What can you expect at 33 weeks pregnant with twins? We’ve compiled a list of common symptoms, to-do’s this week, pregnancy tips, pregnancy concerns, questions to ask your doctor, advice from other pregnant moms of twins, and tons of other info below to help you through this week in your twin pregnancy. Enjoy!
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⬅ 32 Weeks Pregnant with Twins 👶👶
👶👶 34 Weeks Pregnant with Twins ➡
- 33 Weeks Pregnant With Twins Video
- To-Do List
- 5 Tips for a Better 33rd Week
- Advice From Other Twin Moms
- Concerns Other Twin Moms Had
- Questions Twin Moms Had for Their Doctor
- 33 Weeks Pregnant Video
- Typical Tests That Are Done
- Product Recommendations
- An excerpt from “What To Do When You’re Having Two”
- Belly Photos at 33 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
- Ultrasound Photos at 33 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
- Articles You Should Read This Week
- Videos to Check Out
- Register for Class
33 Weeks Pregnant With Twins Video
Our new digital twin pregnancy journal is up for sale on the Twiniversity Etsy store! This is the first and only digital journal exclusively for twin pregnancy. It’s the perfect way to record your precious twin pregnancy memories to cherish for years to come. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and Twiniversity Shop!
- Median weight for dichorionic twins: 4lbs, 10oz
- Median weight for monochorionic twins: 4lbs, 7oz
The bones in your twins’ skulls aren’t fused yet, which allows them to shift as their heads squeeze through the birth canal. Their skulls won’t fully fuse until adulthood.
To-Do List
- Interview pediatricians. You’ll need to do this prior to the birth because the hospital will require you to designate a pediatrician on delivery day so they can notify their office once the babies are born. If your pediatrician has privileges at your hospital they will be able to visit and check on the babies (and you!) Here’s some tips on picking a pediatrician.
- Figure out your new work schedule leading up to the birth. If at all possible, work from home — the sooner, the better — or adjust your hours to make it easier on you.
- Prepare for the possibility of bed rest. Your doctor may put you on bed rest due to pregnancy complications. Or you may find that you can’t physically work for much longer without being in pain. If you don’t have the choice to work from home and you just can’t take it anymore, ask your doctor to put you on bed rest and (if your company offers it) you can start receiving short-term disability payments. The FMLA clock starts as soon as you take your leave, so just be aware that your job is only safe for 12 weeks from the start of your bed rest (assuming that you qualify for FMLA.)
5 Tips for a Better 33rd Week
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Practice your kegel exercises.
- Compression socks will really help with swollen ankles.
- Indulge in whatever it is you’ve been craving: watch some trash TV, lay on the couch all night, get a pedicure — whatever it may be, just treat yourself.
- Keep drinking water — add fruit to your water for some variety.
Advice From Other Twin Moms
I’ve noticed that every week varies, last week was really hard for me and I struggled a lot, this week is completely different and I feel great about this pregnancy. If you’re having a bad week just know it won’t last forever and can change in a matter of days, you’re doing great!
– Jordan P., Bloomer, WI
Allow yourself grace for whatever you are feeling and whatever help you are needing. You’ve made it this far–relish in that and let it give you hope for the next few weeks.
– Courtney F., Greenwood, IN
Sleep as much as you can… Take full advantage of napping, or you will fall asleep at work like I did!
– Kayla G., Niagara Falls, NY
The babies are almost here! Stay strong and do whatever it takes to get comfortable. As much as you want to avoid trips to the bathroom… Keep up on water intake! It lessens cramping!
– Ashley W., Broken Arrow, OK
Revel in the little kicks and jabs. It will help re-center you!
– Courtney F., Greenwood, IN
Need some twin parent friends? Get the support you need with a Twiniversity Membership. Benefits include a monthly twin parent club meeting on Zoom, access to a private Facebook group just for twin parents, and a video library of twin parenting lessons. Visit Twiniversity.com/membership to join today!
Concerns Other Twin Moms Had
Twins coming before their room is ready
Going on maternity leave from work
Keeping these babies cooking! At this point, my goal is to keep them cooking for as long as I can.
Making sure I feel fetal movement.
Hoping my stretch marks don’t worsen!
That I’m not getting enough sleep.
Questions Twin Moms Had for Their Doctor
If baby B is still breech, will she flip in time?
When should I expect my twins to arrive?
What to do in case of excessive acid reflux?
Are my twins growing ok?
Do twins “drop” like with singletons, where you notice the shape of your stomach?
Another doctor told me I would be induced at 36/37 weeks but a different one said 38 weeks. What will determine that?
Can I drink raspberry leaf tea to help with labor?
Post twins, would you recommend the bar or IUD for birth control? We don’t want to have more right away.
Delayed cord clamping and skin to skin, will I have both of those options with a c-section, and what are your opinions on the two?
Will the hospital provide pads/those mesh underwear I’ve read about or should I pack some?
Is there a pediatrician you recommend, and if so why?
What are the odds that baby A will flip and I’ll be able to deliver vaginally at this point?
Is my cervix still closed?
Does everyone coming into contact with the babies need to have a TDAP vaccination, and how far in advance?
How early could I be scheduled for a cesarean? Does it have to be at “full term”?
Will my husband get to cut the cord when the babies are born (via c section)?
33 Weeks Pregnant Video
Typical Tests That Are Done
It is common to have weekly nonstress testing (NST) with fluid assessments starting at 32 weeks in an uncomplicated twin gestation. As your pregnancy progresses you will likely be scheduled more and more frequently, building to every 1-2 days as you get closer to full term. A nonstress test is used to evaluate your babies’ health before birth. The goal of a nonstress test is to provide useful information about your babies’ oxygen supply by checking their heart rates and how it responds to your babies’ movements. The test might indicate the need for further monitoring, testing, treatment or delivery. A nonstress test typically requires no special preparation. During the nonstress test, you’ll lie on a reclining chair. You’ll have your blood pressure taken at regular intervals during the test and each baby will be monitored while you relax in a recliner for 20 minutes, playing on your phone or reading a book.
A fetal biophysical profile (BPP) is a prenatal test used to check on a baby’s well-being. The test combines fetal heart rate monitoring (nonstress test) and fetal ultrasound to evaluate a baby’s heart rate, breathing, movements, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid level.
“Seems like heartburn and sore calves will be with me until the bitter end! Both babies are currently transverse and they are putting a lot of pressure on my bladder, along with everything else. Getting up to use the restroom at night is normal now, as is a bit of insomnia. I can’t stop craving chocolate cupcakes, so might as well give in ;)” Lauren, 33 weeks pregnant with twins.
Product Recommendations
Best Cradle – Maternity Support Belt
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Tummy Butter & Stretch Mark Massage Lotion
Rachel’s Remedy Breastfeeding/Sore Breast Relief Packs
Digital Twin Pregnancy Journal
Boppy Pregnancy Support Pillow
Check out this list of more Must Have Pregnancy Products You Need Right Now
Postpartum recovery products that twin moms LOVE
Check out all our Twiniversity merch in our SHOP! We’ve got twin mom and dad t-shirts, twin planning printables, lactation support, twin baby shower planners & games, a digital twin pregnancy journal, and so much more! Start shopping now
An excerpt from “What To Do When You’re Having Two“
Scheduled C-Section
You should have your bag packed and you should be prepared to spend a few days in the hospital. Very rarely will hospitals discharge a new mother post C-section before three days. Check what your insurance will cover beforehand. Maybe you can even get an extra day. You might be wondering why you would want an extra day. Well, it’s an opportunity to have more hands on deck while you have access to professional nurses and lactation consultants around the clock. Basically, it buys you time before you have to take care of those twins all by yourself!
Pregnant with twins and not sure where to start? Visit the Ultimate Twin Pregnancy Guide to find all the top articles and resources to get you ready for twins. While you’re at it, check out our expecting twin classes and Twiniversity shop!
REMINDER: Don’t forget to take a belly shot!
Belly Photos at 33 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
Ultrasound Photos at 33 Weeks Pregnant With Twins
Articles You Should Read This Week
Do You Really Need Two Of Everything For Twins?
How Much Help Will I Need with Twins?
Videos to Check Out
Register for Class
Have you taken your expecting twins class yet? We offer a great class on demand so you can take it on your own schedule! There are so many video modules covering everything from your twins’ baby registry to your first week at home with twins! Sign up today to get started before your twins arrive.
Need a plan for the first week home with twins? Book your 60-minute twins \post-delivery strategy session on a video call with Lauren Oak, Twin Expert and Certified Postpartum Doula (and mom of twins!), to create a customized game plan for you and your twins when they come home. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our Twiniversity Shop and Twin Parent Memberships.
Want to get weekly emails about your twin pregnancy? Sign up for the Twiniversity email list! Subscribe today to get emails about giveaways, events, weekly article roundups, and more! We’ll be sending you a weekly twin pregnancy email to keep you on track with your pregnancy to-do list! Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and personal twin parent coaching services.
⬅ 32 Weeks Pregnant with Twins 👶👶
👶👶 34 Weeks Pregnant with Twins ➡
Sources
- AAFP. 2011c. Your baby’s development: The third trimester. American Academy of Family Physicians.
- Mayo Clinic. 2014b. Fetal development: The third trimester.
- MedlinePlus (ADAM). 2015. Fetal development.
- OWH. 2010. Stages of pregnancy. U.S. Office on Women’s Health.
- ACOG. 2015. FAQ156. Prenatal development: How your baby grows during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
