Babies’ Growth.
You’re almost done! Congratulations for making it this far, as many twins are born premature. (57 percent of twins arrive prior to thirty-seven weeks and 12 percent are born before thirty-two weeks.) From the moment of conception to the moment of birth, the baby has increased in size about two hundred billion times to become a complex, unique individual. During the last few weeks before birth, there is a slowing down of growth and the baby may be less active because of less space. At birth, a full-term baby weighs between 6.5 and 8.5 pounds or even more, and is usually about twenty to twenty-two inches in length.
The babies’ skin is smooth, pale pink, and thickly covered with vernix. All babies’ eyes have a slate-blue color at birth, but will change to their true color within the first six months of life. The twins’ fingernails are firm and may extend beyond the fingertips. Maternal hormones transmitted to the babies before birth may cause certain temporary changes during the newborn period. For example, the breasts of the newborn (regardless of whether the baby is a boy or a girl) may be enlarged; female babies may have a slight blood-tinged menstrual discharge. All of these temporary changes are normal.
Mother’s Changes.
You are likely quite uncomfortable now. By delivery, the uterus is at the base of the breastbone, and contains nearly a quart of amniotic fluid. At about two weeks before delivery, one of the babies’ heads enters into the pelvis, a change which is known as lightening. You will experience a sense of decreased abdominal pressure, as the uterus moves away from your lungs, allowing deeper breaths. With the occurrence of lightening, though, there is increased pressure on the bladder and you may have an urge to urinate more frequently. The appearance of a gelatin-like material from the vagina, called show, with or without streaks of blood, indicates that the cervix is opening and labor will soon follow.
Emotionally, are you ready? Like most expectant mothers, it’s normal to feel anxious. Now’s the time to start thinking about joining a multiple group, if you haven’t already done so. The National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc. has a list of all chapters in the country. If you took a twin birthing class, you may have met other parents of twins to network with for support. Another way to prepare for the immediate weeks after birth is to recruit your partner, friends, or family to prepare healthy dishes that you can freeze as you may be too tired to cook for yourself! Another resource for you is DivineCaroline’s pregnancy forums. See our twin forum to network with other moms of twins and learn from their experiences about labor and tips for breastfeeding.
Multiple Facts.
- Although cesarean delivery is often used for the delivery of twins, about half of all twins are still delivered vaginally, according to a 2004 study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
- Cryptophasia is when twins have their own “twin language” that only they understand. Many twins appear to have this so-called language when they are young children (according to www.twinnetwork.com).
Diet and Weight Gain.
During the last weeks before delivery you will find it difficult to eat much at any one meal—small meals and snacks throughout the day are a better option.
Eating for Three.
Here are some light and nutritious snacks that you can nosh on throughout the day. For more snacks, see chapters seventeen through twenty.
Hearty Black Bean Salsa Quesadilla
- One 16-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
