13 Weeks Pregnant With Twins or Multiples

Congratulations on carrying your twins safely in your womb for a long time now, and yes, you have reached 13 weeks of your pregnancy! Being 13 weeks pregnant with twins or multiples is not easy, and every mother carrying twins or multiples feels proud that the worst phase is gone now. This week officially leaves behind the first trimester and begins the journey into what is usually termed the best part of pregnancy. Celebrations are in order, and you can have a small party with your loved ones to enjoy this moment.

It is a given that you don’t need to make any major changes in your lifestyle; just continue with all the good things that you have been doing for the past three months. Yes, the physical changes will be pretty significant in the coming months, and it is time you prepare yourself for those changes. Wondering how you could do that? This article will help you out!

Growth of Twins or Multiples at 13 Weeks

Sit tight and buckle up because your babies are running the race of development this time around. Most mothers who are pregnant with twins, especially with multiples, worry a lot about the growth of their babies since they don’t seem to be as large as the single ones. But there is no need to worry, as this is completely normal. You should keep in mind that their development is pretty much on the same track.

Around this time, there is a significant reduction in the growth of the babies’ heads. In the initial stages, as the heads grow quite rapidly, they seem large compared to the body. Therefore, these weeks concentrate on the growth of the bodies to help catch up with the growth of the heads. This doesn’t mean the heads stop growing, they continue to grow, but at a slower rate, which is again normal.

Your babies will show signs of movement around this time. They will press their hands against the uterine walls as a means to explore their space. This very action leads to the formation of fingerprints on their fingertips. No two human beings can ever have the same fingerprints, even if they are identical twins or triplets. All these movements can also result in babies touching their own faces as well as their siblings’ if they are in the common sac. Around this week, their vocal cords will also begin to develop.

What Is the Size of the Babies?

As mentioned earlier, the size of the head of your twins or triplets will usually be large, but the growth of the head will slow down as their bodies will begin to grow to suit the head. Their weight will also begin to increase substantially from this point around, hovering somewhere between 15 to 20 grams, which could be less per child for multiple babies. Their length, too, stays somewhere around 7 centimetres as their size keeps increasing.

Common Bodily Changes

As your babies grow, you will see a significant change in your stomach size around this week. Apart from this, your body will go through many other changes in the 13th week of pregnancy. Here are some of them:

• Your breasts will tend to look quite different in the coming weeks compared to what you might remember them to be at the start of your pregnancy. The breasts will become heavier and bigger, and the darkness of the nipples and the areolas will continue to increase at a good pace (1). The tiny little bumps, termed as Montgomery’s tubercles, will also be evident, and these are necessary for the baby to feel the nipple and latch on correctly

• Pain in the ligaments, usually experienced on the right side of the abdomen, will tend to be more frequent and even sharper at times. The uterus will cause a lot of muscles and fibres to stretch themselves, and this will only grow. Any quick movement that puts further stress on your muscles may trigger the pain.
• Increased blood circulation during this time can also reach up to your gums, causing them to be tender and softer than usual. This can result in random moments of bleeding, especially when brushing your teeth. Keeping this in check is necessary by brushing carefully but regularly.

Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy at 13 Weeks

You may look for signs and symptoms of twin pregnancy at 13 weeks, but it is always recommended to get it confirmed by a gynaecologist. Nonetheless, here are some symptoms twin pregnancies might show.

• As your babies grow rapidly around this time, they would require oxygen and other essential nutrients in large amounts to support themselves. As a result, the size of the placenta will increase by taking in a larger amount of blood from your body. Your body will respond by increasing the volume of the blood and causing the heart to pump at a higher rate in order to keep all systems functioning optimally. Your veins will carry a lot of blood and will increase in size as well. This makes them visible in certain areas, such as your breasts, where they appear as a network of dark blue lines.
• By the 13th week, most women would be relieved to see that terrible nausea and the oft-occurring morning sickness have stopped seeing the light of day (2). Your body has nearly reached the final completion of adapting to the journey, and it is prepared to serve at your command. This usually ramps up the energy in a woman, and you’d want to start undertaking numerous activities or feel rejuvenated at your workplace, too.
• The 13th week of pregnancy can be quite exciting for you as you will experience a return of energy and your sex drive will increase, too (3). The increased blood circulation in the vaginal region also ends up stimulating the genitals and making you feel like you are getting down and dirty. Most women who have been terribly fraught in the first trimester would find it ecstatic to indulge in sex with their partner in the coming weeks. However, it is highly recommended that you consult your gynaecologist before indulging as certain conditions, such as a low-lying placenta or cervical incompetence, could cause issues, in which case intercourse is better avoided.

Twin Pregnancy – Belly at 13 Weeks

The rocketing growth of the twins will expand your uterus pretty quickly, leading your belly size to increase. This will fill up the abdominal cavity and cause the stomach to be a little taut and firm in the area below the navel. The curve of your 13 weeks pregnant twins’ belly will become even stronger, accompanied by the accumulation of fat in other areas of the body.

Twin Pregnancy at 13 Weeks – Ultrasound

The ultrasound scans that are carried out in the initial months of the pregnancy are a means to establish the number of babies in your womb and their growth. However, an ultrasound scan performed during this time will provide more information. Some doctors will give you an estimated due date by this week at your 13-week twin pregnancy ultrasound, while others might wait for a couple more. An ultrasound scan during this time will also establish specific parameters that mark the presence or absence of abnormalities, as well as check the cardiac rhythm of the babies, along with their chromosomal structures. When at the doctor, don’t miss out on the opportunity of watching your 13 weeks pregnant with twins’ belly pictures with your partner.

Diet During Twin or Multiple Pregnancy

Your diet around this time should consist of foods rich in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as these nutrients help in the growth of the baby. Also, opt for fresh and natural products as much as possible, and stick to homemade food. Go for organic vegetables if you want to prevent germs or harmful substances from entering your body. Green leafy vegetables, beetroot, dried nuts, tomato juice, and mashed fruits are all good to consume in the second trimester of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Care Tips

As you reach the 13th week of your pregnancy, you will feel on top of the world. The tough moments of the first trimester will be long gone, and you will feel a lot better, but that does not mean you become careless. You must take care of yourself.

Do’s

• Inform your workplace and other family members about your pregnancy. Any necessary preparations that need to be done can be started early on.
• Feel free to revert back to your exercise schedule if you stopped it earlier, but keep it light and easy.

Dont’s

• Don’t be blown away by your ecstatic happiness by satisfying your street food cravings. Eat healthy foods.
• Talk to your obstetrician-gynaecologist before having intercourse in case you have high-risk factors.

What You Need to Shop For

You won’t need a lot during week 13 of your pregnancy, but you can buy comfortable bras and clothing, especially if your size has changed. Also, if you still have tiny bouts of morning sickness, get healthy and aromatic green tea extracts. At times, you might feel the need to wear compression socks, so invest in a good pair that will keep your ankle swelling and pain in check.

FAQs

1. What kind of tests will done around this week?

The first-trimester screening for chro`mosomal abnormalities is conducted between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy. This test includes a blood sample and an ultrasound. It is designed to identify markers for Down syndrome and trisomy 18, providing early insights into the baby’s health. Another optional test, chorionic villus sampling, or CVS, could be conducted between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy to assess babies’ risks of chromosomal conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, and trisomy 18.

2. Is it a good time to announce pregnancy?

Yes, you can announce your pregnancy to your friends and family if you follow the traditional way of waiting for the second trimester.

The second trimester is officially on once you are 13 weeks pregnant. Women who are carrying twins or multiples in their wombs tend to have it a tad more difficult than those who are pregnant with a single baby. Nevertheless, make the best of what you can and enjoy the luxury of pregnancy.

References/Resources:

1. 13 Weeks Pregnant; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/13-weeks-pregnant/

2. 13 weeks pregnant: baby’s development, constipation and healthy eating; Tommy’s; https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/pregnancy-week-by-week/13-weeks-pregnant

3. Week 13; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/2nd-trimester/week-13/

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