3D ultrasound images of twins in the womb have shown that the fetuses are intentionally reaching out to each other and stroking each other as early as 18 weeks of age. If you have twins, try to remember their prenatal friendship the next time they pull each other’s hair. Yes, the twins fight, but they also seem to be programmed to bond. There are so many moms having twins these days that it might seem like it’s not that hard to get pregnant with two. And while it’s safer and easier than ever to give birth to twins, carrying two babies at the same time is a feat.

Women who are expecting twins are more likely to give birth prematurely, with an average twin pregnancy of 35 weeks. This doesn’t mean your little duo won’t be perfectly healthy, but you’ll get extra care throughout your pregnancy, and your newborns may need to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) if they’re born at a lower birth weight. than 5 pounds. It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag ready by week 28 and hint that your baby shower should be scheduled as early as possible, not later.

About 40 percent of twins actually develop their own language, according to researchers. When twins imitate each other’s babbling instead of their parents’ speech, this is called idioglossia or cryptophasia. Twins often look at each other as language models and give meaning to these chatter. So, “pfft!” can mean “let’s go!” to your tiny couple. Don’t worry, their twin speech won’t interfere with their actual language development (most twins give up secret speech as their real vocabulary expands), but it’s certainly cute as long as it lasts!