Hey mama, you’ve made it to week 27! Can you believe how quickly time is flying by?
With your due date getting closer, it’s time to start thinking about the big day—the day you’ll finally meet your two beautiful babies. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, know that it’s completely normal. It’s all a new experience, right? Remember to lean on your partner, friends and family so they can help support you. And talk with your pregnancy team about any concerns you have.
This week, we’re focusing on preparing for the big day – your babies birth day and I’ve got some practical advice and things for you to consider to make the day as special as it can be.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 27 Weeks
By week 27, you’re likely feeling the full weight of carrying not one but two little bundles of joy. Twin pregnancies can come with their own unique set of challenges, and at this stage, you might be feeling extra tired, your back might be aching, and sleeping comfortably could feel like an Olympic event!
If you’re noticing more swelling in your feet and hands or having trouble catching your breath, don’t worry—these are all common symptoms as your body works hard to support two growing babies.
Here are some tips to manage your symptoms this week:
Rest often: Your body is working double-time, so it’s important to take breaks and put your feet up whenever possible.
Stay hydrated: Swelling can be exacerbated by dehydration, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Find comfortable sleep positions: A pregnancy pillow (or three) can be your best friend, helping you find that elusive comfy spot at night. Remember that sleeping on your side is recommended, as we talked about way back in Week 18.
Talk to your doctor: If your swelling seems excessive or you’re feeling unusually breathless, check in with your healthcare provider.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 27 Weeks – Height & Weight
By week 27, your twins are each about the size of a cauliflower head, measuring around 14.5 inches (37 cm) long and weighing about 2 pounds (900 g).
At this stage, it’s not uncommon for your twins to start varying in size a little, especially if you’re carrying fraternal twins. But don’t worry—your care team will keep an eye on their growth to ensure both babies are thriving.
Your Twins’ Fetal Development at 27 Weeks
At 27 weeks, your twins are making significant developmental strides as they prepare for life outside the womb.
Their brains are rapidly growing and becoming more complex, starting to form those distinctive ridges and grooves that increase their brain’s surface area. Their ability to process information, regulate body functions, and even prepare for memory development is all beginning now.
Their eyes can now open and respond to light, and if you were to shine a flashlight on your belly, your twins might respond by moving around! However, although they can perceive light, their eyesight is still developing, so it will be a while before they can focus clearly.
Their lungs continue to mature, and the production of surfactant helps to prepare them for breathing air after birth. Even though they’re still practicing “breathing” by inhaling amniotic fluid, this is a crucial step toward their first breaths outside the womb.
One of the biggest changes happening right now is fat accumulation. Before this point, your twins were quite lean, but now they’re starting to build up layers of fat beneath their skin. This fat will not only help them regulate their body temperature after birth but will also give them that adorably chubby newborn appearance. Fat is an important energy reserve that will help your babies transition from the womb to the outside world.
Your twins are also starting to develop more regular sleep and wake cycles. They’re likely spending more time in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the stage of sleep associated with dreaming. It’s fascinating to think they might be having their first dreams right now!
By now, your twins’ sense of touch is also becoming more refined. They can grasp the umbilical cord, touch their faces, or even hold onto their twin sibling. This sense of touch helps them explore their immediate surroundings and may even help them develop motor skills.
Finally, their immune systems are getting a beautiful boost as antibodies pass from you to them, helping to protect them from infections after birth.
Your babies are doing amazing things mama – you must be getting so excited to meet them.
What you might be wondering about this week
Having twins is a pretty special and momentous occasion and I am sure you are starting to picture what the actual day of your twins’ birth will be like. Who should be there to support you? How can you make the birth experience more comfortable and memorable? What happens if things don’t go exactly as planned?
Now is the time to start thinking through these details, so when the day comes, you’ll feel prepared, empowered, and ready to welcome your twins into the world. Let’s dive into some key aspects of planning for the day of your delivery.
Creating a Twin Birth Plan
As we discussed in our 25 Weeks Pregnant with Twins article, a birth plan helps outline your ideal scenario for how you would like your twins birth day to go.
You’ll want to include your desired delivery method, whether it’s a vaginal birth, planned cesarean, or a combination of the two (which can happen if one twin is delivered vaginally and the second by C-section). Other considerations might include preferences for pain management, who you’d like in the room, and your wishes for after delivery, such as immediate skin-to-skin contact, cord blood collection, who will cut the cords etc.
And since twin births can sometimes take unexpected turns, keeping your plan flexible will help you stay calm if changes arise.
Who Do You Want at the Birth? Navigating Difficult Conversations
Deciding who will be present at the birth of your twins can be an emotional decision, especially if family and friends have their own expectations.
It’s important to think about who will provide YOU the most support during this time. You might want your partner, a close family member, or even a trusted friend there with you, but don’t feel pressured to include everyone.
And have these conversations now rather than on the day to avoid any extra stress.
If conversations get tricky, be honest about your needs and boundaries. This is your special day, and the focus should be on what makes you feel calm and supported—not on accommodating everyone else’s wishes.
Using a Birth Doula: Is it Right for Your Twin Birth?
A birth doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
For twin pregnancies, doulas can be particularly helpful, offering personalized guidance through the sometimes more complex experience of a twin birth.
Whether you’re aiming for a vaginal birth or a scheduled cesarean, a doula can help you feel more in control and calm by supporting your birth preferences and helping you manage labor discomfort.
If you’re interested, look for a doula with experience in multiple births, and check with your hospital or birthing center about their policies regarding doula involvement.
Using a Birth Photographer: Capturing the Magic of Twin Birth
For many parents, capturing the birth of their twins is a special way to remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A birth photographer can help you document everything from labor to the first moments you meet your babies.
If you’re considering hiring one, now is the time to start searching for someone who is comfortable working in a hospital or birthing center setting, especially if you’re having a C-section.
Keep in mind, many hospitals have specific guidelines around photography during delivery, so it’s important to discuss your wishes with the hospital and your medical team beforehand to avoid any on the day disappointment.
I had an amazing birth photographer who was lucky enough to be allowed into the recovery room with me, so I ended up with some super special first cuddles and first feed shots that are just priceless. She also came back to our room with us and took some other gorgeous newborn photos that are just beautiful to look back on now.
Things to Help During Birth: Comfort Measures for a Twin Delivery
Whether you’re planning a vaginal birth or a cesarean, comfort measures can make a big difference.
For vaginal births, consider using techniques like breathing exercises, visualization, or a birthing ball to help ease labor discomfort. Massage tools or hot packs can also be great for relieving back pain.
If you’re having a C-section, think about how to make the experience as comfortable as possible, such as bringing your own pillow, your favorite essential oils, or music to help you relax.
These small touches can help reduce stress and make the birth experience more positive, regardless of the delivery method.
Packing Your Hospital Bag for a Twin Delivery: Essentials for You and the Babies
As we discussed last week, packing your hospital bag for twins requires a bit more preparation than for a singleton, but with some thoughtful planning, you’ll be ready for the big day.
You’ll need double the newborn essentials—two sets of clothes, hats, blankets, swaddles, and diapers.
Don’t forget items for yourself, like comfy pajamas with a loose waistband that won’t pull against a c-section wound, a gorgeous robe, and nursing bras and tops if you plan to breastfeed.
Hospitals usually provide postpartum supplies, but you may want to pack your own preferred items like pads (you will go through heaps) or perineal spray.
For your support person, include snacks, phone chargers, and toiletries, as they’ll be by your side for a long stretch.
Having everything ready can help ease your mind and let you focus on your delivery.
Preparing for the NICU: What to Know and How to Cope
Since twin pregnancies often come with a higher risk of premature birth, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for the possibility of a NICU stay.
While not all twins require time in the NICU, knowing what to expect can help ease some anxiety.
If your babies do need extra care, you can still bond with them through skin-to-skin contact (when possible) and feeding, whether that’s through breast milk or formula.
Many NICUs encourage parental involvement, so ask how you can participate in your babies’ care.
Preparing emotionally for this possibility and having support in place will help you cope if a NICU stay becomes part of your birth journey.
Additionally, if there are complications during or after birth and one or both of your babies require a bit of extra support or medical interventions after birth, it is important that you have discussed in advance what you want your partner to do – stay with you, or go with the babies. Being clear about this in advance will ensure these sometimes difficult discussions aren’t being held in a high-stress situation.
Before you go…
While each birth experience is unique, planning ahead can make a world of difference in helping you feel empowered and ready to welcome your babies. And, while things may not go as you planned them, thinking through the various possible outcomes ahead of time will help minimize any additional emotional stress on the day.
You are your babies’ biggest advocate, and having their best interests at heart will ensure that everything goes as well as it can on the day.
You’ve got this mama, and I will be back next week where we talk about feeding those precious babies of yours.
Take care and much love.
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