{"id":257433,"date":"2022-02-19T12:53:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-19T17:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=257433"},"modified":"2025-07-29T23:24:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T03:24:34","slug":"23-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/257433\/23-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples\/","title":{"rendered":"23 weeks pregnant with multiples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With your second trimester well underway, you\u2019re likely feeling a wide range of emotions \u2014 excited, anxious, and maybe even a bit overwhelmed! All of these feelings are perfectly normal and are to be expected as you inch closer toward meeting your babies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have friends or family members who are pregnant with singletons, it might be difficult for you to relate to their pregnancy journeys, particularly if you\u2019re due around the same time. Carrying multiples is a unique experience, and you may find it beneficial to connect with others who are also expecting more than one baby moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s see what\u2019s on tap with your little ones this week, as well as what you might be experiencing during this stage of your pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Your babies have been practicing breathing with amniotic fluid, and they may start producing meconium this month. Meconium is the sticky, tar-like stool that your babies will pass after they\u2019re born. It\u2019s made up of the materials they swallowed while in the womb. This includes amniotic fluid, tiny hairs from their bodies called lanugo, and the layer of skin protection they develop called vernix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those little ones are starting to grow bigger as they store fat under their skin to help regulate their body temperature once they\u2019re born. Since multiples are often born early, it\u2019s worthwhile to speak with your healthcare provider about your nutrition to be sure you\u2019re eating enough calories, as you\u2019ll want to ensure your babies are at their healthiest and strongest when they make their big debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your babies are around 1.2 pounds each now \u2014 about the size of a coconut! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you doing? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As your growing belly and babies develop, you may feel increasingly exhausted and uncomfortable as time passes. While your to-do list may seem urgent right now, remember, you still have time before your babies enter the world! It\u2019s important to relax and unwind when your body tells you it needs rest; you can tackle your tasks when you feel more energized.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people start feeling swollen around this stage of pregnancy. Remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help you feel better overall and will also help combat swelling.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of water, taking a swim is a great way to keep active while also soothing your body. If you\u2019re up to it, try floating in a pool or natural body of water to help you relax during the coming weeks. Just avoid temperature extremes like hot springs or frigid water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will testing take place this week?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve had your anatomy scan, and the next test will be performed between 24 and 28 weeks to assess your risk for gestational diabetes.<\/a> This is a routine blood test to monitor your body\u2019s response to glucose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can expect your office visits to pick up in frequency soon to ensure your babies are progressing on target and without complications. Your monthly appointments will shift to biweekly or even weekly, depending on factors like how many babies you\u2019re carrying and how they share the uterus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s plan ahead!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s always comforting to get familiar with the birthing facility where you plan to deliver. If you\u2019re delivering at a hospital, now is a good time to see about getting a tour of the labor and delivery floor, as well as the NICU. Many hospitals will include a tour as part of their childbirth classes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not sure if your insurance covers childbirth classes? Give them a call so they can help you better understand your benefits. While you\u2019re on the line, you can also ask questions about other items that might be covered and find out what you\u2019ll be paying out of pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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