The first trimester, or the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy, is critical since it serves as the fetus’s development period. Week 12 in any pregnancy marks the end of the first trimester, including twin pregnancies. While 12 weeks pregnant with twins the mom continues to have some of the same symptoms from early pregnancy, though they start to fade and ease up at this point.
As for the development of the babies, almost all the vital organs are formed at this point and the focus is on growing in size. Along with the babies, by the 12-week, twin bump definitely starts to show through. Keep on reading the article to learn more about 12 weeks twin pregnancy symptoms and growth of the babies as well as the belly they are growing in.
Symptoms the mother experiences with 12 weeks pregnant twins
You will likely still be experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of early pregnancy at 12 weeks. Moreover, you might start having new symptoms related to the growth of the babies. The good news is, though, that the intensity of these symptoms will begin to decrease as you enter the second trimester of your twin pregnancy. According to WebMD, here are some common symptoms you can expect to experience during this time
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting, sometimes referred to as morning sickness, are two of the most frequent symptoms that occur in the early stages of pregnancy.
At this point in the pregnancy, you may still experience those sudden and overwhelming impulses to vomit for no apparent reason. The fact that this is a twin pregnancy might even intensify your nausea.
Headaches
During pregnancy, a woman goes through a whirlpool of hormonal changes. This often leads to getting annoying headaches for the mother. The headaches during this week of the pregnancy might become more intense due to additional factors such as dehydration, stress, lack of sleep, etc. If your headache seems too extreme to handle, it is a good idea to talk to your OBGYN about this issue.
Frequent Peeing
This is where the extra weight of the babies comes to play. In your 12 weeks pregnant belly, twins take up double the space a singleton baby would take. The added weight and expanded uterus put extra pressure on your uterus, causing you to urinate more frequently. Moreover, the increased blood flow in your system as a result of pregnancy hormones also plays a role in frequent peeing.
Backache
In most cases, backaches manifest themselves during the later stages of pregnancy. However, given that having twins means carrying twice as much weight, a mother carrying twins may experience backaches earlier in her pregnancy.
Weight Gain
One of the signs that you are pregnant is that you will likely put on some extra weight. If you want to make sure that your babies are developing normally, it is crucial that you make sure that you are acquiring a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy. Generally speaking, a mother who gives birth to twins will put on more weight than a mother who gives birth to a single baby.
Increased Discharge
Due to the increased amount of estrogen during this period of pregnancy, it is normal to have increased clear vaginal discharge. It helps protect your vagina from infection. However, if the discharge is green, yellow, or brown in color it is better to talk to your doctor about it; as it might indicate an infection.
Other than these, some additional 12 weeks pregnant with twins symptoms include dizziness, constipation, spotting, cravings for particular foods or an aversion to certain foods, and so on.
Development of Twin Babies at 12 Weeks
It does not matter if the babies are maternal or fraternal twins, at 12 weeks the growth and development of their organs become quicker than ever. When it comes to their faces, the heads are fully formed, but the facial characteristics are just beginning to take shape. Their eyes and nose settle into their permanent positions. Again, the eyelids also begin to develop despite the fact that they are still closed.
During this week, the cartilage in their limbs begins to form, and the length of both their arms and legs continues to increase. This is also the week that their fingernails and toenails begin to form in all of their fingers and toes.
In addition, other essential organs such as external genital organs and the voice box start to form, which will continue to develop for the entirety of the pregnancy. Their body’s surrounding skin begins to take shape, although it takes some time before the skin stops being see-through.
What to expect in 12 weeks pregnant with twins ultrasound?
According to Healthline, a 12-week twin ultrasound provides you with an estimated due date. This is why for twins at 12 weeks, ultrasound is suggested by many doctors. If you choose to have a sonogram, you can expect to see your twins more clearly.
You will be able to see their reaction live if you pinch your 12 weeks pregnant with twins bump! However, if you are hoping to find out the gender of your twins, 12 weeks might be too early for that.
In a 12 weeks twins ultrasound, the gender of the baby can be determined as early as 12 or 13 weeks, which is the earliest time period possible. In order to determine with absolute certainty the genders of the twins, it is recommended that the ultrasounds be performed sometime around the 20-week mark of the pregnancy to be on the safe side.
The Condition of the 12 weeks pregnant twins’ belly
By the end of 12 weeks, the fetuses weigh around 0.5 oz each and are roughly the size of a plum. To accommodate the ever-growing babies your uterus increases in size, giving a pouch-like shape to your bump. This creates a slight bulge over the stomach. Even though it depends on genetics and body types, in most cases when you are 12 weeks pregnant with twins, belly definitely shows.
Moreover, along with the bump, your waistline, thighs, breasts, etc also grow bigger during this time, making it uncomfortable to wear the same clothes as before. This might be a good opportunity to shop for maternity clothes such as loose dresses and maternity leggings.
Pregnancy Care Advice
- To maintain a safe and healthy pregnancy make sure to intake a lot of fluids, as a lack of water in your system can cause headaches, stress, and overall discomfort.
- It is advised to stay active throughout the whole pregnancy to ensure an easy delivery. However, doing heavy exercises that include weight lifting and doing excessive household work is strictly prohibited. It is crucial to get proper rest during this time.
- Maintaining vaginal hygiene is also imperative. Keeping the vaginal area clean and dry, using multiple underwears if you experience excessive discharging, etc are standard practices.
Final Words
Twin pregnancies are one of the most fun and unique experiences of life. In order to maintain a healthy pregnancy, it is important to know about the week-by-week changes your body and the babies go through. If you are 12 weeks pregnant with twins, we hope this article will help you navigate this week of pregnancy with knowledge and confidence!
