Hello, mama! Welcome to Week 11 of your twin pregnancy! You’re getting closer to the end of your first trimester—how exciting is that?
This week, we’re going to walk through some key topics that are especially important in a twin pregnancy. We’ll cover what your twin pregnancy care plan should look like so you will know if you are receiving the best care for you and your babies.
We discuss what you can expect from your upcoming 12-week scan, and some of the twin pregnancy complications are that your Doctor may mention, such as Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) or Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR).
You’ll also learn more about eating for three(!!!), staying hydrated, and exercising safely during a twin pregnancy. Plus, we’ll talk about tracking your twins’ growth and development and why it’s important in a twin pregnancy.
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive in and explore what week 11 has in store for you and your beautiful twins!
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 11 weeks
At 11 weeks, many expectant twin moms are still experiencing a mix of symptoms typical of the first trimester. The good news? That intense morning sickness may start to fade soon as you head toward your second trimester. But if it’s still hanging around, don’t worry—your body is working overtime to support two growing babies, so it’s understandable if your energy reserves feel a bit depleted.
Some of the symptoms you might be experiencing this week include:
- Nausea and Morning Sickness: If you’re still battling morning sickness, make sure you’re eating small, frequent meals and staying hydrated (more on that later!). Ginger tea, dry crackers, and cold, bland foods can help ease nausea.
- Fatigue: It’s very common to feel extra tired during a twin pregnancy—after all, your body is creating not one but two human beings! Try to prioritize rest when you can.
- Bloating and Gas: This is a common symptom as your uterus is rapidly growing to accommodate your babies. Wearing loose-fitting clothes can help with comfort. And it may help to hide your twin pregnancy belly if you are not quite ready to share the news yet, but your belly has other ideas!
- Round Ligament Pain: As your uterus expands, you may notice some sharp pains or aches in your lower belly or hips, known as round ligament pain. It’s a normal part of pregnancy, but it’s always good to check in with your healthcare provider if the pain becomes intense.
Now that we’ve covered how you’re feeling, let’s move on to your twins and what’s happening with them this week.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 11 Weeks – Height & Weight
At 11 weeks, each of your twins is about the size of a lime! They’re around 1.6 inches (4 cm) long from head to bottom, also known as crown-to-rump length. By this stage, they’re growing at an impressive rate, and even though they’re still tiny, they’re already starting to take on more recognizable human features.
As for their weight, your twins each weigh about 0.25 ounces (7 grams)—still teeny tiny, but those numbers will begin to climb rapidly in the coming weeks as they continue to grow.
Your Twins Fetal Development at 11 weeks
Those sweet fingers and toes are now fully separated (no more webbing!), and tiny nails are starting to grow. Their heads are still quite large in comparison to their bodies, but they’re slowly becoming more proportionate. This week, your twins’ facial features are becoming more distinct: their ears are moving into place on the sides of their heads, and their noses are taking shape.
Inside, their organs are growing quickly, too. Their hearts are fully developed and beating at around 120-160 beats per minute, and their kidneys are beginning to function, producing urine. Though it’s still early, your twins are starting to make small movements, stretching and wiggling their little arms and legs—although you probably won’t feel these movements for a few more weeks.
What you might be wondering about this week
Your Twin Pregnancy Care Plan: What You Should Expect
Your pregnancy care team is responsible for creating a comprehensive plan for your twin pregnancy and is essential to ensure you and your babies stay healthy and well-supported. Your care plan should be a roadmap for managing your health throughout the pregnancy, from nutrition and exercise to monitoring your babies’ growth and addressing any potential complications. It will probably look very different from your singleton pregnancy friends, as it should, there are two precious babies to monitor and don’t forget, a twin pregnancy is considered a high-risk pregnancy.
Your twin pregnancy care plan might include:
- More frequent prenatal visits: With twins, you’ll likely have more prenatal appointments than you would with a singleton pregnancy to monitor both babies’ development closely.
- Specialized ultrasounds and scans: You’ll have more detailed ultrasounds to track both babies’ growth and ensure they’re developing at the right pace.
- Nutritional guidance: Your healthcare provider may recommend increased caloric intake and specific supplements, such as folic acid, iron, and calcium, to support both your health and your babies’.
- Monitoring for complications: Twin pregnancies come with a higher risk of certain complications, which we’ll discuss more below.
Your care plan will evolve as your pregnancy progresses, so it is essential to discuss any concerns you have or symptoms you are experiencing so they can provide you with the best possible care.
You can read more about what your Twin Pregnancy Care Plan might include in our article Your Twin Pregnancy Care Plan – What You Can Expect
Twin Pregnancy Complications
Twin pregnancies carry a higher risk of complications compared to singleton pregnancies. While most twin pregnancies progress without significant issues, it’s essential to be aware of potential challenges so you can be proactive in managing your health.
Some common complications in twin pregnancies include:
- Preterm birth: Twins are more likely to be born early, with about 60% of twins arriving before 37 weeks.
- Preeclampsia: This condition, characterized by high blood pressure, can be more common in twin pregnancies.
- Gestational diabetes: Carrying twins increases your risk of developing gestational diabetes, which can affect both you and your babies.
- Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): This condition can occur in identical twin pregnancies where the babies share a placenta, leading to an imbalance in blood flow between the twins. We’ll cover this in more detail later or you can read more in our article Twin Pregnancy Complications.
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a condition that can occur in identical twins who share a placenta. Essentially, one twin (the “donor”) gives away more blood to the other twin (the “recipient”), causing an imbalance. The donor twin may become undernourished, while the recipient twin may develop heart problems due to the excess blood.
If TTTS is diagnosed, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options, which may include frequent monitoring, amniotic fluid reduction, or even laser surgery to correct the blood flow imbalance.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) is another condition to watch for, especially in twin pregnancies. IUGR occurs when one or both babies aren’t growing as expected. Regular ultrasounds and scans will help monitor your twins’ growth, and if IUGR is detected, your healthcare provider will guide you through next steps, which may include bed rest or delivering your babies early if necessary.
Your 12-Week Scan: What to Expect
The 12-week scan, or nuchal translucency (NT) scan, is an exciting and important milestone in your twin pregnancy. This ultrasound will provide more detailed information about your babies’ development.
During this scan, your healthcare provider will:
- Measure your babies: They’ll check the size of your twins to ensure they’re growing at a healthy rate.
- Check for chromosomal abnormalities: The NT scan is used to assess the likelihood of conditions like Down syndrome by measuring the fluid at the back of your babies’ necks.
- Look at placental development: For identical twins, this scan will help determine whether they share a placenta, which could impact your care plan moving forward.
- Confirm your due date: This scan is also an opportunity to confirm or adjust your estimated due date based on your babies’ growth.
This is often the first time you’ll get a really good look at your twins, so be sure to ask for a few ultrasound pictures to take home!
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
As you approach your next prenatal appointment, you might have a few important questions to ask your Doctor. Here are some examples to consider:
- How frequently should I expect to have ultrasounds during this pregnancy?
- What are the signs of complications I should be aware of, like preterm labor or preeclampsia?
- How can I best manage my nutrition to support a healthy twin pregnancy?
- What should I be doing in terms of exercise and physical activity?
- Can you explain the risks associated with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome or Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)?
Your medical team is there to guide you through this pregnancy, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions or share any concerns you may have.
Read more: Your Twin Pregnancy: Questions to Ask your Doctor
Eating for Three: Twin Pregnancy Nutrition and Weight Gain
Eating for three doesn’t mean doubling or tripling your meals, but it does mean paying extra attention to your nutrition. With twins, you need more calories and nutrients to support both babies, but balance is key.
Here are a few tips for eating during your twin pregnancy:
- Aim for nutrient-dense foods: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Your body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to support both babies’ development.
- Increase your caloric intake: On average, twin moms need an extra 600 calories a day in the second trimester (about 300 per baby).
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is critical in a twin pregnancy. Drinking water helps maintain amniotic fluid levels, keeps your blood volume up, and helps prevent preterm labor.
Read more: Maintaining a Healthy Twin Pregnancy Diet
Hydration and Twin Pregnancy
Staying well-hydrated is one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of a healthy twin pregnancy. Since your body is working overtime to support not one but two babies, your blood volume increases significantly, and your fluid needs are higher than they would be in a singleton pregnancy. Proper hydration helps maintain amniotic fluid levels, supports your increased blood volume, and keeps your organs, including your kidneys, functioning at their best.
Aim to drink 8-12 cups of water per day—about 2-3 liters—though you may need even more if you’re active, live in a hot climate, or find that you’re sweating more than usual. Staying hydrated also helps alleviate common pregnancy symptoms like fatigue, headaches, swelling, and constipation, all of which can be exacerbated in a twin pregnancy.
If plain water doesn’t sound appealing, especially if you’re still experiencing nausea or morning sickness, you can try adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to make it more flavorful. Electrolyte drinks, herbal teas, and water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumbers can also help contribute to your daily hydration goals. Always keep a water bottle nearby so you can sip throughout the day, especially when you’re on the go.
Exercise During a Twin Pregnancy
Staying active during your twin pregnancy can help you manage your weight gain, improve your mood, and prepare your body for labor. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga are great ways to keep your body moving. However, always check with your Doctor before starting any new exercise routines to make sure they’re safe for you and your twins.
Before you go….
As you reach Week 11 it’s an important time to focus on caring for yourself and preparing for the months ahead. By ensuring your medical team have created a comprehensive twin pregnancy care plan for you, staying on top of your prenatal visits, and being aware of potential complications like TTTS or IUGR, you’ll be setting yourself up for the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Remember to prioritize your nutrition—eating for three takes careful planning after all—and stay hydrated to support both your well-being and your babies’ growth. Incorporating gentle, pregnancy-safe exercises will help you stay active and prepare your body for the later stages of pregnancy.
Until next week where we cover all things budgeting and starting to think about all that shopping times TWO! You got this mama!
Take care
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