28 week premature discordant twins

I have twin boys who were born 12 weeks preemie. Baby A was 3 pounds, but baby B was only 1 lb 13 oz at birth. They came home from the NICU after 55 and 71 days, and are now 5 months old now. They have been doing well with no new major health problems. However, my biggest concern is that Baby A seems to be pulling farther away from his brother in terms of growth (13 and 10 lbs now) and development.

Anyone else here have a similar story? If so, how did things turn out? Did the smaller twin ever catch up in development or size?

Any advice or encouragement would be appreciated.

My cousin's twins were only like 3 weeks early, but there's a big size difference with them, always has been. One was like 4 lbs at birth and the other was like 7. Now I don't know their weights, but ones in 2T clothes and the other is almost in 5T. Developmentally I think they're about equivalent.

You have to remember, yours were super early so it may take them some time to catch up. Have you discussed your concerns with your pedi?

Tinana, Thanks for the reply.
The Dr was reassuring. They told me that usually by 2 years they catch up, but there is no way to tell for sure until then. I guess I'm just looking for additional peace of mind to hear stories from parents who have similar stories.

My twins wear different sizes too. It's a bit of a shame since they can't wear all of the matching outfits that people gave us. But that's the least of our problems! ha

Quoting od312:" Tinana, Thanks for the reply. The Dr was reassuring. They told me that usually by 2 years they catch ... [snip!] ... bit of a shame since they can't wear all of the matching outfits that people gave us. But that's the least of our problems! ha"

hi, op
congrats on the twins, they are so fun! mine are three months old, one month adjusted, and just starting to come *on line*. It's awesome.

as to the size difference... mine weren't as early as your (32 weeks) and weren't as far apart as yours (3 lbs 9 and 3 lbs 2) but i know what you mean. I want the littler one to catch to her sister! they *are* identical twins, and feels like the littler one is being cheated of her birthright!
but one important point: even tho the difference in the sizes of yours has grown in *absolute* terms (i.e. from 1 lbs to 3 lbs), in PERCENTAGE terms, they are actually ALREADY much closer than they were at birth, with the bigger one now only 30% bigger, whereas at birth he was 50% bigger.
another important point: babies grow head first. meaning, the brain takes priority and all resources are allocated to the brain until the brain catches up. next, overall growth takes priority. the weight (i.e. fat) comes dead last.
so, i'd be willing to bet, that for your twins, the difference in their head circumference has become smaller than at birth, right? is the littler one catching up on head size? i bet on length, too, they are closer?
he'll start to catch up on the weight when he's done catching up on head size & length
what i'm saying is, be patient  
the funny thing is I tell you to be patient, but of course i also worry the same way!

and as for clothes, my SO said to look at it this way: our clothes cycle lasts longer, as the stuff that C outgrows, still fits D a little longer ;)

cheers!

Thanks for the reply. You're right about the percentages. I guess if you look at the percentages the gap is closing somewhat. They haven't had their head sizes measured in quite some time but there is still a noticeable difference. Although, I bet the percentages have gotten closer slightly. They are not identical, so I guess it's possible that some of the difference is genetic too.

Have you noticed any disparity with their skill development? (playing, tummy time, etc?)

Quoting od312:" Thanks for the reply. You're right about the percentages. I guess if you look at the percentages the ... [snip!] ... of the difference is genetic too. Have you noticed any disparity with their skill development? (playing, tummy time, etc?) "

o i just assumed yours were identical!
heh with fraternal twins, there is no reason to expect them to be the same.

they are no more similar than any two siblings, and will be very different.
if i were you, I'd keep a close eye on the developmental milestones, using adjusted age
so, since yours were 2 months early and are now 5 months old, I'd keep an eye on the 3 months milestones.
compare them to that, NOT each other

good luck  

Quoting od312:" I have twin boys who were born 12 weeks preemie. Baby A was 3 pounds, but baby B was only 1 lb 13 oz ... [snip!] ... things turn out? Did the smaller twin ever catch up in development or size? Any advice or encouragement would be appreciated."

ALL babies are different and this does not change for twins, they will grow and learn at their own speeds. My bestfriend has 18 month old boy/girl twins.
Lane was 5lbs 8ounces at birth and is now 26lbs
Lynleigh was 3lbs 14 ounces at birth and is now 17lbs
There is a huge difference in size but the little girl (much smaller) can understand more and speak many more words than her big brother.
Don't worry too much about it yet. Both are good sizes for their birth weights.