{"id":257440,"date":"2022-02-16T12:54:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-16T17:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=257440"},"modified":"2025-06-30T16:21:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T20:21:10","slug":"26-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/257440\/26-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples\/","title":{"rendered":"26 weeks pregnant with multiples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you hear what I hear? If your babies could chat in the womb, they might be asking each other that very question! This week, your babies\u2019 senses are picking up while they\u2019re kicking up a storm in your belly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your healthcare provider may have you start tracking kicks soon as your babies\u2019 movements get more consistent and defined. What else is happening with your little ones this week? Let\u2019s take a peek!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

As we mentioned, your babies are beginning to respond to sound from outside the womb. Many parents will play music for their little ones during pregnancy or sing them a favorite lullaby. The babies may even recognize it after they\u2019re born! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also spend time talking to your babies if it helps you feel more connected to them. It may seem silly since they can\u2019t understand what you\u2019re saying just yet. However, they will come to know the sound of your voice; in fact, it\u2019ll soothe them more than any song. Their eyes are also starting to open and respond to light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your babies are around 2 pounds each now \u2014 about the size of a butternut squash! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you doing? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling a burst of energy this week, you might consider assembling some baby gear<\/a> or adding it to your registry\/cart. It can be helpful to get used to how certain devices work before your babies arrive. Trying to figure it all out with fussy babies in tow is no fun! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people experience restless leg syndrome (RLS) as they approach the third trimester. While we don\u2019t have a cure for this, some people get relief from wearing compression stockings during the day, staying active, doing some light stretches before bed, cutting back on caffeine, and, in some cases, taking an iron supplement (but only do so at the direction of your pregnancy provider).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heartburn<\/a> causing you discomfort? Sleep can be challenging enough at this point, and we know you don\u2019t want another disruption! Smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day will likely sit better than a heavy meal closer to bedtime. If your heartburn is worse at night, try to avoid fatty, acidic, or spicy food in the evenings. You can even try using several pillows or a wedge to keep your upper body propped up while you sleep. If that\u2019s uncomfortable, you could try putting blocks\/bricks under the legs of the head of your bed to help you sleep at a slight angle.
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Will testing take place this week?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More frequent office visits are very common when carrying multiples. They require some extra attention! Your monthly appointments will shift to biweekly or even weekly, depending on how closely your babies need to be monitored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the next month, you will complete your glucose challenge test (GCT) to screen for gestational diabetes. For this routine test, you’ll drink a sugary drink and then get your blood drawn an hour later to see how your body processes glucose. This is typically performed between 24 and 28 weeks but may be done sooner if your healthcare provider feels you are at an increased risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Have you decided on a pediatrician for your little ones yet? If not, now is a good time to start researching doctors. It\u2019s helpful to talk with your insurance company to help find a provider who is in-network with your plan. It’s a bonus if you can find a pediatrician who has experience with multiples and has a lactation consultant in their office.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t already, contact the hospital to pre-register for delivery. This call shouldn\u2019t take too long, and they may have forms to send you. Keep your insurance card handy during the conversation to help it run more smoothly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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