Hello mama! Here we are at week 26 of your twin pregnancy. Can you believe it? Only a few short weeks until those babies arrive.
As we get closer to the day where you will meet those beautiful wee cherubs of yours, it’s time to start thinking about one of the biggest milestones of your twin journey—preparing for the big day and your stay in hospital!
Even if your ‘ideal’ plan may be to have a home birth, sometimes babies don’t follow along with the plan, and especially with twins, it is essential that you remain open-minded and prepare for all scenarios.
Let’s dive into some essential steps to help you feel confident and ready for your hospital stay.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 26 Weeks
At 26 weeks, you’re nearing the size of a full-term singleton pregnancy, and it’s likely you’re feeling the effects!
Fatigue is common now, as carrying twins demands extra energy. Simple tasks might leave you feeling more tired than usual, so remember to rest often and give yourself grace.
With your growing belly, shortness of breath is also normal. Your expanding uterus is pushing up on your diaphragm, making it harder to breathe deeply. Sleeping propped up or sitting upright can help you feel more comfortable.
Back pain and pelvic pressure may be intensifying as you carry more weight. A pregnancy pillow, support belt, or gentle stretches can ease discomfort. You might also notice Braxton Hicks contractions becoming more frequent. These mild, irregular contractions are your body’s way of preparing for labor, but always contact your doctor if they become regular or painful.
Your body is doing amazing things, mama—just keep listening to it and taking care of yourself as you get closer to meeting your sweet twins!
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 26 Weeks – Height & Weight
By now, your twins are each about the size of an eggplant, measuring around 14 inches (35.5 cm) long from head to heel. In terms of weight, they each weigh about 2 pounds (907 g), but don’t be surprised if one twin is a little bigger or smaller than the other—this can be especially true for fraternal twins!
Your Twins’ Fetal Development at 26 Weeks
This week, your babies are growing stronger and more active. Here’s what’s happening with them:
Their gorgeous eyes, which have been fused shut up to now, are starting to open, and they are beginning to blink.
The nerves in their ears are more developed, and their hearing is getting sharper, which means they’re getting better at recognizing your voice and other familiar sounds.
Their lungs are still developing and maturing, but they’re producing surfactant, a substance that helps them breathe on their own after birth.
Your babies are starting to put on more fat, which will help regulate their body temperature after they’re born.
As your twins keep growing, it’s time for you to focus on one of the most important parts of your pregnancy journey—getting ready for their big arrival.
What you might be wondering about this week
Since you’re at 26 weeks, you might already be thinking about your upcoming hospital stay. Preparing for the arrival of twins can be a little more complex than a singleton birth, so here are some key topics to help you get ready!
Touring the Hospital or Taking a Twins Prenatal Class
Taking a hospital tour or prenatal class is a great way to get familiar with what to expect when you deliver. This is especially important for twin births since there are often additional steps and procedures compared to singleton deliveries.
Hospital Tour: If you can, take a tour of your hospital’s labor and delivery ward. Seeing where you’ll check in, where you’ll be monitored, and where you’ll recover afterward can ease anxiety on the big day. Many hospitals offer virtual tours if an in-person visit isn’t possible. During the tour, ask to see the operating room, even if you’re hoping for a vaginal delivery—twin births sometimes require a quick switch to a C-section.
Prenatal Classes: Some hospitals or birthing centers offer classes specifically for moms expecting multiples. These classes cover the unique aspects of twin deliveries, feeding two babies, and preparing for possible NICU stays. General prenatal classes can also be helpful, especially if they include topics like labor management, pain relief options, and postpartum recovery.
Save yourself some stress by pre-registering at your hospital. This process ensures that when the time comes, all of your insurance information, hospital paperwork, and personal details are already on file, and you can focus on labor rather than paperwork.
Understanding Hospital Policies for Twins
Every hospital has its own set of policies when it comes to labor, delivery, and postpartum care—especially for twin births, which often require additional medical support. Understanding these policies beforehand can help you feel more prepared and less anxious when the big day arrives.
You may want to ask about specifics like:
NICU policies
If your babies need to spend time in the NICU, how does the hospital handle visitation? Some NICUs have open visiting hours for parents, while others may have restrictions. You’ll also want to know if siblings and other family members are allowed to visit.
Rooming-in policies
Will your twins stay with you in your postpartum room, or will they be cared for in the nursery? Some hospitals encourage 24-hour rooming-in, while others offer the option to send babies to the nursery for a little extra rest.
Twin-specific care
Ask about whether there will be a dedicated pediatric team or additional nurses during your delivery and lactation specialists to help you with breastfeeding twins. Twin births often require extra staff to monitor both babies, especially if one or both need immediate medical attention after birth.
You can usually gather this information through a hospital tour, your OB-GYN, or by asking the hospital directly. Being informed will help you feel more in control of your birth experience.
Packing a Hospital Bag for Twins
I know it seems ridiculously early to be thinking about getting a bag ready for the mad dash to the hospital, but twins have a habit of arriving into the world a little earlier than planned.
It pays to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go by around week 25-26, so it’s time to get ready mama!
Your hospital may supply some of the items like diapers/nappies and maternity pads, so it pays to check beforehand.
Start by making a checklist of essentials for your hospital stay, and remember you may stay in the hospital for a few days, especially if you have a C-section, so pack enough to last you at least a week.
I ended up staying ten days as I had a C-section, but also, one of my girls was not gaining the weight they wanted to see, so we had to stay until her weight was going back up in the right direction again.
Some things to consider are:
For you: Comfortable clothes, toiletries, a robe, nursing bras, and snacks.
For the babies: Four to five sets of newborn outfits, hats, and socks for each baby. Don’t forget extra diapers and blankets!
For labor: Your insurance card, ID, birth plan, and any items that will help you relax (like your phone, charger, or a favorite pillow).
We have a full Hospital Bag Checklist for Twins as part of our Preparing for Twins Bundle, so have a look at that, as it also includes lots of other resources to help you get ready for your twins to arrive.
Packing in advance will really help you feel more prepared for when the big day arrives.
Planning for Hospital Meals and Snacks
Labor and delivery can be long and exhausting, and after your babies are born, you might stay in the hospital for several days, especially if you have a C-section or if your twins need NICU time. Having a plan for hospital meals and snacks will make your stay more comfortable.
Snacks for Labor: Hospitals often restrict food during labor, but light snacks are sometimes allowed in the early stages. Things like granola bars, nuts, and fruit can keep your energy up. Always check with your doctor about what’s safe to eat during labor.
Postpartum Snacks: After delivery, you’ll probably be famished. Bring some easy-to-eat snacks like trail mix, protein bars, and crackers for those late-night hunger pangs. Twin moms often have longer recovery times, so having plenty of healthy snacks on hand can help sustain your energy when you’re too tired to wait for hospital meals.
Meal Planning for Your Partner: Don’t forget about your partner or support person! Pack snacks for them, too, since they’ll be by your side through long labor hours. They might also want to scope out hospital dining options ahead of time or plan for food delivery, especially if your stay is extended.
By preparing in advance, you can make sure that both you and your partner stay nourished and comfortable during your hospital stay.
Cord Blood Banking with Twins
Cord blood banking is an option some parents consider, and it can be a bit more complex with twins. Cord blood is the blood collected from the umbilical cord after birth, and it’s rich in stem cells that can be used to treat certain diseases later in life. If you’re thinking about cord blood banking for your twins, here’s what to know:
Collection Process: With twins, cord blood is collected from both babies, which means you’ll need two separate collections. Make sure the hospital is aware of your plan if you’re banking for both.
Private vs. Public Banks: You can choose to store your twins’ cord blood in a private bank for personal use or donate it to a public bank where it could help other families. If you’re considering private banking, you’ll need to research storage options and costs ahead of time.
Cost Considerations: Cord blood banking can be more expensive for twins, as each baby’s collection and storage is separate. It’s a good idea to factor in these costs when making your decision.
Discuss this with your doctor or midwife early to make sure you understand the process and have everything ready before you head to the hospital. And be sure to include it in your Birth Plan.
Feeding Twins: Support while in Hospital
We are going to cover feeding your twins in more detail in a later post, but knowing in advance what support you can expect in the hospital can help you feel more confident when your twins arrive.
Breastfeeding Twins: Many hospitals have lactation consultants available to help moms navigate breastfeeding, and with twins, this support can be invaluable. They can help you figure out positions like the “double football hold” to feed both babies at the same time or show you how to alternate between babies if tandem feeding feels overwhelming at first. Since preemies are common in twin births, you might also need to pump in the early days if your babies aren’t strong enough to nurse right away.
Formula Feeding: If you plan to formula-feed, ask the hospital about what types of formula they provide and whether you need to bring your own. Some hospitals offer premixed formula bottles, while others may expect you to bring supplies.
It’s also worth discussing with your care team whether your twins will be fed immediately in the delivery room or later, depending on their health at birth.
Choosing the Right Car Seats for Twins
Choosing the right car seats for your twins is crucial, as hospitals require properly installed seats before discharging newborns. You’ll need two rear-facing infant car seats that fit your car and meet safety standards. Look for seats that accommodate smaller babies, especially if your twins are born early, and consider ones with easy installation features like the LATCH system.
Ensure both car seats fit securely in your back seat. If possible, schedule a professional safety check through your hospital or local fire department to ensure they’re installed correctly.
It’s a good idea to do a practice run before your twins arrive. Adjust the seats, ensure they’re secure, and make sure you know how to properly buckle and unbuckle the babies.
Practice fastening the harness and adjusting the straps so you know how to make adjustments for when you are ready to bring your babies home. Hospitals will often check that the babies are safely strapped into their seats before you leave, so being prepared will make the process smoother and reduce your stress levels mama. Cos it can be a bit scary going out into the big wide world with your babies for the first time.
Arranging Childcare for Siblings while you are in Hospital
If you have older children, organizing reliable childcare is essential while you’re in the hospital. You want them to feel as prepared as possible so they know what will happen if Mom and Dad need to go to the hospital in a hurry.
Choose a caregiver—such as a family member or close friend—with whom your child is comfortable. Have a backup plan in case labor starts unexpectedly, and make sure the caregiver knows your child’s routine, including meal schedules, school drop-offs, and bedtime rituals.
Prepare a small bag with essentials for your child, and have everything ready in advance, especially since twin births can sometimes happen earlier than expected. Be sure to leave contact information for doctors, teachers, and yourself to help your caregiver manage smoothly. Reassuring your child, making sure they are part of creating the plan, and, as much as possible, keeping their routine consistent will help them feel secure while you focus on welcoming your twins.
Post-Hospital Care and Follow-Up Appointments
Leaving the hospital with twins means stepping into a whirlwind of newborn care, and keeping track of all the follow-up appointments can feel overwhelming.
Pediatric Appointments: Your babies will need to see a pediatrician within the first week after leaving the hospital. Since twins are often born earlier or smaller, their first visits are especially important for monitoring growth, weight gain, and feeding.
OB-GYN Checkups: Don’t forget about your own postpartum checkup! After a twin birth, especially if you’ve had a C-section, recovery can take longer, so it’s important to keep your six-week follow-up appointment with your OB-GYN. Make sure to communicate any unusual symptoms, pain, or emotional challenges you’re experiencing as you heal.
Keeping a calendar or using a family organizer app can be really helpful for managing all these appointments, especially when you’re juggling sleep deprivation and the needs of two newborns.
Final Thoughts
Week 26 is a great time to get your hospital plans in place! Taking these steps now will help you feel more prepared and less anxious when the big day comes. You’re doing an amazing job growing those babies, and before you know it, you’ll be meeting them face-to-face – so exciting!
Keep taking care of yourself, trust your instincts, and know that you’ve got this! And I will see you next week when we talk about preparing for your twin’s birth day and how to make it an amazing experience for you all.
Take care and much love.
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