Here’s what to expect when you are 40 weeks pregnant with twins:
Fetal Development
By 40 weeks in the twin pregnancy each of your twins will average the following measurements:
Head circumference: 14″ (347 mm)
Abdominal Circumference: 14.25″ (366 mm)
Femur Bone Length (about from the waist to knee): 3″ (75 mm)
What to Expect
Typical weight gain for Mom at this point is about one pound per week (0.6kg).
If Your Twins Were Born This Week
Your twins are considered to term. They are typically born as healthy as their singleton counterparts. Twins born during the 40th week average a hospital stay of about 5 days and normally go home with Mom when she leaves the hospital.
What to Prepare This Week
When Mom is 40 weeks pregnant with twins, all of your prenatal preparations must be done. If you still want to get something ready, talk to family and friends that want to come visit after the twins are born to discuss those logistics.
Dad’s Thoughts
By the time Mom reaches 40 weeks pregnant with twins, you are likely thinking that if the twins haven’t come yet, they must be stuck and will never be born. The reality, of course, is that isn’t true. Odds are you only made it this far if you are planning a natural delivery and don’t want or need a c-section.
Previous: 39 Weeks
View entire Twin Pregnancy Week by Week
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
(RELATED: Check out the Dad's Guide to Twins Youtube channel for additional helpful twin tips and tricks videos.)