Hello, amazing twin mama! Can you believe you’re 29 weeks pregnant with twins? I used to have to pinch myself to make sure that this was real.
You’re well into the third trimester, and your body has been doing incredible things to support the growth of your two little miracles. There are less than two months to go until you get to meet them!
As you get closer to meeting your twins, your belly will continue to grow and change. This week’s theme is all about celebrating (and managing) your beautiful, growing twin belly—it is probably making quite the statement by now!
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 29 Weeks
At this stage, your belly is likely becoming one of the most prominent features of your pregnancy. With twins, your body is doing double duty, and it’s completely normal to feel amazed—and perhaps a bit overwhelmed—by how much your belly has grown. Many twin moms at 29 weeks notice that they’re about the same size as someone carrying a single baby at full-term. This size increase can bring some discomforts, like back pain, difficulty sleeping, and feeling a bit short of breath, as your body works to accommodate two growing babies.
You might also be feeling mixed emotions. On one hand, you’re proud of what your body is doing. On the other hand, you might be dealing with discomforts that make everyday tasks more challenging. Your feelings are completely valid, and taking time to care for yourself both physically and emotionally is key.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 29 Weeks – Height & Weight
By week 29, your twins are each about the size of a butternut squash. Measuring roughly 15.2 inches (38.6 cm) long and weighing between 2.5 and 3 pounds (1.1-1.4 kg), they’re continuing to grow at a steady pace.
Your Twins’ Fetal Development at 29 Weeks
At 29 weeks, your twins are experiencing exciting developmental milestones as they prepare for life outside the womb.
Their brains are growing rapidly, creating billions of neurons that will soon form complex connections for memory, learning, and sensation. These brain developments also mean they are becoming more responsive to stimuli—they can now sense light through your belly and may even turn their heads toward a bright light source.
Their eyes, which were previously fused shut, are now fully formed and capable of blinking. They are also developing muscle tone and practicing movements like kicking, stretching, and grasping. While their lungs are still maturing, they are now capable of some breathing motions, even though they’re not yet ready to function independently.
Meanwhile, their bones continue to harden, and they’re starting to store more brown fat, which is essential for keeping them warm after birth. Their immune systems are also strengthening, receiving antibodies from you to help protect them during those first few months of life.
What you might be wondering about this week
The Size of Your Belly at Week 29
At 29 weeks, many moms expecting twins find that their belly is considerably larger than that of someone carrying a singleton. It’s not unusual for people to think you’re due any day now, even though you still have a bit to go!
This can sometimes lead to comments from well-meaning friends or strangers about your size, which might feel a bit overwhelming.
Just remember, your body is doing exactly what it needs to do to support your babies. Your growing belly is a sign that your twins are thriving, and that’s something to celebrate. So just ignore those comments mama!
Common Discomforts with a Growing Twin Belly
With a belly that’s expanding quickly, you might be experiencing some discomfort. Common issues at this stage include back pain, pressure on your hips, and difficulty sleeping. The additional weight can strain your muscles and joints, making it harder to move around or find comfortable positions, especially at night.
To ease some of these discomforts, it helps to sleep with a supportive pregnancy pillow or two, which can provide relief to both your back and belly.
Prenatal yoga or gentle stretching exercises can also do wonders for relieving muscle tension and wearing a belly support band during the day can give your back some much-needed support when you’re standing or walking.
Skin Stretching and Stretch Marks
As your belly grows, your skin stretches rapidly, which may result in stretch marks. This is very common, especially in twin pregnancies.
Stretch marks often appear on your belly, hips, and thighs, and while they might be itchy or uncomfortable at times, they’re usually harmless.
To soothe the itchiness and help your skin stay hydrated, try moisturizing with rich creams or oils like shea butter or cocoa butter. Drinking plenty of water can also help keep your skin more elastic.
Late Pregnancy Complications to Watch For
As you move further into your third trimester, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential late pregnancy complications.
With twins, there’s a higher risk for conditions such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
Familiarizing yourself with the signs of these complications—such as severe swelling, persistent headaches, blurred vision, and unusual discharge—can help ensure you get timely medical attention if needed.
You may notice your belly tightening from time to time—this is likely due to Braxton Hicks contractions, which are often referred to as “practice contractions.” These contractions help your body prepare for labor, but they’re usually painless and not as regular as true labor contractions. If they start to feel more frequent or painful, though, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.
Always check in with your healthcare provider if you have concerns, especially since twin pregnancies can sometimes bring unexpected twists.
Finishing Up at Work – Making the Transition from Work to Mama
As your belly grows and your due date approaches, it’s time to start thinking about winding down at work and transitioning into your new role as a mama.
It is recommended that twin moms stop working earlier than those with singletons due to the physical demands of carrying two babies – usually at around 29 weeks.
This can be a bittersweet time—while you’re likely eager to focus on your pregnancy, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious about stepping away from work, especially if it is a career that you love.
Planning your maternity leave, tying up loose ends at the office, and mentally preparing for the transition will make the shift smoother. Be sure to communicate clearly with your employer and coworkers about your leave and any last-minute handovers.
Managing Balance and Mobility with a Twin Belly
A growing twin belly can affect your sense of balance and make moving around a little trickier. Everyday activities like getting out of bed or bending down to pick something up might require more effort, and you may feel a bit unsteady on your feet. As your center of gravity shifts, it’s normal to feel like your balance isn’t quite what it used to be.
Moving slowly and deliberately can help prevent falls, and wearing shoes with good support is important to keep you comfortable and stable. It’s also a great time to accept help from others—whether it’s tying your shoes or carrying heavy items, it’s perfectly okay to let someone else lend a hand!
What to Do if Your Belly Gets Bumped or After a Fall
Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen, and you might bump your belly or experience a fall. If you do take a tumble, try to remain calm. Minor bumps or falls are usually not dangerous for your babies because they’re cushioned by the amniotic fluid and the muscles of your uterus. However, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution.
Here’s what to do after a fall or a significant bump to the belly:
Check how you feel: Take a moment to assess your body for any signs of pain or discomfort, especially around your abdomen, back, or pelvic area.
Monitor baby movements: Pay close attention to your twins’ movements in the hours following the fall. A noticeable decrease in movement could be a sign to contact your healthcare provider.
Watch for warning signs: Look out for symptoms like vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, contractions, or severe pain. These could indicate complications and should be addressed immediately.
Contact your doctor: Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor after a fall or hard bump, especially with twins. They might suggest monitoring you for a few hours or coming in for a quick checkup to ensure everything is okay.
Your healthcare provider is there to help keep you and your babies safe, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure or worried.
Maternity Clothes That Accommodate a Growing Twin Belly
As your belly grows, so does the need for comfortable, accommodating clothing. You may find that some of your maternity clothes from earlier in pregnancy no longer fit well.
Now’s a great time to invest in stretchy, comfortable options like maternity jeans with adjustable waistbands, flowy dresses that allow for extra room, and supportive belly bands.
These can all help you feel more comfortable and supported throughout the day.
Getting Comfortable Sleeping
As your belly continues to grow, finding a comfortable sleeping position can feel nearly impossible. Side sleeping, particularly on your left side, is the best option at this stage of pregnancy because it promotes better circulation for both you and your babies. However, even side sleeping can become uncomfortable with a larger belly.
Using a pregnancy pillow to support your belly and placing a cushion between your knees can help relieve pressure and make sleeping a little easier.
If heartburn or breathing issues are keeping you awake, try elevating your upper body slightly with extra pillows.
Belly Support During Daily Activities
Your growing belly may start to feel heavy, especially during daily activities like walking, standing for extended periods, or even doing light chores.
Using a belly support band can make a big difference by distributing the weight more evenly and taking some of the strain off your back and pelvis. This extra support can help reduce back pain and make it easier to stay active and comfortable throughout the day.
Before you go…
Your growing twin belly is a beautiful testament to the life you’re creating. While it comes with its fair share of challenges, it’s also a reminder of the incredible journey you’re on. And as strange as it sounds, you will miss your big belly once your babies have arrived!
Embrace the changes, take time to care for yourself, and celebrate how far you’ve come.
You’re doing an amazing job, mama! Keep going—you’re one step closer to meeting your two little miracles.
Take care and much love.
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