Welcome to week 32 of your twin pregnancy! How are you feeling mama?
The countdown is now on for your twins to arrive. I bet you can’t wait to meet them. So, it’s time to finish ticking off the last things on your twin nursery shopping list. It’s also time to start thinking about what support you might need for those first few months once your twins arrive (if they haven’t already).
We also share some tips on how to deal with those well-meaning loved ones to help you avoid family altercations after babies arrive. Believe me, it’s the last thing you will want to deal with.
It’s important now to take some time for you mama. You are going to be busy for a few months once the babies arrive. So go and enjoy a few of the things you love to do – you deserve it.
Read on to find out what those twins of yours are up to this week.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 32 Weeks
At 32 weeks, you’re probably feeling very pregnant! You might be starting to feel really uncomfortable, hot, tired, and grumpy. Don’t you just LOVE this pregnancy thing?? You may be wondering how on earth you could possibly get any bigger.
Your belly has grown to make room for your rapidly developing twins, and this may come with discomfort. It’s common to experience back pain, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, and swelling in your feet and hands.
Your hips may feel like they are spreading, the diameter of your pelvis will have increased, and it can become increasingly difficult to sleep comfortably. A pelvic belt will really come in handy about now.
Your appetite may decrease as your stomach will be very squashed (along with everything else). Your babies are also putting pressure on your bladder, so frequent bathroom trips might be part of your daily routine.
What you can do:
- Rest often: Find comfortable positions that take pressure off your back and legs, such as lying on your side with a pillow between your knees.
- Stay hydrated: Swelling can actually get worse if you’re dehydrated, so keep sipping water throughout the day.
- Practice relaxation: Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce stress, especially as you start thinking about the big changes ahead.
It’s also a good idea to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your doctor to ensure you’re on track for a healthy twin pregnancy.
A large majority of twins will have been born by week 36, either by vaginal or cesarean delivery, planned or spontaneous.
Keep on the lookout for contractions, and contact your Doctor or Hospital if you have any concerns.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 32 Weeks – Height & Weight
Your little ones are around the size of a squash or jicama this week! Each baby weighs about 3.5 to 4 pounds (1.6 to 1.8 kg) and measures roughly 16.5 inches long (42 cm). Keep in mind that fraternal twins may vary slightly in size, while identical twins tend to be closer in weight.
These sizes will keep increasing rapidly as they continue packing on the pounds in preparation for birth. The closer you get to your due date, the more your babies’ weights may differ, which is completely normal for twins!
Their jobs from here on in will be to gain weight and lay down the fat that will plump up those legs and gorgeous cheeks.
It’s not uncommon for one twin to be larger than the other, especially if they are sharing a placenta. And you will be monitored very closely until your due date.
Your Twins Fetal Development at 32 Weeks
By now, your twins’ bodies are filling out as they develop more fat, giving them that adorable newborn plumpness. Their skin is less translucent, and their lungs are almost fully mature, preparing them for their first breath of air outside the womb.
At this stage, your twins can both see and hear. And as your belly is getting soooooo stretched they can see daylight coming in.
They are sleeping quite a bit now, and you may start to notice definite sleep and awake times. It might give you a taste of what’s to come as often they decide it’s party time just as you are trying to nod off.
And get the camera out to record those adorable belly rolls as your babies move around. You may be able to see little heels or fists as they practice their karate moves.
What you might be wondering about this week
The Countdown is On!
Only a few weeks to go before your twins arrive (if they haven’t already).
By now you may have finished work and be spending your time finalizing that ever-growing list of things to do before babies arrive.
READ MORE: Your Twin Pregnancy – When Should You Finish Work
In between putting those oh-so-swollen feet up, you might want to consider stocking up the freezer with some meals to see you through the first few weeks after your babies come home. Life will be hectic, so anything you can do now to make life easier for you once the babies arrive will be time well spent.
Now is also a good time to ensure that your car seats or capsules are properly installed in your car and that you know how to operate them. You will have enough going through your head on the day you bring them home without having to learn how to secure the capsules correctly.
You are probably starting to feel this OVERWHELMING urge to wash all those cute little onesies (again…) and remake their beds (again..). This is completely normal mama, and part of those crazy baby hormones. Just go with it and enjoy it. Your days for being able to spend time folding everything beautifully into drawers are numbered.
Building Your Support Network
Before your twins arrive, it’s important to identify your support network. Think about the people you can rely on for emotional and practical help—whether it’s your partner, family, or close friends.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and let them know you’ll need help after the babies are born. Even small acts of support, like someone bringing you a meal or helping with laundry, can make a world of difference!
Consider making a list of tasks that others can help with so when they ask, “How can I help?” you’re ready with specific answers.
Support for when your twins come home
You may have been inundated with offers of help and support once your babies come home, but you might want to think about what type of support (and how much) you actually want.
Having newborn twins is pretty exhausting, so the last thing you may feel like doing is hosting a revolving door of guests each day. Your babies may not thank you for it either, especially as you are all still learning each other’s daily rhythms.
Overbearing Mom or, even worse, Mother-in-Law? Have a sit down BEFORE the babies arrive and have a gentle chat about what help you would like. If need be, set some boundaries. It is far better to do it now than when you are super exhausted and emotional. Not a great time for family rifts!!
Hiring Help: Postpartum Doulas, Night Nurses, and Nannies
If you’re thinking of hiring professional help, start researching postpartum doulas, night nurses, or nannies now. Postpartum doulas offer valuable support during the early weeks, helping with newborn care, breastfeeding, and even light household chores. Night nurses can be lifesavers when it comes to getting some rest—they care for the babies at night so you can sleep.
Check local agencies or ask your OB-GYN for recommendations. Don’t wait until the last minute to interview and hire, as the best professionals tend to book up quickly!
Delegating Responsibilities to Your Partner
Having twins is definitely a team effort! Now is the time to sit down with your partner and discuss how to divide responsibilities. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in those early weeks, so having a plan can help. Whether it’s alternating nighttime feedings or taking shifts with diaper changes, working together will lighten the load.
It’s also important to check in with each other frequently. Parenting twins can be exhausting, so make sure you’re both getting enough rest and emotional support from one another.
Managing Household Chores with Two Newborns
Let’s face it, keeping up with chores while caring for newborn twins is tough. Make a plan now for how you’ll manage the household after the babies arrive. Can friends or family help with meal prep or grocery shopping? Are there any services you can use, like grocery delivery or housecleaning? Every little bit of help counts!
Consider setting up a chore schedule with your partner or family to keep things running smoothly while you focus on your babies.
Joining a Twin Parent Support Group
There’s nothing quite like connecting with other parents of twins who understand exactly what you’re going through. Look into joining a local or online twin parent support group. These groups can offer advice, emotional support, and tips that are tailored to twin parents, which can be incredibly comforting as you navigate life with two newborns.
Search Facebook or local parenting groups for twin-specific communities. You’ll find that many parents are eager to share their wisdom and lend a supportive ear!
Accepting Help Graciously: Overcoming the “Supermom” Mentality
It can be hard to let go of the idea that you need to do everything on your own. But trust me, mama, you don’t need to be a “supermom”!
Accepting help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a way to take care of yourself and your babies. When people offer to help, don’t hesitate to say yes. Whether it’s a friend dropping off dinner or a neighbor offering to watch the babies for an hour, take the support you’re given.
You’ll find that people genuinely want to help, and you’ll feel more relaxed and focused on what matters—your new family.
Preparing for Visitors After Birth: Setting Boundaries
It’s natural for friends and family to want to visit your new babies, but visits need to be managed carefully – especially if your babies are born prematurely, as their immune systems can be slightly compromised or lower.
Setting boundaries from the start can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. You might want to limit the number of visitors per day or ask people to pitch in with small tasks, like bringing food or helping around the house.
Many twin moms will ask any visitors who are not fully immunized or who have recently traveled to stay away for a few weeks until their babies have had their own immunizations. You have every right to insist on this and to be fair, friends and family should be more than willing to protect your babies from illness as much as you.
Also, it’s completely okay to say no if you’re too tired or just need some quiet time with your twins.
Postpartum Mental Health: Knowing When to Ask for Help
The transition to motherhood can be overwhelming, especially with twins. It’s normal to feel emotional, but be aware of signs of postpartum depression or anxiety. If you’re feeling persistently sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, reach out for help. Talking to a healthcare professional or joining a support group can make a big difference.
There’s no shame in asking for help with your mental health—caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your babies.
The Importance of Self-Care When Raising Twins
With two babies to care for, it’s easy to forget about yourself. But self-care is essential, especially as you recover from childbirth and adjust to your new life.
Take time to rest, even if it’s just a 10-minute nap while someone else watches the babies. Remember, a well-rested and healthy mama is a better mama.
Ask for help to ensure you’re getting some time for yourself, even if it’s just a quiet bath or a short walk.
Utilizing Community Resources: Hospitals, Lactation Consultants, and Twin Parenting Organizations
Take advantage of the resources around you. Many hospitals offer breastfeeding support or lactation consultants who can guide you through the challenges of feeding two babies. Twin parenting organizations often host helpful classes and webinars, too.
Getting involved early with these resources can provide the support and knowledge you need to thrive as a twin parent.
Final Thoughts…
At 32 weeks, you’re so close to meeting your babies! Now is the time to focus on preparing your support system. From family and friends to professional help, the more support you have, the smoother your transition to twin motherhood will be.
Remember, mama—you don’t have to do it all. Asking for help is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your little ones.
You’ve got this! Take a deep breath and start organizing your village—you’ll be so glad you did.
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.
