Twin Pregnancy Update – Weeks 21 & 22

How Many Weeks: Currently 22 weeks pregnant with twins

Babies Update: I had my twin growth scan yesterday and the twins are both looking super healthy! They are both 1 pound 1 ounce which is right on track (the scale is against a singleton pregnancy). It’s also great that they weight the exact same – and their heart rates were really similar too! They both had adequate (but not too much) fluid around them which is another thing they check for. My apps tell me they’re roughly the size of an ear of corn or a small spaghetti squash.

Weight Gain: 21 pounds (I had actually gained 21 pounds at 24 weeks pregnant with Siena so not far off!). They’re packing on at a steady rate of 2 pounds per week at this point. There’s a researcher who encourages twin moms to gain 24 pounds by 24 weeks. I actually asked my doctor about this woman’s (Barbara Luke) findings (she encourages a very high calorie diet) and he told me to just listen to my body and not worry about it. Well, thats what I’ve been doing but somehow I’m on track to hit the 24 pounds by 24 week milestone (I mean I do eat two breakfasts every day…). So I guess it worked itself out! I’ve heard twin weight gain and slow or even stop in the third trimester so the second trimester is all about putting on the weight, so I feel like I’m on track.

Movement: Baby A (on the lower left of my belly) is moving and grooving a lot and I love feeling her!  Baby B’s (who is on the upper right) placenta is on the top, blocking my ability to feel her movement as much for now (which worries me at times).

Symptoms: Weakened immune system – I got pretty wrecked by a cold last week. Siena got it too but Mike didn’t at all. It was pretty miserable not being able to take anything and it was tough to sleep at times. Siena missed school and my mom didn’t come so by the end of the week I was desperately needing a break and some relief.

Cravings/Food Aversions: Nothing really – thankfully all the aversions are gone! I’ve been trying to eat more protein lately as I realized a lot of my snacks were being carbs (aka toast, siena’s crackers) so I’ve been having more almonds, greek yogurt, and Shakeology for snacks (there have also been plenty of sweets with all the events and parties we’ve been going to).

Purchasing/Borrowing: Nothing much for me or the twins in the last two weeks.

Maternity Clothes: I’m 100% in maternity jeans/bottoms but still wearing some regular workout pants. Still wearing some non maternity tops as well but majority of clothes are maternity at this point.

Exercise: Somehow still running! I didn’t run at all during the week I had a cold (I attempted a 3 mile run but it turned into 80% walking, partially because it was 80 degrees out) but this week so far I did a 4.5 mile run w/ the stroller and a 4 mile run with Kelley this morning. I’m slowing down and need more breaks now but not stopping yet! On Monday I met my other friend Kelly for a walk (she’s pregnant and done running) and we climbed some stairs. I’m also still doing Beachbody workouts at home and last week tried the Pre-natal second trimester yoga which I loved! 

Best Moments: Seeing our girls again on the ultrasound with the specialist. This one wasn’t as long as the 18 weeks appointment but was still about 30 minutes or so. It makes it a lot more real every time I have one of these!

Missing: My energy. I’ve been tired and napping a lot more again lately.l I also miss sleeping comfortably on my back, and all the same things I missed last time (running fast and long, alcohol….).

Looking Forward To: Christmas and my birthday (which is on Christmas). I can’t wait to see Siena enjoy all the Christmas festivities. Mike and I are going to do an overnight away downtown to celebrate my birthday the week after Christmas and go to a steak dinner which I’m really excited about!

Anyone else been hit with the nasty cold going around!? Hope you’re feeling better now!