Here’s what to expect when you are 36 weeks pregnant with twins:
Fetal Development
By 36 weeks in the twin pregnancy your twins are each 5 pounds (2.3 kg) and 18″ (46 cm) long. They each average the following measurements:
Head circumference: 13″ (327mm) about the size of a grapefruit
Abdominal Circumference: 12.75″ (322mm)
Femur Bone Length (from waist to knee): 2.7″ (69mm) which is about the height of a US dollar bill
Each baby is about the size of a canary melon.
Your twins are almost ready for their arrival. Here’s how they are progressing inside Mom: Twins fetal development at 36 weeks pregnant.
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What to Expect
Typical weight gain for Mom at this point is about one pound per week (0.6kg).
Total weight gain for the twin pregnancy so far will average between 38 to 54 pounds (17.2 to 24.5kg).
Allison S. – “I am 35 weeks and 6 days, so almost to 36 weeks! Our identical twin girls weigh a half a pound difference so far. I’ve been experiencing small contractions, but feel okay overall and they both have good heart rates.”
Catrina M. – “The twins are doing great, though I have some mild abdominal pains. I also have extremely increased appetite.”
Pictures and Video
Here’s an ultrasound video of what you might see at 36 weeks pregnant with twins:
Belly picture at 36 weeks:
(RELATED: Still looking for the right twin gear? See my Twin Baby Gear Essentials.)
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 36th 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 7 days.
Here’s what happened with a few twin families:
Cameron F.’s twins were born at 36 weeks and weighed 4lbs 15oz and 5lbs 3oz. No NICU for them.
Samantha S. says her twins were born at 36 weeks 6 days with no NICU time required.
(RELATED: Check out the Dad's Guide to Twins Youtube channel for additional helpful twin tips and tricks videos.)
Aaron Ameen’s twins were born at 36 weeks. They didn’t need to go to the NICU. Mom and babies were in the hospital for about three days.
Brad Myer’s identical twin girls were born at 36 weeks via c-section.
Scott MacDonald’s fraternal twin girls were born healthy at 36.5 weeks
Titus Shockley’s twin girls were born at 36 weeks and 5 days. The twins only spent 5 hours in the NICU.
Steve Smith’s twins were born healthy and went home when mom was discharged following her c-section and brief stint of high blood pressure issues.
Despite a rough pregnancy, Ian Wasti’s twin girls made it to 36 weeks and were born healthy via c-section and came home from the hospital after four days.
Tim Brien’s twin girls were born naturally at 36 weeks, despite the second twin being breech, the doctors were able to move her into position for a vaginal delivery.
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What to Prepare This Week
When Mom is 36 weeks pregnant with twins, you should have discussed how your twins will arrive with your doctor. If you’re planning on a c-section, make sure you have a date and time scheduled with the hospital when your doctor is working.
Dad’s Thoughts
By the time Mom reaches 36 weeks pregnant with twins, you hopefully feel as ready as you’re going to be. Your anxiety will turn to suspense as you await signs of labor or a scheduled c-section date.
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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
