When can you feel the babies when you are expecting twins?

Being pregnant with twins is a very special experience and many pregnant women look forward to the moment when they can feel their babies for the first time. Movement in the tummy is an important sign that the babies are thriving and it creates an early bond between mum and baby.

But when can you expect to feel movement when you’re expecting twins? And how does it differ from a single birth?

In this blog post, we’ll go through when you can typically feel your twins moving, what the movements might feel like, and what you should be aware of during pregnancy.

When can you feel the babies in a twin pregnancy?
For most pregnant women with twins, you can expect to feel the first tentative movements somewhere between week 16 and week 25. However, it varies from woman to woman and there are several factors that can affect when the first movements can be felt.

Some pregnant women will already feel life from week 13 of pregnancy. However, you are not expected to feel life every day until after week 24.

In general, twin pregnancies follow the same pattern as a singleton pregnancy when it comes to feeling movement. However, some women who are pregnant with twins may experience movement a little earlier than expected. Here are some guidelines:

• For first-time mothers: If it’s your first pregnancy, you’ll probably feel your babies moving around weeks 18-22. It may take longer because you’re not used to the sensation and may not recognise the subtle movements at first.
• For multiparous women: If you’ve been pregnant before, you probably already know what the early movements feel like and can experience them as early as 16-18 weeks. Your body is more “tuned in” to the sensation, which can make it easier to recognise them early.
• Twins can be felt earlier: Because there are two babies, the belly can get bigger faster and some mums say they feel the little kicks a little earlier compared to a single birth, simply because there is more activity in the womb.

What do the first movements feel like?
The first movements of your twins will feel very subtle. Many describe them as small “bubbles” or “fluttering” sensations. It can also feel like there’s a slight tingling or butterflies in your stomach.

In the beginning, it’s hard to distinguish babies’ movements from other sensations in the body, such as digestion, but as the weeks pass, the movements will become clearer.

As the twins grow, the movements will become stronger and more pronounced. You’ll start to feel little kicks, rolls and stretches as your babies settle into the womb.

Since there are two babies, you may feel movements in several parts of the abdomen at the same time. For example, you may feel one baby kicking against the ribs while the other is moving further down in the abdomen.

Differences between single and twin pregnancy movements
Even if you are carrying two babies, there are some aspects that can make it difficult to feel them both equally at first.

The twins may lie in a way where one baby moves behind the other, and therefore one baby’s movements may feel weaker or not felt at all during some periods. This can also depend on where the placentas are located.

• Placement of the placenta: If one or both placentas are located at the front of the uterus (anterior placenta), it can dampen the movement of the babies. This applies to both twins and singletons.
• Position of the babies: In a twin pregnancy, the two babies can be in different positions. If one baby is deep in the pelvis, you may not feel it as clearly as the one that is higher up. However, the further along you are in the pregnancy, the more clearly you will be able to feel both babies.

When to pay attention to the movements?
Once you start feeling your twins regularly, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the pattern of their movements. From around week 28, you’ll be able to feel them more consistently.

It’s important to get to know their individual patterns as this can be an indicator of their wellbeing. If you notice that one or both babies are suddenly moving significantly less than normal, you should contact your midwife or doctor.

Remember that babies have rest periods when they sleep, so their movements will naturally vary throughout the day. However, if you experience prolonged periods of no movement or a drastic change in their activity pattern, it’s better to get it checked to make sure everything is as it should be.

What can you do to stimulate movement?
If you want to feel your twins moving more clearly, you can try some simple methods to stimulate their activity:

• Lie down: Sometimes it’s easier to feel movement when you lie still, especially on your side.
• Eat or drink something cold: Consuming something cold or sweet can get babies moving as it can give them a little energy boost.
• Talk or sing to them: Some babies respond to sounds, so this can be a fun way to interact with them.

Feeling your twins move for the first time is a very special experience and marks an important step in pregnancy. While there are some slight differences between expecting twins and a single baby, the process is very much the same – and those first movements can help create an early and strong connection with your babies.

Always remember to listen to your body and talk to your midwife if you have any concerns about how often you feel your twins or if you notice any changes in their movement patterns.

Pregnancy with twins can be demanding, but also incredibly rewarding when you feel the little kicks and movements that show your babies are thriving and growing.

Below you can read about other twin mums who share when they felt life for the first time:

“I felt “something” at week 17, but had no doubts at week 18. I was expecting di-di twins and was a first-time mother. One placenta was anterior and the other posterior.” – Cecilie

“I felt some different, indefinable movement earlier, but from week 19 I had no doubt that it was the babies’ movements and my boyfriend could also feel little kicks 🥹 My placentas are posterior and I’m a first-time mother.” – Maria

“Week 21. One placenta was in the front and the other in the back, so I mostly felt one at first. But it quickly picked up speed and turned into endless disco parties inside my belly. Especially at night 😂🥳” – Tenna

“I felt them for sure around week 18. As a first-time pregnant woman, I wasn’t sure what I was feeling, but I had probably felt them a little earlier. I could start to feel the difference between who was kicking from around week 25.” – Katja

“With the older brother, who was a singleton, I felt it for sure in week 17.
With the twins, I didn’t feel it until around week 21/22. The placenta was behind so it was a bit strange that I didn’t feel anything. But it was also a kick from day one when it started 😂 and I could quickly feel which of them was kicking” – Sofie

“19+1 expecting twins (2nd pregnancy). No anterior placenta” – Katrine

“I am 3 times pregnant, but the first time with twins, and I felt them for the first time in weeks 22-23 😅 also since week 29 I have been able to feel which one was moving 😀 just hit week 33 so there is not long to go until birth 💪💪🤰🏼🤰🏼👶🏻👶🏻” – Mette

“Around week 16 with small bubbles, week 21 with movements.” – Stine

“Week 14 even though the placenta was on the front wall. On the other hand, it was my third and fourth child, so I also knew what I was feeling for.” –Rikke

“I could feel it somewhat at the nuchal translucency scan in weeks 12-13. The scanner didn’t quite believe me, but I was 2. Times so I knew what it felt like. Started to feel something more regular from around week 17.” –Trine

“Week 18 with first set of twins and week 12 with second set of twins.” –Kristina

“In week 16 we could feel rumbling inside the stomach. In week 21 the movements became clearer. In week 23 came the first real “kick”. First time pregnant with fraternal twins with anterior placentas.” – Natascha

“I could also feel it at the nuchal fold scan week 12 and the scan lady said it was because they were very close to the outermost layer of skin, we also got the best pictures because they were ready for photos😅 I am also a 2 time. 😊” – Anne

“I felt them from around week 15 and had no doubt whether it was TV1 or TV2 kicking. They were lying in separate amniotic membranes, and with their heads down.” –Anja

“Mine are no.5 and 6 they are oopsers😅 they are double-ended😊 Felt them for the first time in week 15, but not real kicking. It wasn’t until week 20. Then I also knew if it was tv a or b.” –Rikke

When did you feel life during your twin pregnancy? Share your experiences in the comments section!