Twin Pregnancy Update – 31 Weeks Pregnant With Twins

As promised, I’m going to start posting weekly from here on out! I’ve really enjoyed reading all the twin pregnancy blogs I could find and I wanted to repay the favor. Plus, at this point we’ll be taking the pregnancy one week at a time.

How Many Weeks: 31 weeks pregnant with fraternal girl twins.

Babies Update: According to my app, both babies are the size of coconuts. At my last ultrasound at 30 weeks pregnant they were estimated at 3 pounds 4 oz and 3 pounds 10 oz, so I’d guess they’re about 1/2 pound larger than that now. We’re getting very close to the big milestone of 34 weeks, which is when the lungs are fully developed. Besides lungs, the babies are basically developed and will just be adding fat at this point.

Frequency of Doctor Appointments: I’ll keep doing the ultrasounds at the specialist every 4 weeks but I’m going to start seeing my OB every 2 weeks now. My doctor told me at my appointment today that if I go into labor before 34 weeks they will try to stop if; if it’s after 34 weeks it’s fair game for them to be delivered.

Labor Signs: I’ve been having Braxton Hicks contractions consistently for over a week now. They happen throughout the day and don’t hurt – just a tightening in my belly along with a sensation that I can’t really describe!

Weight Gain: 36 pounds; just up one pound from last week and the babies have gained a pound alone. I’m starting to feel full a lot easier so I haven’t been eating as much, otherwise I get uncomfortably full for an hour plus which is no fun! The extra calories I get in each day are generally due to chocolate or ice cream consumption.

Movement: Yes, all the time, especially in the evenings.

Symptoms: Very tired (I nap most days, and often I’ll sleep 2 hours!!!), feeling a lot of fullness/not able to eat as large of portions as usual, a little nauseous at times (luckily not that much), and just feeling large. I haven’t mentioned it before but I haven’t been able to lay on my back for a long time which is new to me this pregnancy. With Siena I never felt odd or dizzy on my back and would often wake up sleeping on my back. This time, I almost immediately feel weird on my back – I can’t even do my ultrasounds lying reclined; I have to lay on my side. I sleep 100% on my sides. At this point, it’s a workout to move from one side to the other and I often wake up with a slightly sore shoulder from the pressure on it.

Cravings/Food Aversions: I’ve been craving Girl Scout cookies yet can’t seem to get my hands on any!!! Why do they  make it so hard?!

Maternity Clothes: Mostly maternity clothes, though I still wear regular PJs and some workout clothes.

Exercise: I went for my last run last Saturday, at 30 weeks pregnant. I’ve decided to stop now and just focus on prenatal yoga, strength training and walking/hiking for as long as I can. Yesterday I wondered out loud to Mike if I’ll be still working out, in some capacity, til the day I deliver these twins like I did with Siena. I can’t really answer that – as the babies are expected to grow 1/2 pound per week from here til the end, I am not sure how mobile I’ll be by the end!

Read all about how I’m changing my exercise during the third trimester in this blog post.

Interesting Moments: Not sure how interesting this is, but this last week I really started prepping for the babies to come. First, I started reading more brith stories and got out my old Bradley Method workbook. My friend also let me borrow her Hypnobirthing book and workbook. I’ve started practicing by visualizing the pain leaving my body during uncomfortable yoga poses or workout moves when I feel the burn.

I’ve started freezing food as well. My goal is to double at least one recipe per week and freeze half. This week I made and froze this Southwest turkey, veggie and brown rice. I also want to freeze some egg cups and some more hand-held type foods that don’t require me to use a bowl and fork/spoon (aka so I can eat them while holding a baby or two).

I also started packing my bag for the hospital this week and got out my pumping and nursing bras and nursing pads and purchased a few travel size things.

Best Moments: We took Siena to Mike’s parents house last weekend and had an overnight to ourselves. We went downtown to Little Italy and had a fun night of eating yummy food and then slept in until 9 a.m. the next morning. We got coffee at our favorite spot (Philz) in peace and then went for a hike before picking her up. It was really nice to have some alone time with Mike and to get some sleep!

Missing: Being able to do normal things without getting super winded (I was trying to find a pan in one of the lower cupboards this week and it was like an Olympic event). Along with that, I miss having energy and being able to get through the day without a nap – I am constantly feeling behind on work, household chores, and life in general because I need to sleep so much!

I’m also missing my toddler going down easily for naps – she’s been fighting them SO hard for the last week and a half or so and I honestly dread putting her down each day. Mike has been helping which is nice. I’m 99% sure she’s not read to drop the nap yet and that it’s just a phase – I will be VERY sad if she stops napping (she’s only 2 years 4 months) because I use that time to work and nap myself! When the babies come I’ll need it even more.

Looking Forward To: My Baby Sprinkle this weekend! My friends Allison and Rachel are hosting a small baby shower for me with mostly local friends. I can’t wait!

Moms, did you make any freezer meals during your pregnancy? Would love if you shared a recipe!

See my Twin Pregnancy page for previous updates!

Are you pregnant or recently had a baby? I’d love to connect with you in my Healthy and Happy Pregnancy and Postpartum Support group. Join us!