{"id":256666,"date":"2022-03-02T12:49:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-02T17:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=256666"},"modified":"2025-07-29T13:49:26","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T17:49:26","slug":"12-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/256666\/12-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples\/","title":{"rendered":"12 weeks pregnant with multiples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may have had an emotional time finding out you are not only pregnant but also expecting multiples. Adjusting to the news mentally while physically meeting the demands of pregnancy can come with its share of highs and lows. Rest assured, it\u2019s normal if you haven\u2019t felt quite like yourself over the last couple of months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to your last week of the first trimester!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a very exciting week for you and your babies, so let\u2019s jump in and talk about what\u2019s in store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s new with your babies? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Multiples at 12 weeks weigh around 0.5 ounces and are roughly the size of a plum. Remember the little poppyseeds you found out about in the beginning? They\u2019re really starting to fill out now! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your babies aren\u2019t just growing physically \u2014 they are also experiencing major neurological development. This week, your little ones\u2019 reflexes are kicking into high gear. If you watch your babies on an ultrasound, you might see them curling their toes, opening and closing their hands, and even making suckling motions with their mouths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tap here<\/a> to read more about how multiples occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you feeling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Morning sickness and other first trimester symptoms are hopefully starting to wane which hopefully has you breathing easier now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emotionally, you may feel ready to deliver the news that you have a big surprise on the way! Remember, how you choose to share this information is entirely your decision. Some pregnant people spread the news only to close family, while others prefer to make an announcement on social media. There\u2019s no right or wrong way to address your pregnancy, so go ahead with whatever feels most comfortable to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might find your energy levels are on the rise. If you\u2019re itching to release some of that energy, talk to your healthcare provider about implementing a prenatal exercise routine. Those who exercised before pregnancy are usually given the green light to continue their former regimens, but if you\u2019re new to fitness, it\u2019s best to speak with your provider about the safest options for getting started. Prenatal yoga, cycling, swimming, and walking are all low-impact ways to get your body moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First trimester screenings\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Genetic screening is testing to determine if your babies are at elevated risk of having a genetic disorder. It doesn\u2019t diagnose conditions, but rather alerts you to potential signs that the babies may have a condition. There are a few types available. One is a simple blood draw from you, known as Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) or NIPT-T (testing instead of screening). Another test is an ultrasound of the babies\u2019 nuchal folds (the skin at the back of their necks), along with a blood draw from you to measure certain hormone levels. Every pregnant person should be offered genetic screening during the first trimester of pregnancy. Ask your provider which test is best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people prefer a more definitive type of test, known as a diagnostic test. Every pregnant person should be offered this as an option, regardless of their screening results or risk factors. If you desire diagnostic testing, there are two options. The first is called chorionic villus sampling, or CVS, which is offered between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy. The second is called an amniocentesis and is commonly done between 15 and 20 weeks (but can be done later). Ultimately, it is your decision whether you want this testing performed. If you have certain risk factors or if you\u2019d like a more in-depth explanation, a genetic counselor can help you decide if these more invasive tests would be recommended in your circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n