What happens in the womb with twins?

Twin development in the womb mirrors single babies but involves two embryos, either from two eggs (fraternal) or one split egg (identical), sharing resources differently, with identical twins sometimes sharing placentas/sacs, while fraternal twins have separate ones, growing with distinct timelines but requiring close monitoring for growth and development, often leading to earlier detection and more frequent ultrasounds to ensure both babies' health.

What do twins do in the womb?

Twins work in the womb in two main ways: fraternal twins develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two sperm, like regular siblings but born together, while identical twins come from one egg splitting into two embryos, sharing DNA. Their development varies: fraternal twins usually have separate placentas and sacs, but identical twins can share a placenta and/or amniotic sac, impacting resource sharing and requiring closer monitoring, though both grow through the same stages, developing organs and features with support from the placenta and mother.
 

How does it feel to have twins in the womb?

Common Symptoms in Twin Pregnancy

Early pregnancy symptoms may feel stronger or start sooner when carrying twins. You might notice: More intense nausea (morning sickness) Extreme tiredness.

Do twins stay in the womb for 9 months?

A little more than half of twin pregnancies end in preterm delivery (before 37 weeks). While 40 weeks is the full gestation period of the average pregnancy, most twin pregnancies are delivered at approximately 36 weeks (range 32-38 weeks depending on the type of twin pregnancy).

What happens to your body when pregnant with twins?

With a twin pregnancy belly, your bump will show early on. You may need maternity clothes shortly after finding out you are pregnant. Your expanding bump may also cause you to outgrow clothes quickly because of extra weight gain. It's common to put on around 50 lbs.

The Miracle of Twin Fertilizations: A Shared Beginning

What parent passes down the twin gene?

For fraternal (dizygotic) twins, the genetic tendency for hyperovulation (releasing more than one egg) is often passed through the mother's side, meaning the pregnant parent's genes are key, but the father can carry and pass this trait to his daughters, increasing their future chances. For identical (monozygotic) twins, genetics play a minor role, as they usually occur randomly when one fertilized egg splits, though some rare genetic factors might influence the split.
 

How does your stomach feel when pregnant with twins?

But with twins, you may also have earlier and more intense symptoms from pregnancy, like morning sickness, swelling, heartburn, leg cramps, bladder discomfort, and sleep problems. Your belly may grow bigger, and you may gain more weight, sooner. Talk to your doctor or midwife about how much you might expect to gain.

Why don't they let twins go past 38 weeks?

This study found a mean gestation at birth for twins of 37 weeks, with the risk of stillbirth and early neonatal death increasing after 38 weeks gestation. The lowest risk of perinatal death in twin pregnancies at 38 weeks gestation corresponded to that observed in singleton pregnancies at 43 weeks gestation [7].

At what month do twins start kicking?

6: You don't feel the babies kicking any earlier with twin pregnancies. "Generally when you are pregnant with twins, fetal movements become more noticeable at weeks 18 through 20 of pregnancy, and the same is true in singleton pregnancies," Al-Khan says.

Is twin pregnancy harder?

Yes, a twin pregnancy is generally harder and more physically demanding than a singleton pregnancy, with more intense symptoms like fatigue, morning sickness, faster weight gain, and a higher risk for complications like preterm labor, requiring more rest, nutrition, and frequent medical care, though emotional challenges can vary. Your body undergoes more strain supporting two babies, leading to greater discomfort, more frequent doctor visits, and a longer postpartum recovery.
 

What are the very first signs of twins?

The signs of a twin pregnancy are different for everyone, but typically include heightened normal pregnancy symptoms. Common signs include more severe nausea Opens a new window, earlier weight gain, intense fatigue and increased appetite.

What positions do twins prefer in utero?

Head down, head down (vertex, vertex)

This fetal presentation is the most promising for a vaginal delivery because both twins are head-down. Twins can change positions, but if they're head-down at 28 weeks, they're likely to stay that way.

How often should I feel my twins move?

Early in your pregnancy, you may just feel a few flutters every now and then. But as your baby grows -- usually by the end of the second trimester -- the kicks should grow stronger and more frequent. Studies show that by the third trimester, the baby moves about 30 times each hour.

At what week are twins fully developed?

36 weeks. The average gestational age for twins at birth is 36 weeks. Their lungs are well developed by 34 weeks, and all body systems are now functioning. They spend their last few weeks building fat layers and putting on weight and shedding most of their body hair.

What is a daisy baby?

A "Daisy Baby" is a term for babies affected by Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), a serious condition in identical twins sharing a placenta, or related complications like TAPS, SIUGR, and TRAP. The name comes from the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation (TTTSF), symbolizing twins thriving like daisies after surviving the "storm" of the condition, with their logo often showing two daisies from one stem, representing the shared life and journey. 

Can you deliver twins vaginally?

Yes, you can deliver twins vaginally, especially if the first twin is in a head-down (vertex) position and there are no other complications, but it depends heavily on fetal positions, type of twins, gestational age, and the provider's experience, with many twin births happening in an operating room as a precaution for a potential emergency C-section for the second twin. About 40% of twin pregnancies result in a vaginal birth, but this varies by hospital and situation. 

When do most twin moms go into labor?

You should be prepared for the possibility that your babies may come early and spend some time in neonatal care. Doctors consider 37 weeks to be full-term for most twin pregnancies. The average length of pregnancy for twins is 36.4 weeks.

Is giving birth to twins more painful?

Giving birth to twins can be more challenging and potentially more painful due to increased pressure, higher risk of complications, and more interventions, often leading to a strong recommendation for epidurals; however, the second twin often delivers quickly and easily after the first, and while pregnancy discomforts are often worse, actual labor pain intensity isn't necessarily double, but recovery is usually tougher.
 

When do twins run out of room in the womb?

Twins generally grow at the same rate as singleton babies until they are between 32 and 35 weeks. After this stage of gestation, space becomes a real issue and there is simply not the room for them to grow at the same rate.

What is the safest week to deliver twins?

Conclusion. Twins, when the pregnancy is uncomplicated, continue to grow and mature with advancement of the gestational age. In the absence of significant maternal complications, it is advisable to deliver twins only at 38 completed weeks' gestation or later to avoid neonatal complications.

What is the average birth weight of twins?

The average birth weight for twins is around 5 to 5.5 pounds (2.3 to 2.5 kg) each, significantly less than singletons (over 7 lbs) because they're usually born earlier, around 35-37 weeks. About half of all twins weigh over 5.5 pounds (2,500 grams) at birth, with weights varying greatly depending on gestational age, sharing a placenta (monochorionic), and other factors. 

What benefits do you get with twins?

You're not entitled to extra maternity or paternity benefits if you're expecting twins or multiple babies. Your entitlements to leave and pay are the same as if you were expecting one baby. But you can claim Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit for each of your children.

What happens to your body when you are pregnant with twins?

Your blood volume increases during pregnancy, and if you have twins, your body needs even more blood. Because your blood volume increases, your body needs more iron (to make more red blood cells). Mothers pregnant with twins have a higher risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia.

Are you hungrier with twins?

Yes, you are typically much hungrier with twins because your body needs significantly more calories, protein, and nutrients to support two growing babies, leading to a greater appetite, faster weight gain, and intense cravings, especially as the pregnancy progresses, though some experience suppressed appetite early on due to hormones.