Hey, how’re you feeling mama? Have those babies of yours arrived yet? If not, they won’t be far away.
Now that you are 35 weeks pregnant with twins, there is not long to go until they arrive, so rest, rest, and more rest will be on the cards for you. Make the most of it.
This week, we are focusing on YOU mama, and how now is the perfect time to prepare yourself for the exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey of being a twin mama.
While you’ve probably been nesting like crazy and getting the nursery ready, today we’re going to focus on you—your mental, emotional, and physical readiness for those first weeks at home with your two bundles of joy.
This week is all about navigating the rollercoaster of emotions and setting up a strong support network. It’s about making sure you’re in the best place possible when your babies arrive.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 35 Weeks
If you have come this far, awesome! A large percentage of twins will have been delivered by 36 weeks, but if you have dichorionic twins and they are doing well, they still may be cooking! Rest, rest, and more rest is on the cards for you mama.
Regular visits with your Obstetrician and the overwhelming desire to see your twins born take up a lot of your time now. Your babies will continue to store body fat, won’t be able to move around much, and consequently, your belly will be enormous!
Unfortunately, sleepless nights, aches and pains, heartburn, and toilet trips are still on the cards for you. Emotionally, you might feel anxious or excited—maybe even both. And then, there’s the potential for those last-minute doubts about whether you’re truly ready for twin motherhood. It’s okay, mama. These feelings are completely normal, and we’re here to help you through it all.
Look out for labor signs of spotting, leaking amniotic fluid, contraction pains, and changes in your vaginal discharges, and get in touch with your pregnancy care team and hospital if you are worried about any signs of labor.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 35 Weeks – Height & Weight
At 35 weeks, your twins are about the size of cantaloupes, each weighing approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) and measuring around 18 inches (45 cm) long.
Your babies won’t be much smaller than a singleton of that gestation, but you will certainly be larger than a Mom with a singleton!
Your Twins’ Fetal Development at 35 Weeks
At this stage, your babies’ development is almost complete, and they are busy getting ready for life outside the womb.
Their lungs are still maturing, which is critical for breathing on their own after birth. Their brains are developing at a rapid pace, and they’re packing on fat to help regulate their body temperature.
They’re continuing to practice all the important reflexes like sucking, swallowing, and gripping with their tiny hands.
Your twins might already be in the head-down position, but if not, don’t worry—your healthcare provider will guide you on the best delivery options if one or both babies are breech.
What you might be wondering about this week
Postnatal Depression: Signs and What to Look Out For
Being aware of postnatal depression (PND) is important, especially for moms of twins who might feel overwhelmed.
PND can affect any new mother, and its symptoms often include feelings of sadness or emptiness, trouble bonding with your babies, and feeling constantly tired or unmotivated.
You might also feel guilty about not enjoying motherhood as much as you think you “should.”
If you notice these symptoms persisting beyond the typical baby blues, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare professional.
Remember, PND is treatable, and getting support early can make a huge difference in your postpartum journey.
What Is It Really Like When I Bring My Babies Home?
Bringing your twins home will be a magical moment, but it’s also completely normal to feel overwhelmed.
In those first few days, everything might feel like a blur—between feeding, diaper changes, and finding time to rest. You might be surprised at how fast time flies and how little sleep you get. I was always amazed at how your body adapts to life with newborns – even the crazy sleep deprivation.
It’s okay to feel both joy and exhaustion simultaneously.
Some moments will feel chaotic, and others will be full of quiet bliss. The key is to give yourself grace as you adjust. Each day, you’ll get a little better at managing life with your new babies.
Self-Care is Still Important (Even with Twins!)
As a new mom of twins, self-care might seem impossible, but it’s more important than ever.
While it’s easy to focus entirely on your babies, taking care of yourself helps you stay strong, both physically and emotionally.
Start with small things—whether it’s taking a few minutes to enjoy a cup of tea, resting when the babies nap, or asking someone to watch the babies while you shower. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. A well-rested, emotionally healthy mom is better equipped to care for her babies.
Dealing with Last-Minute Doubts
As you get closer to your delivery date, you might feel last-minute doubts creeping in.
Questions like, “Will I be able to handle two babies?” or “What if I’m not cut out for this?” might start to fill your mind.
It’s important to recognize these doubts as part of the process of becoming a parent, especially to twins.
Talk to your partner, family, or healthcare provider about your concerns, and remember that every new mom feels uncertain at times. Trust that you have the strength, love, and support needed to navigate twin motherhood.
Creating a Support Network: Why It’s Essential
Preparing for twins means preparing for extra hands on deck! A strong support network can make all the difference in your early postpartum days. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help—whether it’s with cooking meals, running errands, or simply holding the babies while you nap.
Consider setting up a meal train or creating a rotating schedule for visitors who are willing to lend a hand.
If you don’t have family nearby, consider professional help, like a postpartum doula or night nurse. Having support in place will give you more time to rest, recover, and bond with your babies.
Handling Twin Postpartum Mood Swings
The postpartum period brings significant hormonal changes, and with two newborns to care for, you might experience mood swings. One moment you might feel euphoric holding your babies, and the next, you might feel exhausted and tearful. These emotional shifts are normal, but managing them is key to feeling balanced.
Try simple techniques like deep breathing, taking short walks, or journaling your feelings. And don’t forget to talk about your emotions with a trusted friend or family member. If you feel like your mood swings are too intense or aren’t getting better, seek professional support for postpartum care.
Setting Expectations: Managing Stressors in the Early Weeks
It’s easy to expect yourself to handle everything perfectly right away, but the early weeks with twins are a time of adjustment.
Be kind to yourself as you learn how to manage two newborns at once. There will be stressors, like sleepless nights, feeding difficulties, and the general exhaustion of caring for two babies.
To reduce stress, set realistic expectations and understand that things won’t always go according to plan.
And please don’t compare yourself to moms with one baby. You have two babies to feed, burp, change, and settle, so your ability to go out for coffees or meet ups is VERY different and may not be possible for quite a while. If you have friends with newborns, have them come to you.
Lower your perfectionist standards—your house doesn’t need to be spotless, and some days, surviving is enough. As the days go by, you’ll find your rhythm.
Finalizing Your Twin Birth Plan
By now, you should have a birth plan ready, but this is the week to finalize it with your healthcare provider. Whether you’re planning for a vaginal delivery or a C-section, it’s important to discuss your options.
Twin births often require some flexibility, especially if your babies are positioned differently. While a plan is great to have, be open to adjustments—sometimes things don’t go exactly as we imagine, and that’s okay.
The most important thing is a safe delivery for you and your babies. Be sure to discuss your postpartum recovery preferences, too, so your support team is fully prepared.
Preparing for the Emotional Rollercoaster of Bringing Twins Home
Bringing your twins home is bound to stir a whirlwind of emotions. All sorts of things will be going through your mind on that car ride home from the hospital. You will have enjoyed a few days or maybe weeks of 24/7 professional help, and now you’re on your own with newborn babies. Yikes!
One moment, you’ll feel overjoyed as you gaze at your babies, and the next, you might feel completely overwhelmed by the demands of caring for two newborns. Recognize that these highs and lows are normal.
It’s important to embrace the wonderful moments and accept that there will be hard ones, too. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or even just vent to a friend.
Remember, you’re not expected to do everything perfectly, and the most important thing is to take care of yourself and your babies.
Creating a Schedule That Works for You and Your Twins
In the early weeks, establishing a schedule can bring a sense of calm to the chaos. While newborns have unpredictable sleep and feeding patterns, aiming for a loose routine can help bring some structure to your day.
Whether it’s setting up regular feeding times or organizing nap schedules, having a rhythm will help everyone adjust. A schedule also allows you to plan breaks for yourself.
However, remember that flexibility is key. Babies grow and change quickly, so expect adjustments as you get to know their individual needs. Over time, you’ll find a routine that works for your family.
Before you go…
As you enter the final weeks of your pregnancy, remember to take care of yourself as much as you’re preparing for your twins. Whether it’s managing your emotions, leaning on your support network, or simply getting in those last few naps, every bit of self-care will help you feel more ready for the incredible adventure of twin motherhood.
Next week, we talk all about preparing for newborn life so you can get everything ready before your big day.
You’ve got this, mama!
Take care and much love.
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