Well hello there mama… guess what… you’re 13 weeks pregnant with twins! Have you got used to it yet? You may have only just found out it’s twins, or you may have known for a while now. But if you’ve been keeping your twin pregnancy a secret, this is the perfect time to start thinking about how and when you’re going to share the exciting news with your family, friends, and colleagues.
By now, you might be starting to feel a little more back to your old self again now that the nauseous feeling is starting to fade. I’m sure that will be one twin pregnancy symptom you won’t miss!
Hopefully, your pre-pregnancy energy levels are coming back (thank goodness, right?). You’re officially in the second trimester, and this stage can bring with it a mix of emotions—both joy and a bit of nervousness as you prepare for the months ahead.
Just remember that any feelings, thoughts and emotions you have are completely normal. I’m hoping you have managed to find a support crew that you can share your worries and doubts with – you’ve got this, mama.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 13 weeks
At week 13, you might notice a few shifts in how your body is feeling. Hopefully, nausea and fatigue are becoming a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean the symptoms have completely disappeared.
Boost in Energy (But Don’t Overdo It!)
As you enter your second trimester, many moms experience a much-needed energy boost. This is great because you’ve likely felt completely zapped for the last few weeks. Take advantage of this newfound energy, but remember not to overdo it. Growing two little humans takes a lot out of you, so it’s okay to pace yourself. Don’t forget to schedule in some rest, even if you’re feeling good.
Fluid Retention
With twin pregnancies, you’re at an increased risk of swelling and fluid retention. You might start to notice your rings or watches feeling a little tight—this is your body holding on to extra water. Be mindful of this, and consider taking off your jewelry before it becomes too uncomfortable. Staying hydrated can help reduce swelling, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Digestive Issues
Heartburn and reflux are starting to become more common at this stage of your pregnancy. Your growing babies are putting pressure on your digestive system, which means you could feel a bit of discomfort after eating. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones, and avoid lying down immediately after eating. Keeping your head elevated while you sleep might also give you some relief.
Listening to Your Body
This week, focus on listening to what your body is telling you. If you need to take a nap in the middle of the day, do it. If you find yourself thirsty all the time, drink up! And if you’re experiencing any discomfort, make sure to take breaks and adjust as necessary. Your body is working hard to support your growing twins, and it’s important to give yourself grace.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 13 Weeks – Height & Weight
At 13 weeks, your twins are growing rapidly and starting to fill out. Each baby is now about the size of a peach, measuring approximately 2.9 inches (7.4 cm) from head to rump. They weigh around 0.8 ounces (23 grams). Though they’re still small, their growth is in full swing, and from this point on, they’ll begin gaining both length and weight more quickly.
As they grow, you might start noticing your bump becoming more visible, especially with two little ones developing inside. This is an exciting milestone for many twin mamas, as your babies are officially beginning to look less like embryos and more like tiny human beings!
Your Twins’ Fetal Development at 13 weeks
This week is a fascinating one in terms of your twins’ development. Not only are they getting bigger, but they’re also refining important functions and physical traits. Though you likely won’t feel those movements for a few more weeks, your twins are already practicing important skills like moving their arms and legs, flexing their muscles, and even starting to suck their thumbs. These movements, though still small, are helping their muscles strengthen and coordinate.
Their fingerprints are developing this week, giving each baby their own unique identity – yes, even identical twins won’t have identical fingerprints.
Their facial features are becoming more defined as well—eyes and ears are shifting into their proper positions, and their tiny noses and lips are taking shape. By now, their heads, which were disproportionately large, are beginning to balance out as the rest of their bodies catch up in growth.
Internally, a lot is happening as well. Vocal cords are forming in their throats, which means they’re preparing for that first cry when they finally meet you!
Their digestive systems are also developing—intestines are now moving from the umbilical cord into their abdomen, and their liver is starting to secrete bile. Additionally, their kidneys are beginning to function, producing urine that will be excreted into the amniotic fluid around them.
Another exciting development is the strengthening of their bones, which are beginning to harden through a process called ossification. Their skin is still translucent, but underneath, their tiny bodies are getting stronger and more capable with each passing day. Soon, they’ll also start growing tiny hairs on their skin, called lanugo, which will help keep them warm as they develop in the womb.
What you might be wondering about this week
Your Twin Pregnancy Announcement
The time has arrived! You get to share your super special news with your friends and family. At 13 weeks, you’re likely starting to show, and the time is ripe for a creative and memorable twin pregnancy announcement.
If you’ve been keeping it a secret until now, it might feel like a huge relief to finally let everyone in on your double bundle of joy.
Consider how you want to share the news—some families opt for a cute announcement on social media, while others prefer to tell people individually.
Revealing that you’re expecting twins is a special moment that will be cherished by your loved ones, so let’s explore some fun and heartwarming ways to share the joy.
Double the Surprises: Consider announcing your twin pregnancy with a double reveal. One idea is to have two boxes or envelopes, each containing a sonogram of one baby, and present them to friends or family simultaneously. The look of surprise and delight on their faces as they realize there’s not just one, but two little ones on the way, will be priceless.
Custom Clothing: Personalized onesies or T-shirts that say “Double Trouble” or “Two Peas in a Pod” are fantastic for a twin pregnancy announcement photoshoot. You and your partner can wear them in the photos, or you can gift them to family members, letting the message unfold through their reactions when they unwrap the surprise.
Creative Ultrasound Photos: Use your ultrasound images creatively to make your announcement unique. Arrange the sonogram images side by side or in a heart shape, and share it on social media or create physical cards to send to loved ones. Adding a caption like “Our Two Little Miracles Arriving Soon” will complete the message.
Whatever you decide, enjoy this moment! Your friends will be thrilled to celebrate with you, and they’ll likely want to be there for you every step of the way.
Check out our Pinterest board for ideas of fun ways to make it an announcement fit for TWINS.
Telling Work: When Should You Stop?
When it comes to sharing your pregnancy news at work, it can feel a bit nerve-wracking, especially if you haven’t decided on the right timing. The second trimester is usually a good time to announce your pregnancy at work since it’s considered the “safest” part of the pregnancy, and you’ve likely had your first major scan to confirm that everything is going well.
That said, there’s no perfect time, and every workplace culture is different. If you’re concerned about when to announce your pregnancy to your boss or HR, consider your work environment. If your job requires heavy physical activity or lots of standing, you may want to let them know sooner rather than later so they can accommodate your needs. On the other hand, if your role is more sedentary, you might feel comfortable waiting a bit longer.
Also, if you work in a small company or a close-knit team, it’s often better to tell your manager in person first, and then let the rest of the team know afterward. Whatever you do, take your time and share when you’re ready.
You might also want to have a read of our article When to Start Maternity Leave with Twins as you might be surprised to learn when it is recommended that you finish work with twins – it’s earlier than you think…
Maternity Leave Rights
One of the biggest concerns many moms-to-be have is figuring out maternity leave and understanding your rights. In the U.S., for example, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows for 12 weeks of unpaid leave. However, not all companies follow the same rules, and some offer paid maternity leave or extended time off.
Since you’re expecting twins, it’s worth having a conversation with your HR department to discuss any specific policies for multiples. Some companies might offer flexibility, especially since twin pregnancies can sometimes require more recovery time or may result in earlier delivery. Remember to ask about how maternity leave works with short-term disability, if your company offers it.
Make sure to start these conversations sooner rather than later so you have plenty of time to plan and prepare for your time away from work and manage your budget.
Returning to Work + Childcare Options with Twins
As you begin thinking about life after your twins arrive, one of the big decisions you’ll face is whether or not to return to work.
If you’re planning to go back to work, now is a good time to start considering childcare options as with twins, the logistics of childcare can be a bit more complex, and you’ll need to think about what works best for your family.
Talk with your partner and discuss how you both feel about the various options: daycare, staying at home, or hiring help. Some families opt for daycare, while others prefer a nanny or an au pair. You might even consider a mix of both depending on your schedule.
It’s also worth looking into twin-specific discounts if you’re thinking about daycare, as some centers offer reduced rates for siblings. Be sure to talk through your options and decide what’s best for your family’s needs and financial situation. Having these discussions early on can help reduce stress when it’s time to return to work.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have fun sharing exciting your news with your family and friends this week. It is truly an amazing gift you have been given, and I am sure your loved ones are going to be super excited for you!
With each week, you’re getting closer to meeting your precious little ones, and every small decision you’re making now is helping to prepare for their arrival.
Trust your instincts, mama, and take care of yourself—you’re doing an incredible job! Until next week, stay strong and keep nurturing those two bundles of joy!
Take care and much love
P.S. Want to receive a reminder email to come back and read the next post in this Twin Pregnancy series? Register for our Twin Pregnancy & Preparing for Twins emails and it will drop straight into your inbox.
