Twin delivery: what you should know

twin birth

Twin pregnancies have increased in recent yearss. Before it was one case in 100, and now it is one case in 80 and the number is increasing. This is due, among other reasons, to the increase in the use of fertility techniques and the advanced age of mothers (from the age of 35 there is a greater chance of twin pregnancy). If this is your case and you are expecting twins or twins, it will be good for you to read this post to know everything you should know about twin birth.

What is a twin birth and what are the risks?

A twin birth is one that occurs when you are pregnant with 2 babies. They can be identical twins (which is when a single egg divides into two) or twins (two eggs fertilized by different sperm). You can see more about this in our post "Pregnancy of twins or twins".

Multiple deliveries have higher risks than deliveries to a single baby. Normally they are premature deliveries, they usually last about 35-37 weeks only while a normal pregnancy reaches 40 weeks. This is why the uterus cannot expand any further with two babies inside. Premature babies are not yet fully developed, so there will be a risk depending on the week of pregnancy. They will usually end up after delivery in the incubator.

La preeclampsia is also a risk factor during pregnancy, which usually present during multiple pregnancies. Follow-up must be done to control these risk factors.

A twin pregnancy is a unique and exciting experience, but it also brings many doubts and fears. Knowing what the delivery will be like, if it will hurt more, if it is possible to have a natural delivery… these are the common doubts of a woman pregnant with twins.

How is the twin delivery?

The time of delivery is a time that scares many mothers, especially if more than one baby is on the way. The risk that they will arrive early and what the time of delivery will be like is something that worries many future mothers.

Your doctor will be the first to answer all your doubts about the time of delivery. If possible in your case try a vaginal delivery or has to be by cesarean section (most likely). If both are head down, a vaginal delivery can be attempted. If both are breech, a cesarean section will be performed. If one is face down and the other is breech, if the one who has to be born first is face down, vaginal delivery can be attempted. If not, it will be by cesarean section. There are other issues that can determine that it is done by caesarean section even if they come head first, It will be your doctor who will determine what is best for you.

twins birth

Vaginal birth of twins

If it is by vaginal delivery, when the labor begins they will connect you to a fetal monitor to control the condition of the babies. The contractions will become more intense and regular, and the dilation phase is usually slower than a pregnancy with a single baby. This will give you more time before going to the hospital. Come slowly but surely.

When you are dilated by about 4 centimeters, they will put the epidural on you, if there is nothing to contradict it. I will be the doctor or midwife who will tell you when to push. Like the twin babies are usually smaller than in a single pregnancy, the expulsion phase is usually easier. The first will be the older brother. You will be able to hug them as soon as they are born to make skin to skin.

After delivery, the delivery of the placenta is missing. Multiple pregnancies have increased risk of bleeding so you have to watch well to control. If your babies weigh less than 2,5 kilos they will have to spend a few days in the incubator to regain weight. If it is a cesarean delivery, you can also do skin-to-skin after delivery. You will have to do more rest as recovery.


Why remember ... a twin pregnancy is twice the happiness. Enjoy this special moment.


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