Congratulations, mama, you’ve reached the 19th week of your twin pregnancy! If you are having fraternal twins, then you are officially halfway, as full-term for fraternal twins is considered to be 37 weeks.
As your belly continues to grow and you start feeling those first baby flutters, it’s normal to find yourself thinking more and more about what life will be like when your little ones arrive. From imagining how they’ll look to envisioning their tiny outfits, there’s so much to plan!
At this point, you might be feeling a mix of anticipation about your upcoming 20-week anatomy scan, as it is just around the corner. You may also be experiencing some new aches and pains as your body adjusts to carrying two babies.
A great way to distract yourself from all those uncomfortable niggles is to start preparing for practical things like starting to shop for all those adorable outfits your babies will wear and planning for your own maternity clothing needs – cos that belly is going to outgrow your current wardrobe very soon mama (if it hasn’t already!).
Read on to find out what your twins are up to this week, how you’re likely feeling, and, of course, let’s talk about all things baby and maternity clothing as you start planning for their arrival!
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 19 Weeks
At 19 weeks, you’re likely noticing that some of the typical pregnancy symptoms are a bit more intense compared to your singleton pregnancy friends. One of the most common experiences at this stage is round ligament pain. This sharp or uncomfortable sensation on the sides of your abdomen happens as the ligaments stretch to accommodate your rapidly growing belly. Since your uterus is expanding more quickly with twins, you might feel these twinges more frequently or more intensely.
While this discomfort is normal, try using supportive belly bands, taking warm baths, or gentle stretching exercises to ease the pain. Massaging can also help and has the added bonus of helping reduce any stretchmarks that might be starting to appear about now.
You may also still be dealing with fatigue despite being in the second trimester (which is often dubbed the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy). With twins, your body is working harder to nourish two growing babies, so it’s normal to feel more tired.
Be sure to listen to your body and rest when you need to mama – there is no point in overdoing it, and your babies will thank you for it too.
Shortness of breath may also become more noticeable as your uterus starts pushing against your diaphragm. I really struggled with this as, at this stage of my pregnancy, I had two heads up under my ribcage and one pair of feet (one of my girls was extended breech and stayed bent in half for pretty much the rest of my pregnancy!) – it was not pleasant.
Simple tasks that once seemed easy, like climbing stairs or walking, may leave you winded. To manage this, take breaks, avoid overexertion, and practice good posture to help expand your lungs and make breathing easier.
Additionally, heartburn and indigestion can start ramping up around week 19 as your growing babies put pressure on your stomach and digestive system – gotta love them….
Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding lying down immediately after eating can help ease these symptoms.
Swelling in your feet and ankles (edema) may also begin, especially after standing for long periods. Elevating your feet and staying hydrated can help reduce swelling and keep you comfortable as your pregnancy progresses.
Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so while these symptoms are common, how you experience them can vary. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if anything feels concerning! They are very used to worried pregnant moms.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 19 Weeks – Height & Weight
Your babies are each about 6 inches (15 cm) long and weigh around 8.5 ounces (240 grams)—approximately the size of two sweet mangoes!
Your Twins’ Fetal Development at 19 Weeks
One of the most exciting aspects of this week is the rapid progress in developing their five senses—sight, touch, taste, hearing, and smell. The areas of their brains that control these senses are actively forming and maturing, giving them the ability to respond to stimuli in the womb.
While they still have a long way to go before their senses are fully developed, the groundwork is being laid right now. For example, their hearing is becoming more sensitive, and soon they will start to recognize the sound of your voice and the rhythms of your daily life – so get singing mama and enjoy talking to them as you go about your day – they can hear you and will find your voice soothing – it might have benefits later once they are born!
Their skin is also undergoing some significant changes this week. It’s still very thin and translucent, but a protective coating called vernix caseosa is starting to form. This white, waxy substance will help shield their delicate skin from the amniotic fluid, preventing it from becoming wrinkled and damaged before birth. This coating will have thickened by the time they’re born, especially if they arrive earlier than expected, which is common with twins.
Meanwhile, their bones and muscles continue to strengthen. You might already be feeling tiny kicks and flutters, but these will soon become stronger as their limbs grow. They’re also practicing movements like sucking and swallowing, which are essential for feeding once they’re born. Their digestive systems are maturing, too, and they’re starting to produce meconium, which will be their first bowel movement after birth.
Lastly, their lungs are developing, although they won’t be fully functional until much later. Right now, your twins are busy practicing “breathing” movements, even though they won’t take their first breath of air until after they’re born.
What you might be wondering about this week
What You Need to Know About Twin Placenta Development
At this stage, the development of your twins’ placentas is well underway, and it’s essential to understand whether your twins share a placenta (monochorionic) or have separate ones (dichorionic). If they share a placenta, doctors will monitor closely for signs of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), where one baby may get more blood flow than the other. If your twins have separate placentas, this risk isn’t present, but doctors will still track growth closely to ensure both babies are developing healthily.
Preparing for Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan
In just a week or so, you’ll be heading for your 20-week anatomy scan, one of the most important ultrasounds during pregnancy. This scan will give you a detailed look at your babies’ development, checking for things like organ formation, amniotic fluid levels, and overall growth.
Since you’re carrying twins, this scan might take a little longer as the technician will need to examine both babies individually.
It’s also a great opportunity to confirm their sexes if you haven’t already, so have a think about whether this is something you want to know or if you would prefer to keep it a surprise!
What Exercise Is Safe When 19 Weeks Pregnant with Twins?
Staying active is essential, but it’s important to choose exercises that are safe for a twin pregnancy. At 19 weeks, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are fantastic options. These exercises help keep your body strong and flexible without putting too much strain on your growing belly.
Avoid high-impact activities, heavy lifting, or anything that could risk a fall. Always listen to your body and consult with your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise routine.
All About Clothing: Preparing for Your Twins’ Arrival
Now that you’re at the halfway point of your pregnancy, you might be starting to look at all those adorable newborn outfits which just seem to be doubly cute when paired together. So, let’s talk about how to dress your twins once they arrive, what newborn clothing you will need, how to prepare for different seasonal needs, and some practical tips for managing double the laundry!
What to Look for When Buying Newborn Twin Clothing
Comfort and practicality are key when shopping for newborn twin clothing. Look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton that are gentle on their delicate skin. Easy-to-change outfits like zippered sleepers or onesies with snap closures will save you precious time during those late-night diaper changes.
Since twins often arrive a little earlier than singletons, you may want to have a few preemie-sized outfits on hand, as well as newborn sizes. Be mindful that fraternal twins might need different sizes, so it’s good to have a variety on hand.
Preparing for Seasonal Weather: Clothing Essentials for Twin Newborns
Depending on when your twins are born, you’ll need to think about how to dress them for the weather. If your twins are due in the winter, stock up on cozy sleepers, warm hats, and blankets to keep them snug.
For summer babies, lightweight onesies, breathable swaddles, natural fibre hats will be essential to keep them cool.
Remember that newborns have a harder time regulating their body temperature, so layering is always a good idea to adjust to their comfort.
Managing Twice the Laundry: Clothing Hacks for Twin Newborns
With two babies, you’ll quickly realize that laundry is a whole new ballgame. Be prepared for frequent outfit changes thanks to spit-ups, diaper leaks, and everyday messes. Here are a few laundry hacks to help you manage:
Stock up on basics: The more onesies and sleepers you have, the less often you’ll need to wash.
Organize by color or label: This will help you keep track of which clothes belong to which baby – especially if they are wearing different sizes. This can also be extremely useful if you are having identical twins. Assigning each baby with a particular color of clothing will help immensely in the early days so you know which baby is which.
Choose machine-washable fabrics: Skip anything too delicate or high-maintenance—durable, easy-to-wash materials will save you time and effort. Even better if they can go in the dryer.
How to Build a Practical and Budget-Friendly Twin Newborn Wardrobe
When it comes to dressing twins, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of clothing you might need. But don’t worry, you don’t need to double up on everything. Start with the basics:
- 10-12 onesies
- 6-8 sleepers
- A few pairs of socks and hats
You can always buy more once you see what gets used the most. Look for deals at consignment stores or buy in bulk to save money. Twins often grow out of clothes quickly, so gently used items are a smart option.
Matching Outfits or Individual Styles: Dressing Your Newborn Twins
One of the most fun parts of having twins is deciding how to dress them—do you go for matching outfits or let them embrace their individuality? There’s no right or wrong choice.
You can choose matching clothes for special occasions or take a more relaxed approach with complementary colors or patterns. Dressing them in similar outfits can also make laundry and organization easier, but don’t feel pressured to stick to one way.
I did a mixture of both, as sometimes there were outfits I found that I loved, so I bought two!
How to Build a Maternity Wardrobe
With your belly growing, it’s time to think about expanding your own wardrobe. A few key pieces can make a world of difference when it comes to comfort and style:
Maternity leggings or pants with a stretchy waistband for comfort.
Loose, breathable tops that can grow with you and accommodate your expanding belly.
A supportive maternity bra is essential—your breasts are likely growing, and you’ll want something comfortable to wear all day. I LOVED the Cake Maternity brand, as it offered so many great styles, is of great quality, and is easy to breastfeed with.
Look for versatile pieces that can transition through different stages of pregnancy and into postpartum life. You will likely wear them for a few months once your babies are born. You don’t need a huge wardrobe—just a few staples that you can mix and match for both comfort and ease.
Before you go…
Week 19 is an exciting time in your twin pregnancy journey. Your babies are growing and developing rapidly, and you’re likely feeling both the excitement and the challenges of carrying two little ones.
As you prepare for their arrival, thinking about how to dress your twins and yourself will help you feel more organized and ready. Whether you go for matching outfits or embrace their individuality, dressing your twins is an opportunity for fun and creativity. Remember to keep comfort, practicality, and budget in mind, and you’ll be all set to welcome your beautiful babies into the world!
Stay strong, mama—you’re doing an amazing job!
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.
