a membrane separating them? They say in some cases you may not know if they are fraternal or identical unless you have a DNA test done after they are born. Crazy! My OB says he will send me for an ultra sound scan every 4 weeks. Although I do get to see the babies by ultra sound in his office every time I have an appointment. These ones are just to see the babies moving about. The other ultra sound scans will be done for measurement of the babies and will be done by an ultra sound technician. Anyways, I just wanted to say hi and welcome!

2twinboys - Saturday, 30 May
Hi, I am new on here. I am 27 weeks pregnant with twin boys. They aren't sure if they are identical or fratneral because I didn't find out I was having twins until I was 18 weeks. So far everything is going well. I feel huge and get uncomfortable trying to sleep. I am seeing my doctor every other week right now and then he wants to see me every week starting at 30 weeks. I get an ultrasound at every appointment. I was reading on here that some people don't many ultrasounds.

identical4helen - Thursday, 28 May
Michelle - Wow, 4 wks old - doesn't that seem like a lifetime ago! Congratulations
• mom2eight - do you really have 8 kids! At 20 wks you couldn't tell I was pregnant - then bang everything is popping out! I'm at 30 wks and very uncomfortable, and very tired, so I relate to how difficult it is and how long the road seems. I have only gained 24lbs so far - I am wondering why I'm not gaining weight either, but so far everything is going with size of baby so maybe it's using up a little 'extra' I had a round. :) Hope that helps!

mom2eight - Thursday, 28 May
Hi all! My first post here. I've been reading along but decided to jump in because I am really starting to feel this twin pregnancy. No one else can understand. I've been doing great, then hit 25 weeks and just lost all my energy. It's effort just to stand up. I'm having b/g twins, have gd but controlled by diet. My big problem right now is I'm losing weight. As in I weigh less now that pre-pg. Anyone have some insight?

identical4helen - Wednesday, 27 May
Hey Michelle, sounds like they didn't need the surgury after all. That is awesome. Congratulations, and expecially expressing breast milk, I heard it is not easy. Keep it up! I'm 30 wks, and though difficult, I'm glad they're still in me too! :)

rylansmommy23 - Monday, 25 May
GREAT GREAT GREAT news Michelle!

michelletwins1 - Monday, 25 May
hi helen and all other mums my twins are doing well 4 weeks old today, 29 weeks gestation. Olivia is over 3lb now and Yasmin 2.5lb. Both are doing great with breast milk, still have a few complications but overall they are please with how they are doing. I know some of you are tired but atleast they are growing lovely inside you and will be healthy. I would do anything to be in your position, so keep you chin up you will soon have your beautiful twins with you. Will keep you updated Michellex

worleytwins - Monday, 25 May
QSMOM~ check out http://www.justmommies.com/articles/mucous-plug.shtml

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