Welcome to being 20 weeks pregnant with twins! Boys, Girls, or one of each—have you found out what you are having yet? Or are you going to leave it as a surprise? I figured my big surprise was finding out that I was having twins(!), so I was more than happy to find out at my 20-week scan whether I was having boys, girls, or a combo.
Either way, I’m sure you are well underway with your twin nursery setup. If not, head over to our Pinterest board, which is filled with beautiful Twin Nursery inspiration.
And if you need a hand to work out what products you even need to purchase, then make time to read my blog post Twin Baby Gear: My Top 14 Twin Mama Must-Haves. It will really help you to get organized and tick all those necessary items off your list.
And speaking of lists…. have you grabbed my free Shopping List for Twins download? It is full of ideas and helps take the worry out of whether you will have everything you need to welcome your wee ones home.
This week, we also discuss names for twins, which can be quite a sticking point for some. Coming up with one name is stressful enough, but finding two names that you love can be a challenge.
Fear not! We have a handy list of the top 50 most popular names for twins – no matter what the gender combination. You can grab some inspiration by reading our 7 Ways to Choose the Perfect Names for your Twins.
Read on to find out what those two babies of yours are up to this week.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 20 Weeks
Can you believe that you’re over halfway through your pregnancy? Full term for moms of single babies is 40 weeks, but for multiples, it’s around 36-37 weeks, depending on the type of twins you have. For identical twins, it is slightly earlier.
It’s common at this stage for you to feel a little more tired and achy than normal. This is understandable, given that your muscles and ligaments are having to stretch to make way for other little people.
If you can, start taking things a little easy and resting when you can. It’s easier said than done, we know.
A glucose test for gestational diabetes happens around now, and you may be having fortnightly checkups with your Doctor or Obstetrician.
As your body swells and retains more fluid, the nerves and bones can compress, causing numbness and tingling in your hands and fingers. You are also at increased risk of leg cramps, being low in iron and calcium, as well as feeling incredibly warm because of your built-in heaters—not great if it’s the middle of summer for you right now.
Preterm labor is, unfortunately, more common in a twin pregnancy. So make sure to pay close attention to any changes in your body, and don’t be afraid to contact your midwife or obstetrician if you are concerned about anything. We will talk about some of the things to watch out for in Week 24.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 20 Weeks – Height & Weight
Your babies have been doing some serious growing over the past few weeks and are now about the size of a banana or small artichoke, measuring around 10 inches (25.4 cm) from head to toe and weighing approximately 10.5 ounces (300 grams).
This is an exciting time because your babies are growing rapidly, putting on weight, and preparing for the second half of their development in the womb.
It’s why you might be starting to feel their presence a lot more now.
Your Twins Fetal Development at 20 Weeks
Start talking, mama, because we can hear you!
By week 20, your twins will be able to hear sounds clearly, will react to loud noises, and can identify the tone of your voice.
They’re starting to develop sleep-wake cycles, meaning they have periods of activity and rest, though these might not line up with your sleep schedule!
Their digestive system is maturing, and they are beginning to swallow amniotic fluid, which helps their gastrointestinal tract develop.
Most excitingly, now is the time that you might be able to see what gender they are (if you want to know). But your babies will have to be in a cooperative mood on the day of your scan, as sometimes it’s not possible for the sonographer to get the right angle.
What you might be wondering about this week
20 Week Anatomy Scan: What to Expect for Twins
One of the biggest events of week 20 is your anatomy scan. For twin pregnancies, this detailed ultrasound is especially important. During this scan, your doctor will take a close look at your babies’ organs, spine, brain, and overall growth to ensure they are developing as expected.
Since you have two babies, the scan may take a little longer than it would in a singleton pregnancy, as the technician needs to capture detailed images of both little ones.
If you’ve been eagerly waiting to find out the sex of your babies, now’s the time! The anatomy scan will reveal whether you’re having two boys, two girls, or one of each. If your twins are identical, they’ll be the same gender, but if they’re fraternal, you could be in for a fun surprise with a boy and a girl!
Should I Find Out My Twins’ Genders?
Deciding whether to find out the genders of your twins is a personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Some parents love the idea of a surprise and choose to wait until birth. Others can’t wait to start planning and choose to find out at the 20-week scan.
Knowing the genders can help with nursery planning, picking names, and getting gender-specific baby items. If you’re undecided, discuss what feels right for you with your partner. And remember, you may have different opinions and should discuss these before your scan.
If you do decide to find out, start thinking about whether you will share the news with others or keep it a surprise.
Gender Reveal Party Ideas for Twins
If you’re planning a gender reveal, having twins opens up fun and creative possibilities. Whether you’re revealing the sex of two boys, two girls, or one of each, here are some unique ideas:
Twin Gender Smoke Bombs: Use smoke bombs in pink or blue and set them off simultaneously for a stunning visual reveal.
Double Balloon Pop: Use two large balloons filled with colored confetti—one for each baby. Let the parents-to-be pop them at the same time for a double reveal!
Cake or Cupcake Reveal: Bake or order two cakes or sets of cupcakes, each with colored filling inside. When you cut into the cakes, the pink or blue inside will reveal the genders of your twins.
Check out our Pinterest board Twin Gender Reveal ideas for inspiration.
Thinking about names for Twins?
Settling on one name during your pregnancy is hard enough. Finding two names that both you and your partner love is no mean feat.
There are lots of fun things you can do with twin names.
Do you want them to have the same first letter? Rhyme? Or take a more Romeo and Juliet / Kane & Able approach?
Check out our article 7 Ways to Choose the Perfect Names for your Twins which includes the top 50 name combinations for each twin pairing.
You can also try asking in our super helpful private Twins & More Facebook Group to help you get some inspiration.
Feeling the Babies Move: What’s Normal for Twin Moms?
Around week 20, many moms begin to feel more distinct movements. With twins, you might feel a mix of little kicks, rolls, or flutters from two different directions.
While it’s normal to feel movement from both babies, remember that they might have different levels of activity. Some twins are more energetic, while others are a bit more relaxed. And they may not be active at the same time.
If you haven’t felt much movement yet, don’t worry! Every pregnancy is different, and it can take longer for some moms, especially with twins, to recognize movements clearly. But if you do have concerns about your babies’ activity, be sure to talk with your doctor.
The Importance of Monitoring Weight Gain
With two babies growing inside you, weight gain is crucial to ensure both get the nutrients they need. At week 20, your doctor might be keeping a close eye on your weight gain to ensure it’s on track. The recommended weight gain for twin pregnancies by this point is typically between 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 13.5 kg), but it can vary based on your starting weight and individual health.
Eating a well-balanced diet full of nutrient-rich foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats will support healthy weight gain and provide your babies with the fuel they need for growth.
READ MORE: Weight Gain During Twin Pregnancy
Managing Back Pain and Pelvic Pressure with Two Babies on Board
By week 20, you’re likely feeling the extra weight in your belly, and with twins, that pressure can be more intense. Back pain and pelvic pressure are common complaints at this stage. One reason for this discomfort is the growing uterus, which shifts your center of gravity and puts strain on your back and pelvic muscles.
To manage the pain, consider using a maternity support belt, which helps redistribute the weight of your belly. You can also start wearing hip support belts, which can provide welcome relief if you are struggling with hip and pelvis pain.
Prenatal yoga, gentle stretches, and warm baths can also help ease discomfort. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for additional recommendations or referrals to a physical therapist specializing in pregnancy.
The Growth of Your Twin Baby Bump
Your bump is growing quickly now, and it’s probably becoming more noticeable that you’re carrying twins. It’s common for twin moms to “show” earlier and have a larger bump than moms of singletons. By week 20, you’re likely feeling a lot of belly tightness as your uterus expands to make room for two babies.
As your belly grows, skin stretching can lead to discomfort and itching. You may also start to see stretch marks. While they’re completely normal, applying a moisturizing lotion or oil can help soothe itching and keep your skin hydrated.
I used Aveeno Body Moisturiser and then applied Bio-Oil over the top. Applying this multiple times a day definitely helped with the stretching and itching and also minimized stretchmarks, and I was pretty large by the end of my pregnancy.
Take a breath, mama
As you go through this exciting week 20, take time to appreciate how far you’ve come. Your babies are growing, and whether they’re boys, girls, or one of each, you’re getting closer to meeting your little ones.
Take care of yourself, and I look forward to catching up with you again next week when we start planning your Twin Baby Shower!
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