{"id":257506,"date":"2022-02-04T12:59:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T17:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=257506"},"modified":"2025-06-30T15:15:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T19:15:13","slug":"38-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/257506\/38-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples\/","title":{"rendered":"38 weeks pregnant with multiples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019ve made it to the end of the road \u2014 congratulations! Most twins and almost all multiples pregnancies are over by this stage, but if your babies are still gestating, rest assured this only means they\u2019re continuing to grow stronger in preparation for delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know you\u2019re ready to meet your babies by now. Delivery day is just around the corner. Here are some tips for getting through this last stretch! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of labor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s well-known that many multiples are delivered via C-section. However, if you\u2019ve reached this point of your pregnancy without scheduling a C-section, you should start keeping an eye out for signs of labor.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labor with multiples begins the same way as with singletons. You may feel contractions that increase in frequency or intensity, or your water might spontaneously break. Unlike in the movies, your water won\u2019t necessarily gush out all at once out of the blue (although it can). Instead, you may feel a trickle of fluid that leaks continuously or repeatedly and doesn\u2019t smell like urine. If it\u2019s hard to tell whether there\u2019s amniotic fluid, vaginal discharge, or urine coming out, you can always wear a pantyliner or pad and look at what\u2019s absorbed. \u00a0If you\u2019re still not sure, give your provider a call. There are tests they can do to determine which type of fluid it is.
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If you\u2019ve been experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions during pregnancy, differentiating them from real contractions can get tricky towards the end. While Braxton-Hicks contractions taper off with rest, fluids, or position changes, true contractions increase with intensity and eventually will follow a rhythmic pattern, getting more regular as you transition from early to active labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaginal bleeding or a sudden decrease in your babies\u2019 kicks may also be signs of labor. However, these symptoms can also indicate other issues, so contact your provider if you notice either of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s plan ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Does preparing for multiples feel like double, triple, or quadruple the work? You bet it can! It may ease your mind to remember your babies will share certain things, like clothes and toys, meaning you don\u2019t necessarily have to buy the same item for each baby. Loading up on diapers and wipes will be a better bet than multiple copies of the same outfit or toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if your multiples aren\u2019t identical, differentiating them might be challenging early on until they become easier to tell apart. Like older children, babies have their own temperaments, which will eventually become apparent. Until then, you may need to get a system in place \u2014 especially if one of your babies has unique medical needs requiring specialized care once you\u2019re discharged. Take home a hospital bracelet or mark a toenail if it helps simplify those early days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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Read more<\/h3>\n\n\n\n