Navigating 37 Weeks of Twin Pregnancy: What Parents Should Know?

At 37 weeks pregnant with twins, you are nearing the end of your exciting journey. This stage of pregnancy is considered as close to full-term as many twins get, which means that your babies are almost ready to enter the world. At this point, they have full lung maturity and are likely to do well if born.

One common symptom you may experience at 37 weeks is pelvic and abdominal pressure. This is because your babies are likely dropping into a head-down position, getting ready for birth. As they lower themselves into your pelvis, you may feel increased pressure in this area. This is completely normal and is a sign that your body is preparing for the upcoming delivery.

In addition to the pressure, you may also notice that your ligaments and tendons are becoming looser. This is a natural process that helps make the birth of twins easier. As your body prepares to give birth to two babies, it needs to be more flexible. The loosening of ligaments and tendons helps facilitate the birthing process, making it less challenging for both you and your babies.

It’s important to note that the average length of pregnancy for twins is 36.4 weeks. Babies born between 32 weeks and 37 weeks generally do very well. However, if your twins are born early, they may need to spend some time in the special care baby unit (SCBU) or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These units provide specialized care for premature babies and ensure that they receive the support they need to thrive.

When it comes to the weight of your twins, it’s possible that they may weigh the same or have different weights. The average weight of twins at 37 weeks is 2.49kg (5.5lbs). However, it’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and their weights may vary. Your healthcare provider will monitor their growth and ensure that they are developing appropriately.

As you near the end of your twin pregnancy, it’s essential to keep in touch with your healthcare provider and attend regular check-ups. They will monitor your progress and make sure that both you and your babies are healthy. Remember to listen to your body and take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated.

37 weeks pregnant with twins is an exciting milestone as you approach full-term. Your babies are likely in a head-down position, and you may experience pelvic and abdominal pressure. While their weights may vary, most twins born at this stage do well. It’s essential to stay in close contact with your healthcare provider and take good care of yourself as you prepare for the arrival of your precious little ones.

Navigating 37 Weeks of Twin Pregnancy: What Parents Should Know?

What to Expect at 37 Weeks Pregnant With Twins?

At 37 weeks pregnant with twins, there are several things you can expect to experience:

1. Pelvic and abdominal pressure: As your babies are dropping into a head down position, they put increased pressure on your pelvic area. This can cause discomfort and a feeling of heaviness.

2. Increased back pain: Carrying two babies can put extra strain on your back, leading to increased backaches and discomfort. Be sure to practice good posture and consider using a pregnancy support belt for added relief.

3. Fatigue: Carrying twins can be physically demanding, and by 37 weeks, you may start feeling more tired than usual. Listen to your body and make sure to rest whenever you can.

4. Braxton Hicks contractions: These “practice” contractions may become more frequent and intense as your body prepares for labor. Pay attention to the timing and intensity of the contractions, as they can be a sign of preterm labor if they become regular.

5. Increased bathroom trips: As your babies continue to grow, they put pressure on your bladder, leading to more frequent visits to the bathroom. Stay hydrated, but be prepared for frequent bathroom breaks.

6. Swelling: Swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands is common during pregnancy, and it can be more pronounced with twins. Elevating your feet, wearing comfortable shoes, and avoiding prolonged periods of standing can help reduce swelling.

7. Difficulty finding a comfortable position: As your belly grows bigger with two babies, finding a comfortable position to sleep or even sit can become a challenge. Experiment with pillows and different positions to find what works best for you.

8. Increased fetal movement: With two babies, you may notice even more active movement in your belly. Enjoy these moments and pay attention to any changes in your babies’ movements, as it can be a sign of their well-being.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and these symptoms may vary from person to person. It’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider about any concerns or changes you experience during your pregnancy.

Are Twins Fully Developed at 37 Weeks?

Twins can be considered fully developed at 37 weeks of gestation, which is often referred to as “full-term” for twins. By this point, their organs, including their lungs, have reached full maturity and are capable of functioning properly outside of the womb. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Lung maturity: At 37 weeks, twins’ lungs have typically developed fully, allowing them to breathe and exchange oxygen efficiently. This is a crucial milestone for their ability to thrive outside the womb.

2. Developmental milestones: By 37 weeks, most twins have achieved important developmental milestones, such as having adequate body fat, a fully formed digestive system, and a functioning immune system. These factors contribute to their readiness for life outside the womb.

3. Hospital stay: Given their full lung maturity and overall development, twins born at 37 weeks usually spend only a few days in the hospital for observation and monitoring before being discharged. This is in contrast to earlier preterm births, where a longer hospital stay may be required for additional medical support.

4. Individual variations: It’s important to note that while 37 weeks is considered full-term for twins, there can still be some individual variations in development. Some twins may require a bit more time to fully mature, while others may be ready for delivery earlier. The healthcare team closely monitors the progress of each twin to ensure their well-being.

Twins born at 37 weeks are generally considered fully developed. Their lungs have reached maturity, enabling them to breathe independently, and they possess the necessary physiological capabilities for life outside the womb.

Do Twins Born at 37 Weeks Need NICU?

Twins born at 37 weeks may or may not need to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) depending on various factors. While babies born between 32 weeks and 37 weeks generally do well, there are some cases where twins born at this gestational age may require extra care in the NICU. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Birth weight: If the twins have a low birth weight, they may need NICU care. Low birth weight is usually defined as less than 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds). Babies with low birth weight may have difficulty regulating their body temperature, feeding, or breathing, which may require monitoring and support in the NICU.

2. Respiratory function: Twins born at 37 weeks may still have immature lungs, especially if they are born prematurely. The lungs develop fully by around 37 to 38 weeks, so there is a chance that babies born at this gestational age may have some respiratory difficulties. If the twins have trouble breathing on their own or require supplemental oxygen, they may need NICU care.

3. Other medical conditions: Twins born at 37 weeks may have other medical conditions that require specialized care in the NICU. These conditions can include infections, jaundice, heart problems, or any other issues that may arise during or after birth.

4. Overall health and development: Each baby is unique, and their overall health and development play a crucial role in determining whether they will require NICU care. Some twins born at 37 weeks may be perfectly healthy and may not need any extra support, while others may need the additional care provided in the NICU.

While twins born at 37 weeks generally do well, there are cases where NICU care may be necessary. Factors such as birth weight, respiratory function, other medical conditions, and overall health and development are important considerations in determining whether twins born at this gestational age will require NICU care. It is always best to consult with healthcare professionals to assess the specific needs of each individual baby.

What is the Average Weight For Twins at 37 Weeks?

At 37 weeks, the average weight for twins is 2.49kg (5.5lbs). This means that on average, each baby in a set of twins weighs around 2.49kg (5.5lbs) at this gestational age. It’s important to note that this is an average weight and individual twin babies may weigh more or less than this.

Twins can have similar weights to each other, meaning that both babies may weigh around the average of 2.49kg (5.5lbs). However, it’s also possible for twins to have different weights, with one baby weighing more and the other weighing less.

To summarize, the average weight for twins at 37 weeks is 2.49kg (5.5lbs). Twins can have similar weights or their weights can vary.

Conclusion

Being 37 weeks pregnant with twins is a significant milestone in a twin pregnancy. At this stage, it is considered as close to full-term as many twins get, with full lung maturity and a good chance of a healthy delivery. However, it is important to note that every pregnancy is unique, and the babies’ weights may vary. On average, twins born at 37 weeks weigh around 2.49kg (5.5lbs). It is also worth mentioning that babies born between 32 and 37 weeks generally do well, but may require some time in the special care baby unit or neonatal intensive care unit. while there may be increased pelvic and abdominal pressure, it is a crucial time for the babies to position themselves for birth. With proper medical care and attention, the journey towards meeting your little ones is nearing its end.

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Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).