Week by week Twins calendar: pregnancy in weeks 32-36


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

This is the month that a multiple pregnancy will be so much different than that of a single pregnancy. The babies are not able to grow as much now as there is simply not enough room. However, they are relying on their mother's nutrition to help them put on the final layer of fat. Each baby will weigh around 5 pounds by the 36th week. If your babies are born now, they may need to spend a little bit of time in the intensive care unit. The babies lungs are beginning to produce surfactant , which will help the babies lungs to expand for their first breath. The placenta is still functioning well and nourishing the developing babies.

Your babies will be checked to make sure that they are in the head down position, which is needed for optimal delivery. The position that the babies are in at this point are not likely to change before delivery.

Your hips may feel like they are spreading and the diameter of your pelvis has probably increased a little by this time. The cramped uterus does not allow for intense fetal movements, but you should still feel subtle movements. Your extremities may swell more at this time, so it is important to get your feet up as often as you can.

Braxton Hicks contractions may be very frequent now. If you are experiencing more than four contractions in an hour, call your practitioner. Even if the contractions are not painful or intense, you could be experiencing preterm labor.

Due to increased urination, vivid dreams, anxiety and difficulty finding a comfortable position, you may be having a hard time sleeping. It is important that you rest as much as possible during these last few weeks.

Appetite may decrease because your uterus is increasing and your stomach is left with limited space. Make sure that you are drinking lots of fluids.

Ongoing Symptoms

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

To Think About This Month

Packing necessary hospital items
Obtaining baby care essentials
Finalize pediatrician selection
Install car seat in car

At The Doctor
Some women will deliver their babies around this time, while others will reman pregnant a little while longer. Your doctor will be checking the same things he has previously checked. At this point you will be monitored for any labor signs-dilation, effacement, contractions, water breakage, etc. In addition, your doctor will check for:
1.) Weight
2.) Blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate
3.) Heart and lungs
4.) Pelvic exam
5.) Urine screen for sugar, blood and bacteria
6.) Ultrasound assessment
7.) Fetal heartbeat
8.) Measure the fundus
9.) External palpation of the uterus
10.) Breast exam



Comments by 32-36 week pregnant Twin mothers

Showing 1-48 of about 52 comments from week 32-36
1 Next

redhead - 20 minutes ago
Savannah and Violet are here!! I was induced yesterday and after only 4 hours of labor and 10 MINUTES of pushing both babies were here!! Baby A, Savannah came out first and then 2 mins later Baby B, Violet came out. My doc had some specialists in the room to help make sure Violet didn't flip to breech after Savannah came out. It was perfect! I'm still in shock :) And i don't feel too bad, minus all the cramping and bleeding..I kinda forgot how awful that was! But both babies are doing amazing, A is 5lbs 6ozs and B is 5lbs 2oz, both are 18 inches long. They are so tiny! Newborn clothes are huge, so I had my mil pick up some premie sleepers. They are good little eaters and they love to cuddle. I'm in love! and my 4 yr old loves them too :) they may even let us all go home tomorrow!!! Hold on ladies, your babies will be here soon! Enjoy the ability to be able to sleep w/out feedings and diaper changes for now, i know its uncomfortable, but your all almost there!

aprilsf - 2.4 hours ago
I wake up so much now just go to the bathroom. And then I have to struggle to even get to the bathroom and hope i don't go before I get there because my body doesn't want to move. Baby b's head or butt is permanently in my ribs. I don't know how people carry more than two let alone 6..could you imagine?

ams8663 - 4.2 hours ago
I agree! It really feels like a bowling ball between my legs..it is a serious task to turn over in bed! Im not sure if I will make it to my c-section..more contractions that I can feel her head pushing every time I have one and also in my back. 1 cm dilated and get checked on tuesday, not that it really matters unless baby b has turned head down..we will see.

aprilsf - 23.8 hours ago
i wish i could crawl into a swimming pool and not get out until it's time to have the babies. The pressure, everywhere, i feel like I'm going to spit in two.

kaiam - 23.9 hours ago
Same here twins again. Every morning I feel all of that pressure in my pelvic. It takes forever for me to get out of bed.
• Same here twins again. Every morning I feel all of that pressure in my pelvic. It takes forever for me to get out of bed.

twins again - Wednesday, 22 May
oh my goodness, getting out of bed in the morning is horrible. I promise my hips are so messed up right now with all this weight in the front. So sick of peeing.
• nah april, im due the same day as you the 27th (my profile due date is off a few days. My dr. has yet to discuss my c section date. and he says i ll have them between 38 and 38 1/2 weeks and yet hasnt said anything further. kinda frustrating. My body HAS NEVER gone into labor on its own. My singleton daughter was 41.5 weeks before my dr said its time to intervene (i was shooting for a vbac btw). My first twins were scheduled at 37 weeks. So who knows?

kaiam - Wednesday, 22 May
I agree aprilsf. I haven't done ANYTHING and I'm at 34 weeks. No Braxton hicks at all. So I will probably be the last to go which will be the end of next month.

aprilsf - Wednesday, 22 May
i think AMS is next since it's only 10 days. Then twins again, and then me. i have another high risk appointment next week, so I'll have an update on everything i'm sure. Everyone thinks I'm gonna so very soon but I don't think so.

kaiam - Wednesday, 22 May
Ok so that means ams8663 is next.

ams8663 - Tuesday, 21 May
That makes me even more anxious to have my babies!! 10 more days for me! :)

Redhead - Tuesday, 21 May
Thanks ladies, i will keep you updated!!!

twins again - Tuesday, 21 May
B-day is here! Okay, now who's next? Lol.

aprilsf - Tuesday, 21 May
I knew it!!!! I'm so excited for you!.. I knew youd be the first..update us if you can and let us know how being a new mommy to twins is going for you!!

ams8663 - Tuesday, 21 May
Oh yay redhead!! So excited for you!! Keep us posted!

kaiam - Tuesday, 21 May
WOW Redhead, It's happening!! I'm so excited for you!! Keep us posted if you can.

Redhead - Tuesday, 21 May
Babies will be here tomorrow morning!!! If not sooner...lol Doc is inducing me tomorrow morning at 530. I'm still 3cms, but baby A's head is SO low its just a second away from hitting my cervix, and he said if that happens I will have 2 babies very shortly. :) So im trying not to move tonight. lol There will be a whole team of people in the room, just in case baby B flips on the way out. And since they are 35 weeks there will be a nicu staff for each baby. So nervous! and excited...but more nervous. lol

ams8663 - Tuesday, 21 May
3 Minutes apart that get stronger and don't go away are most likely real labor..and the bloody mucous is your mucous plug! I would think you need to go to the hospital girl!

Redhead - Tuesday, 21 May
twinsagain--thanks for the tips! I don't know what to do..I had bloody mucous last night right before bed when i wiped. The bad back pain went away though and now I've just been having tightening type contractions like every 3 minutes all night--it almost feels constant though! I'm still home and idk if I should go to the hospital or if this is just constant BH?

twins again - Monday, 20 May
Yeah redhead, this may be it! Excited we are all in the last leg, and a short one at that. As far as advice goes, you can read a hundred books on multiples, but all that info gets pushed to the side since survival sets in ( sleepless nights, double crying, etc.). It gets better though. My recommendation with feedings is if one wakes up get the other up regardless if they are in a deep sleep. It will help your sanity. Otherwise you can literally be up all day feeding one after the other. Oh and try not to feel guilty about not giving each the attention you would be able to give if it were just one baby. It's impossible to do that. Y'all will see what I mean real soon. This time around I will be more at peace with that. Oh and as soon as you are ready to get out with the babies, do so to avoid cabin fever at home, plus it will build your confidence big time. Babies tend to get irritated staying inside all day too. But wow, twins are truly a blessing for sure! We are doing what most women don't get the chance to experience. And don't worry about the snide comments either, some people just won't understand the beauty of twins. Okay off my soap box now.

ams8663 - Monday, 20 May
Wow redhead, 3 cm and having contractions! Def. sounds like you could go this week! Good luck and update us.

Redhead - Monday, 20 May
You guys may be right! I've been miserable all day w/ really bad back pain. Had my NST and I am contracting every 5-7 minutes and am almost 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. I could have gone to the hospital, but I chose to go home first to see if it gets worse. So far its just constant back pain and the tightening every 5 mins. It doesn't really make sense! Maybe its just early labor? I was induced w/ my daughter, so I've never actually felt real labor! I guess time will tell!

aprilsf - Monday, 20 May
I think my doctor is convinced I'm going to go into labor before 38 weeks... he keeps saying 'with twins you can go at any time' I'm convinced that these babies aren't going anywhere soon. I've asked him if we could schedule the c-section and he said 'at 38 weeks' but nothing else.. I'm hoping that he doesn't want to wait until I'm 38 weeks cause then it will mean that I won't have these babies till more toward 39 weeks. I'm so impatient because I'm sooo uncomfortable. I don't want them to come out early (meaning NOW) but at 37 weeks, a singleton in considered full term..

ams8663 - Monday, 20 May
Well I am having my c section in 2 Weeks...36 weeks due to the cholestasis and the weight discordinance. Dr has become concerned about them. Next tuesday is my last dr. apt. then we are scheduling a date!! Excited and nervous! Baby b was 4 lbs. 15 oz. and baby a was 4 lbs. 5 oz. today

kaiam - Monday, 20 May
So I just filled out my forms to get my tubes tied after I have my twins. It's been lovely but 3 kids is enough for me!

ams8663 - Sunday, 19 May
I think so too!

aprilsf - Sunday, 19 May
I think redhead is going to be first!

ams8663 - Sunday, 19 May
34 Weeks today! another ultrasound, nst, biophysical and blood work tomorrow...so who does everyone think will have their babies first?

Redhead - Sunday, 19 May
35 Weeks today!!! I was just reading above and it said babies will be about 5 pounds at 36 weeks...mine were 5 pounds at 34 weeks! lol My daughter was almost 9 pounds, so I'm not surprised I make big twins too :) Twinsagain--Do you have any helpful hints for us for the first few weeks? I was reading about the best ways to feed them together and all that.

ams8663 - Saturday, 18 May
My belly pics are up in the belly photobook and well as ultrasound pics in the ultrasound photobook.

kaiam - Saturday, 18 May
Finally finish with the nursery!! Go on my profile to check out the nursery photos.

Redhead - Saturday, 18 May
Okay I put up a pic, it's the last one in my photobook!
• I just look away when they weigh me now...lol I know I haven't gained too much though, since I've tried to be careful this pregnancy, I just don't want to know any numbers! LOL I gained 60 pounds w/ my daughter and ate like crap, I think I'm doing pretty good w/ these babies. Do you guys have any belly pics? I'll put a pic of me up on my page from 2 weeks ago!

aprilsf - Friday, 17 May
I got the stuffed up nose thing too! I was getting swelled up..I gained 7 lbs in a week then the next week I lost 4 of it..doc says its all water weight. But blood pressure is good so he wasn't concerned.

Redhead - Friday, 17 May
twinsagain--god yes the braxton hicks are crazy! Sometimes they are SO strong. And the stuffed up nose--I thought that was just me!

twins again - Friday, 17 May
Redhead so you probably have just one week left. Oh boy. My hips hurt When I stand or change positions in my bed. Braxton hicks are getting on my nerves . My nose stays stuffed up and my lungs feel compressed. Needless to say i not as anxious as with my first pregnancy for sure. Will be going to nsts twice a week now. I'm with you April, I have a few appointments I need to get out the way with my kids now. Better now then later.

Redhead - Friday, 17 May
I'm still working full time. Everyone is shocked im still going! lol I stay super busy though so it helps to make the days go by faster. Is anyone else swelling up? I've been good this whole pregnancy, but now my ankles are starting to swell--mostly the right one..which is weird! I have my appt monday and the doctor is checking my cervix and then we'll see when ill be induced...if I make it to that point. eekk!!

aprilsf - Friday, 17 May
I'm donw with school for the semester and i am not working anymore. The kids keep me more than busy added to it by all the doctors appointments that I'm trying to get out of the way for everyone in the house before the babies get here...school shots, registrations, daycare and preschool physicals...busy busy busy..all the time. heck, it does make the days go faster.

twins again - Thursday, 16 May
Anyone still working the same hours, or have you slacked off a lot at your jobs? When do you think you will go back, if you do go back that is?

Redhead - Thursday, 16 May
ams--oh no!! I'm glad they can help you though. I hope you get some meds or something that helps you feel better! I'm going to the doc twice a week. I had my appt today and he is going to check my cervix monday and decide when he will induce. However, he doesnt' think ill make it till 37 weeks. I'm sooo low its insane! Baby A's head is right behind my pubic bone. I literally can hardly walk!

twins again - Thursday, 16 May
April, I have an ultrasound next week and then a doctors appt the following week. I thought I would be seeing the doctor more, but oh well. I think that it's reassuring to go twice a week like you would be, despite the hassle. Ams, I am so glad you got diagnosed! Now you can get the care you need. Wow, that itching all over is no joke. Try to keep your sanity as best you can. There is an icp support group that may be encouraging to you online. Something like itchy moms or something.

ams8663 - Thursday, 16 May
Well I was diagnosed with the liver disease icp on monday. Bile acid levels were 29. Started taking urso twice a day and I'm going to be even more closely monitored and will be talking to my dr monday about induction at 37 weeks as it can be fatal to the babies. I really can't stand the itching, its non stop and brings me to tears almost every day. I'm just so ready to be done!

aprilsf - Wednesday, 15 May
ok, so my doc wants to see me twice a week now..anyone else seeing them twice?
• I'm soooo ready to get my body back, it wasn't a perfect body before but I'm sure going to appreciate it more now. I have my appointment tomorrow, he will probably send me for NST this week. So glad this is almost over. I have less than a month!

Redhead - Tuesday, 14 May
twinsagain-I'm ready to get my body back too! Yay for almost being done!!!!

twins again - Monday, 13 May
Yeah it's almost time! Remember when we were all like 10 weeks pregnant or so, and it seemed like we would never be in weeks 32 -36 on this forum? I can't wait to meet and see my babies. ready to start adjusting and get my body back for good. Surprisingly this time around, this pregnancy hasn't been too bad. Just exhausting and mentally challenging. I'm ready.

Redhead - Monday, 13 May
Ultrasound was perfect!! Baby A is 5lbs 1 oz and Baby B is 5lbs 9 oz. Less than 10% growth difference! they are really pleased w/ how well im doing, but since they are sharing a placenta they will def take them by 36-37 weeks. eekk!

ams8663 - Sunday, 12 May
Redhead- 2 weeks sounds awesome to me..I am more than ready to meet my lil ones and to also be relieved all of this pain!!! 5 Weeks for me if they decide to not come on their own which knowing my luck they would try to stay in till 40!! Other than that I'm just on the countdown!!!

Redhead - Sunday, 12 May
34 Weeks today!! This is the week my doctor was praying we would get to, and now we are here w/ no complications :) so happy! I have an ultrasound tomorrow to check on growth and talk about when the babies will come :) Maybe 2 more weeks!! eeeeekk!!

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