When pregnant with twins, many women start feeling fetal movement earlier and more intensely than those pregnant with a single baby. Feeling the kicks and rolls of multiple babies in utero can be an amazing bonding experience for expectant mothers.
When do you first feel twins moving?
Most women pregnant with twins first feel fetal movement between 16-18 weeks gestation. This is a few weeks earlier than the 18-22 weeks when women pregnant with one baby typically feel those first flutters. This is because having two babies means having twice as many feet to feel kicking and twice as many hands to feel waving!
Some key factors that determine when you’ll first feel twins moving:
- Placenta position – An anterior placenta (one located at the front of the uterus) can cushion movements and delay feeling them.
- Baby position – Babies tucked in towards the back of the uterus may be harder to feel at first.
- First pregnancy – Women who’ve been pregnant before typically recognize sensations sooner.
- Twin type – Mo/di twins share a placenta which can make movements more subtle.
Even if you have an anterior placenta or other factor delaying movement, chances are you’ll feel your twins earlier than a singleton pregnancy. If concerned about lack of movement, your doctor can check on your babies.
What do twin movements feel like?
Those first fluttery sensations from twins may feel like:
- Gas bubbles
- Tiny butterflies
- Taps or flicks from the inside
- Rolling or swirling sensations
As your twins grow, you’ll start feeling more distinct kicks, punches, knees, elbows, and rolls. Twins movements in the second and third trimester may feel like:
- Stronger jabs or kicks
- Pokes that make your belly bulge out
- Rolling sensations
- Body parts rubbing against the uterus
- One twin kicking the other!
Some describe the sensations like popcorn popping, a goldfish swimming, or a washing machine churning. There are often lulls followed by very active periods when one or both babies “wake up.”
Where do you feel twin movement?
You may first become aware of twin movements low on the belly, just above the pubic bone. But as your pregnancy progresses, you can feel them all over as they shift positions.
Some common places moms report feeling twins moving:
- Low belly, above the pubic bone
- Sides of the uterus
- Upper abdomen below the ribs
- Along the midline of the abdomen
- Kicks into the ribcage
- Rolling side to side under the skin
- Jabs into the hips, back, or buttocks
Front vs. back twins
Where you feel movements may depend on the twin’s position in the uterus:
- Front twin – Kicks and punches more prominent in front. Belly may bulge out.
- Back twin – Flutters and rolls felt more towards the back. Can feel kicks into hips, buttocks, and back.
Feeling hiccups
You may even feel rhythmic pulsing like hiccups as each baby practices breathing. These can be up front or all over. Your twins may get the hiccups together or individually.
Are twin movements stronger?
Around 25 weeks is when many moms really notice the increased intensity of twin fetal movement. While a singleton pregnancy is crowded with one baby, twins have even less room to share. You may find:
- Harder kicks, punches, elbow jabs from stronger twins
- More frequent hiccups with two babies practicing breathing
- More prominent rolls and bulges since they have less room
- Twins kicking each other – it’s crowded in there!
However, placenta position and twin type can impact intensity. With mo/di twins who share a placenta, movements may be more subtle but still occur earlier than a singleton pregnancy.
Tracking twin movements
Monitoring twins’ activity in the womb is important to ensure both babies stay healthy and active. Here are some tips for tracking movements:
- Count kicks – Track how long it takes each baby to get 10 movements. Alert your doctor if this exceeds 2 hours.
- Create a routine – Check for movements at the same times daily when twins are active.
- Know their patterns – When do they have active vs. quiet periods?
- Identify body parts – Heel, elbow, knee? Associate movements with landmarks.
- Track hiccups – Note timing, frequency, and duration.
Some moms find kick counting challenging with twins and prefer general awareness of patterns. If concerned about decreased movement in either twin, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Using technology to monitor twins
Some tools that can help monitor twin activity include:
- Fetal dopplers – Listen to each heartbeat.
- Doppler ultrasounds – View real-time movements.
- Fetal monitors – Record kicks and heart rates over time.
- Kick counters – Press a clicker for each movement.
Home ultrasound devices are a popular high-tech way for parents to sneak peeks at their twins. While not medical grade, they do provide peace of mind between prenatal visits.
Home ultrasound pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reassurance between doctor visits | Can’t diagnose medical conditions |
| Fun way to see twins interact | Risk of unnecessary worry |
| Allows monitoring activity | Expensive investment |
| Portable for travel | Require training to use properly |
Discuss using a home ultrasound with your healthcare provider first to ensure you get quality equipment and training on proper use.
Bonding with twins through movement
Feeling those early flutters and forceful kicks fosters an incredible bond between mother and twins in utero. You’ll treasure figuring out their patterns, identifying their body parts, and getting to know them before you meet face-to-face.
Ways to promote bonding through movement include:
- Talking or singing to your belly when they are active.
- Gently poking areas you feel them kicking towards.
- Placing hands on your belly to feel rolls and bulges.
- Tracking movements and patterns to understand their habits.
- Calling babies by name when you feel them move.
This special time will fly by, so appreciate every wiggle, roll, and kick. Before you know it, those movements will be in your arms as your twin babies grow.
When to contact your healthcare provider
While feeling twins move is reassuring, be aware of any significant changes in activity. Contact your doctor or midwife right away if:
- You don’t feel 10 movements from each twin in 2 hours when focused on counting.
- Notice a big decrease or change in movement patterns.
- Don’t feel any movement from one twin for several hours.
- Feel intense non-stop activity that is not normal for your twins.
Other concerning signs like leaking fluid, bleeding, cramping, or lack of weight gain also warrant prompt attention. Don’t hesitate to call your provider with any concerns about your twins. It’s always better to be safe and get checked out.
Conclusion
Feeling your twins move and groove in the womb is one of the most awe-inspiring parts of a twin pregnancy. From those subtle flutters to forceful kicks, those movements let you know your babies are thriving and growing.
While an anterior placenta or certain twin type may delay feeling movement, most twin moms-to-be feel those sweet sensations earlier than a singleton pregnancy. Pay close attention as your twins shift and tussle for space in your uterus. But always call your provider right away if you notice a significant decrease in motion.
Cherish this special time bonding with your babies through movement. Those flutters, kicks, and rolls will soon turn into cuddles, steps, and giggles after your twins’ long-awaited arrival.