Here’s what to expect when you are 34 weeks pregnant with twins:
Fetal Development
By 34 weeks in the twin pregnancy your twins are almost 17″ (45 cm) in length from head to foot. Each baby averages the following:
Head circumference: 12.5″ (312mm)
Abdominal Circumference: 12″ (302mm)
Femur Bone Length (from waist to knee): 2.5″ (64mm) which is about the height of a US dollar bill
Each baby is about the size of a cantaloupe.
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What to Expect
Typical weight gain for Mom at this point is about one pound per week (0.6kg).
(RELATED: Your twins will need a lot of gear. Here's the complete twins baby registry checklist to get ready for your twins' arrival.
Total weight gain for the twin pregnancy so far will average between 36 to 52 pounds (16.3 to 23.6kg).
Pictures and Video
Here’s an ultrasound video of what you might see at 34 weeks pregnant with twins:
Belly picture at 34 weeks:
Picture by Jenn Raynes
If Your Twins Were Born This Week
Your twins are late preterm and the odds of survival are very good. They are in good company as many twins are born during this period. Twins born during the 34th week have an increased risk of permanent health issues but generally speaking are healthy. Twins born this week average a hospital stay (including the NICU) of about 11 days.
Here are some experiences other twin parents had:
Kat E.’s twins were born at 34 weeks and weighed 6lb 10oz and 6lb 6oz. Their NICU time was due to jaundice and one twin had to have a CPAP to help with breathing.
(RELATED: Expecting twins? Avoid these 4 critical mistakes expectant twin parents make.)
Susy H. has two sets of twins. Her boy set spent 10 days in the NICU. Born at 34 weeks, they weighed 4lb 9oz and 4lb 12oz. Her girl set spent 10 days, also born at 34 weeks, they weighed 6lbs and 4lbs.
Karli M. had her twins at 34 weeks and 6 days (Baby Girl 4lbs, 15oz, Baby Boy 6lbs, 3oz.). They were in the NICU for 19 days. Their biggest challenge was eating their whole bottle consistently for over 24 hours.
Randy H. had boy/girl twins born at 34 weeks. His son was 4lbs 7oz and spent 10 days in the NICU. His daughter was 4lbs 2oz and spent 28 days there.
Katie O.’s twins were both 4 lb 11 oz, born at 34 weeks 5 days. NICU time for Baby A was one week and for Baby B: 8 days.
(RELATED: Check out the Dad's Guide to Twins Youtube channel for additional helpful twin tips and tricks videos.)
Tiffany G. had her twins at 34 weeks, weighing 4 lbs 7 oz and 4 lbs 1 oz. Baby A spent 2 weeks and 4 days in the NICU while baby B was there for 3 weeks (he was still using the feeding tube for most of his feedings).
Ryan S. had fraternal twin boys who were born at 34 weeks, 6 days (5lbs 13oz and 5 lbs 12oz) via vaginal birth. One was discharged after 3 days while his brother had to go to the NICU for a few weeks due to breathing and heart rate issues.
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What to Prepare This Week
When Mom is 34 weeks pregnant with twins, it is a great time to pack your bag for the hospital if you haven’t already. Remember to take supplies for Mom, the twins, and Dad.
Your Fellow Parents at 34 Weeks Pregnant with Twins
Jennifer E. – “34 weeks and extremely uncomfortable. Looking forward to meeting them hopefully soon.”
Dad’s Thoughts
By the time Mom reaches 34 weeks pregnant with twins, you are not sure if you are mentally ready for twins. Nevertheless, they are on their way! Enjoy the quiet moments you have now since life will get turned upside down when the twins arrive.
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Still wondering how to prepare for your twins? I cover specific things you should know and prepare for in my Dad’s Guide to Twins book. Learn more about the book here.
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Sources: When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy by Dr. Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein and Babycenter’s Average fetal length and weight chart
I had a vaginal delivery of mon-mon twins at 34 weeks (labor was held for about a month). Weights: 4lb 7oz and 4lb 13oz. No complications, and expect for the initial monitoring right after delivery, both were ready to be released the following day. However, we did spend a week in the hospital due to my blood pressure sky rocketing.
@Cynthia – thank you for sharing your experience. I’m glad the babies were healthy and you were able to recover from your high blood pressure.