Weeks 20 – 24
Friday, September 17th, 2010Babies
The babies are continuing to grow and have produced some fat under the skin. By 24 weeks they will be approximately 23cm long and weigh about 1lb 6oz. The babies are also starting to be covered with a cheesy substance called the vernix caseosa coating. The twins are in constant contact and kick and nudge at one another for space. The membrane that separates them still is amazingly elastic. Every joint in their bodies are flexed. Their chins are at the chest and their elbows are tucked at their sides. Their legs are often brought up to their chest and the feet are tucked under their bottoms. During periods of awake time, they will stretch out and move around.
Mum
You should be feeling your babies move around every day although you might not be able to tell which one is which though. Edema (swelling due to fluid in body tissues) is not uncommon during any pregnancy, especially when carrying twins. Sometimes the extra accumulation of fluid can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a tingling or numbness in part of the palm and fingers caused by excessive compression of the bones and nerves. Symptoms usually go away after delivery. You may be noticing that you are warmer than everyone else in the room. Your resting metabolic rate is increased during pregnancy and causes you to feel overheated. Some pregnant women also begin to experience leg cramps at this point of their pregnancy. This may be due to a shortage of calcium.