Hello there, twin mama! Can you believe you’re already nine weeks into this exciting twin pregnancy journey? You’ve probably been feeling all kinds of emotions—maybe some excitement, a little anxiety, and, well, let’s not forget about the nausea.
Growing not one but two tiny humans is no small feat, but you’re doing it, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
By this point, you’re probably starting to adjust to the reality that you’re having twins, and with that comes some important things to consider when it comes to your health and well-being.
Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your babies, so today, we’re going to discuss your twin pregnancy health.
From finding the right healthcare provider to managing morning sickness and making sure you’re getting all the proper nutrients, there’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started, mama!
How Are You Feeling, Mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 9 weeks
At week 9, you’re still in the first trimester, which can bring a whirlwind of symptoms—especially with twins. Some of the most common ones you might be feeling include fatigue, nausea, and mood swings. Your body is working extra hard to grow two babies, so it’s no surprise you might be feeling more drained than if you were carrying just one.
- Morning sickness: It’s likely you’ve been battling morning sickness (maybe all-day sickness is more like it?), which can be more intense in twin pregnancies due to higher levels of the hormone hCG. While nausea is a sign that your pregnancy hormones are surging, it’s still no fun to deal with. We’ll talk more later about some tips for managing this symptom.
- Fatigue: Growing two babies means your body is doubling down on the work. You may find that even the simplest tasks leave you feeling utterly exhausted. Don’t hesitate to rest as much as you can. Now is the time to lean into naps and let others help out when needed.
- Mood swings: The hormonal rollercoaster is real, and you might be feeling more emotional than usual. Whether it’s crying over a commercial or feeling overwhelmed with happiness, just know that these emotions are completely normal.
As always, listen to your body, rest when you need to, and stay hydrated.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 9 Weeks – Height & Weight
Now, let’s talk about your little miracles! At 9 weeks, your twins are each about the size of a cherry or a grape—roughly 0.9 inches long—and weigh about 0.07 ounces. While they’re still small, so much is happening inside your womb.
Your Twins Fetal Development at 9 weeks
By week 9, the basic structure of their bodies is already in place. Their little arms and legs are growing, and they’re even starting to develop fingers and toes. Tiny muscles and bones are forming, laying the groundwork for all those kicks and stretches you’ll feel down the road.
Their beautiful faces are becoming more defined as their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth take shape. Though their eyelids are fused shut for now, they’re already beginning to look more like the little babies you’ll soon meet.
Major organs are continuing to develop and grow. Their hearts are now fully formed and beating at around 170 beats per minute, and their brains are rapidly forming new neural connections. They’re also starting to develop their digestive and respiratory systems.
Even though you can’t feel it yet, your twins are already moving around in your womb. They’re stretching, wiggling, and even making tiny jerking motions as their muscles and nervous system develop.
It’s amazing to think how much is happening at such a small size! These early weeks are all about growth and development, and your babies are working hard to get stronger every day.
What You Might Be Wondering About This Week
Finding the right Doctor for Your Twin Pregnancy
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy is choosing the right healthcare provider who specializes in twin pregnancies. Having twins means you may need extra monitoring and care compared to a singleton pregnancy, so finding someone experienced in managing multiples is key.
In many countries, you can choose between different types of healthcare providers:
- Obstetrician (OB): An OB specializes in pregnancy and childbirth, and may be the best option if you’re carrying twins, as they’re well-equipped to manage high-risk pregnancies.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist (MFM): Also known as a perinatologist, this is an OB who has additional training in high-risk pregnancies like twins. They will often work with your primary OB to ensure you and your babies are getting specialized care.
- Midwife: Some midwives have experience with twin pregnancies, and they can be a great option if you’re looking for more personalized and holistic care. However, depending on the complexity of your pregnancy, you may need to see an OB or MFM for extra monitoring.
It’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with, who listens to your concerns, and understands the unique needs of a twin pregnancy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get recommendations from other moms of twins in your community.
Twin Pregnancy Health and Supplements
When you’re pregnant with twins, taking the right supplements is crucial for both your health and the health of your babies. Growing two babies means your body has higher nutritional needs, and supplements can help fill in any gaps.
- Folic acid: This is an essential supplement in any pregnancy, but especially for twins. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. The recommended dose for twin pregnancies is usually higher so talk with your healthcare provider about the dose they recommend for you.
- Iron: Your blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy, and even more so when you’re carrying twins. Iron helps your body produce the extra red blood cells needed to support your growing babies. Many moms-to-be develop anemia in twin pregnancies, so your provider may recommend an iron supplement to keep your levels in check.
- Prenatal vitamins: A high-quality prenatal vitamin is a must, and it should contain additional nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development). Make sure the vitamin you choose is twin-friendly and contains the extra amounts your body needs.
Managing Morning Sickness With Twins
Ah, morning sickness. It can be rough—especially when you’re expecting two babies. But don’t worry, there are ways to manage it and hopefully make things a little easier:
- Eat small, frequent meals: Instead of sticking to three large meals, try eating smaller meals every couple of hours. This can help keep nausea at bay and prevent your stomach from being empty, which often makes morning sickness worse.
- Ginger: Ginger is a natural remedy that many pregnant women swear by. Ginger tea, ginger candies, or even ginger ale (the real kind, with ginger root) can help soothe your stomach.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea, so sip on water, electrolyte drinks, or ice chips throughout the day. If water isn’t sitting well, try drinking liquids in between meals instead of with food.
- Talk to your doctor: If your nausea is severe, talk to your healthcare provider. There are safe medications that can help control nausea during pregnancy, especially if it’s affecting your ability to eat or stay hydrated.
Growing Two Babies: How Is It Different From One?
Growing twins is different from growing one baby in a few key ways. Your body is doing double the work, which means you’ll likely feel more symptoms, need more rest, and require extra monitoring. Some of the main differences include:
- Higher hormone levels: As mentioned before, hCG levels are typically higher in twin pregnancies, which can intensify symptoms like morning sickness and fatigue.
- Increased nutritional needs: We touched on this earlier, but your body needs more calories, vitamins, and minerals to support two babies. You’ll likely need to eat more often and focus on nutrient-rich foods to stay energized and keep your babies growing strong.
- More monitoring: You will be scheduled for more frequent ultrasounds and check-ups to monitor your babies’ growth and ensure everything is progressing as it should. Especially if you are having identical twins. This is normal in a twin pregnancy and helps catch any potential issues early on.
Nutritional Needs in a Twin Pregnancy
Eating well during your twin pregnancy is essential. Not only do you need to fuel your own body, but you’re also growing two little ones who need plenty of nutrients. Here’s what to focus on:
- Protein: Protein is the building block for your babies’ growth, and you’ll need more of it than if you were carrying just one baby. Aim for about 75-100 grams of protein per day from sources like lean meats, eggs, beans, and dairy.
- Calcium: Calcium supports your babies’ developing bones and teeth, and helps protect your own bone density during pregnancy. Aim to eat a good range of dairy products, leafy greens, or take supplements if needed.
- Iron-rich foods: Along with taking an iron supplement, be sure to eat plenty of iron-rich foods like lean red meat, spinach, and lentils. This helps keep your energy levels up and supports the increased blood supply needed for your twins.
Recommended Scans: Your First Twin Ultrasound
Around 8-9 weeks, you may be scheduled for your first twin ultrasound. This is a special moment where you’ll get to see your babies for the first time! So exciting – being able to see them was my favorite part of pregnancy – it helped to make it real.
During this scan, your healthcare provider will confirm the number of babies, check their heartbeats, and estimate their due date.
This ultrasound is also important for determining whether your twins share a placenta (monochorionic) or have their own (dichorionic), which can affect how closely your pregnancy will be monitored. We will be covering all of this in Week 10 of our Twins Pregnancy Series.
Seeing those two little heartbeats flickering on the screen is an unforgettable experience—you’re sure to fall even more in love with your little ones! And don’t forget to ask the sonographer to give you a screenshot printout to take home.
Wrapping Up Week 9
You’re doing an incredible job, mama. Growing two babies is no easy task, but you’re handling it like a pro. Remember to take care of yourself, rest as much as possible, and talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns you have. By focusing on your health and making sure you’re getting the right nutrients, you’re giving your twins the best possible start.
We’re cheering you on every step of the way! See you next week for more twin pregnancy insights and support.
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.
