You’ve made it to week 13 of twin pregnancy. Congratulations! You will be officially entering the second trimester by week 14 and if you don’t feel pregnant with twins now, you will soon!
Typically, in a singleton pregnancy, you will experience a boost of energy as fatigue and morning sickness decrease as you enter the second trimester.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for many twin moms, myself included. While my morning sickness subsided, the fatigue was there to stay for the duration of my pregnancy. This doesn’t mean that it will be the case for you and hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones.
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It’s also around the 13th week of twin pregnancy that you’re probably starting to think about making the big announcement. Many parents choose to announce their pregnancy at the end of the first trimester, and you’ll have double the good news to share!
This post will cover everything you need to know about your week 13 twin pregnancy.
Twin Pregnancy: Week 13
Week 13 is the last week of the first trimester. You made it to the end! The worst of the first trimester symptoms will start to fade, if not this by week, then soon after. Though you may feel better overall than you did in the first trimester (which is definitely good news–enjoy it!) your body is still changing day by day, and there are definitely new things to notice.
It is time to invest in a good pregnancy pillow. You won’t need it quite yet, but once you do need it, you won’t want to wait for it to arrive! I realized that everything happened a bit earlier in pregnancy when I was expecting twins vs a singleton.
I used the snoogle and absolutely loved it! It made sleeping so much more comfortable. However, there are a lot of more affordable pregnancy pillows on the market right now that have fantastic reviews, such as this one.
Related —-> Why Is Twin Pregnancy Harder?
13 Weeks Pregnant With Twins: Symptoms
Here are the main symptoms you can expect to experience at 13 weeks pregnant with twins.
Dissipation of Morning Sickness and Fatigue
Most twin moms-to-be can look forward to a decrease in this dreadful early pregnancy symptom, but for twin pregnancies, you may have to hold on a little longer than a singleton pregnancy due to the increased amount of the pregnancy hormone hGC. It will get better, perhaps even as soon as next week!
The same goes for fatigue: don’t be surprised if you’re still tired, but it will be more like you need a daily afternoon nap to survive, whereas in the first trimester you could literally sleep all day and still be tired. Go easy on yourself…carrying twins is a lot of work!
If you’re still experiencing morning sickness, these tummy drops absolutely saved me during my first trimester!
Related –> The Best Books to Prepare for Twin Pregnancy
Increased Energy and Sex Drive
With the decrease in morning sickness and fatigue, you can expect a little energy boost and, for some fortunate ladies, a libido boost. The second trimester is considered the “golden era” when you feel pretty great, so take advantage of that in every way imaginable (but of course, still take care to get the rest and nutrition you need)!
My energy went from feeling like I was drugged and couldn’t keep my eyes open, to a mild exhaustion. Hopefully, your energy will perk up more than mine did!
Visible Veins
The varicose veins that may have appeared during Week 10 are likely to continue into the second trimester because of increased blood flow. Or, if they start popping up now, don’t be surprised by that, either.
Food Cravings & Aversions
One thing remains the same about twin and singleton pregnancies: cravings. Certain foods, often very strange ones, are likely to sound very appealing to you while others make you want to gag. My rule of thumb is to eat whatever in the world you can to settle your stomach in the first trimester.
However once your morning sickness begins to subside in the second trimester, try to eat a balanced diet (while indulging your cravings here and there, of course!).
Constipation
Always a fun time (not), but can be offset by a fiber-rich diet and by eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 big ones. Don’t forget to keep up with your water intake!
Twin Fetal Development at 13 Weeks
Development in a multiple pregnancy isn’t too different from a single pregnancy at this stage.
Your twins’ fingers and toes are now starting to develop fingernails, and their facial features are starting to become more defined and pronounced. Their eyes have formed but their eyelids remain fused shut to protect them. Their vocal cords have also started to develop!
Bone development begins in the arms and legs as they continue to become more mobile. You may even start to feel some fetal movement at this point! Tooth buds have also started to form underneath the gums. Intestines have moved from the umbilical cord into your baby’s abdomen–a very good place for them to be! (Source: Pampers and What to Expect)
How Big are Twins at 13 Weeks?
The size of twins at 13 weeks pregnant is an average of 2.5-3 inches from crown to rump. They will weigh about .8 ounces. Overall, they are about the size of a lemon… so cute!
13 Weeks Pregnant With Twins Belly
At 13 weeks, your uterus is big enough to push past your pelvis, which means your twin bump will definitely be showing at this point!
We took these pictures to announce our twin pregnancy to our family and friends. Theo was only 1 year and 9 months and quite a handful for pictures. I thought this picture of him escaping up the stairs and playing in the dirt was quite fitting.
If you’re also going to have a toddler when your twins are born, I have lots of tips for you. Specifically, how to handle 3 under 3.
My 13 week twin bump was also still easily disguised with the right clothing and accessories. A long, flowy scarf is the perfect way to disguise your twin belly if you aren’t ready to announce it to the world just yet.
My Twin Pregnancy Experience: 13 Weeks
I used a pregnancy journal with my pregnancies, and it is one of my favorite things. I love to look back on the sweet memories and it’s so fun to compare symptoms from pregnancy to pregnancy!
13 Week Twin Pregnancy Journal Entry
I am hopefully optimistic that I am starting to feel better!!!! I can actually exist without feeling like I am going to throw up everywhere. My stomach is still a bit unsettled but overall it is a DRASTIC improvement from last week.
Now if only my energy would pick up because I would really love to get back to some light exercise. It’s been nearly impossible to do anything other than sleep every chance I get during the past few months. While I’m not feeling as exhausted as I was a few weeks ago, I definitely don’t have the energy to get up and exercise!
I’m both anxious and excited about my upcoming ultrasound and to make sure that both babies are still there and doing well. It’s a weird feeling to know that I’m going to be a twin mom but also maybe not? {This was in regard to my first ultrasound when one of the amniotic sacs appeared to be a little bit smaller. My doctor mentioned that it was perfectly normal but that also there was a possibility of vanishing twin syndrome.}
Related —-> Twin Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms Weeks 13: In Summary
- Dissipation of morning sickness and fatigue
- Increase in energy and appetite
- Varicose veins
- Food cravings and aversions
- Constipation
- Weight gain
Twin Pregnancy Health Tips: Weeks 13
- Stay active! (The extra energy will help you feel motivated to get moving!)
- Start practicing Kegel exercises
- Eat plenty of fiber to avoid constipation
- Keep taking your prenatal vitamin
- Eat full, balanced meals with as many fresh, whole foods as possible (remember that you’ll be needing 600 extra calories for your little ones!)
- Keep an eye on any moles – it’s normal for them to change with pregnancy hormones at this point, but if they start to look irregular, consult a dermatologist!
- Keep your immune system boosted and avoid germs as much as possible!
Twin Pregnancy To-Do List for Weeks 13
- Announce your twin pregnancy and due date!
- If you have other kids, start talking to them about their new brothers or sisters
- Spend time with the hubby – enjoy those energy boosts!
- Start researching birthing classes, if that’s something you think you need
- Schedule a dental visit
- Start thinking about your twin registry!
Twin Pregnancy Guides Week by Week: