Pregnancy with twins: what to expect for the expectant mother?

Interesting Facts

Your baby is the size of

Mexican turnip

440 mm Size

1900 g Weight

You are probably finding it increasingly difficult to feel comfortable right now. You may get tired quickly, suffer from insomnia, and experience frequent pain in your legs and lower back. Be patient! There is very little time left to wait. Very soon you will have a beautiful baby, and unpleasant symptoms will be a thing of the past. Now you can help yourself by tuning into positive emotions and listening to the sensations in your body. Let's find out what happens to the mother and fetus during this period, but let's start with the “arithmetic”.

How you feel

At 31–32 weeks of pregnancy, expectant mothers experience an increased feeling of fatigue. Due to the enlargement of the abdomen and the displacement of internal organs, you have to experience many inconveniences. This period is characterized by pain in the hypochondrium and lower back, the latter often radiating to the buttocks and legs. It’s hard for you to walk, it’s almost impossible to choose a comfortable position for sleeping, and you’re worried about the frequent urge to urinate. Laughter, sneezing and coughing are sometimes accompanied by mild urinary incontinence. Exercises aimed at strengthening the pelvic muscles will help get rid of this problem.

Due to compression of the digestive organs at 32 weeks of pregnancy, bitterness in the mouth, heartburn, belching and bloating appear. Almost every pregnant woman is familiar with constipation and hemorrhoids. Another problem that expectant mothers face is difficulty breathing. Sitting increases the pressure of the uterus on the diaphragm and lungs, which can cause you to feel short of breath, gag, and dizzy.

You probably already have swelling. At 31–32 weeks of pregnancy, the problem may worsen. If the swelling is minor, there is no particular reason for concern, you just need to adjust your diet - to do this you need to reduce your salt intake and drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid every day. But if swelling does not go away for a long time, tell your doctor about it, as it may be a sign of gestosis, kidney dysfunction or high blood pressure.

Feelings of the expectant mother

Frequent companions of a pregnant woman at 33 weeks are heartburn, nausea and shortness of breath. These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes in the body. To maintain pregnancy, progesterone relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including the sphincters of the digestive tract. Therefore, gastric juice is released onto the esophageal mucosa and irritates it.

After physical activity, and sometimes suddenly, you may feel a tugging in your stomach and lower back, as if everything is turning to stone. The condition does not last long and goes away on its own when you change position. These are training fights. It is believed that this is how the body prepares for the upcoming labor.

If at 33 weeks you sometimes feel rhythmic twitching in your stomach, then most likely the baby is hiccupping at this moment. This releases excess amniotic fluid, which the baby swallows. This is not dangerous. You can help him cope with hiccups faster if you breathe deeply and measuredly and change your body position.

Height, weight and development of the fetus at 33 weeks

The child is growing, his weight at this stage is about two kilograms, his length is 43-44 cm. Your baby is the size of a pineapple.

At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the baby sees perfectly, distinguishes between light and dark and focuses his gaze on something specific. The baby enjoys playing with his body and umbilical cord. At week 33, the pulmonary system continues its development and will only fully mature for the birth itself, but even now, in some cases, the lungs will be able to start working if it is suddenly needed. The heart becomes stronger, and with it the blood vessels. The kidneys are now ready to filter.

The final stage of development is the formation of the nervous, immune and endocrine systems. The child's body parts are proportional. The baby continues to gain subcutaneous fat. Now his face is less wrinkled and his cheeks are bigger. There is still not enough fat fiber and if babies are born prematurely they will not be able to retain heat. These babies are maintained at the required temperature using a heating pad and an incubator.

At 33 weeks of pregnancy, fetal movements in the womb decrease. The child grows and takes even more of everything necessary for his development. It becomes more difficult for him to tumble and roll over. Little by little, the times when a baby could easily spin and wave his arms and legs are becoming a thing of the past. The baby's weight limits his freedom of action, reducing the free space in the placenta. Now every movement of the baby is constrained.

In case of premature birth at this stage it is not harmful for mother and baby. He will be able to survive in ordinary human conditions of existence, without the support of doctors.

The only negative is that the body of children born at this stage will not be able to independently regulate its heat exchange due to insufficient development of the subcutaneous layer.

At 33 weeks, usually, the baby takes its final position, closer to the “exit”, that is, its head takes place at the entrance to the pelvis. Obstetricians say so - cephalic presentation of the fetus. The reverse position is also safe, since with proper assistance during childbirth, the baby will be able to come into the world without any problems. If at 33 weeks a woman in labor has a transverse presentation, then she will most likely be required to have a caesarean section.

Fetal development

The average weight of a child at 33 weeks of pregnancy is 1.9 kg, and his height is about 44 cm, so it becomes more crowded in the uterus. But, despite this, you continue to feel the movements of the fetus, by which you can judge its well-being. Be sure to tell your gynecologist if you count less than 10 episodes of physical activity in 12 hours.

If the baby doesn’t move much, the doctor will listen to his heartbeat and, if necessary, prescribe an ultrasound to rule out developmental pathologies. Sharp and rough tremors are also an unfavorable symptom: they are often observed against the background of oxygen starvation of the fetus.

Twins development week by week

During pregnancy with twins, children develop more intensively in utero:

Tests and ultrasound

The thirty-third week of pregnancy is the optimal time for the third ultrasound. His goals:

• assess whether fetal development indicators are normal;
• determine the maturity of the placenta;
• measure the volume of amniotic fluid.

The results of the study are important for determining the method of delivery, since cesarean section is often recommended for breech presentation.

During your third trimester, you will be asked to have a cardiotocography, or CTG, done at each gynecology visit. You rest reclining on a couch for 30 minutes while special sensors on your abdomen measure the fetal heartbeat. Also, by pressing a button, the woman records every episode of movement.

CTG interpretation during pregnancy of 33 weeks is carried out by a gynecologist on the same day, most often immediately in the presence of the pregnant woman. One of the main indicators is BHR - basal heart rate. Normally, it should be between 120 and 160 beats per minute.

What do they look for on an ultrasound?

What do they look for on an ultrasound at 30 weeks of pregnancy? This diagnostic method allows you to estimate the size and weight of the child. Together with data on the size of the mother’s pelvis, the issue of labor management tactics is resolved. It is possible to conduct childbirth through the natural birth canal or by surgical intervention - caesarean section.

Mother's condition

This diagnostic technique makes it possible to visually determine the condition of the mother’s internal organs, in particular the uterus and its appendages. In some situations, various diseases and pathological processes are identified that can interfere with physiological labor (for example, tumors).

A preventive examination of the pelvic organs is also carried out to determine inflammatory processes and other pathologies, if any.

Child's condition

Ultrasound of the fetus at 32 weeks of pregnancy aims to determine the final position of the fetus in the womb. This, as well as fetometry data, allows you to choose the optimal option for managing childbirth. The fetal heartbeat is also assessed - the frequency and rhythm of heart contractions are analyzed. It is clarified whether there is any entanglement in the umbilical cord.

It is possible to detect congenital developmental pathologies in the third trimester. They develop as a result of the mother’s exposure to various viral diseases, injuries received during pregnancy, or for other reasons (for example, genetically determined).

Also an important point of screening during the third trimester

is to determine and clarify the location of the placenta.

Baby's weight at 32 weeks

Normally, the weight of the fetus at the beginning of the third trimester ranges from 1300 to 1500 g. Slight deviations from these indicators are possible. If the child’s weight is 2500 g or more, then they speak of a tendency for the development of a large fetus. At the time of birth, its weight can reach more than 4 kg. It is also possible that the body weight indicator may deviate downward. At the same time, during an ultrasound examination, all body systems are carefully checked to determine whether the child is underdeveloped.

Fetal development

During the third trimester, ultrasound clearly shows high fetal motor activity. At this stage, most systems are already practically formed. The specialist studies in detail the state of the cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal and other systems of the fetus.

Possible complications

At 33 weeks of pregnancy, you may more often feel pain in the bones in the pelvis and pubic area. This happens because under the influence of the hormone relaxin, ligaments and bone tissue become softer and more elastic. There is no reason to worry: this is how the pelvis is gradually preparing for the upcoming birth. But if the pain is unbearable, then we can already talk about inflammation of the pubic bone. In this case, a caesarean section is prescribed.

Other difficulties of pregnancy at 33 weeks are:

What happens in the body of a pregnant woman at 33 weeks

Weight gain at 33 weeks of pregnancy ranges from 6.8 kg (with a BMI of more than 26) to 11.9 kg (with a BMI of less than 19.8). During the 33rd week, a woman’s weight normally increases to 500 grams. If the weight increases very quickly, but the woman does not overeat, this indicates edema. In this case, you will need to take an additional urine test for protein to check the condition of your kidneys.

At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the future mother's belly continues to grow, causing more and more discomfort while sleeping, walking or doing business. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus rises even higher and puts even more pressure on the stomach and other organs.

The pregnant woman still experiences heartburn and sometimes belches. It becomes difficult to breathe and shortness of breath appears after physical activity. After a couple of weeks, the pregnant woman’s belly will begin to drop down and the woman will feel a little better.

Swelling during pregnancy at this stage is a widespread phenomenon. Expectant mothers complain of swelling of the legs (especially in the ankles), which worsens after physical activity or a walk. Swelling of the legs in pregnant women is associated with a violation of the speed of blood flow: after all, the growing uterus puts pressure not only on the internal organs, but also on the blood vessels. And the blood, being under pressure, retains water in the legs.

To prevent edema during rest, it is necessary to place your feet above your head, for example, on a pillow or a rolled-up blanket, wear comfortable shoes for pregnant women and perform special exercises. It is not recommended for a pregnant woman to stand, sit, or stay in stuffy rooms for a long time. A pregnant woman's diet should be balanced and healthy.

To prevent swelling, it is necessary to limit or completely eliminate the consumption of salt, salty foods and spicy foods. Salt tends to retain fluid in the body, and generously spiced dishes can cause not only an attack of heartburn, but also severe thirst.

How to prevent stretch marks from appearing

It is difficult to predict their appearance: neither heredity nor the absence of stretch marks in previous pregnancies guarantees that this time too you will manage without them. It is extremely difficult to get rid of stretch marks that have already appeared. Therefore, the best option is prevention. It includes:

• daily systematic body skin care using moisturizers or special creams against stretch marks;
• proper nutrition high in vitamins and minerals, polyunsaturated acids, fiber;
• weight control - do not allow sudden gain;
• wearing a bandage and support underwear;
• light massage of problem areas.

A contrast shower promotes blood circulation and makes tissue more elastic. Exercising during pregnancy will not only help keep your body in good shape, but will also improve the condition of your skin.

Mom at thirty-third week

After 32 and 33 weeks of pregnancy, it is recommended to visit the gynecologist at least once a week so that the doctor monitors all changes. You should not hide anything from a specialist and fear hospitalization.

If it is required, then you need to agree. At home, it is impossible to ensure complete rest for a pregnant woman and round-the-clock medical monitoring of her condition.

Feelings of the expectant mother (heartburn, heaviness, etc.)

Despite the excellent health of the baby in the womb, the pregnant mother may experience anxiety and constant fatigue, become whiny and touchy. This behavior at 33 weeks of pregnancy is explained by fear of the birth process, as well as unpleasant sensations. A woman may be bothered by frequent urge to go to the toilet, heartburn, discomfort in the abdominal area and much more.

The baby at 32 and 33 weeks practically does not cause any unusual changes. It also puts pressure on the bladder, which explains the frequent trips to the restroom. Sometimes constipation occurs due to high pressure on the colon. The stomach makes it difficult to bend over and put on shoes on your own, and the load on the spine and limbs increases. The feet swell, and a nagging pain appears in the back and lower abdomen when walking.

If the baby has turned over and is positioned with his legs up, then when kicked, severe pain is felt in the ribs. The nausea has long passed, but now a problem arises - heartburn. The child squeezes the internal organs, the gastric juice rises higher and causes a burning sensation in the esophagus. Heartburn and difficulties with the toilet will go away when the tummy drops a little, as can be seen in the photo.

Woman's appearance: chest, abdominal circumference

Changes in the figure during pregnancy by the 33rd week depend on many factors: the lifestyle of the expectant mother, nutrition and heredity. Some hardly gain any pounds while carrying a child and boast of a good figure after childbirth. It is possible for all women to notice a rounded face, enlarged arms, legs and breasts during pregnancy. Rings and shoes become small, but this does not depend on weight. Swelling has a negative effect on the appearance - fluid accumulates in the fingers and feet.

Breasts increase by 1-2 sizes throughout pregnancy. A light massage and body care products will help you avoid stretch marks. Rarely, itching of the skin occurs, signaling thinning of the dermis. It is better to replace a regular bra with a special one - without hard wires and tight narrow straps.

The weight gain of a pregnant woman by the 8th month is 10–14 kg, in 7 days it increases to 500 g. The average abdominal circumference is 85–90 cm. The uterus is located 13 cm from the navel.

Discharge: norm and pathology

An alarming signal is red and scarlet discharge from the genitals, even if they are not accompanied by pain. Normally, it is believed that a woman at 33 weeks may experience the discharge of colorless, odorless mucus, no itching or burning. If you notice discomfort in the genital area and unusual discharge, you should seek help from a doctor.

Normal secretions also include colostrum, which can be released from the breast at this stage - this is how the mammary glands prepare to produce milk. You can't squeeze it out on purpose.

The cause of white, yellow, brown and curdled discharge lies in sexually transmitted diseases or diseases of the genitourinary system. At all stages, pathologies are dangerous for the baby, since some of them can be transmitted to him during birth. It will not be superfluous to undergo an examination and take the necessary tests for infections.

Ultrasound indicators

An ultrasound examination is an important procedure for pregnant women and is usually performed three times during the entire pregnancy. By the thirty-third week, the last ultrasound is performed, but an additional procedure is possible if there are indications for this. You cannot refuse to conduct the study; it helps to identify pathologies and entanglements in the umbilical cord.

The doctor evaluates the development of the fetus, its activity, size and heartbeat. It will not be possible to see the entire child on the monitor screen - he is too big. For many parents, one of the exciting moments is finding out the gender of the baby. By 32–33 weeks it is already known who will be born. However, sometimes it is difficult to examine the genitals due to the characteristics of the uterus, the weight and active movements of the child.

The doctor determines the amount of amniotic fluid, the condition of the placenta (the degree of maturity should be 1-2, thickness - up to 40 mm, structure - homogeneous), readiness of the uterus for the birth process. Next, the specialist writes down the results and clarifies the expected date of birth, but it may be moved several times to an earlier or later date.

Many people do not understand the decoding of the research results, since they are written in the form of letters and numbers. Fetometry refers to all the dimensional characteristics of the baby, which are entered into the table. In the results you can see the following designations of the main indicators:

• biparental fetal head size (BFS) – 77–91 mm;
• coccygeal-parietal size (CTP) – 290–300 mm;
• chest diameter (CHD) – 83–88 mm;
• abdominal circumference (AC) – 267–325 mm;
• thigh length (DB) – 58–68 mm.

Some of them at 33 weeks differ from the norm, but this is not scary. The specialist will definitely tell you if he sees a clear deviation. During an ultrasound, fetal presentation is also determined. At this stage, the baby should already be positioned head down.

The next indicator of concern is the acronym “AI”. This is the amount of amniotic fluid, which should be 72–280 mm.

The procedure is necessary for the expectant mother to examine her body and assess her readiness for the birth process. Studying the condition of the uterus and uterine pharynx helps to identify hypertonicity of the uterine muscles, as well as shortening of the cervix and the risk of premature birth. Both pathologies respond well to therapy.

Ultrasound is extremely necessary in some cases. Sometimes the expectant mother during pregnancy is bothered by severe pain in the lower abdomen and brown discharge. In such cases, consulting a doctor is a must.

Nutrition and lifestyle

It is important to monitor your diet throughout your pregnancy. Under no circumstances should you overeat or, conversely, starve. Lack of food will negatively affect the baby's development, and gluttony will cause abdominal pain and nausea. It is recommended to eat little by little (ideally, the size of a single serving is how much fits in one palm) up to 5–7 times a day. There is no need to skip dinner and snacks. If you want to eat before going to bed, it is recommended to choose dry cookies, kefir or light fruit.

It is better to remove fatty, salty, spicy foods, as well as baked goods and sweets from the menu. You should consume such food no more than once every 7 days in small quantities. It is unacceptable to eat exotic fruits and spices, so as not to provoke an allergic reaction and intestinal upset. A pregnant woman's diet consists of fresh vegetables, fruits, cereals, and low-fat soups. Sweet soda, coffee and alcohol must be replaced with natural compotes, clean drinking water and green tea.

Intimacy while carrying a child is allowed if there is no threat of miscarriage or other indications. Don’t be embarrassed to ask your gynecologist about this after the examination. Perhaps some changes have occurred in the body, and the doctor forgot to warn how dangerous it is. Fast and sudden movements should be avoided so as not to cause discomfort in the woman.

Strong physical activity will not interfere with the expectant mother. Regular gymnastics for pregnant women, swimming and yoga will have a positive effect on your figure, preparing the body for stress. Just like during sex, sudden movements should be avoided. If you feel unwell, stop training immediately.

Checklist for 33 weeks of pregnancy

• Find out at your chosen maternity hospital what you can and cannot take with you. Already now you can collect 3 bags: for the maternity and postpartum ward, as well as things for discharge.
• If you are worried about swelling in your legs, wear anti-varicose jersey and comfortable shoes. This will prevent stagnation of venous blood and improve placental blood flow.
• Be with friends more often, go to interesting places or just visit. The first months after the birth of a baby are often associated with the forced social isolation of the mother. So enjoy the company while you can.

You can apply for an exchange card, sick leave certificates and various certificates by contacting the Women's Medical Center. Forget about long waits at the door of a specialist. We pay close attention to each of our patients and do everything possible to make her stay at the Center as comfortable as possible.