Day 232 of 280, third trimester
You are 33 weeks and 1 day
Premature labor is highly likely in a twin pregnancy, so your doctor will be on alert and monitoring you closely.
48 days until your due date
There are still six weeks until the due date for a single baby, but twins may arrive any time from now. Most single pregnancies last 38 to 42 weeks, while 37 to 39 weeks is best for twins, yet more than half of twins are born before 37 weeks. Women expecting twins are at higher risk of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, gestational diabetes, and premature labor. Even so, many women deliver twins naturally, and many doctors will let you continue to 40 weeks, after which induction or a cesarean may be suggested.
If the babies are in any position other than head down, or the placenta is awkwardly placed, for example near the neck of the uterus, a cesarean may be recommended. Some doctors prefer to deliver all twins by cesarean, because the second twin can run into difficulties during delivery, especially if not head down. Premature babies are at greater risk of complications than full-term ones, and a cesarean delivers them quickly without hours of potentially stressful labor.
Sometimes one twin is born vaginally and the other by cesarean, often when the lower twin is head down and the higher one isn't. If you know your twins will be induced or you've arranged a cesarean, you have the advantage of being able to prepare fully for their arrival.
As a matter of fact
Twin birth weights
The average birth weight of twins is 5 lb 5 oz (2.6 kg), compared with 7 lb 8 oz (3.5 kg) for single babies. It's not unusual for twins to differ in weight; one may weigh 2 to 3 lb more than the other.
Ask a Doctor
I'm having my twins in a couple of weeks. Can they sleep in the same crib?
After sharing a tight space in the uterus for months, it seems natural to let newborn twins sleep together, and research suggests it may have benefits. It's been found safe for twins of roughly the same size to sleep together until three months, and one study found that sharing a crib helped regulate their body temperature and sleep cycles.
They can lie side by side or head to head. To be safe, don't overdress them or use blankets, bumpers, or pillows, and make sure the mattress is firm with a fitted sheet. Like single babies, twins should be put to sleep on their backs. A double crib will last until they're old enough for a bed, but many experts believe twins should have their own sleeping space from three months, so each gets individual attention and can develop their own sleep pattern.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 33 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.