Being pregnant with twins can be an exciting, yet overwhelming journey. At 18 weeks, expectant mothers of multiples will experience a number of physical changes, as well as many new emotions. To help make the most of this special time, this guide provides some helpful tips on managing your pregnancy and ensuring that both you and your babies are healthy.
Introduction: Benefits Of Being 18 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
At 18 weeks pregnant with twins, expectant mothers will already have gone through several milestones in their pregnancy journey. Women should take comfort in knowing that the halfway point of their pregnancy is approaching quickly! During this period, the body’s hormones will be fluctuating wildly to accommodate the needs of two growing fetuses inside the womb.
Additionally, expectant moms at 18 weeks pregnant with twins may begin feeling movements from both babies, usually more so during the second trimester. This can create a sense of connection between mom and her babies that can last for years to come. Finally, at this stage of twin pregnancy, prenatal care visits become even more frequent which allows doctors to closely monitor the health and development of each baby.
Signs & Symptoms: What To Expect At 18 Weeks Pregnant With Twins?
At 18 weeks pregnant with twins, many women experience uncomfortable physical symptoms. This can include fatigue due to carrying double the weight than normal; shortness of breath due to additional pressure placed on the lungs; back pain; constipation; swollen ankles and feet; increased heartburn; increased need to urinate; heightened sensitivity to odors; Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions); and varicose veins. It is important to note that these signs and symptoms may vary depending on the individual.
It is also common for mothers of multiples to show earlier and faster than expected compared to those who are not expecting twins. Additionally, they may notice larger breasts and abdomen quicker than non-twin pregnancies. As always, it is essential to check with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about these signs and symptoms.
Nutrition & Diet Tips For 18 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
Good nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy and is especially important for expectant mothers carrying multiple babies. At 18 weeks pregnant with twins, women should focus on getting adequate protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water throughout the day. They should strive to eat a variety of nutritious foods from all food groups such as fruits and vegetables; lean proteins like fish, eggs, tofu, legumes; whole grains like oats, quinoa, brown rice; dairy products like yogurt and milk; nuts and seeds; and healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and nut butters. Eating small meals frequently throughout the day can help keep energy levels up and avoid feelings of nausea or indigestion.
Women should also talk to their healthcare provider about taking a daily multivitamin supplement tailored specifically for expectant mothers. Taking pre-natal supplements helps ensure optimal fetal growth and development, while helping reduce risks associated with certain birth defects. Additionally, cutting down on caffeine intake is highly recommended since too much caffeine has been linked to low birth weight in babies.
Health Care During Twin Pregnancy At 18 Weeks
As mentioned above, prenatal care becomes even more frequent during twin pregnancies. Visits typically start at 8-10 weeks gestation, then occur every four weeks until 28 weeks when visits become biweekly. After 32 weeks gestation visits become weekly until 36 weeks when visits become twice per week until delivery.
During each visit the doctor will measure mom’s belly circumference and track the position of each baby by doing ultrasound scans. These scans allow doctors to estimate size and weight gain of both babies and check if there is any potential risk involved in the pregnancy due to any abnormal developments such as slow or quick growth rate or cord entanglement. The doctor might also recommend tests such as Doppler flow studies or umbilical artery blood flow tests to monitor the health status of each baby separately.
Exercise Advice For Women 18 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
While exercise during pregnancy with twins may seem daunting, regular physical activity actually offers a lot of benefits including improved circulation, better sleep patterns, reduced stress levels, lower chances of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension, among others.
If approved by the doctor first, moderate exercises such as walking, swimming or yoga are safe activities for expectant mothers to participate in. These exercises do not require heavy exertion but instead help increase muscle strength, flexibility, balance and coordination without putting too much strain on the body. Moreover, focusing on breathing techniques during these activities can help calm nerves and relax muscles thus reducing discomfort caused by swelling or tension in different parts of the body.
Mental Health Challenges Of Being 18 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
The emotional rollercoaster that comes along with being pregnant with twins can sometimes leave mothers feeling overwhelmed and anxious about their future. There are countless decisions to make regarding the upcoming arrival of two newborns which makes it difficult to cope with everyday life demands. That’s why it is important for expectant mothers to practice self-care and find ways to manage their stress levels. Talking openly with family members and friends or seeking professional counseling or therapy are just some of the methods available to help manage anxiety and depression during pregnancy with twins.
Emotional Support System For Mothers Of Twins At 18 Weeks
Having an emotional support system is key for dealing with mental health issues related to twin pregnancies. Family members and close friends provide invaluable assistance for expectant mothers allowing them to feel loved and cared for. Joining parenting forums online also gives expecting parents access to information shared by other families who are going through similar experiences. This peer network can provide companionship and support at times where loneliness may set in due to added isolation due to having two children growing in the same womb.
Ultrasound Scans And Baby Development At 18 Weeks
Ultrasound scans performed at 18 weeks of pregnancy help determine whether the babies are identical or fraternal twins. Identical twins develop from one fertilized egg split into two separate embryos while fraternal twins result from two distinct eggs that are simultaneously fertilized by two sperm cells. Knowing this early on allows parents to plan accordingly for their twin infants once they arrive home after delivery.
Scans also detect other aspects related to baby development such as gender identification and organ functionality assessment which are incredibly valuable tools used to predict any potential medical conditions requiring attention after birth. Most importantly though, these images capture precious moments that couples can cherish forever!
Tips For Sleeping Comfortably When 18 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
Sleeping comfortably when pregnant with twins can be challenging since finding a comfortable sleeping position becomes increasingly harder due to increasing size of the belly as well as rising levels of restlessness from both babies moving around in the uterus. One way to ease discomfort is to place pillows around mom’s body supporting the belly area while laying down or propping it up while sitting upright on a couch or chair – whichever works best for her particular situation. Investing in a quality maternity pillow can also help significantly improve overall sleep quality and position preference over traditional bedding items. Lastly, adding soft music or aromatherapy diffusers with relaxing scents like lavender can also aid in calming down any feelings of nervousness or anxiety prior to falling asleep.
Conclusion: Making The Most Of Being 18 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
Reaching the milestone of being 18 weeks pregnant with twins marks an exciting period for many expectant mothers out there! While navigating through this chapter can bring unexpected challenges, embracing this time is paramount in order for mums-to-be to fully enjoy their twinning journey and bond with their soon-to-be bundle of joys before their arrival! By following dietary advice, incorporating exercise into routine habits, utilizing emotional support systems available from family and peers, accessing reliable sources of knowledge from healthcare providers as well as making sure proper rest periods are observed regularly -moms-to-be carrying multiples can be assured that their special time is filled with love, peace of mind and plenty of bonding opportunities!